LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND TOURISM

Lakshadweep Tourism Information

Formerly known as Laccadive Islands, Lakshadweep translates to 'one hundred thousand islands' in Malayalam. Home to a few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India, Lakshadweep lies 400km off the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The smallest union territory of India has only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometres. It's made up of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks out of which ten Islands are inhabited.

Lakshadweep is typically accessed from Kochi (Kerala) and a permit is required to visit Lakshadweep for all tourists (including Indians). After permit, Indians are permitted to visit all islands, however, even after permit, foreigners are permitted to just visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands. Permits can be obtained from Kochi itself.
Perhaps the charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merrymakers to their shores. The islands, though all equally mystical and beautiful, each offers a unique blend of tourist spots. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports, still, others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation.

How to Reach

Lakshadweep Island can be reached by ships and flights operated from Kochi. For all tourist purposes Kochi is the gate way to Lakshadweep.

Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by flight from Kochi. Indian Airlines operate flights from Kochi. Onward flights from Kochi are available to most of the airports in India and abroad. Airstrip is there in Agatti island only. From Agatti boats are available to Kavaratti and Kadmat during fair season October to May. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Kavaratti during monsoon season subjected to availability of helicopter. The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

Seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on island chosen for journey. The ships offer different classes of accommodation: A/C First Class with two berth cabins, A/C Secound Class with four berth cabins and push back/Bunk Class with A/C seating. 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. During fair season, high speed vessels operate between islands.

Entry Permit

Lakshadweep Entry Permit

The requirements for Indian travellers and foreign travellers are typically different, in nature. For instance, Indian travellers are permitted on all islands in India through this permit, but foreigners (keeping in mind, the need to preserve the sanctity of the island and not ensue, hyper tourism) who have a valid Passport and Visa to visit India, can visit the Islands of Agatti, Kadmat and International Tourist Resort of Bangaram, with a prerequisite being a permit from the Administrator.

The easiest way to be granted these permits is to consult a travel agent who will thereafter take care of each of your documents and applications that have to be submitted to the Lakshadweep authorities while charging a reasonable fee.

However, if you do not wish to consult a travel agent, underneath are a few steps you could follow to ensure a pleasant stay in the Lakshadweep Islands:        

Form: The form in this link can be scanned and printed or can be downloaded as an e-permit.http://lakshadweep.nic.in/permit/login.htm

Address to Send The Form: The form should be filled judiciously and be submitted to the:

Administrator, Lakshadweep Office, Willington Island, Kochi - 3. Keep in mind that one will have to list down the names of any two people from the mainland to whom the applicant is well acquainted.

Application Fee: The application costs a fee of INR 50, which can be submitted to the Office of the Administrator by cash or be issued as a demand draft in any branch of the Syndicate Bank.The applicant should submit the permit to the nearest Administration Office or Station House Officer, within 24 hours of her/his arrival to the Islands.

Other Documents to Carry

On departure, the order should be then handed over to the Administrator, in Kochi. It is also wise to carry a few documents with you while going to the Office of the Administrator, like: An original ID proof with the concerned person’s signature

A self-attested ID of each traveller An additional ID proof like Aadhar Card 3-4 passport size photographs

However, since the rules for permits keep changing in this area, it’s advisable that one consults a travel agent before filling out the said application forms to be on the safer side. 

Language

Most locals in the Lakshadweep Islands prefer to speak in Malayalam, which can be understood by the geographical closeness of the Islands to the state of Kerala. However, this is not common for all islands as, for the very reason of geography, locals in the Minicoy Island also speak in Mahl - which is a broad modification of the kind of language spoken in the Maldives. Apart from these, English is also used for official purposes, and one may also hear locals brave the dialects of Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha or Island Language) and Tamil.

Suggested Itinerary for Lakshadweep

Day 1- Arrive at Aggati Airport and then travel to Bangaram island by boat. Check in at hotel and rest.

Day 2- Walk on the beach, ayurvedic massage followed by visit to local food joints.

Day 3- Hike along the beaches, shell picking, spend time at the beach. Leave for Minicoy Island.

Day 4- Explore Minicoy and its beaches, participate in adventure sports. At night, leave for Kalpeni Islands.

Day 5- Walking tour of the island and beaches. Visit local food joints and then at night leave for Aggati Airport.

What is the best time to visit Lakshadweep?

September to February is the best time to visit Lakshadweep Islands as the climatic conditions remain pleasant (between 20-30-degree Celcius). March to May are also good months but the weather will be hotter by 2-3-degree Celcius. The monsoon months of June to August experience high temperatures and heavy rainfall followed by high humidity, hence a lot of activities are shut down.

Places To Visit In Lakshadweep

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. 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.

How to Reach:

By Air- The nearest airport is at Agatti Island.

By Train-No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

By Road-There are no direct roads connecting to bangaram island from main land.

Agatti

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. A 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities has been set up here. Indian Airlines operate flight to Agatti making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep

How to Reach:

By Air-There is an airport in Agatti Island. Connectivity from Kochi is available

By Train-No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

By Road-There are no direct roads connecting to Kalpeni island from main land.

Kadmath

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. A Water Sports Institute functions on the island. Marine Wealth Awareness Package allows to spend 2-4 days on the island enjoying the rich bounty of nature. 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.

How to Reach:

By Air-The nearest airport is at Agatti Island.

By Train-No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

By Road-There are no direct roads connecting to Kalpeni island from main land.

Minicoy

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. Each village has a village house beautifully maintained and decorated. Minicoy is renowned for its tradition dance – the Lava performed on festive occasions. Colourful race boats called “Jahadhoni” are a feast to the eye of any tourist. A large number of men from this island are employed as seamen in ships all over the world. 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.

How to Reach:

By Air-The nearest airport is at Agatti Island is 45 minutes travel in Helicopter or 8 Hours in vessel.

By Train-No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

By Road-There are no direct roads connecting to Kalpeni island from main land.

Kalpeni

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.

How to Reach:

By Air-The nearest airport is at Agatti Island is 15 minutes travel in Helicopter or 3 Hours in vessel.

By Train-No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

By Road-There are no direct roads connecting to Kalpeni island from main land.

Kavaratti

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.

How to Reach:

By Air-The nearest airport is at Agatti Island is 15 minutes travel in Helicopter or 3 Hours in vessel.

By Train-No rail connectivity to main land from Islands.

By Road-There are no direct roads connecting to Kalpeni island from main land.