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| Lakshadweep |
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 Nature
appears to be in full bloom here, having endowed these islands
with snow white coral sands, lush greenery, spectacular beaches,
crystal clear water, rich marine life and breathtaking natural
vistas. And that is why a visit to these isles is a must for
every tourist. Literally meaning one lakh or hundred thousand
islands, the Lakshadweep constitute an archipelago lying off
the West coast of India in the Arabian Sea. Famous as India's
coral islands, the Lakshadweep comprise 36 islands, 12 atolls
and 3 reefs. Only ten islands are inhabited. Of these, the islands
open for tourism are Kadmat, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kavaratti, Agatti
and Bangaram. |
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| GETTING
HERE |
If one wishes
to fly into the Lakshadweep one can opt for flights (six days
a week) from Kochi, in Kerala. The air journey takes approximately
one hour and thirty minutes. One lands at the Agatti island,
which is the sole airport in Lakshadweep. Kochi is linked by
air to most of the airports in India and also to select foreign
destinations.
From Agatti island one can enjoy a Helicopter ride to other
islands or take a ferry.
Sea lovers can take a ship from Kochi. It takes 14 to 20 hours
of sea travel from Kochi to the Lakshadweep.
SPECIAL PERMIT
All tourists (Indian & Foreign Nationals) require an entry
permit which is issued at Kochi. |
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| WHAT
TO SEE |
Kavaratti
The capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti, is the most developed
island, boasting of no less than fifty-two mosques, one among
them being the beautiful Ujra mosque. While adventure lovers
can go in for water sports like kayaking, scuba diving, wind
surfing, sailing, swimming and snorkeling, for the leisure loving
tourist the island offers sunbathing on its exotic beaches as
an ideal option. A visit to the marine aquarium and exploring
underwater life through glass-bottom boats is a must.
Kalpeni
Kalpeni is known for the reef walk in the lagoon. A huge storm
bank of coral debris along the eastern and southeastern shorelines
is a natural wonder that is truly worth witnessing.
Minicoy
Minicoy has a cluster of 11 villages, well known for their traditional
dance, the Lava, and colourful race boats called Jahadhoni.
The highlight of a visit to this crescent isle is the long drive
through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. An important
landmark is the 300-foot tall lighthouse constructed by the
British in 1885. Like other islands, the beaches here too have
bathing huts, change rooms and facilities for boating, sailing
and kayaking. One can also visit the local tuna-canning factory.
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Kadmat
With its long sandy beaches and two lagoons, Kadmat is ideal
for water sports. Scuba diving and glass-bottom-boat-rides are
favourites here, because of the clear water and an amazing variety
of fish like rays, sharks and coral fish.
Agatti
Besides the beautiful lagoons, Agatti boasts of an airport and
a 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities. The spectacular
lagoons of Agatti abound with coral growths and multicoloured
coral fish, which are a delight to explore.
Bangaram
It is a teardrop shaped island and the only uninhabited island
resort. The coral reefs and the blue lagoon have a deeply serene
effect on the soul. |
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