The name Lakshadweep means a hundred thousand islands in Sanskrit. The Lakshadweep Union Territory is the smallest in terms of land area and population in India. The Union Territory comprises a chain of 36 islands. Kavaratti is the Union Territory’s administrative capital. The islands are spread over a large area.

Lakshadweep is an Indian Union Territory under the direct control of the Central Government of India. An Administrator is appointed by the President of India who represents the central government on the islands. 

The main economic activities of the islands are fishing and coconut cultivation. The islands have the potential to be a tourist destination due to their beautiful beaches, natural coral reefs, and crystal clear waters.

The islands are linked to the mainland through air and sea routes. The main airport at Agatti is the gateway to the islands, and regular flights are available from the nearby city of Kochi. Some ships transport goods between the islands and the Indian mainland.

Reasons Why Visit Lakshadweep

Just a few days ago, Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi posted pictures of early morning walks along the picturesque beaches, talking about “moments of pure joy” and sharing his experience of snorkeling with every Indian on the island of Lakshadweep. 

He said that the serenity of the island helped him reflect on how to work harder for the well-being of India’s 140 crore people. He also talked about how the island can be a tourist paradise for Indians.

Maldives Deputy Minister for Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts Mariyam Shiuna called Modi a “crocodile” and “a puppet of Israel” in an X. She later deleted the post after her government suspended her. She also likened India to cow manure.

After the row broke out, several Indians announced that they would no longer visit the Maldives and started a social media campaign to “boycott the Maldives”.

Here are the top 10 reasons why you should go to Lakshadweep.

Scenic Beauty: Lakshadweep is home to stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green vegetation. The lush greenery creates a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for rest and recuperation.

Coral Reefs and Marine Life: Coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life are the main attractions of Lakshadweep. For snorkelers and scuba divers, this is the perfect place to explore the underwater world full of colorful coral, tropical fish, and other marine life.

Water Activities: With its crystal clear waters and warm temperatures, the islands are home to a wide variety of water sports, from kayaking and canoeing to sailing, windsurfing, and more. All of these activities can be enjoyed while taking in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Island Hopping: The Lakshadweep Archipelago is made up of some islands, each of which has its unique charm. By hopping around the islands, you can get to know the different aspects of this archipelago. Some of the islands are more populated than others, such as the Kavaratt islands, while others are more remote and pristine, such as the Bangaram islands.

Cultural Experience: Exploring the culture and customs of the mostly Muslim island, experiencing traditional dance performances, sampling local cuisines, and meeting the island’s warm and welcoming people to experience real island life.

Limited Tourism: Lakshadweep has strict restrictions on tourism to protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands. This restriction helps to preserve the natural beauty of the islands and allows visitors to enjoy a quieter and more secluded experience.

Lighthouse and Historical Sites: Check out the historic Minicoy Lighthouse, which provides stunning views of the sea. Visit archaeological and historic sites on some islands to learn more about the island’s rich history.

Adventure Sports: Lakshadweep is also a great destination for adventure sports, such as deep-sea and tuna fishing.

Unspoiled Beaches: The beaches of Lakshadweep are among the most pristine and picturesque in the world. These pristine beaches are the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Conservation Efforts: The islands are environmentally conscious and your visit promotes sustainable tourism. The responsible tourist can appreciate and help preserve this fragile ecosystem.

Beautiful Places To Visit In Lakshadweep

With its picturesque beaches and abundance of marine life, there are plenty of places to explore in the beautiful state of Lakshadwep. 

Here are a few of the best places to visit in Lakshadweep:

Kavaratti Island:

Kavaratti, the capital island of Kochi, is located 404 km from the city. This island is famous for its tranquil lagoons and stunning coral reefs, as well as a variety of water sports and thrilling activities. It is also home to the Marine Aquarium, Glass Bottomed Boats, and Dolphin Dive Centre.

You can see all kinds of marine life at the marina aquarium, which has a great selection. For those who love to dive, there is the Dolphin Dive Center.

How To Reach

• Travel from Bangalore to Agatti Island by Air India via Cochin. From Agatti Island, take a Speed boat to the island of Thinnakara.

   

• There is a boat service to and from Thinnakara every day of the week.

   

Agatti Island:

Agatti is renowned for its beautiful coral reefs and for its water sports. Its crystal clear waters are the perfect place to snorkel or scuba dive.

Agatti is one of the few islands that has an airport, making it easy to get to the island from the rest of India. The nearest airport to Agatti is located 459 kilometers away from the coast of Kochi in India.

Agatti Island measures 8 kilometers in length and is sparsely inhabited, with a population of about 8000 people. The island is a popular spot for sunbathing, where you can relax on the soft white sand beneath the blue sky and the Arabian Sea.

From snorkeling and scuba diving to swimming, kayaking, and water skiing, Agatti Island is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Arabian Sea’s tides. Scuba diving is a popular activity on the island, as well as glass-bottom boat rides. 

The beautiful corals, the unique aquatic life, and the colorful fishes are sure to excite you and you have to experience these activities on Agatti Island.

Also Read: The Best Summer Vacation Spots For Families In India In 2024

How To Reach 

Agatti island has its airfield, Agatti Airport, which operates daily ATR 42 service from Kochi. The island is connected by sea routes to Bangaram Island, which is 8 km from Agatti and can be reached by boat. Cruise ships run daily from Cochin with modern amenities, reaching Agatti in 20-22 hours.

Bangaram Island

Known as the “Jewel of the Lakshadweep,” Bangaram is renowned for its beautiful beaches and colorful coral reefs, making it an ideal vacation spot for those looking for peace and serenity. A small island in the shape of a teardrop, Bangaram lies on the banks of the river Agatti, close to the island of Kavuratti.

Surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and towering palm trees, Bangaram Island is one of the most secluded islands in the Maldives. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you’ll want to take a boat tour that will take you on a surreal journey to the island of Bangaram.

How To Reach 

The closest airport is Agatti Airport.

Thinnakara Island:

Thinnakara Island is a small, unincorporated island with a coral reef that makes it a great place for beach fun and swimming. It is located on the other side of the island of Bangaram and shares a lagoon with a large coralline bank.

The island of Thinnakara is open to international tourists, with accommodation facilities available in beach seashores, well-maintained Tents, and nonstop exciting activities, such as the renowned scuba diving sport, at your fingertips.

How To Reach 

Travel from Bangalore to Agatti island via Cochin by Air India. From Agatti Island, you can take a Speed boat all day to Thinnaka Island.

Pitti Island:

Pitti Island is one of the unspoiled islets in the Kalpeni Archipelago. It is a popular birdwatching spot, especially for seabird migrations. 

Pitti Bird Sanctuary, also known as Pakshhipitti, is an uninhabited coral islet. It is named after the Tamil word pitti, which means bird

This island is a part of the township of Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep. The best place to see these birds nest is on the dry coral rubble. This sanctuary is home to 75 species of seabirds, making it one of the best bird-watching spots in the Lakshadweep Wildlife Sanctuary, India.

How To Reach 

Agatti is the nearest airport to where Pitti Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Lakshadweep.

These are just some of the stunning places to visit in the Lakshadweep Archipelago. Each of the islands has its charm, and visiting several islands allows you to see the full range of the Archipelago. Make sure to check all the entry and permit requirements before planning your trip.