LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS  

Sublime Laccadive—This One’s for You

 You can take a bet that half the celebs who’ve been rushing off to the Maldives, aren’t even aware that we have an equally stunning beach destination in our backyard.  For the other half, who may have heard of it, it is quite possible they don’t know its exact location …or that it’s very much part of India.

And like lemmings, the wannabes, the well-heeled and honeymooning couples have been following in their wake—no doubt unable to resist the lure of handsome discounted rates.

Though appropriately protected for security reasons by the government for its politically strategic position in the Indian Ocean, the Union Territory of the Lakshadweep Islands over the years has been visited by smart travellers both Indian and foreign.

So, it is time to give those not in the know a heads-up of what they’ve been missing in this idyllic tropical destination of virgin beaches, pristine waters and uncrowded islands.

The Kochi-based SPORTS, the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports, was formed by the Lakshadweep Administration to realize the tourism potential of the Lakshadweep Islands and, also given the responsibility of promoting tourism in Lakshadweep. 

To align with this intent SPORTS owns and operates tourist resorts at Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island, Minicoy Island, Kavaratti Island Kapeni Island and tents at Thinnakara Island. It also designs and markets holiday tour packages ensuring that tourism in Lakshadweep does not have a negative impact on the Islands. SPORTS has also selected a few travel agents who can ensure responsible tourism in Lakshadweep and provide reliable and quality tourist services. To facilitate your tour of the islands you should log on to https://www.lakshadweeptour.in/sports-authorised-travel-agent.html

Declared a Union Territory In 1973 the tropical archipelago of Lakshadweep lies 220 to 440 km off the Malabar Coast in Kerala, in the Arabian Sea.

The Chagos–Laccadive Ridge (CLR), which also goes by the name of Chagos–Laccadive Plateau, is a prominent volcanic ridge and oceanic plateau stretching between the Northern and the Central Indian Ocean.  

Bet you didn’t know that the CLR includes the Laccadive, Maldives, and Chagos archipelagos. The islands of Chagos, Maldives and Lakshadweep are the out-of-water parts of the Chagos–Laccadive Ridge.

An interesting take by geologists is that the alignment of the Lakshadweep ridge looks like a continuation of Rajasthan’s Aravalli Mountain Range! Some geologists have even conjectured that these islands could be a submerged extension of that chain.

Why you need to be here is for viewings of its coral reef, the sprawl of lagoons that are bounteous in their marine wealth and its uncrowded beaches. Water sports experiences here in its pristine waters are of another level altogether. No wonder it’s long been a draw for its scuba diving, snorkelling and wind-surfing adventures for the global travelling fraternity. Over 36 islands coral atolls and sandbanks lie scattered over 78,000 square km along this prominent north-south submarine ridge in the sunlit waters of the Arabian Sea.

              However, only a few of these islands are open to tourism. One key reason being the need to protect their original inhabitants and their culture. Indian tourists can visit Kavaratti, Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, and Minicoy. Foreigners can only visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands. Also, given the fragile island ecosystem and paucity of the carrying capacity, all tourism activities in the islands ensure low environmental impact.  There’s a cap on tourist arrivals and activities are largely package-led (as deemed by the government) to tone down the pressure on local resources. Accommodation and transport are government-run to align with this thinking. Visitors opting for packaged cruises enjoy their days island- hopping and living on board at night. 

Though only around 10 or 11 of these islands are inhabited the site reflects the human presence of sorts as it lies along the busy trade routes between West Asia and Africa on one end, and South Asia and the Far East on the other. This is evidenced by finds of centuries-old Buddhist shrines, and shards of pottery from c. 1500 BC and Roman coins from c. 2 BCE.

Agatti Island is one of the few inhabited islands of the archipelago and being home to its only airport serves as a gateway to the islands. Visitors can enjoy long walks by the serene shoreline and delight in the excellent water sports on offer including kayaking, snorkelling, sailing, scuba diving and fishing on Lagoon Beach on the western side of Agatti Island. Most of the inhabitants live around the northern part of the island.

Nearby Andrott Island or Andretti, is the largest island of the Lakshadweep archipelago and is the closest to the Indian mainland. Important Buddhist archaeological remains were found here.  Of interest here also is the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah.

At the heart of the archipelago lies the serene island of Kadmat, unbeatable for its immense marine wealth. Travellers are blown away by its unique unspoilt marine wildlife.

Kadmat is the bubbling hub of a fulsome range of marine activities, especially around the shallow lagoon west of the island.  A narrow belt of pristine beach marks its eastern shoreline. The well-equipped water sports facility, set up by the tourism department, offers a wide range of activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, kitesurfing and kayaking. As the protection of this fragile ecology is a top priority only non-intrusive water sports are encouraged— so don’t go looking here for water scooters and speed boats.  Instead, savour the unparalleled delights of exploring the underwater landscape in a glass-bottomed boat. An unmissable experience is the viewing of its coral reefs, its expanses of seagrass and consummate sites of privacy for nesting turtles.  Back in 1986, at least 45 species of corals were found at the Kadmat reef.

Eco-friendly fishing trips to Suheli Island and deep-sea fishing adventures are also on offer.  Visitors can visit the tiny local settlement where the locals eke out a living working in the coir and desiccated coconut factories.

Given its immense importance as a marine treasure trove, the government has placed several appropriate strictures on tourism activity to protect this legacy. Tourists should be mindful of the ecological fragility of Kadmat, as well as the islands as a whole. Kadmat is accessible by high-speed vessels from Agatti.

Amini Island is a relatively unexplored spot that falls between Kadmat Island in the north and Kavaratti Island in the south. It’s also amongst the oldest settlements of this cluster. Hire a boat from Agatti to get here if you’re looking for a secluded experience.

The administrative nucleus of the group is Kavaratti Island. Its full-fledged scuba diving centre attracts scuba divers from all corners of India and abroad. The island is home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. Enjoy a day in the sun and sea and the pleasure of the great outdoors while indulging in the range of water sports on offer. Scuba diving is the biggie at Kadmat and Kavaratti. Pop into the fun-filled experience of exploring the new Marine Aquarium which has an interesting display of local specimens.

Savour endless moments of delight in the experiences at the gorgeous Bangaram Island offered by thrilling opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving.  Located here is one of the two world-class scuba diving schools in Lakshadweep.  Bangaram and the Kadamat islands are very big on snorkelling.

Located 8km to the northeast of Agatti, Thinnakara Island blows you away with its stunning seascapes and scenic lagoons skirted by swaying palms. You can thrill to enchanting experiences of the marine ways of this tiny pearl of an island which can be explored by kayak and glass-bottomed boats. Rope in family and friends for a lively game of beach volleyball or just enjoy sunbathing with a book. Revel in the pleasures of sleeping under the stars in the tented facility by the shoreline.

Amongst the few inhabited islands of the group, Minicoy Island is also the second largest on the archipelago. While water sports are the big draw here you should also visit the Lighthouse dating to 1885 for its stunning views. Pop into the Tuna Canning Factory and enjoy interfaces with the locals in the village. The clean and beautiful Thundi Beach aligns with all 33 requirements of the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).

Travel to this Island is only possible with fixed departure packages which are Samudaram Package and Swaying Palm Package and the package starts from Kochi.

Kalpeni Island comprises three islands—Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tillakk, in a beautiful lagoon setting. The island is popular for its corals, water sports. The Pitti Bird Sanctuary is an important and safe nesting place for avifaunal species of the sea, such as the sooty tern, the greater crested tern, lesser crested tern, and the brown noddy. Pitti has a longstanding allure as a nursery for nesting turtles; it has also played a pivotal role in maintaining the island ecosystem’s avian biodiversity.

Island-Hopping Cruises

Mid-September to mid-May is best for the cruise tour packages.

Lakshadweep Samudram a 5-day cruise on the M.V Kavaratti takes visitors to the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy. Island-hopping, with options for waters ports of one’s choosing keeps you mesmerised in the day, at night you stay on board.

Swaying Palm is a lovely 6–7-day tour of Minicoy.

Marine Wealth Awareness Programme This is a unique 4 -7-day tour which offers exceptional marine life experiences of Kadmat which is home to an excellent well-equipped water sports institute.

Info At a Glance

Permits are required by all tourists travelling to Lakshadweep. These can be arranged through your agent. You can also apply for permits well in advance, as they are issued on a first-come-first-served basis. To apply online log on to http://epermit.utl.gov.in

As the number of tourists allowed on the island is restricted one needs to book the tour well in advance.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all islands except Bangaram and Kavaratti. Do keep in mind picking up corals is a punishable crime.

Update Plans are afoot to provide additional aerial connectivity with a dual-use airfield in Minicoy for civilian and military purposes. The possibility of extending the Agatti’s 1.2-kmlong airstrip to allow A320s to operate there instead of the smaller turboprops in use presently, is under consideration.
The Taj chain has plans to open resorts at Suheli and Kadmat islands by 2026.

ACCOMMODATION
Government-run resorts are operational at Kadmat Island, Minicoy Island, Kavaratti and Kalpeni. ‘Beach Tent Camping facility’ is available at Bangaram and Thinnakara Islands. The government-run beach cottage resort at Bangaram, which had 32 rooms till April 2023, has now doubled that number. Resorts are being built at Kadmat and Suheli islands. New tented cities are also coming up in Agatti and Kavaratti Islands.

ACCESS

From Mid-September to mid-May is best for the cruise tour packages

Air: Agatti airport, on Agatti Island, is the sole hub of an air link to the islands. Daily flights are available from Cochin International Airport to Agatti Airport. Bangaram Island can be visited all year round by helicopter.

 Sea: You can opt for the popular Ship Packages. Four all-weather ships, M.V. Bharatseema, M.V Tipusultan, M.V Aminidivi and M.V Minicoy operate between Kochi and the islands.