Settled in the Arabian Sea about 400 km off the west coast of India, Lakshadweep Islands are a group of beautiful, untouched islands known for their silvery beaches, clear blue waters, coral reefs, rich marine life, and several watersport activities.
The word ‘Lakshadweep’ translates into an archipelago made up of one lakh islands. However, there are 36 recorded islands and only 11 of them are inhabited. A small number of the population (barely exceeding 300 members) lives on these islands. Although it is India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweep Islands never fail to surprise visitors with its natural beauty and wide opportunities for adventure and fun.
What is the best time to travel to Lakshadweep Islands?
October to March is usually considered the best time to travel to Lakshadweep Islands as the climate during these months is pleasant for sightseeing. Summer is also a good time to relax by Lakshadweep’s beautiful coastline. You can beat the summer heat by indulging yourself in a variety of water sport activities that the islands are known to offer to tourists.
How to reach Lakshadweep Islands?
There is only one airport in Lakshadweep Islands – the Agatti Aerodrome situated on Agatti Island. If you are traveling from abroad, you have to fly to Cochin International Airport first, and then catch a domestic flight to Lakshadweep from here. You can get the best deals on flights to Kochi from the USA at Indian Eagle. One can also use the ferry system to travel from Kochi to Lakshadweep by sea. All travelers, whether Indians or foreigners, need a permit to enter these Islands.
Places to see and things to do in Lakshadweep
Out of the 11 inhabited islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago, only five or six islands such as Agatti, Bangaram, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Kalpati are accessible to travelers. These islands attract not only tourists from across the country but also from all over the world. Here’s what you can do at these islands to make your Lakshadweep trip a memorable one.
Kavaratti Island
The capital of Lakshadweep Islands, Kavaratti is quite popular with tourists. This island is well-known for its lush green landscapes and white coral sand beaches. You can enjoy thrilling activities such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, and kayaking and go explore the island’s popular tourist attractions like Ujra Mosque and Marine Aquarium & Museum, where you can see a variety of corals and fish.
Bangaram Islands
With beautiful beaches, lagoons, and multiple snorkeling and diving sites, Bangaram Island is another must-visit place in Lakshadweep. You can reach this tropical paradise on a boat from Agatti Island. The luxurious beach cottages on this island are a popular choice for a stay among travelers. You can snorkel in the shallow waters, swimming alongside the sea turtles and colorful fish, or dive deeper and explore the flora and fauna thriving in the deep sea. Watching the sunsets and sunrises from the beaches is another must-do activity here.
Minicoy Island
The second-largest island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, Minicoy boasts of pristine white sand beaches, stunning lagoons, and amazing coral reefs. Minicoy Island lies towards the southern end and the culture of this place is influenced by both South Indian as well as Maldivian culture. Tuna fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are the best things to do at Minicoy Islands. The 150 ft tall British-era Minicoy lighthouse (one of the oldest in the area) and an ancient Juma Masjid are its other top tourist attractions. You will also find several luxury accommodation options at Minicoy Island. To reach this island, you can either opt for a ferry or a helicopter service from Agatti Island.
Agatti Island
The entry point to Lakshadweep Islands for air travelers, Agatti is a serene island where you can enjoy a great holiday experience by simply lying on the soft sands of its beaches, basking in the warmth of the sun, or strolling in the coconut plantations, enjoying the fresh sea breeze. This island is also rich in biodiversity. Some of the best things that you can do here include swimming, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and water skiing. Agatti Island is a paradise for both beach lovers and water sport enthusiasts.
Kalpeni Islands
Kalpeni is a group of three islands – Cheriyam, Pitti and Thilakkam Islands. Surrounded by a large lagoon that is rich in coral life, these islands are some of the most beautiful places to visit in the Lakshadweep Islands. The picturesque island and its tranquil surroundings welcome families and friends for a refreshing holiday amidst nature. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving and see the diversity of marine life in the lagoon for yourself. Another must-see attraction here is the 121 ft Kalpeni lighthouse, which offers sweeping views of the crystal clear lagoon and verdant coconut plants that dot the islands.
Have you been to Lakshadweep Islands before? Tell us the best moments from your Lakshadweep holiday and let other travelers know about your experiences.