"Kerala is often referred to as ‘God’s own country.’ If that be the case then close to 400 km off the coast of Kerala, you’d find God’s own Eden-‘Lakshadweep. “Emerald blue water, stretches of crisp sand beaches, vivid and diverse marine life, amazingly rich flora and fauna, a serene calm environment packed with adventure water sports is what it offers. The Arabian Sea envelops the only coral islands of India. It is a part of the Maldivian Archipelago. It is the smallest Union Territory of India, consisting of 36 islands, out of which only 10 are inhabited namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep. The islands of Kadamat, Agatti, Bangaram, Minicoy and Kavaratti are open to domestic visitors with permits while International visitors (with permits) are allowed on all the above islands except Kavaratti and Minicoy. Around 93% of the population are Muslim and speak Malayalam and Mahl. Fish, coconut, coir and copra survive the market here. Almost all supplies come from the mainland on cargo ships that now regularly ply the waters. All inhabited islands have hospitals and a helicopter is based throughout the year for medical evacuations. If you are planning a relaxing get away from work you will be happy to know that cellular networks and internet have not yet gained entry into this exotic yet to be exploited paradise. Lakshadweep is rapidly emerging as one of the most sought after tourist destinations. However hotels and other tourist facilities are still developing to offer their best. Permits for the islands open to tourists are a must! Sadly enough foreign nationals are allowed only on Agatti, Kadamat and Bangaram.
Agatti: Agatti is located 459 kms from Cochin, the South West coast of India. It is 6 kms long and 1000 meters wide at the broadest point. What makes Agatti important is the presence of the only airport on the islands. The flights come to and fro from Cochin, Kerala. It is said to have the most beautiful lagoons on the islands. The view of the sandy beaches, shimmering clear blue waters and the swaying palm trees will let you know that you are in for some spellbinding moments. One can also enjoy fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and glass bottomed boat rides here.
Minicoy: This crescent shaped island is located on the southern most tip. 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. The island of Minicoy has a different story to tell. The people here speak Mahl a form of a language spoken at The Maldives. They maintain an identity that is still tradition bound and a culture that has evolved from being linked to the seas around them. The beaches have bathing huts for change. Pedal boats and Kayaks are available on hire.
Kavaratti: It is the headquarters of the U.T Administration since 1964. It is best known for its beautiful calm lagoon which is ideal for basking in the sun and water sports. Kayaks, wind surfers and Sail yachts are available on hire. The multicolored underwater life in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats.
Kalpeni: Kalpeni has one of the largest lagoons on the island. It consists of two islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited one called Cheriyam. The lagoon’s shallow nature makes it ideal for all kinds of water sports. Kalpeni atoll also has a huge storm bank of corals. It is believed that because of the devastating storm of 1847 that threw up huge boulders this island has the distinction of not having a beach. The storm is said to have reshaped Kalpeni Island. Cheriyam was once a part of Kalpeni and today is connected to the main Kalpeni by a bank of sea coral debris. Kalpeni from its earliest ages has been an important island for Lakshadweep. It was the first island where girls started going to school. Kalpeni is among the best place to shop for souvenir to take back home.
Bangaram: 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. The wealth of coral formation (including black coral) attracts a variety of tropical fish-angel, clown, butterfly, surgeon, sweet lip, snappers and groupers. There are also manta and sting rays, harmless sharks and green and hawk bill turtles. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchanting.
Kadamat: The Island is 8 Km in length, 550 meters wide at its broadest point and covers an area of around 3.20 sq Km.Kadamat offers to you stretches of white sandy beaches and exceptional Scuba diving facilities. It is an ideal place to swim with warm clear blue water. If you somehow miss the sunrise, do not forget to witness the sun setting behind the horizon. It lasts a little more than an hour curtaining the sky in a myriad of unbelievable hues. Weather and Best Time to Travel: The weather through the year is warm. Temperatures range from 35oC to 20oC. The best time to travel is November through March. Agatti and Bangaram are however open all through the year.
Lakshadweep is best known for its Emerald blue water, warm sandy beaches, myriad, colorful marine life, and adventure sports consisting of scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and parasailing. A holiday that is untouched by the gizmos and free from all the hustle bustle of a city. Ideal for a family leisure tour, or a romantic voyage amidst the Arabian Sea for two or for Adventure enthusiasts for a complete fulfilled, unforgettable joyride across the oceans.
Not much is know about the early history of Lakshadweep Islands (referred to as Laccadives during the colonial times). Before the 7th Century, the population was entirely Hindu. The Folk ballads sung here talk about a Muslim missionary named Hazrat Ubaidullah who had come to Lakshadweep to popularize Islam. It is said that he was commanded by Prophet Mohammed who appeared in his dream, to leave for distant shores and propagate Islam. The ship on which Hazrat Ubaidullah was sailing was wrecked and after drifting on a plank of wood he reached the island of Amini where his mission met with fierce opposition. After many vicissitudes he was able to carry out his mission, and to this day, the people of Lakshadweep follow Islam. The sovereignty of the islands remained in the hands of the Hindu Raja of Chirakkal, which was passed on to Ali Raja of Cannanore in the 16th Century. Later, in 1783 the rule was passed on to Tipu Sultan of Seringapatnam which was later annexed by the East India Company in 1799. It remained under the British Rule till independence and was finally made a Union Territory in 1956. Full Name and Capital Lakshadweep (Lacadives) capital is Kavaratti
Indian Rupee (INR)
By Air: The Agatti Aerodrome is the only Airport at Lakshadweep. It is linked with the Cochin International Airport and Dabolim Airport Goa. Other Islands such as Bangaram and Kadamat are connected by a helicopter. Flights operate 6 days a week. The flight duration is 1 hr 30 mins from Kochi to Agatti. Indian Airlines - Kochi to Agatti. Kingfisher Airlines - Bangalore-Kochi-Agatti.
By water: Four passenger ships- MV Tippu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The passage takes between 14 to 20 hours. The ships offer different classes of accommodation; 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 have cafeteria and snack bars, entertainment lounge, video shows and upper-deck promenade etc in MV Tipu Sultan and MV Bharat Seema. A doctor is available on call on board these ships. MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy also offer comfortable A/C accommodation.
SHIP FARE > KOCHI- AGATTI: ONE WAY SHIP FARE >Passage time - 20 hrs approximately. Departure time from Kochi 1130 hrs & Arrival in Agatti 10 AM the following day. # Ist Class Cabin AC - INRs. 3000 / USD 100 per person # Tourist Class AC CC - INRs 1500/ USD 40 Additional 10% service charges are applicable on and above the published ship fares. # IInd class Non AC CC - INRs 1500/ USD 50 The ship passage rates are subject to additional 10% towards administrative cost # Above charges are inclusive of Food during journey & transfer by boat to Agatti resort. # Cabin facility is available only in m.v.Tipu Sultan. The rest have chair car (AC/NAC) The ship services DO NOT OPERATE during Monsoons that is during15th May to October 15th
These permits can be obtained by both Indian and foreign nationals from the Website: http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm
The following details in order to obtain your entry permit: Indian National: Name, Address, Date and Place of Birth. Foreign Nationals: Name, Address, Date and Place of Birth, Passport Number, Place and Date of issue, Place and Date of expiry and Expiry of Visa. Exemptions: Government Officials and Armed Force members, etc. working /visiting these islands and their family members are exempted from this requirement.
Ways of obtaining permits are: • When you register for a tour package the tour operators like SPORTS, Agatti Island Beach Resort help you get it. • The Bangaram island resort tied up with Casino group of hotels Cochin.
Embassies and Tourist Offices Secretary to the Administrator, U.T. of Lakshadweep, Indira Gandhi Road, Wellingdon Island, Kochi-682003 Tel: ( 91-484) 2668387, 2669755, 2668245(Office), 2319664 (Residence) Fax: ( 91-484) 2668387
He is the competent Authority for issuing Entry Permit. He has also been authorized to issue permission to Indian Tourists/Foreign Tourists and Officials as per simplified procedure. Permission to persons visiting islands availing Goa-Agatti Flight.
Lakshadweep does not offer a very different cuisine, so all the people who love to tease their taste buds should not have high hopes. Most of the food offered here is influenced by Kerala. Fish and coconut being available in plenty is used in most dishes. However, Vegetarians have limited options of rice, vegetables etc whatever the boats manage to get from Kerala. Aerated drinks are seldom available; to replenish yourself there is plenty of coconut water to do you good. The Food is provided by Lakshadweep tourism. It is included in your tour package.
There is nothing usual in the nightlife of Lakshadweep. No clubs bars or discotheque but one can definitely enjoy quiet moonlit beaches. If one is staying at a resort there and has a large group of people, the resort offers some local dances and performances on request. Other than this Lacadives at Bangaram and Kadamat offer scuba diving and photography of the corals in the night.
These are available on request to the tour operator for big groups.
For Groups, family, Honeymoon Lakshadweep has something beautiful to offer to all. DO’S o Make sure your reservation of tour in advance before leaving your station. o Take cottons as clothes best material to be worn there. Carry a raincoat if travelling during the monsoons. o Carry your special brand of medicines, cosmetics, cigarettes etc. as only ordinary varieties will be available on the islands. o While on board the ship, a representative of SPORTS has been specially designated to assist you. In case of any difficulty, please avail of his services.
DON’T’S o Litter the land or the water. It pollutes. o Pick up corals as souvenirs. It is a punishable offence. o There is prohibition of alcohol on all islands except Bangaram. Carry narcotics or drugs. It is a punishable offence. o Swim or sunbathe nude. It is prohibited. o Go out of your island lagoon without permission of the SPORTS authorities and without a proper escort. It can be risky. o Pluck tender coconuts yourself. The trees are privately owned and unauthorized plucking of coconuts is a theft. Also a fall from the palm can prove dangerous.
Majority of the population being Muslim the festivals celebrated here are: Id-Ul-Fitr, Bakrid, Milad-Ul-Nabi, Muharram.
The Following packages are offered by the Lakshadweep tourism.
