Lakshadweep’s 36 Hidden Gems: A Secluded Paradise for Beach Lovers and Adventure Seekers!

 

Lakshadweep: A Coastal Paradise of 36 Islands

Nestled among India’s smallest union territories, Lakshadweep beckons coast lovers worldwide with a captivating cluster of islands. Each forms an archipelago boasting distinctive offerings, from pristine beaches and meticulously managed resorts to abundant greenery and tranquil atmospheres. The true highlight, however, lies in the plethora of water sports and diving activities, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and thrilling adventures.

Formerly known as Laccadive Islands, Lakshadweep translates to ‘one hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam. Situated 400 kilometers off the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea, this smallest union territory of India comprises 36 islands, covering a total area of 32 square kilometers. Comprising 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks, ten of these islands are inhabited.

Accessed primarily from Kochi (Kerala), a permit is mandatory for all tourists, including Indians, to visit Lakshadweep. After obtaining a permit, foreigners are restricted to Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat Islands. Permits can be acquired in Kochi, with exemptions for government officials, armed forces, and their families either working or visiting the islands.

The charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness, far from the beaten track, attracting no hordes of merrymakers to their shores. Despite being equally mystical and beautiful, each island offers a unique blend of tourist spots. Some islands are promoted for diving and water sports, while others have been developed to allow people to enjoy the charm of relaxation.

Embark on a Journey: Must-Visit Places in Lakshadweep for an Unforgettable Travel Experience! 🌴✨ Don’t Miss Out on These Lakshadweep Tourist Gems!

 

1. Escape to Serenity: Uncover the Hidden Charms of Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep! 🏝️💙

Nestled among the Lakshadweep group’s 36 islets, Minicoy, or Maliku in the local language, is India’s best-kept secret. Surrounded by the vast Arabian Sea, this island is an exclusive haven, renowned for vibrant coral reefs, picturesque white-sand beaches, and the refreshing waters of the infinite ocean. Revel in tranquility at luxury beach resorts, making it a must-visit for travelers in search of peace and calm. Add Minicoy Island to your Lakshadweep itinerary for an unforgettable escape.

 

2. Dive into Bliss at Bangaram Island: A Tranquil Oasis in Lakshadweep’s Crystal Blue Waters! 🏝️🐠

Immerse yourself in the beauty of pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Walk the entire island, swim with colorful fish, dance with stingrays, befriend dolphins, and observe turtles in their leisurely dance. Bangaram, also known as Bunnagara locally, is an enchanting gem, waiting to be explored in the lesser-known corners of Lakshadweep Islands. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

 

3. Agatti Islands: A Gem in the Lakshadweep Archipelago

Nestled on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep, Agatti Islands stand out as an inhabited paradise within the group. Explore the island on foot or opt for a two-wheeler for easy commuting, unveiling natural vegetation and captivating geographical formations at every corner.

Spanning over 8 square kilometers, the beautiful Agatti Island hosts a sparse population of approximately 8000 inhabitants. Despite its modest size compared to other islands, it emerges as a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travelers.

What sets Agatti Island apart is its accessibility, being the sole Lakshadweep group island with its airport. Situated 459 kilometers away from the shores of Kochi, India, this airport facilitates convenient global connectivity. Locals predominantly converse in English and Malayalam, with Islam being the primary religion. While fishing remains a primary occupation, tourism is gaining momentum in this captivating region of the world.

 

4. Dive into Wonderland: Unearth vibrant corals with scuba diving in Lakshadweep’s aquatic paradise! 🤿🐠

Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat await adventure enthusiasts with mesmerizing views. Dive centres with attached resorts cater to beginners and certified divers interested in CMAS and PADI courses. Immerse yourself in the rich underwater world, teeming with tropical fishes, vibrant corals, turtles, rays, and coral sharks. Unforgettable scuba diving awaits – a prime Lakshadweep experience.

 

5. Try Adventure Sports at Kalpeni Island

Also known as Koefaini, Kalpeni Islands is a group of three islands and is one of the most picturesque areas of Lakshadweep. Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tillakkam are the islands which together form the Kalpeni Islands. These islands are inhabited and are frequently visited by tourists. Kalpeni is famous for its beautiful lagoon surrounding the island and is highly rich in coral life. Naturally, this place is among the must-see places in Lakshadweep. This is also a great spot to enjoy water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, reef walking, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing yachts.

 

6. Discover the idyllic shores of Kadmat

Renowned as one of the most popular islands for tourists, Kadmat is famous for sunbathing and boasts pristine silvery white beaches. This petite island features a beautiful lagoon, enclosed by coral reefs within its premises. Kadmat, as an inhabited island, provides both domestic and foreign tourists with a delightful experience.

Lakshadweep offers a range of activities for tourists, combining natural beauty with thrilling experiences. Here are the top 10 activities to do in Lakshadweep:

1. Scuba Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world of Lakshadweep with scuba diving. The clear blue waters are home to diverse marine life and coral reefs.
2. Snorkelling: For a more laid-back underwater experience, snorkelling allows you to observe the marine life and coral formations near the water surface.
3. Water Sports: Enjoy various water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and water skiing. The calm lagoons and clear waters provide an ideal setting for these activities.
4. Island Hopping: Explore the different islands of Lakshadweep, each offering unique attractions. From Minicoy to Bangaram, discover the diversity of landscapes and cultures.
5. Beach Relaxation: Unwind on the pristine beaches of Lakshadweep. The soft white sands and crystal-clear waters create a perfect setting for relaxation and sunbathing.
6. Glass-Bottom Boat Ride: Experience the underwater world without getting wet by taking a glass-bottom boat ride. Admire the colorful coral reefs and marine life beneath the boat.
7. Visit Lighthouses: Lakshadweep is dotted with picturesque lighthouses. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.
8. Cruise to Islands: Embark on a cruise to explore multiple islands in one trip. The Lakshadweep Samudram Cruise offers a unique maritime adventure covering various islands.
9. Bird Watching: Visit bird sanctuaries like Pitti Bird Sanctuary on Thinnakara Island. Lakshadweep is a haven for bird watchers with its diverse avian population.
10. Explore Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture of Lakshadweep by interacting with the friendly islanders, savouring local cuisine, and participating in traditional festivities when possible.

 

Lakshadweep | Best Time to Visit | Top Things to Do

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is between October and mid-May, during the dry season. During this time, the weather is mild, with moderate temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkelling, diving, and island hopping.

The cheapest ticket to Lakshadweep from India found in the last 72 hours was ₹ 5,246 one-way, and ₹ 10,715 round-trip. The most popular route is from Kochi (Cochin) to Agatti Island, and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was ₹ 10,715.

A passport is not required for Indians to visit Lakshadweep Islands, but unlike the other states of India, an entry permit is mandatory, irrespective of whether you are an Indian National or a Foreign tourist.

Most travellers prefer anywhere from 5 days to a week in Lakshadweep Islands. There are over one lakh islands, but only a handful are accessible.

 

Lakshadweep Sailing Itineraries from Jan to June 2024

Cruiseliner	:	Cordelia Cruises
Departure Port	:	Mumbai
Cruise Duration	:	4 Nights
Cabin Prices	:	Starting from Rs.39,500 per person
Sailing Date(s)	:	08, 22 Jan; 05, 19 Feb; 04, 18 Mar; 01, 15, 29 Apr; 13, 27 May; 10 Jun (2024)

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Also Read: https://bbbinsider.com/mumbai-trans-harbour-link/

Source & Images: https://lakshadweep.gov.in/tourism/tourist-packages/