Thinnakara: An Island Paradise You Didn’t Know About

Has the book Robinson Crusoe always made you wonder how the experience of an uninhabited island would be? The enchanting Thinnakara Island is all that and more. One of the many uninhabited islands in the Arabian Sea, the Thinnakara Island is a tiny jewel in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It shares the same lagoon as the Bangaram Island, and makes for a dreamy holiday destination amidst untouched natural splendour.

Welcome to Thinnakara

Step into a world of dreamlike natural landscapes, pristine beaches, creamy white sands, vibrant corals and endless blue sea, far away from city life or any kind of modern structures. This small teardrop-shaped island has limited connectivity to the mainland, no human habitation and scarce telephone services, which is why it has managed to retain its exquisite natural environs.

Thanks to the very few tourists and locals around, Thinnakara Island is sure to feel like your privately-owned island.

What to Do

• Relax on the spectacular white sand beaches amidst swaying palm trees, sunbathe on the exquisite shores, enjoy a game of beach volleyball, or just sit back and savour marvellous landscapes all around. The beaches of Thinnakara Island make for the ultimate romantic getaway or a peaceful holiday with family.
• Thinnakara Island is a paradise for divers and lovers of water sports. The island’s crystal clear waters and exotic marine life make it a great place for kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Explore several varieties of tropical fish, coral reefs, octopus, turtles and other aquatic species here. One can also experience shipwreck snorkelling around the island.
• At night, watch the incredibly starlit skies and spot constellations in prized seclusion, amidst mesmerizing sounds of the wind and the waves.

Where to Stay

Thinnakara Island Stay offers beach tent houses with basic facilities and comforts, and is the only accommodation here.

Tariff: INR 20,000/night*

One can also stay at resorts, homestays, and government lodges at the surrounding islands of Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kadmat, and Kalpeni.

*Prices may vary 

Where to Eat

Meals are included in the accommodation at Thinnakara due to non-availability of other restaurants, cafes or shacks. Coconut water and coconut flesh are available in abundance and are a must-have while here.

When to Go

The best time to visit Thinnakara is the winter season (October to March) when the weather is cool and pleasant. During monsoons (May to September) the island is at its picturesque best, but heavy rains can make sea journeys difficult.

Read more: 5 Best Places for Snorkelling in India

Getting There

Kochi is the entry point for Thinnakara and all other islands of the Lakshadweep. Visitors also need to take a tourism permit from the tourism office in Kochi or a private tour operator to visit the Lakshadweep Islands.

By Air: Flight from Kochi to Agatti Aerodome, Lakshadweep’s only airport, located at a distance of 8km from Thinnakara. From Agatti, take a speedboat to Thinnakara.

By Ship: A number of passenger ships operate between Kochi and Lakshadweep but make for a long 14 to 18 hour journey.

Getting Around

Owing to its small area of 130 acres, one can walk around this island in less than 2 hours.

What to Pack

• Dry snacks to munch on in between meals.
• Cash for transfers, water sports etc. as the island does not have any ATMs.
• Beachwear, Swimwear, sunglasses, and sunblock.
• Walking shoes and flip-flops.

Medication if you’re prone to seasickness.

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

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