Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala, India. It is the smallest union territory of India, with a total area of 32 sq km and a population of about 65,000 people. Lakshadweep means “a hundred thousand islands” in Malayalam, the local language. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, lagoons, and rich marine life. Lakshadweep is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the islands.

A Brief History and Some Facts about Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep has a long and varied history, influenced by different cultures and religions. The islands were first mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Puranas, as the Dweepa of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The islands were also visited by the Arabs, the Portuguese, the British, and the French, who left their marks on the culture, architecture, and cuisine of the islands. The islands became a part of India in 1956, and were given the status of a union territory in 1973.

Some interesting facts about Lakshadweep are:

·         Lakshadweep is the only coral island group in India, and has one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world.

·         Lakshadweep has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 25°C to 35°C throughout the year. The islands receive monsoon rains from June to August, and have a dry season from December to February.

·         Lakshadweep has a predominantly Muslim population, with about 96% of the people following Islam. The main languages spoken are Malayalam, Mahl, and English.

·         Lakshadweep has a unique culture, with influences from Kerala, Arabia, and Africa. The islands have a rich tradition of folk arts, music, dance, and cuisine. Some of the popular art forms are Kolkali, Parichakali, Daffmuttu, and Oppana. Some of the popular dishes are fish curry, coconut rice, tuna fry, and halwa.

·         Lakshadweep has a strict entry policy, and requires a permit for visitors, even for Indians. The permit can be obtained from the Lakshadweep Tourism Office in Kochi, or from the authorized travel agents. The permit allows visitors to stay in only a few islands, such as Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy.

Best Tourist Places and Attractions Points to Visit in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep offers a variety of tourist places and attractions for visitors, ranging from beaches, islands, lagoons, coral reefs, marine life, water sports, and cultural activities. Here are some of the best tourist places and attractions points to visit in Lakshadweep, with a brief description of each:

·         Minicoy Island: Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, and the second largest in terms of area. It is famous for its crescent-shaped beach, turquoise lagoon, coral reef, and tuna fishing. Minicoy has a distinct culture, with influences from the Maldives. The island has a lighthouse, built by the British in 1885, which offers a panoramic view of the island and the sea. Minicoy also has a museum, a cultural center, and a village called Bada, where visitors can experience the local lifestyle and cuisine. Minicoy is ideal for water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and fishing.

·         Bangaram Island: Bangaram is one of the most beautiful and secluded islands of Lakshadweep, and the only one that allows the consumption of alcohol. It is surrounded by a coral reef, a lagoon, and a beach, with coconut palms and casuarina trees. Bangaram is a paradise for nature lovers, as it is home to various birds, butterflies, turtles, and fishes. Bangaram is also a hotspot for water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, and fishing.

·         Lagoon Beach: Lagoon Beach is a stunning beach on the Agatti Island, which is the gateway to Lakshadweep. It is named after the lagoon that washes its shores, and offers a breathtaking view of the blue sea and the green islands. Lagoon Beach is a perfect place to relax, sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the scenery. Lagoon Beach is also a good place to try water sports, such as jet skiing, water skiing, and banana boat riding.

·         Thundi Beach: Thundi Beach is a serene and secluded beach on the Kalpeni Island, which is one of the most scenic islands of Lakshadweep. It is located on the eastern side of the island, and faces the open sea. Thundi Beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and coral reef. Thundi Beach is a great place to enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, and the starry night. Thundi Beach is also a good place to explore the marine life, such as turtles, dolphins, and fishes.

·         Kavaratti Island: Kavaratti is the capital and the most developed island of Lakshadweep. It has a population of about 10,000 people, and is the administrative and commercial center of the union territory. Kavaratti has several attractions, such as the Ujra Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in Lakshadweep, the Marine Aquarium, which displays various marine species, the Dolphin Dive Center, which offers diving courses and trips, and the Kavaratti Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

·         Agatti Island: Agatti is the only island in Lakshadweep that has an airstrip, and is the main entry point for visitors. Agatti is also one of the most beautiful islands, with a long beach, a lagoon, and a coral reef. Agatti is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, as it offers a range of activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat riding, and fishing. Agatti is also a good place to witness the local culture, as it has a village, a mosque, and a museum.

·         Kalpeni Islands: Kalpeni is a group of three islands, namely Kalpeni, Tilakkam, and Pitti, which are connected by a coral reef. Kalpeni is known for its natural beauty, with a large lagoon, a beach, and a coconut grove. Kalpeni is a good place to enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere, and to indulge in water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and canoeing. Kalpeni also has a water sports center, which provides equipment and training for visitors.

·         Kadmat Island: Kadmat is one of the most remote and pristine islands of Lakshadweep, and is ideal for a romantic getaway. Kadmat has a long and narrow beach, a lagoon, and a coral reef, which make it a haven for nature lovers. Kadmat is also a hub for water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and fishing. Kadmat has a diving school, which offers courses and certificates for divers of all levels.

·         Andretti Islands: Andretti is the easternmost island of Lakshadweep, and is also known as Cheriyam or Cherbaniani. Andretti is a small and uninhabited island, which is accessible by boat from Kalpeni. Andretti is a hidden gem, with a sandy beach, a lagoon, and a coral reef. Andretti is a perfect place to enjoy the solitude and the scenery, and to explore the marine life, such as turtles, rays, and sharks.

·         Pitti Bird Sanctuary: Pitti is a small and uninhabited island, which is part of the Kalpeni group of islands. Pitti is a bird sanctuary, which hosts thousands of migratory and resident birds, such as terns, gulls, pelicans, and herons. Pitti is a must-visit place for bird watchers and nature lovers, who can observe the birds and their nests from a watchtower. Pitti is also a good place to see the coral reef and the fishes.

How to Reach Lakshadweep from Delhi and Time Taken

Lakshadweep can be reached from Delhi by two modes of transport: flight and ship. The flight option is faster and more convenient, while the ship option is cheaper and more adventurous. Here are the details of each option:

·         Flight: The flight option involves taking a flight from Delhi to Kochi, and then another flight from Kochi to Agatti. The flight from Delhi to Kochi takes about 3 hours, and the flight from Kochi to Agatti takes about 1.5 hours. The total time taken is about 4.5 hours, excluding the layover time. The flight option is available throughout the year, except during the monsoon season. 

·         Ship: The ship option involves taking a train or a bus from Delhi to Kochi, and then a ship from Kochi to Lakshadweep. The train or bus from Delhi to Kochi takes about 40 hours, and the ship from Kochi to Lakshadweep takes about 14 to 20 hours, depending on the destination. The total