The beautiful islands of Lakshadweep have recently gained attention after Honourable PM Shri Narendra Modi shared captivating photos and videos of the pristine seashores and vibrant blue sea on his social media accounts. This has sparked a renewed interest in Lakshadweep, with many discovering these hidden gems for the first time, despite them being a part of India since 1947. Some even mistakenly believed these islands to be in a foreign country!

So, where exactly is Lakshadweep, and what makes it so special? Let’s dive in!

Discover Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands situated in the Arabian Sea, about 400 kms west of the Kerala coastline. The name Lakshadweep means “Hundred Thousand Islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit. The entire archipelago, spread over an area of almost 20,000 sq km, contains numerous islands, though only 10 of them are inhabited. These include:

• Agatti
• Amini
• Andrott
• Bitra
• Chetlat
• Kadmat
• Kalpeni
• Kavaratti
• Kiltan
• Minicoy

Kavaratti serves as the Administrative Headquarters of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

Most inhabited islands are coral atolls, which are small islands surrounded by a ring of coral reefs and a lagoon. These islands bear a striking resemblance to the Maldives, which is only 700 kms to the west and is geologically similar.

How to Reach Lakshadweep

You can reach Lakshadweep by air or ship. The airport is on Agatti Island, with Alliance Air flights from Kochi (with a flying time of just 1.5 hours) and Bengaluru. Though the flight schedule can be erratic, two daily flights from Kochi are planned. Additionally, Fly91 has announced flights from Goa’s Mopa airport to Agatti. Other islands are accessible via short ferry rides from Agatti Island.

For those interested in a sea journey, Lakshadweep Tourism offers round-trip packages by boat, with the most popular being the 4 nights/5 days itinerary on the ship M.V. Kavaratti. This trip starts from Kochi and stops at Minicoy, Kavaratti, and Kalpeni. The ships offer AC cabin accommodations (two-berth and four-berth cabins) with all meals included. During the day, you can enjoy various water-based leisure and sports activities on the islands, while nights are spent on the ship. Bookings can be made online or through Lakshadweep Tourism Department’s GSAs in various Indian cities. Be sure to book well in advance, as these trips sell out quickly!

Accommodation Options

If you’re a sun and sea seeker, you can stay on several islands, including Minicoy, Kavaratti, and the popular Bangaram Island. You can reach Bangaram via a short ferry ride from Agatti Island. The Bangaram Island Resort features 30 elegantly furnished AC huts on the beach, with numerous activities like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing.

Other resorts are available on Agatti Island, such as:

• White Pearl Beach Resort
• Turtle Nest Resort
• Wundervoll Resort
• Coral Paradise Beach Resort
• Caroline Resort
• Agatti Beach Resort
• Sea Shells Resort
• White Paradise

Kadmat Island also has a good option, the Kadmat Island Beach Resort.

Cruise Options

Cordelia Cruises, a 5-star cruise service, offers 3/4/5 night itineraries that take you to Lakshadweep from Mumbai, Kochi, or Goa. The ship reaches Agatti Island in the morning, where you can take an optional shore excursion to enjoy water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and canoeing, or explore the island. A special cultural show is also organized.

Best Time to Visit

Lakshadweep has a tropical climate with summer temperatures ranging up to 33°C (March to June) and mild winters with minimum temperatures averaging around 20°C. The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing plenty of rainfall. The best time to visit is from October to May. Light cotton tropical clothes are ideal throughout the year.

Why Visit Lakshadweep?

Lakshadweep is a relaxed, pristine, untouched paradise, perfect for a tranquil holiday. The shallow sea, protected lagoon, and crystal white beaches create an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts. A wide range of activities are available, including kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and more. Kadmat, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Bangaram offer scuba diving facilities, while deep-sea fishing enthusiasts can pursue big game fishing. You can even explore three shipwrecks in the sea south of Minicoy Island, which serve as virtual underwater museums.

Most importantly, Indian Nationals don’t need a passport to visit these exotic islands! Simply apply for a permit.

Although flight options are currently limited, more airlines are expected to start services to Agatti in the near future. The Taj Group has also announced two Greenfield hotel projects on Suheli and Kadmat islands, with more resorts likely to follow.

So, the next time you think of a beach holiday, consider Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives or Mauritius!