Planning a Trip to Lakshadweep Islands? Here's Everything You Need to Know

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​Distance from Bengaluru:  643 kilometres

Although it was just last month, it already feels like ages ago when I lay on a hammock shielded from the hot sun by coconut fronds. The ocean seemed to swell and rush forward rhythmically. It was not long before I was lulled to sleep by the music of the gently rolling waves and the cool breeze blowing over my face. In such a moment of tranquility, I pondered what a challenge it was going to be to put the surreal experience of exploring the Lakshadweep islands in to words.

Understanding Lakshadweep

The name ‘Lakshadweep’ literally means one lakh islands. It is located off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea. Parts of the island system have been deliberately kept detached from tourism to preserve their rich natural habitat. Out of the 36 Lakshadweep islands, 10 are inhabited and only five are accessible to tourists.

My excitement was bubbling when we left the airstrip at Kochi. The aerial view of Lakshadweep was akin to emeralds embedded on a turquoise sea extended into the deep sapphire of the ocean. We landed at Agatti, the gateway to the Lakshadweep islands, after an hour and half.

The islands and islets of Lakshadweep sport a luxuriant growth of tropical vegetation. The weather was rather warm but the cool breeze made it bearable. As we walked to our resort with the brilliant blue sea as our constant companion on both sides, the narrow winding path took us to our beach resort cottage, which was elegantly framed by coconut trees.

The local inhabitants of Lakshadweep are warm and welcoming. We were offered coconut water as soon as we arrived and throughout our stay, the hospitality was overwhelming.

History of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep does not have any aboriginal inhabitants or tribal groups. The islanders came to  settle on the island at some point in history. With several legends surrounding how this happened, more recent history tells us that the island had been successively invaded and captured by the Arabs, the Portuguese and finally the British. The influences are visible in the predominantly Hindu and Muslim culture evident here. The influence of Indian mainland is the most obvious as the local language is a dialect derived from Malayalam. The descendants are of either Indian or Arab ethnicity. Tourism is a recent phenomenon on the islands.

Getting to Lakshadweep

Part of the beauty of the Lakshadweep is in the fact that connectivity to the islands is limited. However, it is not so ill-connected to be inconvenient either. Air India operates flights from Kochi to Agatti six days a week. To visit the Lakshadweep islands, you need to get a tourism permit from Kochi. While in the region, spend a couple of days exploring holiday hotspots in ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala, as well. Ships, ferries and boats from Kerala ply regularly to Lakshadweep for locals. I heard in passing that there is even a chopper service available.

What to See

Lakshadweep tourism is primarily centered around water sports. Some of the activities you can indulge in are scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, kayaking, sailing, glass bottom boat ride tours, fishing, water skiing and deep sea fishing. You can also set out on excursion tours to nearby islands like Bangaram, Thinnakara, Parali and Kalpitty.

Lakshadweep is the only place in India where you can find a coral reef formation. They are multi-hued and very beautiful. The water is so clear that you can actually see through it to where the vibrant reefs are. The presence of corals makes the water shallow and easy to wade into for novice swimmers and children. The rich marine life and the fantastic coral reef formation only adds to the mystique of the islands. Do remember that picking up corals is a crime punishable by law, so fight the temptation.

The next best thing to do in Lakshadweep is to enjoy the beach in every way. Build castles with the creamy sand or simply soak up the sun and work on getting that perfect tan. The lagoons surrounding the islands are picture perfect in beauty. Make sure you have your camera batteries fully charged. I could not help myself from taking photographs every five minutes.

If your reason to go to Lakshadweep is to party, then you will be disappointed. There is not much of a party scene on the islands and alcohol consumption is prohibited except on Bangaram. Nor is there much to shop or fancy restaurants to eat at. Having said that, you could find some amazing indigenous handicrafts created out of palm fronds and coconut coir to buy.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Lakshadweep is generally available in the form of eco-friendly cottages. Resorts and homestays are common on the islands Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat and Bangaram. Government lodges are also available at very reasonable rates. Our beach resort cottage in Agatti had every modern amenity we could ask for. They also arranged for adventure sports and tour to other islands.

Almost all accommodation facilities in Lakshadweep are located close to the sea or one the numerous lagoons providing excellent view from the window of your hotel. If you wish to enjoy your vacation in top notch luxury, stay on board the "MV Tipu Sultan". It comes with the Coral Reef package and visits to the islands Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy.

Before I knew it, my dreamlike vacation was over in a jiffy and I was on a plane back to Kochi. Every time I close my eyes, I feel like I am back there enjoying the vistas of that sunny paradise. A clear blue sea that shimmers as the sun shines upon it; white beaches that are not defiled; clusters of coconut trees everywhere you go hiding lagoons in a rich pastoral setting; a laid back existence in a warm and cozy environment. If that does not sound compelling, nothing else would. Think no further for your next vacation and head to Lakshadweep, India’s best kept secret.