Lakshadweep, located off the Indian mainland, is a renowned tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking islands. It attracts visitors seeking tranquillity and adventure enthusiasts looking for thrilling experiences. This travel guide provides comprehensive information on the must-visit attractions and activities tourists should include when exploring the beautiful Lakshadweep islands.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Lakshadweep
- How to Plan a trip to Lakshadweep
- About Lakshadweep
- Places to stay in Lakshadweep
Things to do in Lakshadweep
Apart from the above places to visit, try these interesting activities –
- Try parasailing. It is one of the most thrilling and popular activities to do on these islands. You can sail over the azure waters and get a 360-degree view of the shores and oceans.
- Explore the marine life with scuba diving in Lakshadweep. The diving trips take you through sloping reefs, underwater caves, coral gardens, overhangs, shipwrecks and some drift diving, depending on your scuba experience. There are recreational activities also available for non-professionals.
- Go sailing on a luxury yacht. You can watch sunsets or spot exotic fishes, turtles, and other marine animals, as you sail on the clear blue waters.
- Shop for handcrafted goods in Agatti, Minicoy, or Kavaratti island markets. The islanders make quaint products with home décor, jewellery and other souvenirs, shells, oysters, corals, and other stones. You can also buy coconut and seafood goods like fish oil, fish biscuits, coconut oil etc.
Places to visit in Lakshadweep
There’s a host of exotic and unique tourist places to see. Explore these places on your sightseeing tour –
- Pakshi Pitti – The only bird sanctuary in Lakshadweep, Pakshi Pitti is located on an uninhabited coral reef off the island of Kavaratti.
- Marine Museum – The museum is located in Kavaratti and preserves a vast collection of marine artefacts and information on marine life. Also, check out the aquarium housing several rare and engendered species of fishes and other sea creatures.
- Bangaram Island – The beautiful tiny island is known for virgin beaches and crystal blue water and for breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
- Andrott Island – The largest island of Lakshadweep, Andrott is famous for some untouched Buddhist archaeological remains and the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah. You can also spot octopuses here.
- Minicoy Lighthouse – Built in 1885, it is the oldest lighthouse of the island territory. The 300ft towering structure offers stunning views of the island and the ocean.
Unexplored places/Hidden Gems of Lakshadweep
Beyond the standard island tourism in Lakshadweep, there are several hidden, unexplored places that you should check out. One such place is the Kalpeni islands, comprising Thilakkam, Pitti, and Cheriyam, most of which are virgin territories and not inhabited so far. While new beaches are being discovered and open to tourists. The shores here are shallow and marshy with scenic views of sunsets and sunrises. Kalpeni is great when you want to spend some quiet time strolling or swimming.
Beaches of Lakshadweep
Explore these best and most visited beaches on your island vacation –
- Minicoy Beach – Located on the second-largest island of Lakshadweep, Minicoy beach is known for vibrant coral reefs and white sand beaches. You can swim, sunbathe, or fish on this beach.
- Kavaratti Beach – One of the most popular and scenic beaches of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti features clear blue lagoons, lush beach vegetation, sparkling shores with a vast expanse of marine life. This beach is perfect for snorkelling and swimming or relaxing on the shores.
- Agatti Beach – With interesting topography and clearwater beach, Agatti is popular among travellers. The beach is famous for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing.
- Amini Beach – Located in the town of Amini, this beach is one of the most famous ones of the archipelago. The beach is dotted with artisans selling handcrafted goods made of coconut shells and tortoise shells. Amini beach is also great for swimming.
Places to visit nearby
Apart from the popular places, you can also visit nearby destinations with your tourism package –
- Kannur – The otherwise underrated port town in northern Kerala, Kannur is a hidden gem. Stay at one of the colonial mansions turned hotels for the best experience. Visit St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach or the Muzhuppilangad Beach.
- Kozhikode – also called Calicut, the 16th-century trading town, is a popular tourist destination in Kerala. You can visit Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, Mappila Mosque, and Mother of God church and sample local flavours at Kingsbay Restaurant.
- Kochi – An ancient port town, Kochi is famous for its colonial architecture and old-world charm. From historic forts and iconic churches to scenic beaches and abundant greenery, Kochi is a breathtaking delight at every glance. Visit the 1000-year-old Fort Kochi, Paradesi Synagogue, or the St. Francis Church.
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Places to eat
Coastal flavours with Malabari influence dominate Lakshadweep food. Check out these places to eat on your Lakshadweep trip –
- Heaven’s Treat Beach Restaurant, Kavaratti
- Z Corner, Kavaratti
- TPBrother’s Thattukada, Kavaratti
- Andhaan Beach Restaurant, Agatti
How to Plan a Trip to Lakshadweep
How to reach Lakshadweep
The location of Lakshadweep makes this island territory inaccessible by road or railway. The only way to reach there is by waterways or airways. You can fly or ship from Kochi to Kerala for your tour. Seven-passenger ships frequently sail from Kochi and take 14-20 hours overnight to reach different islands here. The average Lakshadweep travel cost for two, including travel, stay, and food, is around INR 7000-10000 daily.
By Train
There is no train connectivity to Lakshadweep
By Road
If you are travelling from other cities in Kerala or neighbouring states, you can take a train, bus, taxi, or private car to Kochi and, from there, take a flight or ship to Lakshadweep. You can book a Savaari in Kochi and catch a ship to Lakshadweep.
By Flight
There is only one airport in Lakshadweep, in Agatti. The only direct flights are from Kochi, which is Cochin International Airport. Book a Savaari airport taxi in Kochi to travel to your destination comfortably.
About Lakshadweep Island
Lakshadweep is a picturesque archipelago of 36 islands off the coast of the Arabian Sea on the western shores of India. The name Lakshadweep means “one lakh islands” in the local language. It is the smallest Union Territory of India, comprising Minicoy, Amindivi, and Laccadive Islands. Kavaratti, or Kavaratti Island, is the capital city of Lakshadweep. But Andrott on the Lasksadweep Sea, or the Laccadive Sea, is the largest in Lakshadweep. It is also the most populated and nearest island to mainland India.
Also Read: [Lakshadweep Islands – The Maldives we all deserve]
Geography
The Lakshadweep Island is located 400KM off the Malabar Coast in Kerala. The archipelago includes 12 atolls, three coral reefs, and five submerged banks. There are a total number of 39 islands and islets here. But of that, only 11 islands are inhabited, with a total population of 64,429 (census 2011). The main islands, which are popular tourist places, are Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, and Amini.
Lakshadweep experiences a tropical coastal weather pattern with hot and humid summers, pleasant winters, and a heavy monsoon period. The temperature here is the best between September and February, which is also the best time to visit.
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History & Culture
The old name for Lakshadweep was Cannanore Islands, after the coastal town of Cannanore (now Kannur) in Kerala. It was known as the cluster of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands, which was changed to Lakshadweep after the Parliament Act in 1973.
Since there is no recorded evidence of aboriginals in Lakshadweep, the history of this island group comes from different settlers. The earliest evidence of human settlement here is from 1500 BC. From sailors on the Erythraean Sea to ancient Islamic rulers, the Buddhists, Portuguese, Mughals, and British, this island territory has seen many changes of hands. Collectively all these earlier communities influenced the culture of Lakshadweep. The current islanders are ethnically similar to the Malayali people of Kerala, with Malayalam being the most spoken language, while Jeseri and Dhivehi are used in other islands.
Interesting Facts
Besides tourism, this island has a lot of interesting facts that will intrigue you about this island territory.
- The islands form the smallest union territory of India with a total surface area of just 32 sq. km.
- The name Lakshadweep means “one lakh islands” but the archipelago consists of no more than a hundred islands.
- It has the lowest population ranking in India, with 65000 people residing across 11 islands (not including tourists).
Lakshadweep Hotels & Resorts
Most resorts here are in Kavaratti city, Agatti and Kadmat, with a few in Bangaram. From luxury resorts to budget places, check out some of the best alternatives that are currently open –
- Bangaram Island Beach Resort, Bangaram
- Kavaratti Island Beach Resort, Kavaratti
- Minicoy Island Beach Resort, Minicoy
- Kadmat Island Beach Resort, Kadmat
- Kasim’s Beach Villa, Agatti
- White Pearl Beach Hotel, Agatti
Witness the magic of Lakshadweep by booking a car rental to Kerala with a local driver. Install the Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.
Last Updated on June 11, 2023 by Shabari Shankar
