Lakshadweep is a group of islands that make up India's smallest union territory. The name literally translates to "a hundred thousand islands." Only around 10 of them are inhabited by humans, with the rest being utilised for coconut plantations, tourism, fish hatcheries, and a variety of other things. Formerly known as the Laccadive Islands, it is home to some of India's most beautiful and tropical islands and beaches.
Lakshadweep is a popular holiday destination for environment enthusiasts due to its lush green scenery, fantastic marine life, smooth silvery beaches, and water sports. Each island is surrounded by snow-white coral sands. The crystal blue ocean and plentiful marine life add to the islands' natural splendour. Against the immense expanse of the blue water, the islands look to be emeralds.
You can either participate in thrilling water sports or simply relax on the beach and take in the scenery. Scuba diving is the main attraction in this archipelago. There is a specialised diving institute there that can assist you in having an amazing scuba diving experience.
To visit Lakshadweep, which is commonly accessed from Kochi (Kerala), all travellers must first get a permit (including Indians). Foreigners are only allowed to visit Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat Islands after receiving a permit. Indians are able to visit all islands after acquiring a permit. Permits can be obtained directly from the city of Kochi.
The Agatti Islands are part of India's Lakshadweep group of islands, which are regarded as a jewel. The island is one of the few inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep group and is located on one of the coral isles of the Lakshadweep islands. To go about the island, you can either walk or hire a two-wheeler.
Agatti Island's lovely palm-fringed islands, stretched virgin beaches, multi-hued shallow, tranquil lagoon with its many life forms, diamond surf generated by waves crashing against the reef, and the deep blue of the Arabian Sea are all visual feasts. Discover Agatti Island's rich marine life by diving deep into the turquoise sea or taking a glass bottom boat trip.
It is a 10km long coconut-covered island in the southernmost section of the Lakshadweep Islands. Minicoy Island's tall lighthouse is one of the oldest, having been built by the British in 1885. Ancient Buddha-related stupas and constructions dating back nearly 800 years may also be found on the island. There are a lot of mosques worth visiting as well. One of the best sites to visit here is the Juma Masjid.
It is a gorgeous coral island with a coral reef and seagrass ecosystem as well as warm silvery beaches that runs for 9.3 kilometres. Visitors from outside India are invited to visit Lakshadweep Island, which provides a variety of water activities. Marine turtles that lay their eggs on the islands help to conserve and safeguard marine biodiversity on Kadmat Island.
There is a cruise facility that runs from Agatti to Kadmat and is highly praised for its stunning and picture-perfect surroundings.
Bangaram Island is the ideal setting for a laid-back lifestyle, where a Van Gogh masterpiece or a Hemingway classic could be born. The immaculate island is uninhabited save for a few tourists from the neighbouring island; Agatti- It offers ultimate privacy and an incomparable sense of well-being to soul-searching travellers. Outdoor activities on Bangaram Island include kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling, among other things.
Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep and can be called its headquarters, with the best spots to visit in Lakshadweep and numerous things to do on its warm sandy beaches with breathtaking vistas. It's the best site to see the island's uncommon marine creatures, which swarm the lagoons. Kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving are among the popular water sports in Kavaratti. The Marine Museum and the Ujra Mosque are both worth seeing on the island.
The people of Lakshadweep have a rich culture. There are numerous rites and customs that can be found here. The island of Lakshadweep is known for its numerous customs and cultural activities, which add to the island's overall charm. The people of Lakshadweep are said to practise a variety of religious practises that were originally promoted by Saint Ubaidullah, who is credited with bringing Islam to the island.
The original people of Lakshadweep were Hindus who converted to Islam after migrating from Kerala's Malabar coast in the 7th century. Lakshadweep's culture is quite similar to Kerala's in many ways. The cultural practises of those who reside on the islands reflect its near proximity to Kerala, as well as its impact.
The people who dwell on this island speak in a dialect that is a mix of Indian and Arabic, similar to the inhabitants of Kerala. People in Lakshadweep speak only Malayalam, however in the Minicoy area, they speak a Dhivehi dialect known as Mahl. Jeseri is also spoken (Dweep Bhasha).
Some of the most well-known tribes on the Lakshadweep islands are the Koyas, Malmis, Melacheris, Aminidivis, and Manikfanss. These five major tribes have had a significant impact on the history of Lakshadweep. The Aminidivis are believed to be the first people to arrive on the islands. The Malmis tribe used to work for the Koya tribe, who used to possess the land. Melodies used to be mostly composed of members of the working class.
Aside from Minicoy, the tribal men of this coastal country wear lungis, which are rectangular pieces of fabric with their edges stitched together. The new generation prefers to wear a shirt over lingo. Women of Lakshadweep wear kachi, which is similar to lungi but with unstitched edges. Kachi comes in two colours: black and white, with black borders. For ladies, the most typical choice is a long-sleeved jacket. The front of the jacket is brightly coloured and embroidered. Thattam is a long scarf worn as a headpiece that covers the head and shoulders. Both men and women wear a silver thread around their waists.
The principal industries of the islands are tuna, coir, vinegar, jaggery, and copra. Because coconut is the only crop farmed in the area, it is crucial to their survival. Another important component of the Lakshadweep way of life is fishing. The handicrafts of Lakshadweep are likewise well-known around the world. Island artists use coir, corals, shells, and oysters, among other materials, to create stunning jewellery and ornamental pieces.
Fairs and Festivals of Lakshadweep:
Lakshadweep hosts a number of notable festivals, each of which highlights the islanders' rich and long-standing culture. Even tourists who come to Lakshadweep for tranquil and serene vacations can't help but join in the fascinating festivities.
Because Kerala and Lakshadweep are so close, the flavours, ingredients, and style of Kerala's cuisine and food have a big influence on the food and cuisines here. The island's meal is largely defined by seafood and coconut preparation.
The following suggestions are worth a shot:
The picturesque small islets of Lakshadweep offer an unusual beach vacation because they are far away from civilization. The island's markets aren't particularly developed, and there are only a few Lakshadweep souvenirs available.
By Air – The Agatti Airport on Agatti Island is Lakshadweep's only airport. This airport is linked to the airport in Cochin. Those considering a journey to Lakshadweep should begin by booking tickets to Kerala's Cochin International Airport, which is well connected to the rest of the world. A helicopter service is available from Agatti to Kavaratti, which is open all year. It takes roughly one hour and thirty minutes to reach Agatti from Cochin. These flights are offered six days a week, except on Sundays.
By Railway – Due to Lakshadweep's exceptional water accessibility, this is the most preferred mode of transportation. Seven passenger ships service the island of Lakshadweep. The ships' names are MV Arabian Sea, MV Dweep Setu, MV Kavaratti, MV Bharat Seema, MV Minicoy, MV Lakshadweep Sea, and MV Amindivi Sea. The journey on these ships can be very exciting and pleasurable. They take between 14 and 20 hours to arrive at their destination. Depending on their budget and needs, passengers can pick from A/C Deluxe Class cabins with two berths, A/C First Class cabins with four berths, and Tourist Class with A/C chairs. These ships are extremely pleasant, including a restaurant, a bar, and a casino.
By Road – Due to Lakshadweep's exceptional water accessibility, this is the most preferred mode of transportation. Seven passenger ships service the island of Lakshadweep. The ships' names are MV Arabian Sea, MV Dweep Setu, MV Kavaratti, MV Bharat Seema, MV Minicoy, MV Lakshadweep Sea, and MV Amindivi Sea. The journey on these ships can be very exciting and pleasurable. They take between 14 and 20 hours to arrive at their destination. Depending on their budget and needs, passengers can pick from A/C Deluxe Class cabins with two berths, A/C First Class cabins with four berths, and Tourist Class with A/C chairs. These ships are extremely pleasant, including a restaurant, a bar, and a casino.
