Lakshwadeep Islands

Lakshadweep, formerly the Laccadives, is a group of islands situated some 400 km off India’s west coast in the Arabian sea. They are India’s only coral atolls and geologically a part of the same chain as the Maldives.

Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful destinations that you could visit during your holidays. This union territory of India is in the Arabian Sea and consists of twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. The beautiful marine life, the villages, the tourist resorts and the mosques are great attractions for the tourists.

Climate:

Peak season is December to May, when it is cooler and drier. May to September is the main (southwest) monsoon season, but the October-November northeast monsoon can also be rainy.

How to Get In:

Everybody, Indian or otherwise, requires a special permit to visit Lakshadweep. By far the easiest way to obtain it is to book a package tour; in fact, for foreigners, accommodation booked in advance is a precondition for being allowed to visit.

Foreigners are restricted to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat, plus transit only (max. 12 hours) in Kavaratti. Indians may visit the other islands as well, but accommodation is very limited (see Sleep).

Nearly everybody going to Lakshadweep has to pass through Kochi, from where you can continue by plane or ship:

By plane

Air India has 1 flights from Kochi (Cochin) to the airstrip at Agatti, the only one on the islands. Flights to Goa have been terminated.

By ship

There are occasional cruises directly from Mumbai.

Get around:

Both boat and helicopter transfers are available from Agatti to Bangaram and Kadmat. The helicopter may be the only option in monsoon season from May to September.

By boats/ferries: These can be used for getting around from one island to the other

Once on an island, there aren’t too many options. You can travel by foot or hire a bicycle.

See Around:

Kadmat: Kadmat Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. There is a huge lagoon on the west side of the island, around 10km from the Amini.

Kavaratti Island: It is the most developed Island in Lakshadweep. Kavaratti is the administrative capital of Lakshdweep and the population is dominated by non-islanders.

Kalpeni: Kalpeni is located at the distance of around 76km south of Androth. This place lies in an extensive and shallow lagoon. The lagoon is world famous for its rich coral and marine life.

Bangaram: This Island is one of the best tourist destinations in the world due to its smooth sands and amazing palm grove backdrop. Here smooth sand is caressed by the waves of the multi coloured sea. This beautiful Island lies at a distance of around 8km from the north side of Agatti Island.

Agatti Island: the gateway for the Lakshadweep, it is located at a distance of around 459 km from the Cochin. Agatti Island is around 6 km long. Surplus fishes are easily found on Agatti island. Fishing is the main occupation for the people living here.

This island has some of the best beaches for swimming in the world. Here you can enjoy the adventure of swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. You can also find huge lagoons over here, which increases the beauty of this island. Visitors can also enjoy different water sports activities like Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, sailing, boat rides, water skiing and kayaking.