India Travel

Lakshadweep

Scattered around 200 km - 400 km west off the Kerala coast, lie the islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 27 coral islands and open reefs. Out of these islands, only ten are inhabited and they are Andrott, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmath, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. These islands form the smallest of the Union Territories of India, and are the country's only coral islands.

The Islands look like emeralds in the vast expanse of blue sea. Varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. Coral atolls, the matchless marine environment with myriad colours results in a complex interaction of animate and inanimate things. Built on ancient volcanic formations is the Lakshadweep.

Tourism

The Islands look like emeralds in the vast blue sea. Different hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. Coral atolls, the matchless marine environment with myriad colours results in a complex interaction of animate and inanimate things. Built on ancient volcanic formations is the Lakshadweep. Each Island fringed by snow-white coral sands, is marked by a huge shallow calm lagoon on one side which separates it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals.

Weather

Lakshadweep Islands have a tropical humid, warm and pleasant climate. Average temprature varies between 27° C - 32° C

Places of Tourist Interest

Lakshadweep is fast emerging as a sought after destination. Tourist facilities in Lakshadweep are being developed by way of luxury cruises around the islands. All tourists need permission to visit Lakshadweep, except those booked on a cruise, in which case permission is implicit.

Four of the inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy and Kadmath) are open to Indian tourists and Bangaram, an uninhabited island, is open to both domestic and foreign tourists. Bangaram has facilities for water sports. Swimming, fishing, sailing in glass - bottomed boats which give enchanting views of the coral below, and yachting are the main attractions.

Kavaratti : The headquarter of the Administration, Kavaratti is beautiful calm lagoon and forms an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches. The Ajara and Jamnath mosques (of the 52 on the island) have the best wood carving and the former has a particularly good ceiling carved out of driftwood; a well within is believed to have medicinal water. Marine life exhibits can be seen at the new marine aquarium. Kayaks and sailing yatch are available on hire and one can also enjoy viewing the exotic marine life through glass bottom boats. Kalpeni is known for its scenic beauty with the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern & south-eastern shoreline. It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. One can swim, reef walk or water sports on kayaks, sail boats, pedal boats. Water sports crafts are available on hire.

Minicoy : It is the southernmost island in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped & has one of the largest lagoons. The island is also very interesting because of its unique Maldivian character. Kadamat : Kadamat is 8 Km long and 550 m wide at the broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches and the sand banks on the southern tip for sun bathing. Kadamat has been identified for staying tourists with its tourists huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon. The place is ideal for a real holiday that brings you away from the maddening crowd, hustle and bustle of city life.

Kalpeni : It is known for its scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and south-eastern shorelines. It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. It is a progressive island; it was in this island that girls first went to school, when women's education was considered a taboo. You can swim, reef-walk or water-sport on kayaks, sail boats & pedal boats. Water sports crafts are given on hire; 2 bathing huts with change-rooms are available, at Koomel Beach Resort. A visit to the baniyan factory and the light house is also included in the day's program. 4 tourist cottages are also available for staying tourists. Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef and Coconut Grove Packages.

Bangaram : An uninhabited island, Bangaram is the only one open to foreign tourists. The teardrop-shaped island has superb beaches and beautiful lagoons. The wealth of coral formation (incl black coral) attracts a variety of tropical fish-angel, clown, butterfly, surgeon, sweetlip, snappers and groupers. There are also manta and sting rays, harmless sharks and green and hawkbill turtles. Windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, water skiing and snorkeling. Deep sea fishing is possible on local boats with crew.

Kadmath : Kadmath is 8 Kms long and 550 metres wide at the broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches and small sand banks on the southern tip for sunbaths. Kadmath has been identified for staying tourists with its tourist huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon. The place is ideal for a real holiday that brings you away from the maddening crowd, hustle and bustle of city life.

Agatti : Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island. From the aircraft, as you approach for landing, you get a breath-taking view of the airstrip on the island. Agatti is the virtual gateway to the islands. A 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities has been set up here. Indian Airlines operates daily (except Sunday) flights to Agatti from Kochi making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep. Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island.

Entry Permit

All tourists are required to obtain entry permit to get in the island and one has to furnish the following details to apply for permission:

-Full Name as mentioned in the passport
-Nationality
-Passport Details
-Date and place of issue of the passport
-Date of Expiry
-Permanent Address
-Date and Place of Birth

When to Go

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is during October - May for the ship based tour packages. However, Agatti and Bangaram may be visited throughout the year.

Interesting Fact

Bitra, the smallest of the group is an ornithologist’s delight – it is heavily populated with birds and is a rich source of birds’ eggs. Bitra is part of Amindivi Group of Island.

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