Lakshadweep
A cluster of islands in the Arabian sea to the southwestern Malabar coast of India.
Lakshadweep
Location: Lakshadweep
Best Time: October - May
Airport: Cochin
Lakshadweep which comprises 36 islands with an area of 32 square kilometers is the smallest union territory in India. This archipelago, which lies in the Arabian sea very close to the state of Kerala is famous for its exotic beauty with beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’. All Islands are 220 to 450 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala. Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep. It is one of the major townships in Lakshadweep which is also a well-known tourist destination. The other main islands in Lakshadweep are Agatti, Minicoy, and Amini.
The scenic beauty of Lakshadweep has been always famous and that's why it has been a famous tourist destination for Indians since 1974. Tourism brings in significant revenue to Lakshadweep, which is likely to increase. The government is actively promoting tourism since such a small region cannot support industries or any other major activities. There is plenty of marine flora and fauna in these islands, which makes them more unique and special. Water sports activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sport fishing, yachting, and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists.
The entry to Lakshadweep islands is restricted. Tourists require an entry permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration to visit these islands.
There are two ways to reach Lakshadweep, by ship or by flight. Most people choose a cruise through the sea. Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island is the only airport in Lakshadweep. There were flights from Kochi and Bangalore to Agatti island. The other islands are linked with boat service. Six ships connect Kochi, Kozhikode (Beypore), and Lakshadweep: MV Kavaratti, MV Amindivi, MV Minicoy, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, and MV Bharath Seema.
Travel Tips
- Tourists need special permission to visit Lakshadweep.
- Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit certain islands.
- Alcoholic beverage consumption is not permitted in Lakshadweep, except on Bangaram Island.
- The weather during the winter is perfect for sightseeing.
- Avoiding monsoon season is good.
- The summer season is a welcoming place for visitors in Lakshadweep and the temperature stays between 22°C to 35°C.
- Days are warm followed by cool evenings during the summer season.
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Detailed Information
Some famous visiting places in Lakshadweep for the tourists when making their travel plans are listed below.
Kavaratti Island: Kavaratti is the ideal location for nature lovers. Plenty of foreign tourists are attracted to the city each year. The captivating scenery of the sunsets in this region is one of the highlights. The lagoon here has a surprising amount of greenery and plantations.
Minicoy Island: This island is one of the famous parts of the Lakshadweep islands. It is also called Miliku and is famous for boating.
Amini Beach: This beautiful beach covered with coral sandstone is in the Amini Islands. Visitors can try adventurous activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and reef walking.
Kadmat Island: Kadmat Island is a scarcely populated, coral island that has vibrant marine life. The primary source of income here is fishing as it is rich in marine life. This island is famous for snorkeling and deep-sea diving and also rich delicious local food.
Andrott Island: It is one of the largest islands in Lakshadweep and a good place for history lovers. Buddhist ruins found here. Saint Ubaidullah Tomb in the Jumaat mosque is also famous. You can see octopuses and other marine creatures on this island.
Kalpeni Island: The highlights here in these islands are the food and fresh catch. There are no privately run resorts here so it is essential to book your accommodation you move here. Foreign tourists are not permitted here.
Agatti Island: It is the island with some of the most important Lakshadweep tourist spots. It has an airport that hosts weekly flights from Kochi airport and is one of the easily accessible spots in Lakshadweep. Local food and dried or smoked tuna fish are very famous. There are many homestays and hotels on this island.
Marine Museum: The museum is located in Kavaratti. The museum is rich in marine life and artifacts. The museum is established with an aim to educate the people about the importance of aquatic life and show the various species of fish available.
Bangaram Atoll: This island is considered as a paradise in Lakshadweep. This is the only island where consumption and sale of alcohol is permitted. If it's off-season alcohol won't be available.
Kiltan Island: Located 52 kilometers away from the main island of Amini is Kiltan Island, which is famous for its many spots with colonial prominence. The island is home to many stunning reefs and lagoons was once a point on the trade route between Ceylon and the Persian Gulf.
Pitti Bird Sanctuary: This is a small, clean, and beautiful island close to Kalpeni Island. Visitors can take a small boat to head to Pitti Island. This dead coral island is famous for its indigenous marine life and is a great spot to go snorkeling.
Thinnakara Island: The beautiful lagoons, impeccable coasts, make this island one of the top spots for tourists. The island contains a minimal number of hotels, still, it is a major hub for water sports and adventure.