Lakshadweep is India’s smallest union territory. The name literally means “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit ). It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands attached islets, four newly formed islets and 5 submerged reefs.

Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful destinations that you could visit during your holidays. This union territory of India is in the Arabian Sea and consists of twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. The beautiful marine life, the villages, the tourist resorts and the mosques are great attractions for the tourists. Peak season is December to May, when it is cooler and drier. May to September is the main (southwest) monsoon season, but the October-November northeast monsoon can also be rainy. Both boat and helicopter transfers are available from Agatti to Bangaram and Kadmat. The helicopter (US$150 return) may be the only option in monsoon season from May to September. By boats/ferries: These can be used for getting around from one island to the other. Once on an island, there aren’t too many options. You can travel by foot or hire a bicycle.

What to See

Kadmat: Kadmat Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. There is a huge lagoon one the west side of the island, around 10km from the Amini.

Kavaratti Island:Kavaratti Island is the most developed Island in Lakshadweep. Kavaratti is the administrative capital of Lakshdweep and the population is dominated by non-islanders. There are many Mosques on this island (around 52) and the most beautiful one is Ujra mosque.

Kalpeni: Kalpeni is located at the distance of around 76km south of Androth. This place lies in an extensive and shallow lagoon. The lagoon is world famous for its rich coral and marine life.

Bangaram: This Island is one of the best tourist destinations in the world due to its smooth sands and amazing palm grove backdrop. Here smooth sand is caressed by the waves of the multi coloured sea. This beautiful Island lies at a distance of around 8km from the north side of Agatti Island.

Agatti Island:
Agatti Island the gateway for the Lakshadweep, it is located at a distance of around 459 km from the Cochin. Agatti Island is around 6 km long. Surplus fishes are easily found on Agatti island. Fishing is the main occupation for the people living here.

This island has some of the best beaches for swimming in the world. Here tourists can enjoy the adventure of swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Tourists can also find huge lagoons over here, which increases the beauty of this island. Visitors can also enjoy different water sports activities like Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, sailing, boat rides, water skiing and kayaking at Agatti Island.

What To Do

There are basic leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours. There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, the Marine museum, Lighthouse and a few local industries.

Stay

There are three full-service resorts in Lakshadweep, which are also (in practice) the only places where foreigners can stay. All prices listed below are for double rooms and include all meals.

• Agatti Island Beach Resort, Privately owned, but quite run down; apparently new cottages are in the works. The main draw is the diving, which is better here than at Bangaram. 20 beds.
• Bangaram Island Resort The first island opened to tourists, Bangaram Island was uninhabited before the resort was developed and it holds the distinction of being the only place in the entire Lakshadweep archipelago that can serve alcohol. Privately owned and managed to a high standard, but the huts are very basic (no aircon, hot water, TV) and, by Indian standards, quite expensive. (UPDATE: CGH Earth, the company that runs the resort has informed that the government has stopped issuing permits to travel to Bangaram island (to both foreign visitors as well as Indian nationals) and although the resort is still fully operational, they can’t operate due to the government restrictions. They are still awaiting the verdict of the Supreme court.
• Kadmat Island Resort. The choice of scuba divers, this is home to Lakshadweep’s first scuba facility. 22 executive huts, 26 family huts.Government-run and basic.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Cochin
On arrival in Cochin, you’ll be greeted and escorted by our representative to the hotel. Expect a warm welcome. Freshen up and you’ll be taken to sightseeing of Cochin City or Kochi as it is referred to nowadays. You’ll visit Fort Kochi, the beach, St Francis Church – the oldest Church in India, Jewish Synagogue, Vasco House – the house of legendary Vasco da Gama, Dutch Palace – an exquisite structure featuring mural paintings depicting scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana, Chinese Fishing Nests and a Jew Town. Retire back to your hotel after an eventful day of sightseeing. Night stay is scheduled at hotel.

Day 2: Cochin – Agatti – Bangaram Island
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to airport to board a flight to Aggati. As you arrive at Aggati for an exotic beach holidays in India, our representative will escort you and assist you to transfer to the Bangaram hotel by boat.

Relax and unwind with the whole lot of amenities and activities at hotel. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

Day 3 –5: Bangaram Island
On the Day 3, you’ll be taken on an escorted walk to the enchanting Island of Bangaram. The silvery palm-fringed beach and panoramic expanse of impossibly blue sea will surely sweep your feet. Stroll along the beach, opt for an Ayurvedic massage, indulge in the water sports or simply bask in the sun. Retire back to the hotel after an entire day of activities.

On the Day 4 of Lakshadweep Tour again set out for exploring the beauty of the Island. Hike along the beach to discover tranquil hideouts, or indulge yourself to the variety of beach sports. Or simply take sunbath on the beach with your favorite book. You can set out on a trip to explore the surroundings of Bangaram Island. Along with taking part in the recreational activities, you can also tour around the island. Return to the hotel after an eventful day.

Day 5 is just another day to explore the Island and try your hands with adventurous water sports. If you wish to explore the aquatic life, go Scuba diving to witness the coral reefs. For those wishing to pump adrenaline, Sailing and Kayaking may be the choice. Even the idea of doing nothing on the beach is tempting. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6: Bangaram Island – Aggati – Cochin
Today, the exciting sojourn of Bangaram Island concludes. You’ll transfer to the Agatti airport where you’ll catch the connecting flight to back home.