A beautiful set of islands set on the eastern coast of Arabian Sea come together to form India’s smallest union territory, Lakshadweep Islands. Formerly known as Laccadive Islands meaning, one hundred thousand islands, in Malayalam, these untouched islands unlike any other on Indian soil simply take your breath away. The 36 islands spread over an area of 32 kilometres, consist of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks along with 10 inhabited islands. Other than the ten inhabited islands, others are used for coconut plantations, tourism and fish hatcheries and numerous other activities.Due to its geographical uniqueness, the place is always brimming with adventure with exciting sports, scuba diving lessons and exploration walks. Some especially pick this destination to soak
A beautiful set of islands set on the eastern coast of Arabian Sea come together to form India’s smallest union territory, Lakshadweep Islands. Formerly known as Laccadive Islands meaning, one hundred thousand islands, in Malayalam, these untouched islands unlike any other on Indian soil simply take your breath away. The 36 islands spread over an area of 32 kilometres, consist of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks along with 10 inhabited islands. Other than the ten inhabited islands, others are used for coconut plantations, tourism and fish hatcheries and numerous other activities. Due to its geographical uniqueness, the place is always brimming with adventure with exciting sports, scuba diving lessons and exploration walks. Some especially pick this destination to soak in the sun and enjoy relaxed days at the beach. However, one of the major attractions of this archipelago is scuba diving. Many adventure seekers sign up at the special diving institute that enables you to explore more of the deep coral reefs in the region. Located 400 kms off the Malabar coast, the secluded location adds to the charm of the place for thousands looking for a quiet yet memorable vacation. With each island offering some magical and offbeat spots it is hard to decide where to begin. Some islands have now strategically developed to appeal to divers and water sports enthusiasts, while others are set for those looking for quieter spots. The history of the island reveals that it was captured by the Arabs, the Portuguese and eventually the British. So you can witness the cultural mix while the indigienous language is the dialect of Malayalam, showcasing heavy influence from the Indian mainland. Only during the last decade the islands have started opening up for the tourists. Lakshadweep tourism is primarily centered around water sports. Some of the activities you can indulge in are scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, kayaking, sailing, glass bottom boat ride tours, fishing, water skiing and deep sea fishing. You can also set out on excursion tours to nearby islands like Bangaram, Thinnakara, Parali and Kalpitty. The colorful corals, untouched beaches and hidden lagoons, the islands are definitely worth exploring. Visitors need to obtain their permits from Kochi (Kerala). While Indians are allowed to see all the islands, international travellers can only access Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat Islands. There have been many developments in order to promote the area and showcase such a mesmerizing destination to more tourists. There are a number of hotels and resorts for your comfortable stay, all of which are built under the Indian government's supervision.
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Lakshadweep
Minicoy Islands
Lakshwadeep’s second largest island, Minicoy is truly one of India’s best kept secrets. The island, spread over roughly 4.4 square kilometres, is known for its luxurious beaches and pristine locations. Just five hours off the coast of Kochi this hockey shaped island lies on the southernmost tip of the archipelago of Lakshadweep Islands. Though small enough to be driven around in the day, many simply come here to enjoy a relaxed vacation. Tuna canning is also very popular here
Lakshwadeep’s second largest island, Minicoy is truly one of India’s best kept secrets. The island, spread over roughly 4.4 square kilometres, is known for its luxurious beaches and pristine locations. Just five hours off the coast of Kochi this hockey shaped island lies on the southernmost tip of the archipelago of Lakshadweep Islands. Though small enough to be driven around in the day, many simply come here to enjoy a relaxed vacation. Tuna canning is also very popular here with activities like tuna fishing a hit among tourists. You can also hire sail boats or kayaks for a unique exploration experience. Exploring through dense coconut trees in winding villages, you’ll reach a lighthouse, one of the oldest here built in the year 1885. Falling perfectly in the explorers list looking for a peaceful vacation, tourists can have some of the most memorable experiences here during the winter and the beginning of summer, when the weather is excellent.
Agatti Islands
One can never get enough of the beautiful coral reefs, white sand beaches or majestic sunsets over the endless ocean. So while on vacation in Lakshadweep you are automatically led to Agatti Islands. Blessed with natural beauty and stunning topographical formations, it is located on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep. One of the few inhabited islands of the region, it is truly meant for beach lovers and adventure seekers. With a total area of just 3 square kilometers, you can easily
One can never get enough of the beautiful coral reefs, white sand beaches or majestic sunsets over the endless ocean. So while on vacation in Lakshadweep you are automatically led to Agatti Islands. Blessed with natural beauty and stunning topographical formations, it is located on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep. One of the few inhabited islands of the region, it is truly meant for beach lovers and adventure seekers. With a total area of just 3 square kilometers, you can easily explore by hiring a two wheeler and freely move around. In Agatti's lagoons, coral growths and multicoloured coral fish abound. While the primary income is fishing, the destination has finally fully opened for tourism activities. March to May is the hottest period of the year and during the monsoon it becomes difficult to travel due to the violent sea. Therefore it is best to see it during the winter season in India.
Bangaram Islands
120 acres of luscious coconut trees, sparkling coral reef and turquoise lagoon, makes this inhabited island one of the most pristine offerings of Lakshadweep. The deserted island is home to many species of fishes, porcupines, parrots, pufferfishes, hermit crabs, and sea birds. Scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling, and deep sea fishing are just a few of the activities available. The idyllic location bordering a coral reef and encircled by a shallow lagoon gives the island its unique
120 acres of luscious coconut trees, sparkling coral reef and turquoise lagoon, makes this inhabited island one of the most pristine offerings of Lakshadweep. The deserted island is home to many species of fishes, porcupines, parrots, pufferfishes, hermit crabs, and sea birds. Scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling, and deep sea fishing are just a few of the activities available. The idyllic location bordering a coral reef and encircled by a shallow lagoon gives the island its unique charm. The deserted only home to the hotel's staff offers complete solitude to visitors transporting them into their dream vacation. The resort here offers beach homes and a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a wide range of cuisines. The island's climate is warm throughout the year. Rainfall is scarce, and temperatures during the monsoon range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. Agatti Island serves as the getaway to Bangaram islands, connecting to Cochin for further routes across the country. The combination of sun, sand and sea is too magical to be missed.
Kavaratti Islands
Offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea from its shimmering white sand beaches, this small island invites you to a picture postcard vacation. Spread over rough 3.9 square kilometers there are 12 atolls, five submerged banks and three coral reefs on the island. It can be easily accessed through the Agatti airport. Like every other Lakshadweep Island, Kavaratti features pristine beaches and lagoons that have abundance of marine life. You can easily spot starfishes, anemones,
Offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea from its shimmering white sand beaches, this small island invites you to a picture postcard vacation. Spread over rough 3.9 square kilometers there are 12 atolls, five submerged banks and three coral reefs on the island. It can be easily accessed through the Agatti airport. Like every other Lakshadweep Island, Kavaratti features pristine beaches and lagoons that have abundance of marine life. You can easily spot starfishes, anemones, sea cucumbers, multicolored fish amidst the corals. The lagoon situated on the west side is perfect to enjoy cool swims, kayaking and canoeing. The location is also known for scuba diving certifications. To those who do not want to dive in, a glass bottom boat reveals the abundance of marine life and beautiful corals. The islands are the only place where you can find almost 52 mosques. The Mohideen Mosque, located to the north-west of Kavaratti, is an ancient mosque. The Ujra mosque, erected by Sheikh Mohammad Kasim, is one of the oldest and most stunning structures. The beautiful ceiling of the 17th century edifice is claimed to have been carved out of a single piece of driftwood. There is also an aquarium that you can see while exploring the region.
Kalpeni Islands
A group of three islands namely Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tillakkam form the Kalpeni Islands. These habitual islands are one of the top visited places among the set of Lakshadweep Islands for their stunning lagoon and abundant coral life. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, reef walking, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing yachts are also popular here. The island is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as several rare biological species of plants, animals, and aquatic
A group of three islands namely Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tillakkam form the Kalpeni Islands. These habitual islands are one of the top visited places among the set of Lakshadweep Islands for their stunning lagoon and abundant coral life. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, reef walking, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing yachts are also popular here. The island is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as several rare biological species of plants, animals, and aquatic life. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters would change any normal being into a poet and admirer of life.
Kadmat Islands
The islands offer the best scuba diving spots amidst them all. Similar to the others, the island is known for its marine life and is easily accessible from Agati, by air or by boat. You can easily spot dolphins from the shore and see sea turtles and flying fishes as you get closer to the water. The local institutes here offer some marine life courses and diving certifications for explorers and wanders looking for an adventure of a lifetime.
The islands offer the best scuba diving spots amidst them all. Similar to the others, the island is known for its marine life and is easily accessible from Agati, by air or by boat. You can easily spot dolphins from the shore and see sea turtles and flying fishes as you get closer to the water. The local institutes here offer some marine life courses and diving certifications for explorers and wanders looking for an adventure of a lifetime.
Activities Not to Be Missed in Lakshadweep
Mouthwatering Meals of Lakshadweep
The history of the islands led to an indigienous cuisine that offers some exquisite delights. The local cafes serve delicious seafood that one would enjoy. Because the islands are so close to Kerala, there is a noticeable influence on the food and culture of the islands. Coconut and seafood are prominent in the cuisine of the Lakshadweep Islands. Since the islands are noted for their diverse flora and wildlife, a wide range of spices are used in food preparation. Crab, prawns, lobsters, fish, and squid can all be found in plenty on these islands. Despite the limitations of the moment, don’t
The history of the islands led to an indigienous cuisine that offers some exquisite delights. The local cafes serve delicious seafood that one would enjoy. Because the islands are so close to Kerala, there is a noticeable influence on the food and culture of the islands. Coconut and seafood are prominent in the cuisine of the Lakshadweep Islands. Since the islands are noted for their diverse flora and wildlife, a wide range of spices are used in food preparation. Crab, prawns, lobsters, fish, and squid can all be found in plenty on these islands. Despite the limitations of the moment, don’t forget to try out the local food. The Octopus fry, Mus Kavaabs, Fish Tikka and Maasu Podichath, you can give all these local delicacies a try. Here you'll find seafood dishes as well as vegetarian options. At Lakshadweep, you may sample a wide choice of continental, Korean, and Thai cuisines. You'll be served a wide range of delectable seafood, from seaweed to crabs. Lakshadweep's main cuisine selections include a range of fried and barbecued fish available on the island.
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