Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, off the southwest coast of India. Only 11 of these islands are inhabited, and each one offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and rich marine life. Whether you want to relax on the white sands, snorkel or scuba dive among the colorful fish, or explore the local culture and cuisine, Lakshadweep has something for everyone. Lakshadweep is also a biodiversity hotspot, with many endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. Experience the beauty and diversity of Lakshadweep, India’s smallest union territory, and one of its most enchanting destinations.
Places to visit in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep has 12 atolls, each with its charm and attractions. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Kavaratti: The administrative capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is a bustling island with modern amenities and facilities. It has a beautiful lagoon, a marine aquarium, a museum, and several mosques. You can also enjoy water sports like kayaking, sailing, and glass-bottom boat rides here.
- Kalpeni: Kalpeni is known for its scenic beauty and adventurous activities. It has a large lagoon with coral reefs and sandbanks. You can indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, and reef walking here. You can also visit the historic Tip Beach, where the British forces landed during the First Anglo-Mysore War in 1783.
- Minicoy: Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep and the closest one to the Maldives. It has a distinct culture and language, influenced by the Maldivian settlers. It has a crescent-shaped lagoon, a lighthouse, a tuna canning factory, and a cultural center. You can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and surfing here.
- Kadmat: Kadmat is a paradise for water lovers, as it has a long and narrow lagoon with crystal-clear water. It is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. It also has a water sports institute, where you can learn and practice various water sports. Kadmat is also home to some rare species of turtles and seabirds.
Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and conducive for water sports activities. The temperature remains between 22°C to 36°C and one can partake in adventures like surfing, swimming, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking, and so on. After the summer months, monsoon rains between June and September, make the place even greener but the islands experience heavy rainfall and rough seas, making it difficult to travel. The peak season in Lakshadweep is from December to February.
How to Reach Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep is well-connected to the mainland by air and sea. You can reach Lakshadweep by:
- Air: The nearest airport to Lakshadweep is Agatti, connected to Kochi and Bangalore by flights. From Agatti, you can take a helicopter or a boat to the other islands.
- Sea: It is recommended to take the Samudram package if you have chosen the sea route. You can also take a ship from Kochi to Lakshadweep, which takes about 14 to 20 hours. Different types of ships, such as passenger, luxury, and cruise, operate on different schedules and routes. You can choose the one that suits your budget and preference.
What are the things to see & do in Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep offers a range of activities for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the things you can do in Lakshadweep:
- Relax on the beach: Lakshadweep has some of the most stunning beaches in India, with soft white sand and clear blue water. You can relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the breeze. You can also watch the sunrise and sunset, and admire the starry sky at night.
- Explore the marine life: Lakshadweep is a treasure trove of marine life, with over 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral, and 82 species of seaweed. You can explore the underwater world by snorkeling or scuba diving, and see the colorful corals, fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. You can also visit the marine aquarium and museum, where you can learn more about the marine ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Experience the local culture: Lakshadweep has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by the Hindu, Muslim, and Maldivian traditions. You can experience the local culture by visiting the mosques, temples, and churches, and witnessing the festivals and celebrations. You can also taste the local cuisine, which is mainly seafood-based, with coconut, rice, and spices. You can also shop for handicrafts, such as coconut shell products, mats, and pottery.
- Enjoy the adventure: Lakshadweep is a perfect destination for adventure seekers, as it offers a variety of water sports and activities. You can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. You can also go for island hopping, lagoon cruising, fishing, and camping. You can also take a helicopter ride, and get a bird’s eye view of the islands.
Things to buy in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is not a typical shopping destination, as it does not have many malls or markets. However, you can still find some souvenirs and handicrafts to take back home. Some of the things you can buy in Lakshadweep are:
- Coconut shell products: Lakshadweep is famous for its coconut shell products, such as lamps, bowls, spoons, and ornaments.
- Mats: Lakshadweep is also known for its mats, which are made from coconut leaves, pandanus leaves, or screw pine leaves. These mats are colorful and durable and can be used as floor coverings, wall hangings, or bags.
- Pottery: Lakshadweep has a tradition of pottery, mainly practiced by women. You can find pottery items such as pots, vases, cups, and plates, in different shapes and sizes. These pottery items are decorated with floral and geometric patterns and have a glossy finish.
- Spices: Lakshadweep is also a good place to buy spices, such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. These spices are grown locally and are of high quality and flavor.
Lakshadweep’s Itinerary
Lakshadweep is a destination that can be explored in different ways, depending on your interests and preferences. Here is a sample itinerary for a 7-day trip to Lakshadweep, covering some of the major attractions and activities.
- Day 1: Arrive at Kochi, and board the ship to Lakshadweep. Enjoy the scenic views of the sea, and relax on the deck. Overnight on the ship.
- Day 2: Reach Lakshadweep, and transfer to Kavaratti island. Check-in to your resort, and enjoy the facilities. In the afternoon, visit the marine aquarium, the museum, and the Jamnath mosque. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program, and a barbecue dinner. Overnight at Kavaratti.
- Day 3: After breakfast, go for a lagoon cruise, and enjoy the views of the coral reefs and the marine life. You can also try some water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, and glass-bottom boat rides. In the afternoon, visit the Ujra mosque, and the Buddhist archaeological site. In the evening, watch the sunset, and relax on the beach. Overnight at Kavaratti.
- Day 4: After breakfast, transfer to Kalpeni Island. Check-in to your resort, and enjoy the facilities. In the afternoon, go for a snorkeling or scuba diving session, and explore the underwater world. You can also go for a reef walk, and see the corals and fish up close. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program, and a barbecue dinner. Overnight at Kalpeni.
- Day 5: After breakfast, transfer to Minicoy Island. Check-in to your resort, and enjoy the facilities. In the afternoon, visit the lighthouse, the tuna canning factory, and the cultural center. You can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and surfing. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program, and a barbecue dinner. Overnight at Minicoy.
- Day 6: After breakfast, transfer to Kadmat island. Check-in to your resort, and enjoy the facilities. In the afternoon, go for a snorkeling or scuba diving session, and explore the underwater world. You can also visit the water sports institute, and learn some water sports. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program, and a barbecue dinner. Overnight at Kadmat.
- Day 7: After breakfast, transfer to Agatti Island. Check-in to your resort, and enjoy the facilities. In the afternoon, take a helicopter ride, and get a bird’s eye view of the islands. You can also go for a shopping spree, and buy some souvenirs and handicrafts. In the evening, board the ship back to Kochi. Enjoy the farewell dinner, and share your memories of Lakshadweep with your fellow travelers. Overnight on the ship.
- This is the end of the sample itinerary for Lakshadweep. I hope you enjoyed reading it, and found it useful and informative. Lakshadweep is a beautiful and fascinating destination, that will surely leave you spellbound. If you are planning to visit Lakshadweep, make sure to book your tickets and accommodation in advance, as the islands have limited capacity and permits. Also, respect the local culture and environment, and follow the rules and regulations of the islands. Have a wonderful and safe trip to Lakshadweep. 😊
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Lakshadweep, and their answers.
- Q: Do I need a permit to visit Lakshadweep?
- A: Yes, you need a permit to visit Lakshadweep, as it is a restricted area. You can get the permit from the Lakshadweep Tourism office in Kochi, or from the authorized travel agents. You need to submit your ID proof, passport size photo, and travel details. The permit is valid for the duration of your stay, and for the islands you have booked.
- Q: What is the currency used in Lakshadweep?
- A: The currency used in Lakshadweep is the Indian Rupee (INR). You can exchange your foreign currency at the airport, or at the banks and ATMs on the islands. However, it is advisable to carry enough cash, as the availability of ATMs and card machines is limited on the islands.
- Q: What is the language spoken in Lakshadweep?
- A: The official language of Lakshadweep is Malayalam, which is spoken by most of the people on the islands. However, some of the islands have their own dialects, such as Mahl on Minicoy, and Jeseri on Amini and Kiltan. English and Hindi are also understood by some of the people, especially the staff at the resorts and the guides.
- Q: What is the dress code in Lakshadweep?
- A: Lakshadweep is a conservative and religious place, where most people follow Islam. Therefore, you should dress modestly and respectfully, and avoid wearing revealing or tight clothes. You should also cover your head and shoulders when entering mosques or other religious places. For the beach and water sports, you can wear swimsuits, but make sure to change into dry clothes when leaving the beach. You should also carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and an umbrella, to protect yourself from the sun.