Lakshadweep or Laccadive means ‘one lakh islands’ in Malayalam and Sanskrit, is just a part of the archipelago. Known for its pristine sandy beaches, abundance of flora and fauna viz. colourful coral reefs & marine life, natural landscapes, and the absence of a swift lifestyle enhance the charm of Lakshadweep.
This smallest Union Territory of India having only 32 sqkm surface area with Kavaratti as its capital. There are no aboriginal inhabitants in contrary to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Archaeological evidence shows the existence of human settlement in the region around 1500 BCE. These islands were mentioned in Jataka stories of Buddhism during 6th century BCE.
Lakshadweep is an archipelago of twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks, with a total of about 36 islands and islets. It has 10 inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, attached islets, four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs. The main islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, Bangaram, Kadmat and Amini. ‘Jeseri’ is the primary and widely spoken native language in the territory. Agatti has the alone airport which has direct flights from Kochi and Bengaluru.
All Islands lies away about 220 to 440 km from the Malabar Coast of India i.e., coastal city of Kochi, Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea. Only BSNL and Airtel provides telecommunication services to Lakshadweep Islands.
Climate
The climate of island is similar to the climate of Kerala. 25oC to 35oC is the average temperature from March to May which is considered as the hottest period of the year. During the monsoon, boats are not allowed outside the lagoon because of the violent sea.
Tourism
Lakshadweep archipelago is a major destination for national and international tourism. It has plentiful marine fauna. Water sports activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sport fishing, yachting and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists.
How to Reach:
By Air
Agatti Airport, the only airport in Lakshadweep, is on Agatti Island. Indigo and Alliance Air operates to Agatti from Kochi / Bengaluru which are connected from all over the world. The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. From Agatti boats are available to Kavaratti and Kadmat during fair season October to May. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Kavaratti during monsoon season subjected to availability of helicopter.
By Sea/Cruise
Seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on island chosen for journey.
The ships offer different classes of accommodation: A/C First Class with two berth cabins, A/C Second Class with four berth cabins and push back/Bunk Class with A/C seating. A doctor is available on call on board.
MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy also offer comfortable A/C seating ideal for a night’s journey. During fair season, high speed vessels operate between islands. (source: lakshadweep.gov.in)
For more information visit https://samudram.utl.gov.in
For ship tickets visit https://lakport.utl.gov.in
Entry Permit
According to the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands (Restriction on Entry and Residence) Rules, 1967, every person, who is not a native of these islands, shall have to obtain a permit in the Prescribed Form from the Competent authority, for entering into and residing in these islands. Only the Government Officials and Armed Force members working or visiting these islands and their family members are exempted from this.
Foreign Tourists need to have a valid passport and visa for visiting India.
Online Portal for obtaining Entry Permit to Lakshadweep is http://epermit.utl.gov.in
Best time to visit:
Best time to visit Lakshadweep is from November to March when temperature generally ranges from 20°C to 32°C. The cuddling cool winter breeze and the pleasant seawater grip you to stay here for the long time.
During summer i.e., from March to May, temperature ranges from 22°C to 36°C. Even this period may be considered to visit the archipelago for the water sport and other tourist activities.
However, monsoons i.e., from June to September, heavy rain falls and strong winds are common in these Islands. The weather is pleasant in monsoons and considered as a best time to observe the greeneries, so, this period is the best period for nature lovers and photographers.
Details of various islands of Lakshadweep:
1. Agatti Island
Agatti Island is at a distance of 459 km (248 nautical miles) from Kochi having an area of 3.84 sq km, with a maximum length of 10 km and width of 2 km. In Agatti, coral growths and multi-coloured coral fishes prosper in its lagoons. Fishing is the most important industry of Agatti whereas Coir and Copra are other main industries. Agatti has the alone Airport in this Lakshadweep Island.
2. Amini Island:
The Amini Island is located between Kavaratti Island in the south and Kadmat Island in the north. This island has an oval shape with a width of 1.20 km at the broadest point and a length of 2.70 km.
This island was one of the first islands in the archipelago which inhabited by the artisans on this island are known who make walking sticks out of coconut shells and tortoise shells. They are also famous as stone engravers and their rich traditional folk songs.
3. Andrott Island:
Andrott Island was also known as ‘Divanduru’ in the past, which is found in some old French maps. It is the largest island with an area of 4.90 sq km, length of 4.66 km and a maximum width of 1.43 km. It is 119 km (64 nautical miles) away from Kavaratti and 293 km (158 nautical miles) away from Kochi. Thick vegetation mainly coconut groves, add to the beauty of the island. Fishing industry is well developed whereas Coir and Copra are the major products of the island.
4. Bangaram Island:
An uninhabited beautiful and breath taking island in Lakshadweep surrounded by a shallow lagoon enclosed by coral reef. The sun, sand and surf in harmony make it to be ranked among the best gateways of the world. Crystal clear water, utmost privacy & comfort, sparkling coral reefs and blue lagoon mesmerise the visitors.
Scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling and deep sea fishing are famous adventure sports. Well established beach resorts are available with cottages and multi cuisine restaurant serving numerous dishes.
5. Chetlat Island:
The Chetlat Island is the northern most inhabited island which is 56 km on the north of the Amini. Coir twisting is the chief occupation of the people but manufacturing of mats and weaving of coconut leaves are the spare time industries. Boat building was a flourishing industry at the beginning of the 20th century when all the vessels needed by the Amindivi islanders were built here.
6. Kadmat Island:
The Kadmat Island is long and narrow and lies between Amini Island in the south and Chetlat Island in the north. 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 sun baths. This place is ideal for a real holiday by enjoying sea breeze and moonlit beach. Famous for scuba diving but other water sports like kayaks, sailing yachts, pedal boats, skiing boats and glass bottom boats are also available.
7. Kalpeni Island:
The Kalpeni Island lies between Andrott and Minicoy. It has a very large lagoon measuring about 2.8 km at the point of maximum width. The Island is aligned in the north-south direction. It is one of the most beautiful islands of Lakshadweep it offers a wonderful opportunity to explore their sporting skills and sportsman spirit through the various water sports of the region.
It is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna along with many rare biological species of plants, animals and aquatic life. The golden sandy beaches, crystal clear water of the Arabian Sea and the coral reefs spellbound the tourists.
The indigenous population of the Kalpeni Island strictly adheres to the social norms and codes of conduct. Signifying the cultural heritage of the region, the Kalpeni womenfolk dressed beautifully in the traditional attire of wrap around skirts known as Sarongs. The colourful and attractive folk dances of Kolkali and Parichakkali portrays the artistic skill of the indigenous population.
8. Kavaratti Island:
The capital of Union Territory Lakshadweep is Kavaratti which lies 360 Km away from the coast of the State of Kerala. It is the most developed island of the archipelago because it has been developed as a smart city under the Prime Minister’s flagship Smart Cities Mission. Strangely Kavaratti has a small inland lake at its Northern end.
The beautiful and calm lagoon offers an ideal spot for water sports, swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. The lagoon at the west side of the Island is best suited for swimming, sailing boats, kayaking, wind surfing and canoeing etc. The Dolphin Dive Centre is an attraction for those who love scuba dive. Marine aquarium has an excellent collection of aquatic specimens. The main attraction is a small shark that is placed in a large glass compartment and shares space with sea cucumbers, octopuses, schools of fishes and few anemones. The museum displays different types of shells, extra ordinary and numerous fishes preserved in glass jars.
Kavaratti has warm sandy beaches and lagoons around it that are fabulous with star fish, anemones, sea cucumbers, schools of multi- hued fishes, astounding corals. Multi-coloured underwater life and an array of extraordinary corals in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats.
Accomodation in Kavaratti is available close to the jetty. There are a few tourist huts with attached bathroom and balcony.
9. Kiltan Island:
The Kiltan Island lies 51 km north-east of Amini Island on the international trade route between the Persian Gulf and Sri Lanka. It has an area of 2.20 sq km. On the northern and southern ends of the island there is a high storm beach.
The island has thick flora and its land is fertile. The summer nights are warmer in Kiltan so people usually used to sleep outside their homes on the beaches. Kiltan has a rich tradition of folk dances.
10. Minicoy Island:
The Minicoy Island, second largest island, is the southern-most island of Lakshadweep. It lies near the 9 degree Channel, which is one of the busiest shipping routes. Minicoy has a very large lagoon.
1885 constructed light house is one of the oldest structures of the island. You can visit the villages, tuna canning factory, the light house and for a long drive through dense coconut groves and snaky village roads. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms; so swim and beach walk, Pedal boat, Kayak and Sail.
What you can do in the Islands?
Various tourist packages include all the islands in the offer like kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, snorkels sets glass-bottomed boats and also some other facilities, if tourists wish so, in the unpolluted lagoons. Kadmat, Kavaratti and Bangaram have facilities for scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Triveli and sharks are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep.
Travel Tips for Lakshadweep:
- Lakshadweep Islands are prohibited area which requires entry permit, so make sure your entry permits and tour is confirmed by the Lakshadweep Tourism (SPORTS) before leaving your home.
- Carry your cosmetics, toiletries, sunscreen lotions, personnel medicines, sunglasses, hats etc. as limited varieties may be available on the islands.
- Bangaram & Thinnkara Islands are uninhabited islands; therefore, no shops are available, so carry items, accordingly.
- Airtel network is available at Agatti, Bangaram, Thinkara, Kavaratti Islands & whereas, BSNL network is at all Islands.
- Islands have limited internet connectivity thus card payment may be difficult, so carry enough cash for payments.
- Tropical climate is in Lakshadweep so temperature ranging near 28 degree Celsius but rainfall is unpredictable.
- Loose-fitting clothing which can cover arms and legs may be wore to avoid mosquito bites.
- Liquor is prohibited in all Islands except Bangaram.
- Inter-Island movement is generally done through High Speed vessels or boats; however their availability depends on weather conditions.
- Time management may be done keeping in mind that mid sea change from large ships to smaller boats for crossing the lagoons may be required.
- Picking up corals in any form or harming any member of the marine family in Lakshadweep in any way is a punishable offense by law.
- The Lakshadweep Islands have nearly no crime that makes it one of the safest places on earth to travel to.
