Lakshadweep Tourism - Paradise for Adventure Enthusiasts and Travellers

Lakshadweep Tourism – Paradise for Adventure Enthusiasts and Travellers

Lakshadweep Tourism – Paradise for Adventure Enthusiasts and Travellers: Looking for a unique vacation experience?

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Travel to Lakshadweep, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and travellers looking for an unforgettable vacation. Lakshadweep Tourism – Paradise for Adventure Enthusiasts and TravellersTranslating to ‘a thousand islands’ in Sanskrit and Malayalam, Lakshadweep comprises a group of 36 islands located off the coast of Kerala.

Among them, Androth, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Ameni, and Agathi are considered to be the early inhabited islands. According to local legends, Lakshadweep was first settled by people in search of the Chera king Cheraman Perumal, who one day mysteriously left his capital (modern Kodungallore) and set out for Mecca.

Today, Lakshadweep stands as a mecca for adventure enthusiasts and travellers seeking an exclusive and extraordinary vacation. Lakshadweep entices with its enchanting coral reefs, turquoise waters, and tropical island allure.

Bangaram: This tiny teardrop-shaped island, closely situated to Agatti and Kavaratti, stands as the sole uninhabited island resort in Lakshadweep. It is renowned for the phosphorescent plankton that blankets the coral sands, emitting a mesmerizing bluish glow to the beach at night.
Agatti: Boasting one of the most picturesque lagoons, Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep equipped with an airstrip.
Kadmat: Stretching 8 km in length and a mere 550 meters at its widest point, Kadmat features a beautiful shallow lagoon on its west, ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Minicoy: Isolated from the main group of islands, Minicoy, lying about 200 km south of the northern group, houses one of the largest lagoons. It consists of a cluster of 11 villages called “Ava’h,” each overseen by an elected village elder known as Bodukak.
Kalpeni: Alongside two small islets, Tilakkam and Pitti, and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north, Kalpeni forms a single atoll. Notably, it features a massive storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines.
Kavaratti: Serving as the administrative headquarters and the most developed island, Kavaratti is adorned with fifty-two mosques, with the Ujra mosque being the most exquisite.
Shipwrecks: Minicoy stands as the sole island in Lakshadweep hosting three large shipwrecks, believed to include that of S.S Hoechst and others. These wrecks, found within an 8-meter depth on the island reef, serve as virtual underwater museums, and the fish species here are larger than the average size found elsewhere, possibly due to the consumption of ferrous elements from the wrecks.
Water Sports: Tourist packages typically offer a variety of water sports, including kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, sailboats, windsurfers, snorkeling sets, glass-bottomed boats, and more. Deep-sea fishing enthusiasts can engage in big game fishing, and local boats with experienced crews can be hired.
Diving: Kadmat is renowned as one of the most beautiful diving locations in India, housing the first Laccadives Dive Centre and School. The Laccadives Kadmat Dive School offers courses from beginners to advanced levels throughout the season (October 1 to May 1). Additionally, Minicoy Dive Centre and Dolphin Dive Centre in Kavaratti are excellent dive options.

What to Eat:

Lakshadweep offers a delectable array of fresh seafood and coconut-infused dishes in its tropical gastronomic heaven.

Kilanji: An extremely thin crepe-like dish made of rice and eggs, best enjoyed with a sweet and watery dish made of coconut milk, banana, and jaggery.
Mus Kavaab: A spicy tuna curry made with chili powder, coriander powder, cardamom, sautéed onions, curry leaves, and tomato.
Octopus Fry: Fried octopus.
Maas Podichathu: Comprising dried tuna, cut into small pieces and mixed with coconut, turmeric powder, onions, and garlic. Served with rice.
Batla Appam: A steamed sweet delicacy made of eggs, flour, sugar, and cardamom, usually prepared during festivals and special occasions.

Packages:

Lakshadweep Samudram: A 5-day cruise visiting the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy by M.V Kavaratti ship with 150 Diamond-class accommodations. The island tour is organized during the day with lunch and refreshments ashore, while nights are spent on board the ship. Costs: Diamond Class – ₹37,500 per adult + 5% GST, Gold Class – ₹28,500 per adult + 5% GST. Book on: samudram.utl.gov.in
Swaying Palm Package: A 6-7 day tour to Minicoy where tourists are accommodated in exclusive A/c cottages and other individual cottages built on the beachfront.
Marine Wealth Awareness Programme: A 4-7 day package to Kadmat to experience the richness and beauty of marine life. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. A full-fledged water sports institute is functional at Kadmat.
Taratashi Package: Offers a package to visit Kavaratti, the administrative capital of Lakshadweep, and a 4-5 day stay on the island. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, lagoon cruise in a glass-bottomed boat, and other water sports.
Scuba Dive Package: The Dolphin Dive Centre, Kavaratti, offers PADI Scuba Diving Experience Programme and PADI Scuba Diving Course. All diving equipment is provided; swimming skills and a doctor’s certificate declaring the candidate fit for diving are mandatory. The minimum age to undergo the diving course is 14 years. (Check package details on lakshadweep.gov.in)

Stay Options:

Cottages in Gangaram: Double room: ₹18,000 per person (excluding GST).
Tents in Thinnakara: Thinnakara island is situated just opposite Bangaram island and shares the vast lagoon and coralline banks. Double room: ₹10,000 per person (excluding GST).
Kamat Island Resort: Boat connectivity to the island is only available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Double room: ₹11,000 per person (excluding GST).
Kavaratti Island Resort: Suite room: ₹11,000 per person (excluding GST).

Getting There:

By Air: Lakshadweep can be reached by flight and ships from Kochi. For tourism purposes, Kochi is the gateway to Lakshadweep. Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by a 90-minute flight from Kochi. Only Agatti island has an airstrip. From Agatti, boats are available to Kavaratti and Kadmat during the fair season (October to May). Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Bangaram Island Resort during the monsoon and to Kavaratti throughout the year.

Lakshadweep Tourism - Paradise for Adventure Enthusiasts and Travellers

By Ship: Six passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Amindivi, and MV Minicoy – operate between Kochi and Lakshadweep. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on the destination island. All ships have different classes of accommodation. A doctor is available on call on board. MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy also offer comfortable A/C seating ideal for a night’s journey.