Lakshadweep "One Hundred Thousand Islands"

A perfect amalgamation of islands, Lakshadweep is situated off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea. Lakshadweep means 'one hundred thousand islands' in Sanskrit. Lakshadweep is also called Laccadive Islands and world famous for is its coral reef, exotic and sun kissed beaches making it untouched beauty. Blue sea, unspoiled beaches, exotic islands are some of the reasons that make Lakshadweep a popular tourist destination, off the Indian mainland. This archipelago is one of the legit places for those seeking tranquillity or wants to get a thrilling experience by indulging in some adventure. The beautiful beach destination promises to let the tourists get a lifetime experience by indulging in some of the best things to do where one can take pleasure in water sports activities and discover the enchanting sea life.

There are no crowds and there is undetermined potential to discover some pristine blue-water barrels in an exotic location that none of your friends or family have ever heard of.

In recognition of the Lakshadweep Administration’s policy and the projects of the SPORTS that helped to preserve the ecology of the island and create environmental awareness while promoting tourism, SPORTS has been awarded the 'most eco-friendly organisation' award of the Union Ministry of Tourism for the year 1996-97.

Lakshadweep Samudram is a Five-days cruise to visit the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy by ship.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

Scuba driving in Kalpeni Island, Caneoeing in Minicoy Island, kite surfing in Kadmat Island.

FAMOUS FOR: Beaches And Adventure

BEST TIME TO VISIT: You can visit Lakshadweep during the late month of October to May. The best season to visit the island in Lakshadweep is winter, which means the months of October, November, and December.

FOOD AND CUISINE OF LAKSHADWEEP

Lakshadweep is famous for its seafood and coconut-based recipes. It has a similarity in its cuisine with nearby Kerala. Food like crabs, seaweed, octopus, squid and prawns are offered here. some of the famous local food of these island are Octopus Fry, Mus Kavaab, Fish Tikka, Fish Pakoda, Maasu Podichath.

How To Reach

By AIR: Agatti Aerodrome is the only domestic airport in Lakshadweep and is well-connected by frequent flights from Cochin International Airport, which is the only connected airport to Lakshadweep at the moment and Indian Airlines, the only flight operator. Indian Airlines operates a daily flight to Agatti Aerodrome, except on Sundays. Tourists from other countries must first travel to Cochin and then catch a connecting flight to Lakshadweep.

By Train: There is no rail connectivity to Lakshadweep, as it is an island, 300 kms off the coast of Kerala.

By Bus: There is no bus connectivity to Lakshadweep, as it is an island, 300 kms off the coast of Kerala.

BY SHIP: there is ship connectivity, with seven passenger ships operating between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The seven passengers are, MV Amindivi, MV Arabian Sea, MV Bharat Seema, MV Kavaratti, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Minicoy and MV Dweep Setu. The ships offer various classes of accommodation, like A/C Deluxe Class with two berth cabins, Tourist Class with A/C seating and A/C First Class with four berth cabins.

THINGS NOT TO DO

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands.

• Picking up Corals is a punishable crime.

PLACES TO VISIT IN LAKSHADWEEP

• Kavarati Island

• Agatti Island

• Minicoy Island

• Kadmat Island

• Bangaram Atoll

• Kalpeni Island

KAVARATTI ISLAND & TOWN

Kavaratti, town and island, capital of Lakshadweep union territory, India. Kavaratti lies in the Arabian Sea about 215 miles (345 km) west-southwest of Kozhikode (Calicut) and the Malabar Coast of southern India.

Kavaratti town is noted for the carved wooden pillars and roofs of its mosques and the carved stones of its graveyards. The town has administrative buildings, a bank, numerous mosques, and an aquarium. Tourism is of growing importance to the economy.

The island is famous for its splendid sea views and the pristine white-sand beaches.The island is a home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. The beautiful calm lagoon forms an ideal spot for basking on warm sandy beaches, water sports and swimming. Marine life exhibits can be seen at the new Marine Aquarium which has excellent collection of specimens. The beaches are laden with the swinging coconut trees, and once you take a dip inside the vast expanse, you can witness the abundant marine life of the island. The Dolphin Dive Center is another attraction for water sports enthusiasts.

Stay at Kavaratti Island is only available at PARADISE HUT RESORT with 6 suite rooms having all modern facilities.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit Kavaratti is between the months of October to March because of the favorable climate with less heat.

THINGS TO DO: Kavaratti is best known for its breathtaking sceneries and the enthralling water sports, like windsurfing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, para sailing and water surfing. Kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats can be availed on rent. A list of few things that can be picked up from this place is Oysters, Canned fish biscuits, Jewellery made of sea items and Tortoise shells that make up household items.

HOW TO REACH KAVARATTI

By Air: Agatti is the nearest airport at Lakshadweep and is located about 56 km from Kavaratti and it operates six days a week. It is well connected with mainland at Kochi (Cochin) from where all other airports in India are networked.

By Ship: M.V Tipusultan, M.V. Bharatseema, M.V Aminidivi and M.V Minicoy are the passenger ships that operate from Cochin to the islands of Lakshadweep. These voyages take around 14 to 20 hours.

There are direct ships from Kochi to Agatti, Kavaratti, Kadmath, Amini. Speed boats provide inter transportation facilities. These ships are comfortable and accommodate tourists of all classes.

By Train: Indian Railways do not provide their services to Lakshadweep islands. Similarly, there is also no providence of any buses being plied.

Places to Visit in Kavaratti

• Urja Mosque

• Marine Aquarium

• Desalination Plant

• Lagoon and Beaches

• Dolphin Dive Centre

• Ajara and Jamnath Mosque

AGATTI ISLAND

The Agatti Islands is among the most visited tourist spots in the destination. This is mainly because the Agatti Island tour is among the top things that can be found in an itinerary for the Lakshadweep Islands. The island is blessed with an aquatic life which is better than most of the other ones in the country. The Agatti Island is home to an aquatic which is diverse and comprises one of the most beautiful coral reefs in India. Adding to the charm of the aquatic life in Agatti Island are beautiful multi coloured fishes and sea turtles that are actually rarely seen in any other part of the country. Located at a distance of 459 km from Cochin, the Agatti Island is comprised of a small chain of islands that make for a total area of 2.7 square kilometres for the Agatti Island as a whole. Agatti Island is in fact, the most accessible island in the chain of islands that make the Lakshadweep Islands as a whole. This is mainly because the Agatti Island is the only place in the entire chain of islands in the Lakshadweep

Islands which has an airstrip, thus making it far more accessible than the other islands. In fact, a tourist can’t not help but visit the Agatti Island when they travel to Lakshadweep Islands. And the best thing about it is that it is totally worth visiting the Agatti Island at least once.

THINGS TO DO

Activities at Agatti comprise swimming in crystal clear waters, snorkelling and scuba diving Deep Sea Fishing, sailing, glass bottom boat rides, water skiing and kayaking.

BEST TIME TO VISIT The best time to visit is from October to April, as the sea is calmer and the weather is pleasant during this time. Avoid visiting Lakshadweep during monsoon.

HOW TO REACH

By Air : The only airport in Lakshadweep is located at Agatti, it is basically the entry gate to Lakshadweep. Probably it is the smallest airport in India. Air India operates an ATR 72600 from Kochi (COK) to Agatti (AGX) Daily.

BY RAIL:There is as such no direct railway facility for the Agatti Island. However, one can find the trains for Cochin and from there flight or ship facilities are available for the island. Therefore, how to reach Agatti is not a tough job.

BY ROAD: Agatti does not have a bus facility from the mainland of India but the nearest place is Cochin, situated at a distance of 494 kms from Agatti. One can opt for the bus from across multiple destinations to Cochin and then choose either flight or cruise ship for further travel.

BY SEA: Being located amidst the sea, there are several types cruise ships that are operating from the Cochin to Agatti.sports is an official agency that provides the cruise services. Bharat Seema and Tipu Sultan are the two ships that operate for this route. The ships are equipped with air-conditioned cabins and air-cooled decks.

PLACES TO VISIT IN AGATTI

• Golden Jublee Museum

• Mohiuddin Mosque

MINICOY ISLAND

Minicoy is one of the few inhabited islands in Lakshadweep and it is the second largest there. Minicoy is famous for coral reefs and white sand beaches amidst vast expanse of Arabian sea. Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture, language dress etc. A walk through the winding lanes of the villages is an indication of the culture here. Minicoy has a cluster of 10 villages, which are called Athiris, each presided over by a Moopan. Each village has a village house beautifully maintained and decorated. Minicoy is renowned for its tradition dance – the Lava performed on festive occasions. Colourful race boats called “Jahadhoni” are a feast to the eye of any tourist. A large number of men from this island are employed as seamen in ships all over the world. Minicoy is an important center for tuna fishing and a tuna-canning factory on the island processes the catch. A 300-foot tall lighthouse built in 1885 by the British is a majestic landmark. The beaches have bathing huts with change rooms and facilities for water sports are available. Privately managed cottages have been built on the isolated beaches and are available for tourists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT October to April is the best time to visit Minicoy, when the climate is relatively plesant.

THINGS TO DO Scuba diving, snorkelling, parasalling, kayaking, water sailing, glass bottom boat ride tours and fishing.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR: Flying from Kochi to Lakshadweep’s Agatti airport takes about just an

hour and a half and Minicoy Island is another 300 km from the airport.

BY SEA: you can take the water route as there are several passenger ships that connect Kochi to Minicoy. Travel to this Island is possible with fix departure packages which are Samudaram Package and Swaying Palm Package and the package starts from Kochi.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MINICOY ISLAND

• Lighthouse

• Marine Museum

• City Shopping

KADMAT ISLAND

Kadmat is a beautiful Island, located in the Arabian Sea, as part of the Lakshadweep Islands. Surrounded on the eastern and western side by a reef lagoon, Kadmat is the ideal heaven of solitude. The most outstanding strength of Kadmat Island lies in its marine wealth. Surrounded by large lagoons on the eastern and western side of enchanted beauty, long and sandy beaches that makes the place one of the ideal tourist destinations in the region. The blue water lagoon is encircling the invaluable wealth of colorful corals, coral habitats, the reef banks, un spoilt virgin beaches, the sun and the moon.

Tourism activities in the island is currently conducted in a controlled manner due to the fragility of the eco system. The coral reef systems and reef banks are very unique from an ecological perspective.

Kadmat Island Beach Resort in Lakshadweep presents 36 sea-facing rooms, it includes Standard/ Deluxe and Super Deluxe Air-conditioned.

BEST TIME TO VISIT The favourable months to visit the place are between October to April. The climate remains pleasant during these months.

THINGS TO DO KADMAT BEACH Snorkelling and Scuba diving, Kayaking and sailing in glass bottom boats, Deep sea fishing.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Kadmat island is basically a ship based destination. Air and sea package connecting a flight from Kochi to Agatti. A boat from Agatti to Kadmat takes 45nml/2 to 4 hr. Kadmat Island Air Travel Packages.

By Sea: Kadmat (MWAP) package from mainland (By ship) has been identified for staying tourists with its tourists huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon. Kadmat Packages By Ship.

BANGARAM ATOLL

Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. The tourist resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. It is just the right place to relax and de-stress your heart out while taking evening strolls

with your loved ones. Watching the sunrise and set behind the horizon is something you mustn’t miss out on while on your trip to this island. There are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll consisting of Tinnakara, Parali-l, Parali-ll, perfect for a day's outing. All the islands share the same lagoon, an enormous bowl of turquoise blue. At twilight, the setting sun, a ball of crimson in a flaming sky, casts its reflection on the water, and with the ever present coconut palms as a black silhouette, Bangaram is at the height of its allure.

BEST TIME TO VISIT The best time to visit Bangaram Island is between October and March. This is the time when the sea remains calm and the weather is more likely modest and pleasant.

THINGS TO DO Canoeing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Night cruise, Deep-Sea Fishing.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR: The nearest airport is at Agatti Island, which is approximately 16 kilometers away from Bangaram Island. This airport is connected via Kochi Airport aka Cochin International Airport (COK). It is considered as one of the busiest as well as the largest airports of Kerala with a footfall of millions of passengers on an annual basis.

BY TRAIN:No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

BY ROAD: There are no direct roads connecting to bangaram island from main

land.

BY SEA:Bangaram Island is well-connected to other islands of Lakshadweep via water. One can take a boat from Agatti Island which will take 2 hours to reach Bangaram Island. Also, Kochi is another convenient option to reach Bangaram Island via boat and ship.

KALPENI ISLAND

Kalpeni Island, one of the most dazzling and alluring places in India is located north east of Kavaratti in Lakshadweep. The island possesses one of the biggest lagoons in the Lakshadweep Islands. The island is more prominent for its three islands known as Pitti, Tilakkam and Cheriyam and is the second nearest island after Androth Island. Together these islands come across as a peculiar travel getaway to explore nature. Koomel, the gently curving bay offers tourists’ facilities like bath huts, change rooms etc. You can swim, or engage yourself in water sports. Kayaks, Sail Boats, Pedal Boats are available

on hire. At the northern tip of the island, there is a beach known as Tip beach where one can take a sea bath and also enjoy adventure sports. The Kalpeni Islands are quite great when it comes to having some alone time with your loved ones while basking in nature's beauty.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Best time to visit Kalpeni Island is November to March. The weather is pleasant through this season.

THINGS TO DO: Kalpeni is a great place for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and doing reef-walk in the vast lagoon, and also indulging in water sports on sailboats, pedal boats, and kayaks.