Tucked 406 km off the Malabar coast, Lakshadweep is truly a hidden gem. With pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, it is one of the five places in India with coral reefs.
Despite offering breathtaking views with the perfect mix of culture and heritage, Lakshadweep remained a road less travelled. In fact, the island was given the National Ecotourism Award in 1997.
However, with entry restrictions, limited air connectivity, and a small airport, the archipelago of 36 islands remained untouched by tourists.
Nevertheless, leading online travel company MakeMyTrip recently reported a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep. This sudden spike can be attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the islands, and the subsequent tension that unfolded on social media.
On January 5, PM Modi posted images on social media of himself enjoying the beaches of Lakshadweep.
“I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list,” he wrote.
Lined with coral white beaches, Lakshadweep is one of the few places in India where one can spot corals
While it soon led to a controversy and a diplomatic row between Maldives and India, the smallest union territory of India, spread across only 32 sq kms, garnered attention like never before. According to media reports, flights to Lakshadweep have been sold out until March this year. The Lakshadweep administration also said that it was expecting over Rs 20,000 crore in investments in the coming days to pitch it in the same league as Maldives.
If you are planning a trip to the mesmerising islands soon, YS Life has curated a list of everything you need to know before you plan your itinerary.
With the Arabian Sea on the west and Laccadive Sea on the east, Lakshadweep is to be one part of a hundred islands. With Kavaratti as its capital, Lakshadweep comes under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court. The island, connected by ships and flights, can only be reached via Kochi.
According to the official website of Lakshadweep, seven passenger ships operate between Kochi and the islands, taking about 14-18 hours, and the charges can range between Rs 2,200 to Rs 7,500, per person.
A more convenient mode of transportation is opting for a flight. Only one Alliance Air operates between Cochin International Airport and Agatti Airport, the only airstrip in Lakshadweep. The 1 hr 25 min flight departs at 8: 55 AM and lands at 10: 20 AM. The average cost per person is Rs 5,500.
Agatti Airport is the only airstrip in the Lakshadweep Islands
A weekend getaway in the unexplored Sindhudurg, experiencing rustic luxury in Coco Shambhala
Irrespective of the mode of transportation, an entry permit is mandatory for not just foreign travellers but also for Indian citizens who are not a native of the union territory, to enter the islands. Travellers can obtain a permit online through the ePermit portal. Indians need to get an entry permit by providing their name, address, date and place of birth, preferred islands that they wish to visit, and travel dates. Indians can visit all the islands of Lakshadweep.
Foreign nationals also need to provide their passport and visa details, besides the entry permit. However, foreigners are only permitted in the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat islands. with a valid passport and visa will only be allowed to visit Kadmat, Minicoy and Thinnakara, after due permission from administrators.
One also needs to keep in mind that only a certain number of tourists are allowed in the islands at any given time. It is therefore necessary to make all the bookings in advance.
The peak season to visit Lakshadweep is between October and February, with temperature ranging between 22 and 30 degree Celsius. The mornings are sunny and nights are breezy–ideal for a summer beach vacation.
While it is warmer between March and May, with temperatures soaring above 32 degree Celsius, the evenings can be calmer and the skies clearer. June to September are off season due to heavy rainfall that make travelling across the islands extremely challenging.
Of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited. The most popular ones include Minicoy, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Bangaram and Thinnakara.
Lakshadweep's charm lies in its rustic beach-way of life. And the dearth of tourism in the islands never triggered the luxury hotel chains to give Lakshadweep enough attention. Recently after the India-Maldives row, the Tata Group announced its intention to set up two Taj branded hotels on the Suheli and Kadmat islands by 2026.
Kalpeni Island in Lakshadweep
For tourists planning a trip between now and then, the options for accommodation are limited to local beach resorts spread across Agatti, Kadmath, Minicoy and Bangaram.
The largest island, Andrott is the closest to the Indian mainland and is popular for the remains of ancient Buddhist archaeology.
Agatti, the only island with an airport, is spread across 3.3 sq km, overlooking a 25 km lagoon. It is ideal for sunbathing, taking a stroll along the beach, and indulging in water activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving to experience the vibrant sea life up and close.
Minicoy, the second largest island and one closest to the 90 Channel–the busiest shipping port in the Arabian Sea, offers silver sand beaches. It is best to go scuba diving here to witness the coral reefs.
Green sea turtle swimming through the crystal clear lagoon at Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
Kavaratti, the capital city, is the most developed island. It is home to 52 mosques and the marine museum. Lined with white coral sands, it is worth visiting the islands of Kadmath, Kiltan, Chetlat, Kalpeni, Amini, and Thinnakara.
Kadmat has also emerged as one of the most beautiful dive centres in India. It is a haven for water sports including scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkelling, surfing, water skiing, and yachting.
Having said that, #ExploreIndianIslands does not just limit one to Lakshadweep. If you wish to discover and experience India beyond the usual, check this list by YS Life.
(All images are sourced from Shutterstock)
Edited by Affirunisa Kankudti
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