The coral islands of Lakshadweep, a total of 36, of which 10 are inhabited, in recent years have become popular tourist destinations. One of the last places in the world where little has changed, Lakshadweep Isles in the Indian Ocean's Lakshadweep sea are surrounded by lagoons and are known for their pristine beauty. Coconut trees abound, the beaches are silver crescents, and the sea is a crystal clear endless blueness. The coral formations underwataer form an amazingly colourful garden and the variety of fish that inhabit these waters is truly exotic. Tourism is restricted to ensure that the environment is not ecologically damaged.

The Lakshadweep arachipelago is located between 155 and 261 nautical miles (287 and 483 km) from Cochin on the mainland. Tourism is restricted to ensure that the delicate environment is not ecologically dameged.Only five islands are open for tourism-four to domestic tourists and two for international travellers.

Bangram, the resort for international tourists, is uninhabited. The four islands that are open for domestic tourism are Kavarattim the administrative capital; Kalpani with its rich coral and marine life; Kadmat with its very fine beach; and Minicoy which has one of the largest lagoons in the archipelago. Agatti has beautiful lagoons and the airport is located here.

Visitors can arrive by ship, enjoy a wide range of watersports, explore marine life, and relax. Tourism here is controlled by the Society for Promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports(SPORTS).

History

The early history of Lakshadweep is not recorded; Local traditions attribute the first settlement on the islands to the period of cheraman Perumal, the last Chera King of King of Kerala. It is believed that the first setters were Hindus and Buddhists. Even Now, unmistakable Hindu social stratifications exist despite the influence of islam. Buddha idols are found in islands like Kavaratti and Andrott.

Floating on a plank he was swept ashore at Amini. Ubaidullah began propagating islam in the face of strong protests. From Amini, he went to Andrott where too he met with strong opposition. Finally he succeeded in converting the people to islam. Soon he went to other islands with the message of islam and succeeded in propagating it. He died in Andrott and his place of burial is a sacred place now.

Even after the influence of Islam, the sovereignty remained in the hands of the Hindu Raja of Chirakkal for some years. Form Chirakkal Raja, the control moved into the hands of the Muslim House of Arakkal around the 16th century. The Arakkal rule was oppressive and unbearable. Eventually in 1787, some islanders from Amini took courage and met Tippu Sultan at Mangalore, and requested him to take over the administration of Amini, Soon five islands came under the Sultan and the rest continued to be governed by the Arakkal family.

Lakshadweep BeachTour After the battle of Srirangapattanam in 1799, the islands were annexed to the British East India Company from Mangalore. In 1854, the Raja of Chirakkal handed over all the remaining islands to the East India Company. So came the British rule.

The Union Territory of Lakshadweep was formed in 1956, all islands now constitute on District for Administration with 4 tehsils. The administration head quarter is at Kavaratti. The Administrator heads the Union Territory. Each island has a democratic set-up in the form of Village (Dweep) Panchayat. At Union Territory level, there is a District Panchayat.

Other Islands

Agatti Island
Location : 10 51* North latitude 72- 11* East longitude, located 459 kms from Cochin. 6 kms long and 1000 mts wide. Climate : Hot. In Agatti, coral growths and multi colored coral fishes abound in its lagoons. The climate of the island is hot when compared to the islands in the rest of the group. Fishing is the moat important industry in Agatti, when is perhaps the only island besides Minicoy getting surplus fish. Next to fishing, coir and copra are the main Industries. Agatti is the airport stopover from Cochin and Goa on the way to Bangaram, which can be seen on the northern horizon. Agatti offers a fully furnished resort managed by a private entrepreneur. Unlike most other resorts in Lakshadweep, Agatti Island Beach Resort is open through out of the year, as it can be reached by the airlines operated from Cochin and Goa. The main attraction at the resorts is the water sport facilities. A medical center with qualified doctors functions at Agatti.

Bangaram Island
Location: 10 56* North latitude 72 - 17* East longitude located 459 kms from Cochin. A bewitchingly beautiful 7 breathtaking island in the Lakshadweep, Bangaram is un-inhabited. A shallow lagoon enclosed by coral reef surrounds it. It has been ranked among the best gateways of the world. Hare the harmony of the Sun; Sand & Surf casts a spell on the visitor. It offers utmost privacy unpolluted comfort with Crystal clear Water. Sparkling coral reef & blue lagoon perform magic on the soul-searching traveler. It’s a place or a Van Gogh would paint a masterpiece. And who knows the muse may inspire one to create too.

A matchless sense of well being takes over & one begins to discover the graceful fishes, porcupines, parrots, puffer fishes, hermit crabs & sea birds on the vast 120 acres of lush coconut groves in Bangaram. There are numerous adventures like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkeling & deep-sea fishing. The resort is 60 bedded beach cottages with a multi cuisine restaurant. A well stocked bar is also available. Agatti is the gateway to Bangaram & is linked to Cochin for onward flights to metros.

Kadmat Island
Location: 11^o 13* latitude 72^o - 47* East longitude located 407 kms from Cochin. Land Area 8 kms long & 550 mts wide at the broadest point; it is very large lagoon on the western side with abundant coral growth. Long sandy beaches & excellent water sport facilities are the stellar attraction here. Main occupation of the people is coir twisting. It is famous for its limestone used for building purpose. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot of water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. Kadmat has been identified for staying tourists with its tourists huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon.

The place is ideal for a real holiday that takes one away from the maddening crowd, hustle and bustle of city life. Under Marine wealth Awareness programme, one can spend 3 – 4 days enjoying sea breeze and moonlit beach. Water sport crafts like kayaks, pedal boats, sailing yachts, skiing boats and glass bottomed boats are available on hire. The scuba Diving center in the island has become an attraction for water sport enthusiasts. The island resort is managed by SPORTS.

Kalpeni Island
Location: 10^o 05* North latitude 73^o - 39* East longitude, located 287 kms from Cochin. It is known for its scenic beauty & the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti & a uninhabited island on the North called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of the coral debris along the eastern & the south – eastern shorelines. It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. it is a progressive island. It was in this island that girls first went to School, when woman’s education was considered a taboo. Hare one can swim reef-walk or water sport on kayaks, sail boat & pedal boat. Water sport crafts are given on hire; two bathing huts with change rooms are available Koomal Beach Resort. A visit to Baniyan Factory & the Light House is also included in the day’s program. Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef packages of SPORTS.

Kavaratti Island
Location: 10^o 33* North latitude 72^o - 38* East longitude, located 404 kms from Cochin. It is the Headquarters of the U.T Administration since 1964. You have enough time to explore the island. The beautiful calm lagoon forms an ideal spot for water sports, swimming & basking on warm sandy beaches. Marina life exhibits can be seen at the new Marine Aquarium, which has an excellent collection of specimens. Do not bother if you are not good swimmer, we have made viewing the exotic underwater world easier for you through our glass-bottomed boats. Kayaks & sailing yachts are available on hire. The dolphin dive center is another attraction of water sports enthusiasts. Tourist availing ‘Taratashi’ package to Kavaratti stay in Coral Reef & Taratashi packages of SPORTS.

Minicoy Island
Location: 8^o 17* North latitude 73^o - 04* East longitude, located 398 km from Cochin it is about10.6 km long, it is the second largest island, the firs being Andrott. It is the southern most island in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped and has one of the largest lagoons. Viringili is the small islet that can be seen on the south. Minicoy is set apart from the northern group of islands by its culture; the islanders are employed as seamen in ocean going vessels the world over. The island has a systematically arranged village system known as ‘Avah’ each Avah is a cluster of houses, which is headed by an elected elderly man called Bodukaka.

Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Mahi is the spoken language. Minicoy is an important centre for tuna fishing. The Light House of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. One can visit the villages, tuna canning factory, the light house and go far a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms. So swim and beach walk, pedal boat, kayak and sail. Three tourist cottages and a twenty bedded tourist home have been constructed for the staying tourists. This island is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages of SPORTS.

WHAT TO DO

Scuba Diving
To see the life under sea, untouched and unspoilt.

Deep Sea Big Game Sports Fishing
Deep sea fishing available from October 1st-May 15th only.

Boat Trip within Lagoon
Glassbottom boat excursion to near by uninhabited islands and /or snorkelling at shipwrecks.

ENTRY FORMALITIES

Indians
All visitors to Lakhsdweep require entry permits from Lakshadweep administration. Out of 10 inhabited isalnd only 4 islands viz., Kalpani, Kavaratti, Minicoy, ad Kadmat have been opened for domestic tourists and SPORTS, a wing of Lakshadweep Administration is organising package tours by ship covering the above 4 islands from September to May every year and suspended during the monsoon period.

Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists are allowed to visit Bangaram island and Kadmat island only. They are not permitted to visit any other islands in Lakshadweep. Foreign tourist have to submit the detail as mentioned below for booking of hotel:

1. Full Name
2. Address
3. Place/Date of Birth
4. Nationality
5.Passport Number
6. Date of Issue/Expiry of Passport.

ACCESS
By Air: Indian Airlines connects Agatti Island, Lakshadweep's only airport, with Kochi on mainland.

By Sea: Ship cruises are available as packages designed for the tourists. SPORTS(Society for Promotion of Recreational Tourism & Sports).