Lakshadweep - India’s Hidden Paradise of Turquoise Waters & Pristine Shores
- Aj
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
A place that recently took the internet by storm by our honourable Prime Minister’s visit and garnered a lot of attention from travellers worldwide. Let’s explore this hidden gem.
A place that’s away from India but is also a part of it is located on the southwestern coast of India. Lakshadweep is the most underrated place that's lately been explored, but there is none other than Lakshadweep. One of India's best-kept secrets is this tropical paradise. With its immaculate beaches, glistening oceans, and abundant marine life, Lakshadweep is a wonderful location for anyone looking for peace and adventure.
It is a union territory of India. Lakshadweep is basically an archipelago of 36 islands divided into three island subgroups: the Amindivi Islands in the north, the Laccadive Islands, and the atoll of Minicoy to the south of the Nine Degree Channel. The islands are located between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Laccadive Sea to the east, about 220–440 km (140–270 mi) off the Malabar Coast of mainland India.
The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’. The capital is Kavaratti.
1. Location and Geography
Lakshadweep is a 36-island group in the Arabian Sea that includes 10 inhabited islands and 17 uninhabited islands, along with a large number of atolls, reefs, and sandbanks.
The islands are famous for their unique morphology, which consists of azure lagoons and coral reefs around lush landscapes.
2. Historical and Cultural
Before being renamed Lakshadweep in 1973, the islands were called the "Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands. Trade from the Portuguese, Arabs, and Indians has influenced the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep.
Islam has a major influence on Lakshadweep culture. The islanders' strong ties to the sea are reflected in their traditional dance, music, and food. Malayalam is the most commonly spoken language, and Mahl is also used in the Minicoy area.
3. Climate and Best Time to Visit
The tropical climate of Lakshadweep makes it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.
Seasonal Breakdown:
Summer (March to May): Warm temperatures with a cool sea breeze.
Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall; not ideal for tourism.
Winter (October to February): The best time to visit, with mild temperatures and calm seas.
4. How to Reach Lakshadweep
Reaching Lakshadweep requires careful planning.
By Air: Lakshadweep's only airport is located on Agatti Island. Regular flight departures are from Kochi, Kerala.
By Sea: Among the passenger ships that go between Kochi and the islands are the MV Kavaratti, MV Minicoy, and MV Lakshadweep. It takes 14 to 20 hours to travel by boat.
5. Nearby Attractions in Lakshadweep
The climate of the following islands is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. March to May is the hottest period of the year.
a) Agatti Island
It is known for its stunning beaches and coral reefs. Also, it is a hub for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Agatti is the Airport stopover from Cochin on the way to Bangaram, which can be seen on the northern horizon.
In Agatti, coral growths and multicoloured coral fishes abound in its lagoons. Fishing is the most important industry there as it gets surplus fish. Next to Fishing, Coir and Copra are the main industries. The island also has the only airport in Lakshadweep.
b) Amini Island
This oval-shaped island is 2-3 m above sea level, with a depression at the centre. The island got its name from the Arabic word ‘Amin,’ meaning “faithful.” Corals and sandstone are used for building purposes. Craftsmen living here are quite talented and are famous for making walking sticks with tortoise shells and coconut shells. It’s also famous for stone engravers and has a rich tradition of folk songs.
c) Andrott Island
It is the only island with a very small lagoon area. Andrott is the nearest island to the mainland and has an east-west orientation. A well-developed fishing industry and thick vegetation, mainly coconut groves, add to the beauty of the island. Coir and Copra are the island's major products. Religious preachers from here are held in high esteem.
d) Bangaram Island
It's an uninhabited island that's open to tourists. A paradise for honeymooners, Bangaram Island offers serene beaches, luxury resorts, and breathtaking sunsets. It is surrounded by a shallow lagoon enclosed by a coral reef. Agatti is the gateway to Bangaram and is linked to Cochin for onward flights to metros. It has been ranked among the best gateways in the world. It offers the utmost privacy and unpolluted comfort with crystal-clear water. A beautiful sight of the graceful fishes, porcupines, parrots, pufferfishes, hermit crabs and sea birds on the vast 120 acres of lush coconut groves in Bangaram. There are numerous adventures like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. The resort has 60 bedded beach cottages with a multi-cuisine restaurant serving myriad delicacies. A well-stocked bar is also available.
e) Minicoy Island
Minicoy is culturally distinct from other islands, with its own language (Mahl) and traditions. It’s famous for the Minicoy Lighthouse and tuna fishing.
f) Bitra Island
The Bitra Island is the smallest inhabited island in the territory. Till 1835, Bitra was the breeding ground for a number of sea birds, a favourite hunt of Kiltan and Chetlat people. Surprisingly, the first permanent settler at Bitra was a woman from Chetlat who, with her son, set up a permanent settler at the house around 1945.
g) Chetlat Island
Along the eastern side of the island, there is a wide belt of coral delta formed by storms, which broadens at the north and covers the whole southern end of the island.
Chetlat is the northernmost inhabited island. Coir twisting is the chief occupation of the people here. The coconut yield is poor, and income is meagre. Manufacture of mats and weaving of coconut leaves are the spare time industries here. The island suffered a great deal at the hands of the Portuguese in the 16th century. Boat building was a flourishing industry at the beginning of the 20th century when all the vessels were built as per the requirement of Amindivi islanders.
h) Kadmat Island
Kadmat is a favourite destination for adventure seekers, offering scuba diving, snorkelling, and sailing. The island’s shallow lagoons are perfect for exploring marine life.
In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches and small sand banks on the southern tip for sunbaths. Kadmat has been identified with its tourist huts, which are aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves on the beaches facing the lagoon. The place is ideal for a real holiday. The scuba diving centre on the island has become an attraction for water sports enthusiasts.
i) Kalpeni Island
Kalpeni boasts a beautiful lagoon ideal for swimming and kayaking. It’s also known for its rich coral reefs and vibrant underwater life.
It offers the tourists a wonderful opportunity to explore their sporting skills and sportsmanship through the various water sports of the region.
The Kalpeni islands are a perfect blend of traditional culture and modern infrastructural amenities.
Representing the varied ecology of the region, Kalpeni island is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna along with many rare biological species of plants, animals and aquatic life.
j) Kavaratti Island
It is located in the centre of the Lakshadweep archipelago. Kavaratti has a small inland lake at its Northern end.
It has warm sandy beaches, which are narrow, and the lagoons around Kavratti are fabulous with starfish, anemones, sea cucumbers, countless multi-hued fishes and astounding corals. Located to the west of the Island, the lagoon is best suited for swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing. To the South of the Island lies Chicken Neck Point, which is a great place for water sports, including scuba diving and snorkelling. A glass-bottom boat ride offers a view of rich marine life and an array of extraordinary corals.
k) Kiltan Island
On the northern and southern ends of the island, there is a high storm beach. The island is thick in flora and is fertile. The summer nights in Kiltan are warmer, and it is usual for people to sleep outside their homes on the beaches. Kiltan has a rich tradition of folk dances.
