Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea

The Union Territory of Lakshadweep, the one and only chain of coral islands in the sub continent, also known as Emerald Islands and the tropical paradise, has Kavaratti Island as its capital and is one of the most picturesque and enchanting tourist destinations of Kerala. This is a group of thirty six beautiful islands (ten inhabited), three reefs, twelve atolls and five banks (that are submerged into the Arabian Sea).

It is said that these beautiful coral islands are actually formed out of a single volcanic eruption, which got submerged in the sea resulting in the formation of a coral isle later, developing into a coral reef. It took a while for these to grow and become the beautiful islands seen today. Over time the volcanic island had completely submerged in the sea, and an atoll formed encompassing a beautiful lagoon. An atoll is a kind of coral reef, which is what Lakshadweep is made of.

Lakshadweep atolls are very famous for being the only atoll in the whole of the seas surrounding the Indian sub-continent. The southernmost atoll is the Minicoy Atoll and the smallest is the Bitra Atoll in the north. The significance of Lakshadweep atolls is its bio-diversity. Rich in flora and fauna, almost 600 varieties of fish are seen in the shallow waters of the region.

Lakshadweep is also famous for its enchanting beaches which offer the tourist everything needed for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. The Bangaram Island one among the 17 uninhabited islands is most sought after for its beautiful beaches. Kavaratti islands are also ideal for sun-bathing. The calm lagoons here are best suited for water sports.

For the scuba divers the Dolphin Dive Center is the right choice. The largest lagoon in Lakshadweep is the Minicoy Lagoon. The beaches here have tourist facilities like bathing huts, changing rooms and water sports. The long sandy beaches of the Kadmat islands with its beautiful shallow lagoons are perfect for sunbathing and water sports. The Agatti Island also called ‘the gateway to the Lakshadweep Islands’ has an Airport and a palm fringed beach which is breath-taking. The various water sports available are canoeing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, rafting, scuba diving etc.

Apart from the unparallel scenic beauty presented, Lakshadweep also exhibit a rich religious and cultural heritage passed on through generations. By far Lakshadweep has much to offer to its visitors.

Getting here
There is a domestic airport in the Agatti Island connecting the Cochin International Airport in the mainland, having regular flights, and it takes approx. 1 hr 30 mts. Helicopter services are also available to Bangaram Island Resort during the monsoon season and to Kavaratti Islands all through the year.

There are also cruise ships available with all modern amenities connecting Lakshadweep to Cochin, the journey time being 14 to 20 hrs.