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Agatti, Lakshadweep
Sandeep Kumar SAXENA, Dehradun, Posted Date: 7th December 2011
Lakshadweep is located in the Arabian Sea .It is India\'s most spectacular tropical island.....
Lakshadweep is located in the Arabian Sea .It is India\'s most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep Islands (Laccadives) comprises of 36 small islands located 240 Kms West of the Kerala Coast in an area of 32 sq.km. Out of which only 36 islands only 10 are inhabited, others are uninhabited, a few of which are used for Coconut cultivation.
The review which I am writing today is regarding Agatti Island and my sat at Kasim K. home stay which has got an very small airstrip and regular flights operate from Bangalore (BLR) and Kochi(COK). I had taken 9501 Indian Airlines flight on 22/11/11. The island is approximately 7.7Km in length and has a maximum width of 900 meters. The island has got an airstrip which is approximately 1.4 Kms long which enables ATR aircrafts to land. The marine life is beautiful and the white sands and crystal clear water makes the scenery even more beautiful. There are not many hotels to stay in the island, looking for a beach vacation in a less touristy place; we decided to travel to the Lakshadweep islands - India\'s very own coral destination to the west. We made our travel reservations direct to owner of the resort (Mr. Jamaludheen pattambalam). Our plane descended into a seemingly vast expanse of water and suddenly we saw a narrow airstrip - kudos to the pilots for an accurate landing! We walked from the plane to the tarmac, then walked to collect our luggage, then walked out of the airport and literally 5-7 minutes later. Agatti airport is very small you never seen such kind of airport. Before landing it is better you hold your entry permission in your hand. At Cochin airport they also need permit then they will give you boarding pass.
Agatti Island is amazing. There were a total of 30 tourists on the whole island while we were there and for hours we had a beautiful white beach all to ourselves. The snorkelling is amazing, coral a little bleached but lots and lots of fish right in the lagoon. The most striking feature of the islands is they have serene blue lagoon and crystal clear water around them and is fringed by snow white coral sands. The islands are formed from the depth of the sea due to the calcareous secretions of polyp’s colony and therefore the islands are atolls in their origin. The Corals, crystal clear water and the rich marine flora and fauna enhance the mystique of these islands.
I chose to stay at the Lakshadweep Home stay Kasim K resort for a 3 night from 22 Nov 2011.The time I spent with my family at the Island was fabulous and most memorable holiday we have ever spent as a family. We spent most of our time in the sea snorkeling and scuba diving. We also took speed boat rides to neighbouring Island such as Kalpeni, Piarli 1 and Pirali 2.Alcohol is not served in the Island. There is one island named Bangaram about 30 mins boatride away from Agatti, which is only open to foreigners i.e, Other than Indian Nationals. In any case a special permit document is required apart from the Passport and Visa to access the Islands. Special Permit is even mandatory for Indian Nationals too. At the lodge we had very deliciously cooked local cuisines. We had fresh Tuna fish for our lunch and dinner. I want to inform all of you they can provide whatever you want (but consider their limitation also). The resort itself is spacious (there is no other on Agatti) and you have the beach near to waking distance there\'s loads of activities including the ones above, glass bottom boat rides, kayaking, and then there\'s the boat rides to adjoining islands that adds to the adventure. You can also visit the natives in the village at the far end of the island - a short auto (yes!) ride away. You can hire bicycle on rent (for full day 400 Rs) and you can enjoy the riding on it in Agatti. The food at the resort is nice and simple, (but is very delicious) the rooms are decent, the resort having two room one having TV with cable connection and dinning table and other one having a king size bed with attach bathroom with AC. Kasim K home stay in the city so you can closely see the village and some shops are also there. Syndicate bank with ATM is available near to resort.
The Kasim k. resort has bunk beds too and is air conditioned, it has got two attached bathrooms. One should not be very fussy about the service here as the fun loving populations of this friendly island are very simple.
I had booked accommodations with Kasim-K as other resorts were not open or would not accept non-indian tourists. Also, Kasim-K offered the best rate. The man who runs this home stay is very trustworthy and was amazing at arranging my permit to visit the island. He responded to every email in a very timely fashion. Upon arriving we were met by a vehicle that said they\'d take us to the home stay. This resort has the best location on the island. I like the hospitality by kasim K stay is excellent one thing you never find in your life they do not take any money in advance when you will reach there and satisfy then you pay the money. You can also see the sunset and sunrise view. The rooms are clean and beds are comfy. The water sports are slightly overpriced. You can try the govt run SPORTS facility in the Jetty.
For those looking for a beach holiday complete with snorkeling and corals, good vegetarian fare, great white sands and limited tourists, this is the best place to be. For non-vegetarians and foreign tourist, arrive at Agatti, but opt to hop over to Bangaram island instead (the winds are not that great there though).
The people here are so simple and friendly and straightforward unlike the other beaches we\'ve been to. Most evenings are volley ball evenings or one can just swim in the blue waters. Mr Kamaruddin is an excellent diving instructor who was with us for these spectacular underwater feats. When I close
my eyes I can still hear the beach and sea the fish swimming past my eyes.
Agatti, Lakshadweep is a gorgeous island with swaying coconut trees and pristine white sand beaches. It is India\'s best Kept secret. Last word about the resort and the island - you will be amazed at the white soft sands and the huge sea turtles - you can literally spend hours seeing them surface so close to shore! And if you are adventurous, you can go for a night visit along the beach where you may spot them nesting! Go for the adventure and beach holiday like no other.
I last I am also thankful to Mr. Aman ( manager of Kasim K home stay and their staff for making a memorable stay in agatti. Once again I am thankful to Mr. Jamaludheen pattambalam for providing nice arrangement for my stay there and I never forget the hospitality of kasim K home stay.
Sandeep Saxena
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