Lakshadweep

3.8 /5 34 votes

Rate

Lakshadweep Travel Essentials

Rating:

 
3.8 /5 (34 ratings) Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 4-6 days

Best Time: September to May Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"One Hundred Thousand Islands"

Lakshadweep Tourism

Formerly known as Laccadive Islands, Lakshadweep translates to 'one hundred thousand islands' in Malayalam. Home to a few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India, Lakshadweep lies 400km off the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The smallest union territory of India has only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometres. It's made up of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks out of which ten Islands are inhabited.

Lakshadweep is typically accessed from Kochi (Kerala) and a permit is required to visit Lakshadweep for all tourists (including Indians). After permit, foreigners are permitted to just visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands. Permits can be obtained from Kochi itself. Permits are exempted to government officials, armed force members, and their families who are either working or visiting these islands. Additionally, embarking on the Lakshadweep Samudram Cruise aboard MV Kavaratti is a maritime adventure like no other. This 5 day cruise takes you Kavaratti, Minicoy and Kalpeni islands. Another such extraordinary 5-day voyage is from Mumbai to Lakshadweep on the Cordelia Cruise.

Perhaps the charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merrymakers to their shores. The islands, though all equally mystical and beautiful, each offers a unique blend of tourist spots. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports, still, others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation.

Must Know Before You Travel to Lakshadweep

In accordance with the Rules of Restriction on Entry and Residence for Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands established in 1967, individuals who are not native to these islands are required to acquire a permit in the prescribed form from the competent authority to enter and reside there. Exceptions to this rule include government officials, armed force members, and their families who are either working or visiting these islands.

Here's more information on Permits for Lakshadweep

However, since the rules for permits keep changing in this area, it’s advisable that one consults a travel agent before filling out the said application forms to be on the safer side.

More on Lakshadweep Travel

Flora and Fauna

Lakshadweep Islands are one of the handful of India's most beautiful and ancient coral reefs region which India has to boast off to the world, after Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, etc. Since corals have scientifically been deemed to be living entities, they come under the umbrella of “fauna” of Lakshadweep, rather than its flora, with over 70 different variants of them to be found on the Islands. Other than that, Lakshadweep has a number of sea creatures, typically found on seashores and beaches like crabs, water birds, lobsters, sea turtles, ducks, et al. Glass bottom boat rides around the islands of Kavaratti, or scuba diving expeditions could also accustom one to many-a-species of fish, like starfish, sea turtles, squids and worms. The flora of the Islands is mainly restricted to common shore side vegetation like coconut, giant palm trees and rubber trees. There are no dense forests on the Islands, and hence the flora found is not very exclusive to the Islands and can be found elsewhere. There are, however, various types of exotic flowers which can be found along the way, if one decides to trot their way on foot to the nooks and corners of the Islands like lavender and daylily.

Language

Most locals in the Lakshadweep Islands prefer to speak in Malayalam, which can be understood by the geographical closeness of the Islands to the state of Kerala. However, this is not common for all islands as, for the very reason of geography, locals in the Minicoy Island also speak in Mahl - which is a broad modification of the kind of language spoken in the Maldives. Apart from these, English is also used for official purposes, and one may also hear locals brave the dialects of Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha or Island Language) and Tamil.

Suggested Itinerary for Lakshadweep

Day 1- Arrive at Aggati Airport and then travel to Bangaram island by boat. Check in at hotel and rest.
Day 2- Walk on the beach, ayurvedic massage followed by visit to local food joints.
Day 3- Hike along the beaches, shell picking, spend time at the beach. Leave for Minicoy Island.
Day 4- Explore Minicoy and its beaches, participate in adventure sports. At night, leave for Kalpeni Islands.
Day 5- Walking tour of the island and beaches. Visit local food joints and then at night leave for Aggati Airport.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep Photos

Lakshadweep
Mincoy Island Also Known as Maliku Island is on the Southern most Atoll of Lakshadweep
NASA picture of Maliku Atoll with Minicoy Island
Agatti island is located on the Corol Atoll (Agatti Atoll) of Lakshadweep

+ 42
photos

FAQs on Lakshadweep

What is the best way to reach Lakshadweep islands?

Lakshadweep can be reached via water and air only. It lies about 400 Km away from the Western coast of India in the Arabian Sea.
Read More

What are the places near Lakshadweep islands?

The top places near to Lakshadweep islands are Alleppey which is 314 km from Lakshadweep islands, Kochi which is located 289 km from Lakshadweep islands, Goa which is located 603 km from Lakshadweep islands, Munnar which is located 374 km from Lakshadweep islands, Ooty which is located 365 km from Lakshadweep islands

What are the things to do in Lakshadweep islands?

The top things to do in Lakshadweep islands are Minicoy Island, Agatti Islands, Bangaram Island, Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep, Kavaratti Islands, Kalpeni Island. You can see all the places to visit in Lakshadweep islands here

What is the local food in Lakshadweep islands?

Lakshadweep's cuisine is identified by a significant influence of flavors, ingredients, elements and styles of Kerala's cuisine, given the physical proximity and a similar geography that surrounds both. Hence, Coconut preparations and seafood, pretty much define the island's menu
A variety of fried and barbecued fish are available here as seafood is almost staple. Due to abundance of coconut, a lot of dishes are prepared using coconut oil and coconut curry. Refreshing Coconut water is also widespread.
Apart from specializing in local food, the restaurants in Lakshadweep also serve a series of international cuisines including Chinese, Thai, Indian and Korean dishes. Alcohol is not allowed in Lakshadweep except for Bangaram islands.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Lakshadweep islands?

September to February are the best months to visit Lakshadweep Islands as the climatic conditions remain pleasant (between 20-30-degree Celcius). March to May are also good months but the weather will be hotter by 2-3-degree Celcius. The monsoon months of June to August experience high temperatures and heavy rainfall followed by high humidity, hence a lot of activities are shut down. 
Read More

Who should visit Lakshadweep islands?

Adventure lovers, beach babies and explorers - Lakshadweep is the perfect destination for you. A cluster of exotic islands, it offers beautiful beaches and a plethora of adventure sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing etc.

What is not so good about Lakshadweep islands?

Cannot visit without required permits.

What is famous about Lakshadweep islands?

Exotic islands. Beautiful beaches. Serene and peaceful ambience.

Have a Question on Lakshadweep?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Popular Questions And Answers on Lakshadweep

Q. How much amount does lakshadweep tour takes from indore (including Taxes, Travelling cost, and other expenses)?

Holidify

5 years ago
The total charges including all the necessities would come to around 15000rs.
Add Your Answer

Q. Im planing to Visit Lakshadweep next month will it be right time to visit and what is the ideal days that i can spend there?

Holidify

5 years ago
Please refer to the Best Time to Visit Tab above for information regarding visiting the Lakshadweep Islands. 4 - 7 days is the ideal vacation time here.
Add Your Answer

Q. Tour program for the month of March& April 2017

Holidify

5 years ago
Please fill the form in the following link and our travel partners will be able to design the perfect package for you: https://www.holidify.com/custom-package/
Add Your Answer

Lakshadweep Reviews

Your rating

Chandigarh Creative Design

4 years ago
Hello sir, nice info for lakshadweep , thanks More Info "Link Hidden"

Rohit Shroff

5 years ago
- Consumption of Alcohol is prohibited on all islands except Bangaram.
- Picking up corals is a punishable offence.
- Please note that only Kadamat, Agatti and Bangaram islands are open to fore (Read More)ign nationals and a maximum of 12 hours of transit is allowed on Kavaratti islands. Special permit to visit Lakshadweep is required for all domestic and foreign tourists.
- It is also a relatively expensive place and there aren't much facilities for solo backpackers here. Carry sunscreen lotion, odomos, slippers,etc. for a comfortable day on the beaches.

Param Buttar

5 years ago
How much amount does lakshadweep tour takes from dehli (including Taxes, Travelling cost, and other expenses like meals,sightseeing)?