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INTRODUCTION:
The islands of
Lakshadweep are an inviting holiday destination for nature lovers. With soft
beaches and plenty of sun, this group of 35 islands with lush green
landscape and beautiful beaches is known for its diving and snorkeling
facilities. We, as principal Travel Agents for India, offer you reliable
travel and tour services to this beautiful island territory.
It is believed that the Lakshadweep islands have been formed due to coral
activity. These coral reefs give each of these islands and the sea around
them, a unique colour and beauty. The smallest of all Indian Union
Territories, Lakshadweep is safely tucked away from the cacophony of
modernization.
Each island of Lakshadweep,
a tiny principality in itself, has existed from time immemorial, with little
influence from the outside world. The charm of Lakshadweep islands
lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes
of merry makers to its shores, or perhaps it is the beauty of the islands
densely covered with coconut palms, and threaded by an unbroken line of
creamy sand, each island serenely set in a sea whose waters range from
palest aquamarine and turquoise to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.
Lakshadeep is an archipelago
consisting of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. there are 10
inhabited islands and 17 uninhabited islands with a total geographical area
of 32 sq. Kms., 220 to 440 Kms. away from the coastal city of Kochi in
Kerala, in the emerald Arabian sea.
The Lakshadweep islands
are a geographical extension of the Maldives island chain. Referred to
by many as the 'ultimate island paradise', each island floats
serenely in a sea whose water range from palest aquamarine and turquoise to
deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.
As guests on these islands you
will have the chance to meet some of the friendliest people and, like them,
stay in cottages made of indigenous materials with their palm thatched
roofs. You will have the chance to commune with nature in virtual solitude
on a holiday that will be different from any other you've even enjoyed. The
Lakshadweep islands provide an experience that can never fully be explained
in words or captured on film.
To ensure that the way of life of
the islands is not disturbed by external influences, only few islands have
been opened for Tourism viz.
Agatti &
Bangaram
..
Ethnically the people of the
islands are very similar to the people of Kerala even their languages is the
same except in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have
conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach.
93% of the population are indigenous Muslims.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS IN LAKSHADWEEP
The Lakshadweep
islands offer nature at its best to the travelers. Marvelous marine life to
embed in your memories! Lakshadweep offers everything to relax and
rejuvenate you besides being far away from the madding crowds.
BANGARAM
The Bangaram Island has been developed as a tourist center and is the only
island open to foreign tourists, besides certain other specified islands
where day visits are permitted. Just an hour and a half away from Agatti,
the island of Bangaram charms you with its coconut canopies, colorful boats
and fish is all sizes and hues. Right from the glass bottom boat and the
speed boat to wind surfing and kayaking you may indulge in any of the
amazing activities offered at Bangaram. Deep-sea fishing, scuba diving,
rafting, catamaran sailing and snorkeling are other water activities you may
enjoy at Bangaram. Don’t forget to treat your taste buds with the
Lakshadweep tuna, squid and other sumptuous seafood options. Spot the Asian
dolphins, Leopard Moray Eels, frogfish, manyan, octopus and the turtle as
they swim by you. Tinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II make excellent excursion
options from Bangaram.
AGATTI
The palm fringed western beach of Agatti is indeed heaven on Earth, one of
the nature’s treasures at Lakshadweep Islands. Soothe yourself in the
combination of the sun, sand and the sea. Agatti boasts of being the only
island in Lakshadweep with an airport. Thus the entire air transportation
between the Lakshadweep islands and the Indian mainland takes place through
Agatti. Thus, Agatti is rightly addressed as the ‘Gateway to the Lakshadweep
islands”. While at Agatti do not miss the experience of the fiberglass boats
and the country canoes cruises. Amongst the wide range of water sports
offered at Agatti are snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing.
KAVARATTI
Kavaratti is the administrative capital of the Lakshadweep islands. The
swaying coconut canopies invite you for the time of your life. While at
Kavaratti do not miss out on the Urja mosque that happens to be one of the
most beautiful mosques amongst the 52 mosques in Kavaratti. The ornate
ceiling of the mosque has been carved out from a single piece of driftwood.
The other must visit at Kavaratti is the Aquarium that will captivate you
with the variety of colorful fish and corals. Then there is the Lakshadweep
Museum that is home to several artifacts.
OTHER
TOURIST SPOTS IN LAKSHADWEEP
The longest
island amongst the Lakshadweep group of islands is the Andrott Island. The
tomb of Hazrat Ubaidullah and the Buddhist archaeological remains are the
major attractions for tourists at the Andrott Island.
Minicoy is a large island in the Lakshadweep group of islands that is close
to Maldives. While at Minicoy you must visit the Tuna Canning Factory, the
lighthouse built by the British way back in 1885 and enjoys the performance
of the traditional Lava Dance.
The kaleidoscopic island of Lakshadweep namely Kadmat boasts of Water Sports
Institute. In addition there is Laca Dives, the scuba diving center that
attracts adventure seekers from far and wide to Kadmat. It is noteworthy
that Kadmat offers the cheapest scuba diving course package in the world
At the Kalpeni of the Lakshadweep islands you may enjoy the charming coral
life with the tourist facilities. Amidst the spectacular sights of the
lovely lagoon you may swim, reef walk, snorkel or indulge in water sports
like kayaking and sailing. Close by are the islets of Tilakkam and Pitti
WATER SPORTS
ADVENTURE AT LAKSHADWEEP
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the favorite water sport activities of Lakshadweep.
Bangaram Island offers an excellent opportunity for snorkeling in its
shallow waters. Bangaram and Kadmat, both these islands facilitate the
diving centers for its visitors. The 3 abandoned islands Tinnakara, Parali-I
and Parali-II can be approached through boarding, sailing and rowing. Wind
surfing and Kayaking are the other adventurous water sport activities at the
Bangaram Island.
Scuba Diving
Diving is usually done at the destinations, which are blessed with clear and
unspoiled waters. The tropical island destinations of Lakshwadeep in India
are considered to be the most unique diving hangout of India.
Marine Life in
Lakshadweep
Adorned with 36 beautiful coral islands, Lakshadweep's marine life is just
exquisite and unique. The lagoons of the Kadmat and Bangaram islands enjoy
the rich legacy of breath-taking and unexplored world of marine life. Also
known as the diver's rendezvous the pristine exotic splendor of mushy and
firm coral of Lakshadweep islands offers an allurement to visit this beach
Eden.
Shell Jewels of
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep Islands are a storehouse of exotic experience on both
terrestrial land and blue sea. Beside the marine life, the one thing that
can charm this elusive beach island of Lakshadweep are the shells that are
ethereal and gorgeous.
Special Permits for
Lakshadweep
A tourist permit is required to sojourn these beautiful islands. This can be
arranged at the Lakshadweep Tourist Office in Cochin (Kochi).
Islands of
Lakshadweep
Bangaram Island is solely open to foreigners. It offers pristine waters,
white sandy pleasant beaches and lot many water sports activities like
swimming, sunbathing, bird watching, fishing, boating, yachting, sea diving
and snorkeling.
The islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadamet, Minicoyarer popular for their
decor, blended with their pure glowing sands, rowed with shaded coconut
palms, are scattered on the sea showcasing the extraordinary and scenic
beauty. There are open to the domestic visitors also.
LAKSHWADWEEP
WILDLIFE
Flora and Fauna
What meets the eye at first glance is the lush green colour that gracious
tall palm trees paint. Undoubtedly, coconut is the only commercial crop.
Deep green shrubs known locally as Kanni, Cholam, Punna, Cheerani
characteristically border the base of coconut palms. Iplomea is a
conspicuous ground runner.
Shrubs & runners play a strongrole in preventing erosion. The state tree is
the breadfruit tree. Common farms species that people tend, are Cows, Goats
& Ducks. Rats as usual are a menace to coconut crops. There are no Dogs &
Snakes on the islands. Only a few islands have Crows. Common sea birds are
Taratashi & Karifetu, the farmer being the state bird. Most of them nest on
an island called Pitti- a bird sanctuary.
Apart from common forms of life, exotic, kaleidoscopic life under water is
abundant & marvelous. As a result of rich life, there always exists
competition for good, shelter & mates. To cope up with this, some day dream
& wake up at light allowing others to have their meal by the day. Strikingly
the colorful fishes draw one's attention by their interesting behavior,
peculiar forms & captivating movements. Gracefully swimming from place to
place are the butterfly fishes resembling butterflies in the underwater
garden.
Gazers of the green pastures are Surgeonfishes. Of great many varieties of
surgeons, the one commonly seen is the Powder Blue Surgeonfish. They are
called so because of a razor like spine they carry near the tail. Because of
strong beaks, the Parrotfishes attained their name. Cute Damselfishes live
among branching corals showing territorial behavior. Earthly pincushions
aliens are Porcupine fishes that inflate themselves into a ball, erecting
the spines when distributed.
A similar cousin to them is the Pufferfish, snake like resident of dark
crevices are Morey Eels which hunt by smell at night & their enemy is the
Octopus as it seeks the same dark resting places. Sedentary & slow moving
creatures are Sea Cucumbers, shelled animals (Molluses) & Hermit Crabs. A
variety of crab, lobsters 7 shrimps inhabit the crevices of corals.
Lots of food fishes inhabit the coral atolls. The Mas-Choorai or Choorai, as
people of Lakshadweep call Tuna, is their chicken of the sea & is mainly
caught using poles & lines, with live bait to charm them. Playful Dolphins,
Turtles, Rays & Flying fishes are occasionally seen by keen observers.
LAKSHADWEEP
BEACH HOLIDAYS
Have an Incredible
India Beach Holiday in the Lakshadweep Islands, off the coast of Kerala and
see some of the most beautiful beaches and coral islands worldwide.
Lakshadweep is a coral island dream destination. Incredible India offers
holidays in Lakshadweep where you can enjoy sunbathing on fantastic beaches,
snorkeling in coral lagoons or sailing on glass-bottomed boats to see exotic
coral and marine life in Lakshadweep.
The Lakshadweep
islands offer beautiful beaches, ideal for a relaxing beach holiday in
India. Incredible India holiday invites you for a holiday on Lakshadweep's
beaches. Enjoy your visit to Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat, Agatti or
Bangaram islands, where you can enjoy an Incredible India Beach holiday on
the beaches of Lakshadweep, India.
LAKSHADWEEP
BEACHES
Kavaratti:
Holiday in Kavaratti the capital of Lakshadweep on your Incredible India
Beach Holiday itinerary. Kavaratti has a lovely beach where you can relax
and sunbathe. If you feel more adventurous you can enjoy swimming,
snorkeling or water sports near the beach. You can also enjoy sailing in
glass-bottomed boats, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. The marine aquarium
and the dolphin dive center are popular tourist attractions near Kavaratti
Beach in Lakshadweep, India.
Kalpeni:
Kalpeni along with Cheriyam, Pitti and Tilakam forms a coral atoll. The huge
mass of coral along the south east of Kalpeni is an interesting sight. This
bank of coral is believed to have been created after a storm in 1847. While
on a beach holiday at Kalpeni, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and
paddling in the reef as well as kayaking, pedal boating and sailing.
Minicoy:
Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep has beautiful beaches with facilities for
tourists including bathing huts, changing rooms and water sports
arrangements. Other attractions of a Minicoy beach holiday are a lighthouse
that is 300 feet tall, the lava dance and the races between local boats
called 'Jahadhoni.'
Kadmat:
Kadmat Island is known for its pristine beaches, lagoons and scuba diving
facilities. To the south of the island are stretches the extensive sandy
beach, perfect for sunbathers. If you prefer the shade, beach huts provide a
cool place to relax and look at the natural beauty around you. Adventurous
tourists can venture out on kayaking trips, or try water skiing, sailing, or
riding on pedal boats. The sparkling clear water off Kadmat beach makes it
one of the best scuba diving locations in India. You can see many tropical
fishes, sharks and rays while diving off Kadmat beach in Lakshadweep, India.
Agatti:
Agatti Island airstrip is where all planes land in Lakshadweep. Agatti has a
beautiful beach and lagoon where you can enjoy a beach holiday in
Lakshadweep. Indian Airlines, the domestic airline of India, flies to
Lakshadweep on all weekdays.
Bangaram:
Bangaram Island near Kavaratti and Agatti is known for its beautiful beach
and for the bioluminescent plankton that are deposited on the beach at high
tide which make the beach glow with a blue light at night. Bangaram is also
known for birds and as an exclusive destination for luxury travelers.
These are some of
the many fantastic beaches in Lakshadweep, India |
