Densely covered by coconut palms and threaded together by
soft creamy sands and calm lagoons, Lakshadweep is fast becoming
a popular tourist attraction for the domestic as well as the
foreign traveller. Lying 200 - 400 km off the mainland of Kerala,
the conglomeration of thirty coral is- lands, Lakshadweep is
a fascinating experience. It comprises 36 islands -- large and
small, spreading over 32 sq km but only a few are open for tourists,
giving it a unique mystical appeal.
Literacy is very high -- much higher than the national average,
and therefore for an outsider there is hardly any language barrier
as most people understand English. And As only a few islands
are inhabited and open to tourists, the degradation of the environment
has been limited.
The main occupation followed by the inhabitants is fisheries
and coconut growing and related industries like coir making,
etc. Often the first catch of fish from every fishing boat is
offered at the mosques. Boat building was also once a traditional
occupation but with the advent of motor boats, the profession
has been discontinued.
KAVRATTI
Kavaratti, the administrative capital of the Lakshadweep islands,
is the most developed of the lot, and has the largest number
of non-islanders as residents. There are a number of mosques
(about fifty), the most beautiful being the Ujra Mosque. It
has an ornately carved ceiling, and a well whose water is believed
to have curative powers.
The island also has an aquarium with a variety of colourful
fish. There are glass-bottomed boats for cruising, and a floating
restaurant. The coral formations here are truly remarkable.
The island of Bangaram is open for international tourists but
has no inhabitants of its own. Tourist huts have been put up
here for the tourists. The island is beautifully romantic, little
visited, and surrounded by one of the largest and safest lagoons
with its calm, blue-green waters and white coral sands. There
is a luxuriant plantation of coconut which provide a cool deep
shade even on a hot day. Bangaram is an experience in peace
and tranquility, a memorable escape into isolation in complete
harmony with nature.
Tirmakara, Parali-I and Parali-II islands share the same lagoon
and the long coral reef and are easily accessible by out boarding,
sailing, rowing, kayaking and windsurfing. For the enthusiastic
scuba diver, there is a beautiful world waiting under water.
The warm, clear deep waters swarm with myriad marine life --
flora and fauna -- the exquisite corals, the rays, sting rays,
moray eels and turtles.
Some of the other islands open to tourists include Kalpeni,
Kadamat, and Minicoy. Minicoy boasts of a unique dance tradition
performed by men - called Lava - and which is performed on festive
occasions
ACCESS
Lakshadweep is connected by air from the mainland. Inter-island
tours are provided by fast motor boats. The islands are also
connected by large boats etc with the mainland. They provide
facilities like A/C, meals, bathrooms, cabins with attached
toilets, bed linen, etc.
Lakshadweep Travel Reservation Form
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