Lakshadweep, the name itself means “a hundred thousand islands”. However, this archipelago of 36 islands in the Indian Ocean is anything but crowded. In fact, Lakshadweep is one of the most secluded and serene destinations in India, where you can enjoy the pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and colorful coral reefs without the hustle and bustle of tourists.
But Lakshadweep is not just a place for relaxation, it is also a place for adventure. Whether you are into scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing, or island hopping, Lakshadweep has something for everyone. And if you are looking for some culture and history, you can visit the mosques, museums, and lighthouses that dot the islands.
Famous Islands in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, of which only 10 are inhabited by people. Some of the famous islands in Lakshadweep are:
Minicoy Island
This is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep and has a unique culture and language. It is known for its lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the island and the sea. It also has a beautiful beach called Thundi, where tourists can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and other water sports.
(Image Credit: Luxury Trails of India)
Agatti Island
This is the gateway to Lakshadweep, as it has the only airport in the archipelago. It is on a coral atoll and has rich marine life and coral reefs. Tourists can explore the island on foot or by renting a two-wheeler, and indulge in activities like scuba diving, fishing, and boating.
(Image Credit: On His Own Trip)
Bangaram Island
This is the largest island in the Bangaram atoll, and one of the few islands that allows alcohol consumption. It is a popular destination for honeymooners and celebrities, as it offers privacy and luxury in a serene setting. It has a single beach resort, and a lagoon that is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing.
Kadmat Island
This is a long and narrow island, surrounded by a lagoon on one side and the open sea on the other1. It is a paradise for divers, as it has some of the best diving sites in Lakshadweep, with clear water and diverse marine life. It also has a turtle nesting ground, where tourists can witness the hatching of baby turtles.
Kalpeni Island
This is a cluster of three islands, namely Kalpeni, Pitti, and Tilakkam1. It has a large lagoon, where tourists can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and reef walking. It also has a lighthouse, which offers a splendid view of the sunset and the surrounding islands.
(Image Credit: Holiday Travel)
Kavaratti Island
This is the capital and the most populated island of Lakshadweep1. It has a museum, a mosque, and an aquarium, where tourists can learn about the history, culture, and marine life of Lakshadweep. It also has a beach, where tourists can relax and watch the ducks and crabs.
The islands are open to tourists, and the locals are friendly and hospitable. Lakshadweep is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of nature, and also learn about the challenges and opportunities of island life.
How to reach Lakshadweep?
So, how do you get to Lakshadweep? Well, there are two ways: by air or by sea.
If you are looking for a quick and convenient way, you can take a flight from Kochi to Agatti, the only island with an airstrip. The flight takes about an hour and a half and offers a stunning view of the islands and the ocean. From Agatti, you can take a boat or a helicopter to other islands, such as Bangaram, Thinnakara, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy, or Kalpeni.
If you are looking for a more adventurous and economical way, you can take a ship from Kochi, Mangalore or Beypore. There are seven government ships that operate between the mainland and the islands, and they offer different classes of accommodation, from A/C cabins to bunk beds.
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- The ship journey takes about 14 to 18 hours, depending on the island you choose. You can also enjoy the onboard facilities, such as a doctor, a restaurant, and a recreation room.
But what if you are not in Kochi, Mangalore, or Beypore?
Do not worry, you can still reach Lakshadweep by train. There are many trains that connect these cities with other major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and more. Here are some of the train routes that you can take to reach Lakshadweep:
Delhi to Kochi: You can take the Mangala Lakshadweep Express (12618) from H Nizamuddin to Ernakulam Jn. The train runs daily and takes about 43 hours to reach Kochi.
Mumbai to Kochi: You can take the Kerala Sampark Kranti Express (12218) from Bandra Terminus to Ernakulam Jn. The train runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays and takes about 27 hours to reach Kochi.
Kolkata to Mangalore: You can take the Santragachi Mangaluru Central Vivek Express (22851) from Santragachi Jn to Mangalore Central. The train runs on Thursdays and takes about 40 hours to reach Mangalore.
Chennai to Beypore: You can take the West Coast Express (22637) from Chennai Central to Kozhikode. The train runs daily and takes about 12 hours to reach Kozhikode. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to Beypore, which is about 10 km away.
Once you reach Lakshadweep, you will need an entry permit to visit the islands. You can apply for the permit online or offline, and you will need to submit some documents, such as your ID proof, address proof, and passport size photo. You can also book your accommodation and activities through the official Lakshadweep Tourism website or through authorized agents.
Lakshadweep is a place that will make you fall in love with its natural beauty, its cultural diversity, and its peaceful atmosphere. It is a place that will make you forget about the row between India and the Maldives, and make you appreciate the harmony between humans and nature. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Lakshadweep.
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