Close your eyes. Now imagine a tiny strip of land fringed by pure turquoise blue water. You are sitting on a pristine beach of white sand and another uninhabited island is in view. The waves splash around you but you hardly notice them. Your eyes look at the sheet of pure sparkling water that is transparent till the depths of the lagoon – among the marvels you see are multicoloured schools of fish, manta rays, eels and even a scurrying sea turtle. All this, you can witness, amidst dazzling arrays of corals looking like rainbows.
The word “Lakshadweep” literally means a hundred thousand islands in the local language, Malayalam. The destination, located 200-400 km west of Kerala, is an archipelago in Arabian Sea. The archipelago consists of 36 main islands, many smaller islands, coral atolls and coral reefs. Till date, it remains the smallest union territory in India. Earlier the name Lakshadweep referred to the three archipelagos in the Indian Ocean - the present Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Suvadives.
Kavaratti, the administrative headquarter, is the most developed island. Its attractions include the Ujra mosque, marine aquarium, beaches and water sports. Kalpeni is known for the largest lagoon among Lakshadweep islands; the lagoon is good for kayaking and boating. Minicoy is located in southern Lakshadweep and its culture has affinity to that of Maldives. Kadmat has lagoons both on its western and eastern peripheries. The island boasts of a water sports institute and a diving school.
These are pristine islands to say the least. I went there mainly for diving and the experience was mind-blowing. The corals are amazing, underwater visibility is the clearest you can get and you can’t stop gazing at the passing schools of piebald fishes. As a responsible traveller, do take care of the delicate ecosystem though. The corals die as soon as you touch them. Shopaholics beware; this destination is not for you! Notwithstanding, you can still have a blast out there.
:: All sorts of boating – sailing, speedboat, and motor boat ride!
:: Coral watch – using a glass bottomed boat!
:: Angling - deep Sea fishing!
:: Kayaking – kayaks are kept on the beach, for free!
:: Snorkelling - for an introduction to the underwater sea life!
:: Scuba Diving - for the adventurous! Dives cost Rs.1500+ per dive.
|
| |
|
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
There are three ways to explore Lakshadweep.
1) Take a package tour from the Government of India organization called SPORTS, where you sail to these islands onboard a ship covering various islands. This is the lowest priced package.
2) Go to Lakshadweep by air or water (from Kochi you will get the ships) and stay at one of the few available hotels and resorts. Air India operates flights from Kochi daily, except Sunday.
3) Avail the service of Star Cruise Libra. However, the cruise is good for people who want to explore the cruise liner but a sad option for exploring Lakshadweep!
|
 |
| |
Some pointers if you set your sights on these islands
1) You require a permit to stay at Lakshadweep, as the Govt. restricts the number of tourists.
2) October to February is the best season to go. From March onwards the heat builds up, which continues till May. However, don’t try the monsoons also. You might actually get marooned if the rains suddenly starts and ships / flights close down!
3) This destination is superlative on all fronts – a) scenery b) activities c) costs! Yes, the costs are amazingly high if you stay at one of the few resorts available here. Nevertheless, the food cost is included in the tariffs of both the resorts.
|
|
| |
:: Credit Card is accepted at all the resorts. You can also find STD booths there, so don’t worry about the communication. For the mobile lovers, only BSNL SIM Cards work - and they work pretty well even if you are in the deep ocean!!
:: Alcohol is banned on all islands except Bangaram - another plus in my opinion, preventing the place from turning into a mini Goa crowded with noisy suburbia.
» Tourism overview of Lakshadweep
» Hotels in Lakshadweep
» Other Lakshadweep Experiences
» Lakshadweep Photos
|
|
