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Lakshadweep, the group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’.
India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km. It is a uni-district Union Territory and comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands. The islands have a total area of 32 sq km. The capital is Kavaratti and it is also the principal town of the UT. All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea. The natural landscapes, the sandy beaches, abundance of flora and fauna and the absence of a rushed lifestyle enhance the mystique of Lakshadweep.
The islands are well connected by regular flights from Kochi. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Kavaratti throughout the year. Lakshadweep has a tropical climate and it has an average temperature of 27° C – 32° C. April and May are the hottest with an average temperature of 32° C Generally the climate is humid warm and pleasant. As the climate is equitable during monsoons, ship-based tourism is closed. October to March is the ideal time to be on the islands. From June to October the South West Monsoon is active with an average rainfall of 10-40 mm. The relative humidity is 70-75%. Annual rainfall decreases from South to North. On an average, 80-90 days a year are rainy. Winds are light to moderate from October to March.
The entry to Lakshadweep islands is restricted. One requires an entry permit issued by Lakshadweep Administration to visit these islands.
In the territory of Lakshadweep, located south-west of India, in the Laccadive Sea, the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.
Most of the Lakshadweep islanders speak Malayalam. Mahi (or Mahl), which is akin to old Sinhalese, is spoken on Minicoy, however. Some people also speak Hindi. The population is concentrated mostly on the islands of Andrott, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Amini.
The only airport in Lakshadweep Islands, Agatti Aerodrome ( AGX ) is situated on Agatti Island. Agatti Aerodrome is a public airport serving Agatti Island and other islands of Lakshadweep. Operated by Airports Authority of India (AAI), Agatti Aerodrome has a 1,291 metre long asphalt runway and one passenger terminal.
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. Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchanting. Guests to this resort can either avail of the boat transfer or helicopter transfer from Agatti. Being the only uninhabited island resort in Lakshadweep it has got its own charm. An ideal destination for discerning exclusive tourists, Bangaram has carved its presence in the international tourist map.
Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island. From the aircraft, as one approaches for a landing, one gets a breath-taking view of the airstrip on the island. Agatti is the virtual gateway to the islands. Indian Airlines operate flight to Agatti making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep
Kadmat is 8 km long and only 550 metres wide at its broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west, which is ideal for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The main attractions are the long sandy beaches and sand banks on the southern tip. Tourist huts built amidst palm groves facing the lagoon allow to soak in the pristine beauty of the ecosystem. Kayaks, sailing boats, pedal boats, skiing boats and glass-bottomed boats are available on hire. Kadmat has emerged as one of the most beautiful dive centers in India. Variety of fishes like rays, sharks, and clear water with 20-50 meter visibility makes it an unparalleled dive destination for scuba divers. M/s Lacadives , Mumbai operates a full-fledged scuba diving center at Kadmat. Non Indians are also permitted to visit this island.
Minicoy is, in a sense, isolated from the main group of islands and lies about 200 kms south of the northern group. It is 10.6 kms long and is the second largest island after Andrott. Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons with a small uninhabited islet Viringili on its southern side. Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture, language dress etc. It has a cluster of 11 villages, which are called “Ava’h” each presided over by an elected village elder called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Mahl is the spoken language. 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. 3 tourist cottages and one 20-bedded tourist home have been constructed for staying tourists. Visit to Minicoy is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages.
Kalpeni along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north form a single atoll. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni is a huge storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines. It is believed that a violent storm in 1847 threw up huge coral boulders along these shores. It is a socially progressive island and it was here that girls first went to school when women’s education was considered taboo. One can swim, snorkel or reef-walk in the vast lagoon and indulge in water sports on kayaks, sailboats and pedal boats. Two bathing huts with change rooms are available at Koomel Beach. Visit to Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef package.
Kavaratti is the Headquarters of the Administration and the most developed island. Fifty-two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. Water from a well near the mosque is believed to have curative powers. The beautiful and calm lagoon offers an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and snorkeling. Sunbathing or just lazing around on the beach can be a heady experience. Marine life enthusiasts can visit the marine aquarium, which has an excellent collection of aquatic specimens. The multicoloured underwater life in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats. Kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats are available on hire. The Dolphin Dive Centre is an attraction for those who love scuba dive. ‘Coral reef ‘and ‘Taratashi’ tourist packages can be availed to visit this coral paradise.
The vast expanses of the shallow lagoons provide an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts. All the islands included in the various tourist packages offer kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, snorkels sets glass-bottomed boats and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports 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. Local boats with experienced crew can be hired.
It is well known for turtles, soft corals sharks, rays and all kinds of tropical fishes. Dive Spots like Harbour Mouth very close to entrance is abundant with Giant Sea Fans, Giant Triveli , Gorgonians. Like wise Zing Zing Par at the southern tip is famous for big sharks, spotted eagle rays schooling barracuda. One can enjoy amazing cave dives at Wall of Wonder at north west side of the island. A dive at Turtle Nest is worth all different types of turtles there. One can have eye ball contact with grey reef sharks, spotted rays, bat fish and lot of groupers at Wind Mill Point.
Kadmat - one of the most beautiful diving locations in India. An idyllic little island which forms part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, situated 407km. off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea. Kadmat is just 8km long and only 550m wide at its broadest point. The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life enhance the beauty of Kadmat. Pristine beaches, lovely lagoons and the wealth of marine habitat make Kadmat a dream diving locale.
Minicoy is the second largest island in size. A crescent shaped island, has a huge lagoon on the western side. It has a tiny islet called Viringili on the southern tip of the island. The island has a systematically arranged village system known as 'Avah'. Each Avah is a cluster of houses which is headed by an elected elderly man called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Mahl is the spoken language. MINICOY is an important centre for tuna fishing. The Light House of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885.
Minicoy is the only island in Lakshadweep having three large ship wrecks believed to be that of S.S Hoechst and other ships, within 8 mtrs depth on the island reef. It is believed that these ship wreck initiated construction of light house In 1885. These wrecks are virtual underwater museums and fish species found here are larger than average normal size found else where perhaps due to consumption of Ferrous of the wrecks. Manta Ray can be cited in almost all dive sites like Ragganmathi, Mulimatti, Rabberufarai during September - October and January - February. Sharks, bull rays, turtles, school of jacks, red snappers, black snappers, napoleon wrasse, barracuda, sweet lips are in abundance at Bose Point, Murambu, Boduhavaligang . Other interesting species found here are hump back parrot fish and Giant Sweet Lips.
Lakshadweep islands lie about 220 to 440 kms off the Kerala coast between 8° and 12° North Latitudes and 71° and 74° East Longitudes.
The islands are connected to mainland by passenger ships and flights operated from Kochi. The airport is in Agatti and facilities exist for helicopter transfer to Kavaratti Island.
