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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