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Domestic » Beaches |
Lakshadweep [India] |
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The charm of Lakshadweep Islands lies in their remote pristine splendour. The beautiful islands are densely covered with coconut palms, threaded by an unbroken line of sand, each island serenely set in a sea whose waters range from the palest aquamarine and turquoise to the deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli. Lakshadweep’s magical silence lies unbroken but for the cry of a seabird, or the sound of waves lapping on the shores. Snorkelling or deep sea diving bring alive the waters with amazing clarity and colour.
Among the islands, the administrative capital, Kavaratti, has 52 mosques, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. A well at this mosque is believed to contain water with curative powers. Kavaratti also has an aquarium displaying several species of fish.
Kalpeni has three uninhabited satellite islands, each surrounded by a vast lagoon of spectacular beauty. At Koomel, you can swim, reef walk, snorkel or go for water sports like kayaking and sailing. Perfect for swimming makes the Kadmat lagoon a haven. It is the only island with lagoons on both the eastern and western sides. Furthest from Kavaratti, 200 km away to the south and nearer to the Maldives, is Minicoy which has a lighthouse built by the British in 1885. This lagoon is known for its traditional lava dance. Agatti has the only airport here and is the gateway to Lakshadweep. Bangaram is a tear-drop shaped island encircled by dazzling sands. There are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll accessible by outboarding, sailing, rowing and, for the adventurous, by kayaking or wind-surfing. The warm, clear, deep waters of the Indian Ocean are an irresistible invitation to scuba divers and promises an addictive experience. The Bangaram Island Resort is a "must do." |
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BEST TIME TO VISIT |
October – May
(From mid May to September it is rainy. Though all the resorts in Lakshadweep are open throughout the year, reaching there by ship is difficult during monsoon. Islands like Agatti and Bangaram are pleasant even during the monsoon and can be reached by flight form Kochi.) |
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HOW TO GET THERE |
- BY AIR: Major domestic flights operate daily from Kochi to Agatti island.
- BY SHIP: Four all weather ships M.V. Bharat Seema, M.V Tipu Sultan, M.V Aminidivi and M.V Minicoy operate between Kochi and the islands. The travel time is approximately 14 to 18 hours depending on island chosen for journey.
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