Lakshadweep, literally meaning “a hundred thousand islands is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks in the Arabian Sea. The Islands are scattered on the emerald blue waters of the Arabian Sea, off the western coast of India. These islands have gained popularity as a unique tourist destination and a paradise for naturalists. The islands are located at a distance of 400 km from the coast of Kerala, in South India. Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarter of this Union Territory.

Lakshadweep, however, is a restricted area and among the several islands only two islands, namely: Bangaram and Kadamat are open to foreign tourists. One needs a permit to enter Lakshadweep.

Places of Tourist Importance in Lakshadweep:

Bangaram
Bangaram, the tiny teardrop shaped island, is the most important tourist destination in Lakshadweep and lies close to Agatti and Kavaratti. This tourist paradise offers an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. Bangaram is famous for its magnificent beaches dotted with swaying coconut palms and tourists will enjoy every moment of their stay in this tourist paradise.

Kavaratti
Kavaratti is the most developed island in Lakshadweep and its administrative headquarters. This blue lagoon offers endless scope for water sports activities including swimming, snorkeling and basking on warm sandy beaches. And for those wanting to have a first hand knowledge of what marine life is all about, there are the  glass- bottomed boats which allow tourists to view marine life  in all its glory.

And apart from Bangaram and Kavaratti, there are several other islands with each having its own unique tourism attractions. Kalpeni, Minicoy and Agatti are the more important tourism destinations that draw a large number of tourists. Its magnificent beaches, the coral reefs, the marine life, the swaying coconut palms and the calm and blue waters make it a tourist destination that few can resist.

Lakshadweep is a haven for leisure tours centered on its magnificent lagoons. The islands offer endless scope for scuba diving, yachting, pedal boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. For those in the mood for some water- specific adventure sports, Lakshadweep is the very place to be in.

How to Reach Lakshadweep

By Air
Direct flights to Lakshadweep are operated six days a week from Cochin International Airport and onward flights from Cochin are available to most of the airports in India and to selected foreign destinations. Agatti is the only airport in Lakshadweep. Apart from this, the Lakshadweep administration also operates helicopter services from Agatti to Bangaram Island .The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately one hour thirty minutes.

By Sea
Four passenger ships- MV Tippu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate services between Cochin and the Lakshadweep islands. It is a 14 to 20 hour trip with each ship offering different class of accommodation and amenities. Passengers are offered a choice of A/C deluxe class with two berth cabins, A/C first class with four berth cabins and tourist class with A/C seating. The ships come with cafeteria and snack bars, entertainment lounge, video shows and upper-deck promenade etc. And for the convenience of passengers a doctor is available on call on board these ships.

However, during the monsoon season (5th May to October 15th) no cruises are operated along the route.

Things not to do:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands except Bangaram. Picking up Corals is also a punishable crime.

FACT FILE

Location:
8° and 12° North Latitude and 71° and 74° East Longitude. It is 220 to 440 km off the Malabar Coast in Kerala, India.

Population
Lakshadweep has a population of 60595 as per the 2001 census, of which 95% are Muslims. Ethnically they are similar to the people of Kerala and speak a dialect of Malayalam except in Minicoy where “Mahl” a form of Divehi is spoken.

Languages:

Malayalam & Mahl.

Food:

Spiced coconut-rich Vegetarian & Non vegetarian food.

Best time to visit: November to February
Clothing - Throughout the year: Cottons
Climate: Tropical- 27° C - 32° C
Summer: March to June (Warm)
Monsoon: May to - October (Warm)
Winter : November to February (Mildly warm & pleasant)