Mostly visited for
Under Water Adventure Agatti, Andrott, Amini, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan, Minicoy, Thinakara
Adventure
Water Rafting and Snorkeling: Bangaram Island, Kadamat Island, Kalpeni Island
Scuba Diving: Kadmat Island, Kavaratti Island
Surfing: Kadmat Island, Kavaratti Island
Wind Surfing, Kayaking and Canoeing: Bangaram Island
Boating: Kalpeni Island
Yatching: Lakshadweep
Weather – Summers are from January to April, Monsoon are from May to September and Winters are from October to December
Connectivity
By Air: The Union Territory has an airport in Agatti, which is regularly connected by flights from Kochi (Cochin), the commercial capital of Kerala.
By Sea: The distance can be travelled in about 18 to 20 hours. The ships offer a range of accomodation and modern amenities. However, during the monsoons, the ship services remain closed. SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports), Lakshadweep Tourism offers “Package Tours” of various durations has to be made for these ships from SPORTS offices.
History, Geography and Culture of Lakshadweep Islands
Ancient history of Lakshadweep islands is shrouded in legends. Interpreted as the land of Thousand Islands, Lakshadweep islets were somehow inaccessible for people. But these islands according to local beliefs were dwelled first by Cheraman Perumal, the last king of Kerala. In the 17th century, the islands came under Kannur’s king control, who received the set of islands as a gift from the Kolathiris. When Portuguese came to India, these islands became an important stopover for the seafarers. The islands later on came under the direct control of the British Raj as a result of Anglo Mysore war III. Post independence, Lakshadweep was granted a union territory status in 1956.
Geographically, these island archipelago features twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks, with a total of thirty-nine islands. Nearest possible gateway city to reach Lakshadweep is via Kochi, the capital of Kerala. The islands are blessed with coral reefs, forming a perfect backdrop for flourishing underwater adventure sport activities like scuba diving. In fact, they are the most prominent attraction of these isolated islands. The flora and fauna of the region are equally exciting as well. The ecosystem here supports 78 species of corals, 600 species of marine fishes, 52 species of crabs, 82 kinds of seaweed, 2 types of lobsters, 48 kinds of gastropods, and 101 species of birds.
Culturally, these islands thrive on tribal settlement. The descendants of Aminidivis, the first group of people inhabiting these islands still live on these islands. These people are well known for their handmade crafts. They are also acknowledged for their distinctive way of celebrating festivals and traditional lifestyle. Melacheris, another community are the main working group of people on the island. They gather nuts from coconut trees. Koyas are the proprietor of land at Lakshadweep and Malmis work for them. Malayalam is the most commonly used language in Lakshadweep.
Religion – Islam
Festivals – Id-Ul-Fitr, Bakrid, Milad-Ul-Nabi, Muharram
Buy – Embroidered jackets, Crafts of shells, corals and oysters, Crafts of coconut shells and tortoise shells
Eat – Curried, Fried and Barbecued Fish, Rice, Vegetables, Famous for its fresh Tuna.
Hotels – The eco tourism and nature based tourism initiatives here make the hospitality and tourism industry stand apart from other contemporaries. However, in order to enjoy the balmy and adventurous aura of Lakshadweep islands, a traveller needs to obtain a permit from Secretary to the Administrator, U.T. of Lakshadweep, Indira Gandhi Road in Kochi. They have an authority in issuing an Entry Permit. Foreign travellers having valid Passport and visa for visiting India, can visit as Tourist the islands of Agatti, Kadmat and International Tourist Resort of Bangaram, with permission of Administrator.