Lakshadweep is one of the world's most spectacular tropical island

Lakshadweep is one of the world's most spectacular tropical island systems, located in the Arabian Sea off the south-western coast of India. Thirty- two sq. km of the land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 sq. km of lagoon rich in marine wealth. Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. The Lakshadweep chains of islands are coral atolls. The coral here is shaped like a ring and encircles a staggeringly beautiful emerald-blue lagoon. Ten Islands are inhabited. They are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.

Each island is densely covered with coconut palms, and serenely set in a sea, the waters of which range from palest aquamarine and turquoise, to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.The first glimpse of the island is about one and half hours flight from Cochin airport to the mainland Agatti. Everything you expect of a tropical paradise is here: Deserted sandy beaches, stretches of coconut palm trees, endless sunshine and above al the clear blue waters of the coral lagoons.

The tropical paradise of Lakshadeep is a great destination in itself with the stretches of coral islands consisting pristine beaches fringed with white sand and the huge resource of marine communities including various flora and fauna variety. Therefore it is frequented by bulk of tourist round the globe throughout the year. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Committed to the cause of Eco tourism Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The Administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns.

Transport and Communication :-

The Lakshadweep groups of islands are well connected both by Air and Sea. All tourists (Both Indian & Foreign Nationals) to Lakshadeep Islands require Entry Permit. One can reach Lakshadweep by flight and ships from Kochi. While Islands like Agatti & Bangaram can be reached by Air, the other islands can be reached by ship from Kochi.

By Air - Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines operates to Agatti islands. Kingfisher Airlines operates from Cochin ( Kochi ) and Bangalore .The Indian Airlines operate flight from Cochin International airport every day except Sunday. Kingfisher Airlines Operates from Cochin & Bangalore. Indian Airlines flight leaves Cochin at 09:15 Hrs. The return flight time from Agatti island is at 11:15 hrs and reaches Cochin at 12:50 Hrs. Kingfisher airlines leaves Cochin at 12:50 Hrs. The return flight time from Agatti island is at 14:40 Hrs. The flight from Bangalore departs at 11:00 Hrs. The return flight time from Agati island is at 14:40 Hrs and reaches Bangalore at 17:50

By Ship –The Tourist ships operating to Lakshadeep Islands are M.V.Amindivi & M.V Minicoy. The seating capacities of these ships are 150 passengers each. There are no cabins in these ships and the class of journey is by A/c Chair Car. The travel time from Cochin to Agatti Island is 24 Hours and the passengers have to spend the night in the push-back chair. Lakshadweep Administration operates ships from Kochi. The ships have standard voyages. Four all weather ships M.V. Bharatseema, M.V Tipusultan, M.V Aminidivi and M.V Minicoy operate between Kochi and the islands. Cabins are available only in M.V Tipu Sultan & M.V.Kavaratti. The ship leaves at 11:00 Hrs from Cochin (Kochi) and ships are NOT available on all days, but they operate according to a published schedule.

Travel Essentials :-

Foreign Nationals - Full Passport Details » Full Name as mentioned in the passport » Nationality » Passport Details » Date and place of issue of the passport » Date of Expiry » Permanent Address » Date and Place of Birth.

Domestic Visitors from India -The documents revealing » Full Name » Age » Full Address » Occupation & Date of Birth

Around Lakshadweep :-

Kavaratti : Kavaratti is the administrative headquarter and the most developed island in Lakshadeep. White sandy beaches, colourful lagoon are the main attractions .The Lagoon is ideal for water sports, swimming and there are sandy beaches for sun basking. Enjoy marine life exhibits at the Marine Aquarium, and a vast collection of specimens at the Museum. View the exotic underwater world without getting yourself wet, from the glass-bottomed boats. Hire water sports crafts like Kayaks and Sailing Yachts.The Dolphin Drive Centre is another attraction for water sports enthusiasts.

Kalpeni : Kalpeni has the largest lagoon among Lakshadweep islands. The lagoon is relatively shallow and ideal for all kinds of water sports. It is known for its scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and southeastern shoreline.You can swimm, reff-walk or water sport on Kayak,Sail boats and Pedal boats.

Minicoy : Is the second longest island. It is the southern most islands in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped and has one of the largest lagoons. Viringle is the small islet that you see on the south. Minicoy is set apart from the Northern group of islands by its culture; the islanders are employed as seamen in ocean going vessels the world over. Minicoy is an important centre of tuna fishing. The pole and line tuna fishing was practiced here even before it was officially introduced. Mahl is the spoken language. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms; so swim and beach walk, Pedal boat, Kayak and Sail. The light house of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. You will be taken to the villages, tuna canning factory, the light house and for a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. The men folk of the island are known for their carpentry and maritime skills and women are well known for their culinary and housekeeping skills.You can swimm, beach walk or water sport on Kayak and Sail .

Kadmat : is 8 Km long a haven of solitude with its fine lagoon of even depth, a long stretch of shoreline ideal for swimming and well secluded tourist huts. Apart from the shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is also a narrow lagoon on the east. This is the only is island in the group which has lagoon on both the sides. Thick green coconut palm leaves form a natural canopy over the whole area protecting you from sunlight. The island has the finest diving spots in India. A full-fledged Water Sports Institute and a Dive School with well-trained instructors have been set up in this island. Kadmat is the only island apart from Bangaram and Agatti where international tourists are allowed.The place is ideal for real holiday,the best in you to bring out the best in you.

Agatti : is the getaway to Lakshadweep; get into one of the most beautiful lagoons from here. Agatti is the airport stop over from Cochin and Goa on the way to Bangaram. The main attraction is water sports facilities. Agatti is where you get to watch Nature at her best. A twenty-bedded tourist resort has been set up here. Unlike other islands it is the only island where one can stay as long or as short as one wish- an advantage given by the Indian Airlines flight operated from Kochi. Land in these tiny islands and enjoy an exclusive day excursion. To keep you comfortable on land, many are luxuries in store. Out doors you have white beaches, soothing winds and a spectacular view of Sea.

Bangaram : Living in an uninhabited Island! The very idea unfurls several romantic thoughts. Here the sun, sand and surf in harmony castings a spell on the visitor .Bangaram is an island that does justice to all that romantic imaginations. This teardrop shaped piece of land is encircled by creamy sand. Even in the hottest part of the day, you won’t feel the heat as luxuriant coconut trees shade you from Sun’s rays. For a perfect outing, there are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll, Tinnakara, Parali . It is a real getaway from the cacophony of crowded cities and offers a memorable escape in to isolation. A matchless sense of well being takes over and one begins to discover the graceful fishes, porcupines, parrots, puffer fishes, hermit crabs and seabirds on the vast 120 acres of lush coconut groves in Bangaram.

More over the exquisite coral formation including the black coral formations, the variety and number of coral fishes - the angel, the clown, the butterfly, the surgeon not to mention awesome -looking but harmless sharks, mantarays, sting rays moray eels and turtles make diving here an addictive experience, enough to make impressive any divers' logbook with the stamp of the Diving School at Bangaram. The deep, warm, clear waters of Indian Ocean with its myriad flora and fauna are an irresistible invitation to the scuba diving fraternity of the world. The Bangaram Island Resort caters to high-end international tourists. This 60-bed resort is well equipped with water sports equipment and has Lakshadweep’s first Dive School.

Activities at Lakshadweep : -

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling, Speed boating, , Para Sailing, Sail boating, Kayaking ,Island excursions.
• Sail - on the canoes,Glass bottomed boat
• Fishing, Lagoon fishing, Deep Sea fishing.

DO's and DON'TS

DO: Make sure your reservation of tour before leaving your station. Carry your special brand cigarettes, cosmetics etc. for use as only ordinary varieties will be available on the islands. While in the ship, a representative of SPORTS has been specially designated to assist you. In case of any difficulty, please avail of his services.

DONT'S
• Litter the land or the water
• Pick any coral - it is a punishable offence.
• There is prohibition on all islands except Bangaram
• Take drugs or narcotics - it is a punishable offence.
• Swim or sunbathe nude-it is prohibited
• Go out of your island lagoon without permission of the SPORTS authorities and a proper escort - it can be risky
• Pluck tender coconuts yourself. A fall can prove dangerous. The trees are privately owned and unauthorized plucking of coconut is a theft.