Not visited by the crowds of tourists that frequent other destinations in South India, Lakshadweep Islands has beautiful beaches and Islands lined with coconut groves.

The water here is rich in coral reefs and is a good adventure diving, snorkeling, sun-bathing or just a destination to get some much needed relaxation and peace.

With less access to the mainland in India, Lakshadweep remains largely unexplored. So, pack your swim gear, a pair of goggles and some sunscreen to enjoy some sun and sand in this jewel of an island in the Arabian Sea.

About Lakshadweep   

Turquoise Blue Waters at LakshaDweep IslandsLakshadweep (meaning a hundred thousand islands) is built on ancient volcanic formations. It also goes by the name of Laccadive Islands. It is the smallest Union Territory of India.

Lakshadweep officially consists of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks, with a total of about 36 islands and islets. The reefs are in fact also atolls, although mostly submerged. The submerged banks are sunken atolls. Of these, only about 10 islands are inhabited. 

The total land area of the entire territory is 32 sq km. Eleven of the islands are inhabited. 93% of the population is Muslims and Malayalam is the dominant language. Fishing and coir production are the main economic activities. Read more facts about Lakshadweep

Climate 

Lakshadweep enjoys a tropical climate with summer temperatures ranging from 22° C to 33° C and winter temperatures from 20° C to 32° C. Southwest monsoons from June to September bring plenty of rainfall to the islands. Northeast monsoons also result in some rains during October and November.

Light cotton tropical clothes are sufficient throughout the year. A waterproof coat will come in handy during the monsoons. Cool sea breeze and the abundant shade bestowed by the canopy of coconut palms make the climate pleasant even during peak summer. Read more about climate and current weather in Lakshadweep

How to reach 

The Lakshadweep group of Islands is located around 400 kilometers off of the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea. Kochi (Cochin), in Kerala, is the nearest most accessible city to Lakshadweep.  Air India operates flights between Agatti Island and Kochi six days a week. Kingfisher Airlines has flights from Bangalore and Kochi to Agatti Islands. Perhaps the best way to travel to Lakshadweep is through a ship that operate between Kochi and Agatti. Read more about how to reach Lakshadweep 

Lakshadweep Tourist Attractions - Beaches and Islands 

View of Bangaram IslandsThe main tourist attractions are the Islands, thier beautiful beaches and the scenic marine life underwater. Among them, Bangaram Island, Kavaratti Island, Minicoy Island, Kalpeni Island and the Kadmat Island are the popular holiday spots. Read more about Lakshadweep Tourist Attractions

 Things to do and Adventure Sports in Lakshadweep

These are basically leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours. There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. 

The Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), under the government of India conducts professional diving tours and expeditions. It also takes up sightseeing tours to islands like Bangaram and Kalpeni. 

You can also go snorkeling and see the endangered Coral reefs or swim amongst the numerous species of underwater creatures found here. Read more for activities in Lakshadweep

Permits 

Tourists require special permission to visit the islands. Foreigners can visit tourist facilities on only Bangaram and Kadmat islands. For tourism packages organized by SPORTS, no special permission is required.

No foreigner may visit the islands without pre-booked accommodations.

Visitors intending to stay at the Bangaram Island Resort can have all permit arrangements made through the Casino Hotel Group central reservations (Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island, Cochin 682 003; tel. 0484/266-8221; fax 0484/266-8001; casino@vsnl.com). Permit processing usually take 2 full working days. The Casino Hotel Group will book your flight to and from Kochi for desiring visitors.

If you wish to make your own Permit arrangement, then contact the Society for Nature, Tourism and Sports (SPORTS) run by Lakshadweep Tourism (Tel: 0484/266-8387) in Kochi or contact their Delhi office (Tel: 011/2338-6807).

(Photo Credits: abhi, binux)  

Use the quick links below to take a virtual tour of Lakshadweep Islands and learn more about this not-so-popular, but a must-see beach adventure destination in South India: