7 Places to Visit in Lakshadweep

Formerly known as the Laccadive Islands, Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of India with a diverse set of populace and is the land of one hundred thousand islands.

How to Get There

• By Air: One can reach Lakshadweep from Cochin. Six days a week flights operate from Cochin International Airport to Agatti in Lakshadweep. Cochin is very well connected to other places in India and abroad.
• By Ship: A convenient ride on m.v Tipu Sultan, m.v. Minicoy and m.v Bharat Seema from Cochin and Mumbai to the islands is available.

Best Time to Visit

The resorts in Lakshadweep operate all year around. From May to September it is the monsoon season and the islands receive heavy rainfall. The ideal time to visit would be from October to May.

1. Minicoy Island

Popularly known as Maliku, Minicoy Island is an atoll at the southern tip of Lakshadweep. Being on an island, it has idyllic views of the sea and is very calm and secluded.  This island is open to foreign travelers and people enjoy tuna canning and tuna fishing. One might also visit the Lighthouse and Juma Masjid which are popular tourist destinations. A boat ride in the beautiful sea and the nature all around, this place is just amazing.

2. Kavaratti

Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep and is another popular tourist destination in Lakshadweep. This is one of the most developed islands and has a variety of places one can visit. The Ujra Mosque, the Kavaratti aquarium, a tour of the fisheries and a nice long walk on the sandy beaches are things to look out for. The lagoons here are famous for adventure sports or for taking a nice long swim. This place is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway!

3. Agatti

The only island which has an airport is the Agatti Island. It is a coral atoll hence tourist will have the time of their life marveling at the many multi-colored corals and the abundant aquatic life. The sandy beaches and the really calm atmosphere, the many adventure sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing are highly enjoyable. Some tourists even prefer to cycle on the beautiful road running through Agatti. One can stay for any duration they wish to and travel to the nearby uninhabited islands; be rejuvenated!

4. Kalpeni

Kalpeni is one of the many inhabited atolls in Lakshadweep with Kodithala, Cheriyam and Tilakkam in its vicinity. There is a huge lagoon, many beaches and wonderful sports activities. One can notice that there is a huge storm bank along the eastern and south-eastern shore. The fresh coconut water is a specialty here and people enjoy sun bathing, stay at tourist cottages and the sunset by the beach. The light house and the Moideen Mosque are a few other attractions here.

5. Bangaram

A rectangular shaped atoll which is located at a distance of about 7km from Agatti is Bangaram. There is the Bangaram Island, Thinnakara, South Bangaram Cay and three little islets located on the atoll and like other places adventure sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving are really popular here. This is the only place where alcohol consumption is allowed, so tourists have quite a different experience. A variety of fauna and flora and the Bangaram Island resort with Lakshadweep’s first Dive School make sure that one has a wonderful time here.

6. Kadmat Islands

The Kadmat Island is popularly known as Cardamom Island and is centrally located in Lakshadweep. There is Kavaratti to the northwest and there are the Kiltan and Amini islands in the vicinity. Secluded tourist huts, shallow and sandy lagoons and the most happening part: diving; there is a Dive school where well trained professionals are ready to make one’s trip exciting. This is one of the three islands where foreign tourists are allowed and is pretty secluded; hence one can be guaranteed that the trip is peaceful and enjoyable.

7. Pitti Islet

Lakshadweep being a group of islands and having been geographically secluded from the rest of India is perfect for wildlife habitation. The Pitti Islet which is located at a distance of about 24km from Kavaratti is a haven for birdwatchers. Thousands of birds including the sooty tern, crested tern migrate to this island and since it isn’t easily accessible by air, the wildlife is well preserved. One can use boats to come to this islet and have a nice tour of the Pitti Bird Sanctuary on the islet which is just mesmerizing.

Lakshadweep is a geographically ideal place for tourists seeking some time off the hustle and bustle. There are beautiful water bodies, hospitable people, well maintained cottages and resorts and a number of activities to take up here and a weeklong stay here would definitely make a person more joyous and peaceful!