Lakshadweep, also known as Laccadive Island is one of the smallest union territory of India that is situated about 200-300 Km off the coast of Southwest Indian state of Kerala. Out of 3 dozen scattered islands only 10 islands are inhabited. The closest state Kerala has a great impact on the culture, cuisines, rituals and customs on Lakhsadweep. Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep and is the major tourist attraction. The major communities that reside at Lakshadweep are Aminidivi, Koyas, Malmis and Malacheris. Agriculture is the
main occupation of the people of Lakshadweep. Coconut is the major crop with the production of about 27.7 million nuts per year is cultivated on about 27.50 Sq. Km of the land. Though smallest in area, Lakshadweep has an extensive lagoon area of about 4,200 Sq. km. Among the islands Minicoy is the largest island of Lakshadweep. Agatti is another island which offers a breathtaking spectacle of coral reefs and an array of coconut palms swaying with sea breeze. It is the only island which has an airport. It is also known as the “Gateway to Lakshadweep”. Each island in Lakshadweep is covered with snow white coral sands. The local food primarily comprises sea fish and coconut. People love coconut water and is the most abundant aerated drink of this place. So plan a trip to this amazing land and enjoy your vacations in the lap of nature.
Places of Interest in Lakshadweep:
There is so much to see in and around Lakshadweep. Some of the major tourist attractions in Lakshadweep are:
Kavaratti
Agatti
Andrott
Amini
Treasures of Lakshadweep:
Located in the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a cluster of Islands. All these islands are majestically beautiful and are a wonderful destination for adventure lovers and thos who love water sports.
How to reach Lakshadweep
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest Airport that links Lakshadweep with other parts of the country. Regular flights from Air India, Kingfisher and Indian Airlines ply to various destinations of the country. Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep with an Airport that connects it to the outer world. Helicopter services are available from Agatti to Bangaram Island Resort during monsoon and to Kavaratti through out the year.
By Water: One can even reach Lakshadweep through ships as well. MV Tipu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operates between Cochin and Lakhshadweep. The journey takes about 14 to 20 hours. Visitors can select among the various categories of ships that include A/C Deluxe, A/C First class, Cabin and Tourist class with A/C seating. Comfortable A/C accommodation, Cafeteria, lounges, snack bars, video shows are some of the facilities offered by these ships. These ship services are available during the monsoons as well.
Transportation in Lakshadweep
Spreading across the area of just 32 Sq Km. Lakshadweep is just 220 to 440 Km away from the Malabar Coast of Kerala. Agatti is the only island in this union territory which has an airport and thus is called as the “Gateway to Lakshawadweep”. One can reach Lakshadweep by Sea or by Air.
By Air: Cochin International Airport links Lakshadweep with other parts of the country. Regular flights from Air India, Kingfisher and Indian Airlines ply to various destinations of the country. Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep with an Airport that connects it to the outer world. Helicopter services are available from Agatti to Bangaram Island Resort during monsoon and to Kavaratti through out the year.
By Water: One can even reach Lakshadweep through ships as well. MV Tipu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operates between Cochin and Lakhshadweep. The journey takes about 14 to 20 hours. Visitors can select among the various categories of ships that include A/C Deluxe, A/C First class, Cabin and Tourist class with A/C seating. Comfortable A/C accommodation, Cafeteria, lounges, snack bars, video shows are some of the facilities offered by these ships. These ship services are available during the monsoons as well.