The scenic islands of Lakshadweep is the middle of a National Controversy. Our honorable PM termed his recent visit to these islands “exhilarating”. But what we really want to know Is Lakshadweep Really Worth the Hype and attention it is garnering at the moment?? Well, the answer is a BIG YES!! Our absolute love for Lakshadweep made us visit it multiple times.
If pristine beaches, white sand and clear azure waters are your idea of paradise then paradise is right here in Lakshadweep. Located in the south western coast of India, Lakshadweep literally means “one hundred thousand islands”. Blue lagoons, brimming sea life, colorful corals and clean beaches give the perfect Laidback vibes. The beauty of these islands is unparalleled and you keep imagining how come there are so few travellers here? The serenity and lack of commercialization is the essence of its beauty (and we hope it stays that way!). However the lack of information about travelling to these islands is again a deterrent so here is a Complete Travel Guide to Lakshadweep Islands to help you plan a tour here.
Complete Travel Guide to Lakshadweep Islands
How to Reach
By Air
You can only reach Lakshadweep from Kochi so Kochi is aptly called the Gateway to Lakshadweep. All major flight operators connect Kochi to main cities of India and also the World. Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep with an airstrip and Air India operates flights from Kochi to Agatti. The flight duration is 1.5 hours and the aerial view of the airstrip is simply breathtaking.
From Agatti helicopter services are available to Kavaratti (all year round) and Bangaram (only during monsoon).
By Ship
Lakshadweep islands can easily be reached by sea from Kochi. MV Kavaratti, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Arabian, MV Minicoy, MV Amandivi Sea and MV Lakshadweep Sea are the seven passenger ships that sail from Kochi to the islands. Cordelia Cruise also offers a cruise to Lakshadweep. These ships have different classes of accommodation and are equipped with cafeterias, entertainment lounge and medical room with a doctor on call. These ships take around 14-18 hours to reach depending on the island visited. High speed boats also sail between Agatti to Kavaratti, Bangaram and Kadmat in fair season of October to May.
The Islands
Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 39 islands with an area of 32 sq kms, out of which 10 are inhabited. Each island is unique and filled with natural beauty. The islands open for tourists are Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat, Bangaram, Thinnakara (closed temporarily at present) and Agatti. However, the entry to these islands is restricted and a permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration is required to visit it. Foreigners are further restricted only to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat with only transit allowed in Kavaratti (max 12 hours).
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There are some things money can’t buy. Childhood is one of them. Happy Children’s Day!!!
Kavaratti
Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep is famous for its coral reefs and shallow lagoons. It is rich in corals and marine life which makes it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. There is also a 4 day scuba diving course conducted here. You can reach Kavaratti by chopper or boat from Agatti or via a ship from Kochi.
Travelers who book the Samudram Package get a complimentary glass bottom boat ride. The water is so clear that corals are easily visible from the top itself. Kavaratti, the most developed of all the islands here, has a number of hotels and resorts. Airtel and BSNL are the only networks that work here.
For sight seeing Marine Aquarium and Museum and Shark Pool was inaugurated in 2012. It houses wide varies of corals, sea shells, conch shells and preserved fishes. The main attraction is the 10 meter long Sperm Whale skeleton that was stranded on the reef. The Shark Pool when we visited had three small sized sharks and one sting ray. The place is well maintained and worth a visit.
Kalpeni
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The best thing you can do for your children is give them the space to explore.
Kalpeni is a sleepy island full of corals surrounding it. The lagoon in Kalpeni is best for snorkeling and scuba diving. There is a tiny uninhabited island, called Tip Beach to the north of Kalpeni where all the action (water sports) happens. Snorkeling for the Lakshadweep Samudram Package was included and they take you out into the open waters to see a plethora of colorful corals staring back at you from your snorkeling goggles. The shores of Kalpeni is full of coral debris and make sure you wear swim shoes to avoid cuts and bruises. We got ours online from here.
Kalpeni is an island ahead of its times. It was here that girls went to school whereas the mainland was still regressive. However, they are still deep rooted in their traditions. Since coconuts are in abundance here you will find a coconut factory. There is also a T-shirt factory that makes and sells cotton T- Shirts basically employing women to make them financially independent.
The 121 feet high Kalpeni Lighthouse is another attraction here that provides a birds eye view of the blue lagoon and green coconut groves. Apart from its beauty, Kalpeni in this age of technology is still so pure and away from commercialization that makes it awe inspiring.
Minicoy
This is the second largest island in Lakshadweep and it lies at its southern most coast. Minicoy has one of the biggest and richest lagoons in the world. Snorkel and scuba dive here to experience it. Kayaking was complementary on the Lakshadweep Samudram Package and you can while away time gently swaying on the crystal clear waters here. The water is not very deep and is perfect for swimming around. The best way to enjoy this island is on the Swaying Palms Package.
The 150 feet high Minicoy Lighthouse still stands tall in this sleepy island. The lighthouse was built by Britishers in 1885 in the southern part of the island. The lighthouse with its modern instrumentation still flashes a light every 15 seconds over a range of 74 kms. A visit here is a must to see this architectural marvel. The 360 degree view from the top is picture perfect. The land is completely covered by coconut trees and turquoise waters stretch over the horizon. A spiral staircase consisting of 80 steep stairs will take you to the top of the tower. It may be a little daunting but the view from the top makes up for it.
Since this island is just 125 kms from Maldives. The culture, traditions, food, way of life and even their language Mahl is highly influenced by Maldives. Minicoy is called the Female Island, as the island is run by women whereas the men are away employed on Merchant ships. The island is very progressive and here the man after marriage leaves his house and stays in his wife’s house. A visit to the village to see the way of living and also the intricately colored race row boats is a must when you are here. Tuna fishing has also started thriving here.
Bangaram
This is the most popular island in Lakshadweep. Apart from numerous snorkeling sites and shallow lagoons this island also boasts of rich marine life especially hermit crabs and sea turtles. The island is on of the most beautiful ones in the world and is mostly visited by foreigners. The only way to reach Bangaram is from Agatti. From Agatti you can rent a boat to Bangaram from SPORTS (Lakshadweep Tourism Board). Bangaram Island Resort consists of 60 bedded beach cottages and is the only place for accommodation here. In fact it is one of India’s Flagship Resorts. Scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, turtle watch or even lounging on the beach will keep you busy.
Thinnakara
Thinnakara is a small tear shaped island just opposite Bangaram. They share the same shallow lagoons. This island is mostly isolated apart from a few cottages around. Staying in Thinnakara is like living on a private island. Apart from the usual water sports you can also opt for glass bottom boat ride and kayaking here. On one edge of the lagoon small islets of Parali 1,2,3 and Kalpitty are located. These tiny islands open to shallow lagoons on one side and deep sea on the other side.
Agatti
Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep with an air strip. Agatti is home to some of the finest beaches but a permit is required to visit it. There is no government approved guest houses here only two privately owned ones cater to the tourists. The best way to experience the island is on a bicycle which is readily available here. You can also take a day tour to nearby islands of Bangaram and Thinnakara from here.
Kadmat
Kadmat is is one of the best diving locations in India. This island is just 8 kms long and 550 m at its broadest point. You can reach Kadmat from Agatti- by air or by boat. This island is known for its marine life. You can see loads of them right from dolphins splashing around to sea turtles to even flying fishes. No wonder SPORTS has a Marine Wealth Awareness Programme to experience it. Kadmat also has a fully functional sports institute to try out the various available here. The Laccadive Kadmat Dive Center and School also offers certificate courses in diving.
Packages
SPORTS – Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports was formed by the Lakshadweep Administration in 1982 to provide tourists a chance to experience the beauty and rich marine life of Lakshadweep in an Eco-friendly manner. They provide standard packages. You can choose the one that suits you the most.
Lakshadweep Samudram
MV Kavaratti
This package covers three islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy on board a passenger ship MV Kavaratti. It has 150 Diamond Class and Gold Class accommodations. The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Kochi
You need to reach Kochi by early morning as tourists will board the ship from Willingdon Island, Kochi around 9-10 am. The timings will wary as per the officials convenience. But still you need to reach Scanning Center for Lakshadweep Passengers by 9:00 am. After cargo formalities, the ship sets sails and you spend the rest of the day on board. Lunch, Evening refreshments and Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2: Kavaratti
After morning tea and breakfast the ship arrives at Kavaratti around 9 am. You are taken to a beach facing resort where you are welcomed with a very refreshing tender coconut water. There is a complimentary Glass Bottom Boat Ride after which you can choose any water sports you want to. If you are not the adventurous type, there is always the option of enjoying the stunning views by lounging on one of the many lounge chairs at the beach. After Lunch there will be a short sightseeing seeing tour of the island. After evening refreshments you are back on board the ship followed by dinner.
Day 3: Kalpeni
Day 3 is same as day 2 only the island is different. Except that we were transferred to the island via a boat. You need to be a little careful while disembarking and embarking the ship to avoid accidents. After lunch at Kalpeni the sightseeing includes a visit to a coconut factory and a T-Shirt factory. You can pick up coconut oil, desiccated coconut powder and coconut laddoos along with pure cotton T-shirts. You can also design your own t-shirt here.
Day 4: Minicoy
This island is far from the others so the sailing time to reach here is more. The on board routine is the same as all the days and you reach the island by 8:30 am. Here the sightseeing is done before going to the beach resort. The sightseeing includes the lighthouse. The climb to reach the top of the lighthouse is via a narrow circular stairway comprising of around 70 steps. The view from the top is heavenly but the climb may be challenging for some. Once you are back on the ship, after dinner the crew arranges for a musical night on the top deck.
Day 4: Kochi
The ship docks at Kochi around 9:00 am (Again the timings may change). A short bus ride transfers you to Juari Cement Factory and your Lakshadweep Samudram Package ends here. You collect your baggage and off you go. Uber is easily available from this point.
Swaying Palm Package
This is a one island tour to Minicoy only on board a passenger ship from Kochi. The accommodation will be on AC and Non AC cottages at a resort built on the beachfront. The duration of the package can be selected depending on the arrival and departure of the passenger ship at Minicoy.
Taratashi
Taratashi or Kavaratti Island Resort Package is a 4/5 day tour to Kavaratti. The accommodation will be on AC hut type rooms built on the beach front. The transportation will be from Kochi on board a passenger ship.
Kadmat Island Resort
This package comes under the Marine Wealth Awareness Programme. This package is exclusive to the island of Kadmat. The package duration is 4 – 7 days and can you spend 2-5 days on the island. The transportation will be by ship and accommodation will be on AC and Non AC rooms on the island.
Bangaram Package
This is a premium package on a premium island so the rate of accommodation is highest here. The stay will be in AC cottages. There are a total of 60 cottages and this is the only island that has a multi cuisine restaurant to cater to the number of foreigners visiting this island.
Thinnakara Package
Thinnakara is like staying on your own private beach. The stay will be on tents built on the island. The crowd is minimum and this is a package best suited for you if you are in search of some tranquility. The rates of accommodation is a little higher than the other islands.
Silver Sand Tourist Package
This is a one island weekend package. The ship departs from Kochi / Magalore / Beypore on Saturday. Sunday is spent on an island and on Monday the ship docks back at the mainland. The island options are Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy and Kadmat. Accommodation will be on the ship (Push back chairs).
Scuba Dive Package
This package is exclusive for scuba diving in Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Bangaram and Thinnakara. These islands provide PADI Scuba Diving Experience Program and PADI Scuba Diving Courses. The dive package is for 7 days and the course duration is 5-8 days. The transportation will be done by ship and accommodation will be on the island. The minimum age is 14 years and a doctors fitness certificate is a must. The scuba gear will be provided at the island.
How to Book
Along with ship packages, SPORTS also operate guest houses on these islands. They have a number of packages that cover selective islands. These packages are all inclusive and offer the best services available here. You can choose the one that suits your requirements. Packages can be booked only on the SPORTS site or through an authorized agent (the details of the same is mentioned on the site).
Where to Stay
SPORTS has AC and non AC accommodation on the tourist islands. The passenger ships also has accommodation on-board. The cottages are basic but provide a comfortable stay. The accommodation on the ship has a bunk bed which can be used by two. The diamond class cabins are situated on the upper deck and the gold class accommodations are at the lower deck. The ship operates in favorable weather and usually there is not much rolling so sea-sickness will not be an issue.
What to Expect
Lakshadweep is known for its shallow lagoons and clear waters that stretch to the horizon. But the beauty of this place does not end here. The place is devoid of urbanization and the perils that come with it. The warmth of the locals and the rawness of this place adds to its beauty. Do not come to Lakshadweep in search of luxurious villas and gourmet food. The resorts are clean and provide all basic facilities. The food is hearty and wholesome which my picky eater of a daughter also enjoyed. Come here to enjoy the place. It will be a treasured experience. The islands are full of marine life and rich corals. The best we can do as a responsible traveller is to enjoy its beauty at the same time try to preserve and conserve it.
What to Carry
- All the islands here have changing rooms. Separate for men and women. The changing rooms are equipped with showers and also provide bathing soaps and towels. But to be on the safer side I always carry my travel size Nivea Shower Gel.
- This part of Earth always faces harsh sun so you need to keep applying sunscreen frequently. I always trust Sun Protek SPF 50 for this.
- Beaches are where you get to flaunt your colorful beach hats and sunglasses. So make sure you pack them.
- Swim wear. What is a beach holiday without it. Vibrant sarongs add the necessary glam quotient.
- Tropical paradise always come with mosquito problems and make sure you carry a mosquito repellent with you.
- The islands have limited medical facilities so make sure you carry all your necessary medicines with you.
- Waterproof phone pouches to safeguard your phone while you are splashing around. I got mine online here.
- Beach footwear is essential especially in Kalpeni where there is a flood of dead corals on the beach. Good quality ones are easily available online here.
- Swimming gear that includes Swimming Goggles and Swimming Cap.
Let us help you plan your perfect holiday to Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is not your regular DIY kind of travel destination. The entry to these islands is restricted and a permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration is required to visit it. Foreigners are further restricted only to three islands. So if you need any help with your Lakshadweep travel, feel free to contact us and we will curate the perfect holiday for you according to your requirements and budget.
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