Longing for a peaceful beach vacation? As the beaches of mainland India become crowded, Lakshadweep must top your list for a ‘serene, away from hustle’ beach vacation.
Lakshadweep is an island territory of India in the Arabian sea. The inhabitants of the islands are related to the Malayali people of the adjacent state of Kerala. The name Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam. Of all the islands that make Lakshadweep, ten are inhabited. The territory is full of breathtaking scenic views, the best of the peaceful beaches from around the world. The main highlights are the corals in Lakshadweep that will make you appreciate marine life more.
How to reach Lakshadweep
As it is an island territory. You can travel either by air as well as cruise.
By flight: Lakshadweep has only one airport at Agatti. There is an Air India flight From Kochi to Agatti islands which operates six days a week. (no flight on Sunday)
By cruise ship: According to Lakshadweep administration, there are 7 passenger ships, namely MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi, and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands. The journey takes anywhere between 14 to 18 hours. This can be an adventurous experience if you have no prior travel history.
Getting around Lakshadweep
As a tourist, you are permitted to visit the islands of Minicoy, bangaram, kavaratti, thinnakara, agatti, kadmat. The best time to visit will be from October to April. After April, this island territory comes under the influence of Southwest monsoon.
Agatti Island: Crystal clear lagoons, good hospitality by islanders, and fresh seafood is the highlight. But getting a permit is a humongous task. You’ll need a police verification certificate to apply for a permit which is hard to get depending upon the state you’re in and then you have to apply for a local permit. Plan in advance.
Bangaram Island: Bangaram is a tiny teardrop-shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. It can be reached in less than 20 minutes from Agatti island through a speed boat. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is enchanting. Being the only uninhabited island in Lakshadweep it has got its charm.
Kadmat Island: Kadmat Island, also known as Cardamom Island. it is approximately 77 km from the airport in Agatti. You can visit the beach, indulge in snorkeling and scuba diving. All other usual water sports are also available.
The only place to stay here is the Kadmat Island Beach Resort. Kadmat Island Beach Resort has a private beach and one can enjoy stunning views of sunrise and sunset.
© _the_artsy_lens___
Minicoy Island: Minicoy Island is a popular tourist spot and is bounded by a land of natural beauty with fresh spread out water. Minicoy Island is the second-largest island of the Lakshadweep. It is a romantic getaway, best known for its luxury beach resorts. tuna canning, tuna fishing are the primary activities.
Kalpeni Island: this island has the largest lagoon when compared to other islands of Lakshadweep. Another tourist attraction is the Sait Moinuddin Mosque.
The only place to stay here is the Koomel beach resort, which is operated by Lakshadweep tourism.
- Kavaratti Island: It is the capital city of Lakshadweep and by far the most developed city. Apart from nature, you can enjoy aquariums and museums on this island. here you can quell the adventurous thirst with all sorts of sporting activities at the offer. Another tourist hotspot in Kavaratti is the Urja mosque constructed by Sheik Mohammad Kasim.
Kavaratti Island beach resort provides a comfortable stay.
Things to do
© Holidify
Lakshadweep offers the best of both worlds: your peaceful, nature-loving side as well as your adventurous soul. When you are in search of that tranquil environment, just rent a bike and go on a countryside tour. Otherwise, you can always find a cozy spot that makes you feel as if it is a part of nature. Turtle watching is also a pleasure in its own right.
For the adventurous side of you, there are plenty of options as well, from scuba and snorkeling to kayak, parasailing, and fishing.
Things to know as you plan
– You will need a permit to visit Lakshadweep.
– Lakshadweep is a no-alcohol zone.
– Do not forget to pack items you will need on the beach such as sunglasses, hats, etc. Especially a good sunscreen.
– Make sure you carry sufficient cash. The area is not well developed hence penetration of ATM is on the lower side
– Be conservative with the choice of clothes especially in the areas inhabited by aboriginals.
– Causing deliberate harm to corals or carrying them back with you is a punishable offense.
– Carry essential medical supplies. As with the ATM, medical stores also have a low presence.
