Incredible Lakshadweep Islands: A Complete Tour Guide

Today, with the help of this post, we will try to throw some light on the virtual journey of Union Territory of incredible Lakshadweep Islands.

Introduction

Lakshadweep Islands which is a group of 36 Islands is a Union Territory of India. It is a very famous and popular tourist destination in India. It is famous for its white sand coral beaches with sparkling and crystal clear blue water. The magic world of Lakshadweep Islands is an ideal tourist place for family trips, tropical vacations or celebration of romantic honeymoon. There are so many activities one can experience and perform.

Location

Lakshadweep Islands, a tropical paradise known for its beautiful coral reefs, pristine white sand beaches full of crystal clear blue water is located in Arabian Sea in the Southwestern Coast of India. It lies at a distance of near about 300-400 kms from the Cochin city of Kerala and spread over an area of 32 square kms, thus making the smallest Union Territory of India in terms of both Population and geographical area.

Key Takeaways

• A best alternative to Maldives at cheap rates.
• A group of 36 Islands.
• Everyday explore a new beach.
• Experience underwater marine aquatic life and coral ecosystem.
• Enjoy adventure and thrill of water sports activities.
• Lifetime memorable experience of Cruise and ferry ride.
• Experience new horizons with amazing sunrise and sunset views.
• A perfect destination for Honeymoon couples.
• Enjoy the experience of having a romantic candle light dinner under vast open sky sitting by the side a beautiful beach.
• An amazing and beautiful place to spend vacations with friends and family.

Population

The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Islands has a very low population of approximately 70,000 and is dominated by Muslim community people which comprises of 97% of the total population. The majority of the population resides on the three main islands. The people of this coral island are heartwarming, nice, gentle, helpful and lives a very simple life.

Route Map

The route map to Lakshadweep Islands is very simple. In order to reach these Islands, one has to reach to Cochin city of Kerala, which serves as the gateway to Lakshadweep Islands. Cochin city of Kerala is well connected through rest of India by road, air and rail network. After reaching Cochin city, the first thing tourists have to do is to collect permit for Lakshadweep Islands, without which journey to these islands is not possible. Once the permit is collected, now there are two ways to kick start the journey to the Islands, which are mentioned below:

1. Flight: Tourists willing to travel through air can reap the benefits of flight which takes near about one and a half hour to reach Lakshadweep Islands. The flight takes off from the Cochin International Airport and lands on the Agatti Island. The journey by air provides the best 360 degree aerial view of the breath taking beaches and islands. The cost of flight ticket varies in between Rs 5000-6000 per person for one side.
2. Cruise: The second option tourists can take is journey through cruise bisecting the ripples of water in the sea. The journey through cruise takes near about 14 to 20 hours from Cochin. The tourists can also book Samundram Package issued by Sports Lakshadweep tourism through travel agency GOL authorized by Govt of India. The Samundram Package comprises of different packages like Diamond package which costs around Rs 40000 per person, gold package which costs near about Rs 30000 per person.

Advantage of Samundra Package:

• It covers almost everything right from lodging to visiting beaches.
• It is budget friendly and turns out to be cheaper than other travel modes.
• It takes care of your meal while staying at beaches which saves your lots of money.
• It provides 2-3 complimentary water sports adventurous activities at beaches, thereby again save some hard earned bucks.

Mode of Transportation

The mode of transport from one island to other island is mostly the speed boats. The speed boats are fully equipped with air conditioners, adjustable seats, toilet facilities and entertainment activities. The fare for the speed boats varies from Rs 3000-5000 per person. The tourists can experience the thrill of adventurous ferry ride in the ocean.

Must Visit Islands:

The coral islands are famous worldwide for sparkling and stunning beaches. The tourists are not allowed by the administration to explore all the islands and are in restricted zone. The most visited and explored islands by tourists are as:

1. Agatti Island It serves as a gateway to Lakshadweep Island for those visitors who choose travel by flight. Agatti Island hosts the airport facility in entire Lakshadweep Islands. The island is well suited for enjoying snorkeling in its calm lagoons or visit the local fish hatchery to learn about marine conservation.
2. Bangaram Island A tropical Island known for its powdery white sands and vibrant coral reefs. It serves as an ideal place for scuba diving, with dive centers offering PADI certified courses (Rs 4,000 to 6,000 per session).
3. Kavaratti Island It serves as capital of Lakshadweep Islands and considered as most developed Islands in entire Lakshadweep. Join a guided cultural tour to explore local markets (Rs 1,000 to 2,000).
4. Municoy Island The southernmost island, known for a large lighthouse, tuna fishing industries and its unique culture influenced by Maldivian traditions. Experience tuna fishing tours or traditional ‘Jehu Dhoni’ boat rides (Rs 2,500 to 4,000).
5. Kadmat Island Also known as Cardamom Island and takes boats ride of about 2 and a half hour to reach this island from Agatti Island. Visit the eco friendly handicraft center for coconut shell souvenirs.
6. Kalpeni Island Kalpeni Island captivates every visitor with its untouched landscapes. The island offers a perfect mix of serenity with adventure. Kalpeni Islands are known for its breath taking coral formations. Try glass bottom boat rides to view marine life without getting wet (Rs 1,500 to 2,500).

Water Sports Activities

These incredible Islands are famous across the globe for its water sports activities. The major and wildly performed water sports activities are briefed as below:

1. Scuba Diving: Scuba diving forms the major water sports activity and provides the opportunity to tourists to immerse in the water and experience under water aquatic life and encounter with the sightseeing of tropical colorful fishes, graceful rays and majestic turtles. The tourists can perform the scuba diving safely with the help of certified instructors and well maintained equipment. The tourists can enjoy the benefits of scuba diving at very reasonable rates which may vary from Rs 3500-5500 per person with equipment included.
2. Snorkeling: The crystal clear lagoon provides the perfect platform for snorkeling. Snorkeling provides the tourists to see the close proximity of underwater marine life. The cost for enjoying snorkeling here in these islands may vary from Rs 500 to 1800, depending upon the season.
3. Kayaking: Kayaking forms another water sports activity which is very popular in this coral Island. The calm water of these serene lagoons hosts a perfect stage for Kayaking where the tourists paddle through the sparkling water. Kayak rentals costs Rs 500 to 1,000 per hour.
4. Glass-Bottom Boat Rides: It serves as window for tourists to explore underwater world. This activity is for those tourists who are either afraid of entering in to the water or who want to keep them dry while witnessing the wonders of coral islands beneath the surface of sparkling water. The ride cost vary from Rs 1,500 to 2,500 per person.
5. Catamaran Sailing: It is some sort of relaxing seafaring experience where tourists can feel the sea breeze touching their skin under the warm sunlight while sailing along the coastline. It leaves the tourists with one of their best and never forgetting lifetime experience. The session costs Rs 2,000 to 3,500.
6. Jet Skiing: The coral lagoons here provide a perfect stage for adventure to jet skiing enthusiasts. The tourists can experience the thrill of racing over the water waves with sun over their face and wind weaving their hairs. The rates vary from Rs 1,000 to 2,000 for a 15 minute ride. All activities are regulated for safety, with Eco-friendly guidelines to protect reefs.

Best Season

Although, tourists can visit and explore these pristine Islands anytime throughout the year but the best season considered to explore these stunning Islands is from October to April. This is due to the reason of reflection of intense sunlight after April month and arrival of monsoon season.

Lodging/ staying facilities

Lakshadweep Islands are well equipped with proper lodging and staying facilities with availability of quality food. However, the rooms available are somewhat costlier than other tourist places. The beach side cottages in Kavaratti and Bangaram costs around Rs 8,000 to 15,000 per night (2025 rates), offering stunning views with modern amenities. The home stays on Agatti and Minicoy, priced at Rs 3,000 to 6,000 provide a local experience. Although rooms are costly but very well maintained. The tourists coming through Samundram package don’t require lodging facilities as they have to stay in the cruise with meal provided.

Advisory Issues

• Keep sunglasses ready with you as it protects your eyes from the intense sunlight reflected from the white sand beaches.
• Always keep a pair of extra clothes with you while traveling to beaches.
• Always keep slippers ready with you while visiting beaches.
• Listen and follow the instructions of Instructors carefully while doing water activities.
• Keep basic necessary medicines with you during the travel.
• Don’t forget to keep the printed copy of permit with you.
• Try to carry sunscreen with you.
• Always wear life jackets wherever required.
• Don’t forget to avail the services of LTC (Leave Travel Concession), if you are a Govt. employee.

Conclusion

If anyone wants to enjoy Maldives like experience in India at very reasonable and budget friendly cheap rates, then, these Islands are ideal destination for the visit. Lakshadweep Islands offer a serene yet adventurous escape, blending turquoise waters, vibrant marine life and rich cultural heritage. Plan your visit to this tropical paradise as an Eco-conscious trip for a memorable journey at a fraction of the Maldives’ cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)