Guide to Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, formerly the Laccadives, is a group of islands 200–440 km off India's southwestern coast in the Arabian Sea. They are India's only coral atolls and geologically a part of the same chain as the Maldives.

• Kavaratti — capital and the most developed island in Lakshadweep. The population is dominated by non-islanders. There are around 52 mosques on the island, and the most beautiful one is Ujra Mosque.
• Agatti Island — the gateway for the Lakshadweep, it's around 6 km long. Fishing is the main occupation for the people living here. Tourists can enjoy sailing, boat rides, water skiing, kayaking swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, and also find huge lagoons.
• Minicoy Island — the southernmost island with serene beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a rich cultural heritage
• Amini Island — an oval-shaped island which one was one of the first to be settled, known for its coral products

Lakshadweep is India's smallest union territory with just 32 km², and one of only three Indian administrative divisions with a Muslim majority (the others being Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh). The name literally means "a hundred thousand islands" in Sanskrit (lakṣa = "lakh" or "hundred thousand" and dvīpa = "island"). It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands with attached islets, four newly formed islets and 5 submerged reefs. As of 2011, Lakshadweep had a population of 64,473.

Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful destinations that you could visit during your holidays with beautiful marine life, relaxed village life, some tourist resorts and cherished mosques.

Climate

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.

The people of the islands are ethnically similar to the people of Kerala (Keralam), and are of mixed Indian and Arab descent. They speak a dialect of Malayalam called Jeseri, except in Minicoy where Mahl, a form of Dhivehi (the language of the Maldives) is spoken.

Everybody, Indian or otherwise, requires a special permit to visit Lakshadweep. While it is possible to apply directly, by far the easiest way to obtain it is to book a package tour through the government's tour operator, the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), or arrange a hotel to sort it out for you; in fact, for foreigners, accommodation booked in advance is a precondition for being allowed to visit.

Foreigners are restricted to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat, plus transit only (maximum of 12 hours) in Kavaratti. Indians may visit the other islands as well, but accommodation is very limited (see Sleep).

Nearly everybody going to Lakshadweep has to pass through Kochi, from where you can continue by plane or ship.

By plane

By boat

The MV Tipu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi, MV Minicoy, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Arabian Sea and MV Kavaratti operate between Kochi in Kerala (Keralam) and various islands in Lakshadweep. The trip takes 14–18 hours depending on the destination island. The first four are basic 1960s-era ferries but fairly well maintained and tolerably comfortable and provides a comfortable journey. The Tipu Sultan stopped its service. The newly built MV LakshadweepSea and MV Arabian Sea are provided with three classes of accommodation (air-con cabin, air-conreclining seats and deck) plus a cafeteria, snack bar and upper deck promenade. Return fares are around ₹3800 in air-con seats, which is the cheapest class available for packages. The MV Kavaratti is used mainly for operating "Samudram Cruise Package" by Society for promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), a body under the Lakshadweep Administration, though the ship also transports passengers from Kochi to various islands and between islands. The ship is centrally air-conditioned and has cabin class accommodation mainly for tourists. In addition it has bunk bed accommodation for passengers. The tourists stay on the ship for four nights and five days and visit one island per day for water sports and other activities.

Tickets can be reserved online. All published sailing schedules are subject to sudden changes; not only can they be delayed, but it's not unknown for a boat to arrive and leave a day early.

There are also occasional cruises directly from Mumbai.

The southernmost island of Minicoy in the Lakshadweep island group is now a permitted entry point.

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 boat/ferry: these can be used for getting around from one island to the other.

Once on an island, there aren't too many options as the islands themselves are very small: most of them are less than 10 km in length and less than a kilometre in breadth between their extremes. You can travel by foot or hire a bicycle.

There are basic leisure tours together with sea and lagoon based tours. There are plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, yachting, pedal boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. You may also visit local houses, the Marine museum, Lighthouse and a few local industries.

Lakshadweep is not a budget destination: in addition to the permit issue, there is no tourist infrastructure (hostels, restaurants, public transport etc.) for backpackers. The cheapest sports tours start from around ₹10,000 for four days, but this price is all-inclusive. One can purchase pure coconut powder and coconut oil from the factory situated at Kadmat island. Fish pickles and small souvenirs are available on Kavaratti Island.

The most prized souvenirs from Lakshadweep are traditional handicrafts created out of materials from the sea, such as shells, oysters, pearls and coral.

Local cuisine is most similar to that of the Malabar region of Kerala (Keralam). Coconut oil and curry leaves feature prominently in most dishes. Some of the distinctive dishes found on the islands are:

• Mus Kavaab - a spicy curry of tuna chunks best paired with rice
• Crispy fried octopus
• Batla Appam is a specialty of Androth Island. It is a steamed sweet with an idli-like appearance made out of eggs, flour, sugar and cardamom.

Drink large amounts of coconut water, the most abundant drink on the island. Tap water here is through bore wells and a bit hard. Rainwater harvested during the rainy season is the major source of drinking water. Unavailability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands being uninhabited.

Fresh lime soda, chilled fruit juices and simple milkshakes are popular too, especially in Agatti and Kavaratti where small cafés serve light, refreshing drinks throughout the day. Herbal teas and spiced milk drinks appear in local homes, especially in the evenings when the temperature drops slightly.

Alcohol remains banned in the union territory but permits are given to approved hospitality venues, and designated tourism zones as well as luxury resorts to sell, purchase or consume alcohol. The sale or purchase of alcohol is strictly illegal for anyone under 21 years old. Public intoxication is strictly illegal and you face imprisonment.

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

In addition, basic government resorts open to Indian citizens only are available at Minicoy, Kavaratti and Kalpeni. Some packages offered by SPORTS include accommodation on board the ship, with only day visits to the islands.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands except Bangaram. Picking up corals is a punishable crime.

Air is really polluted due to waste burning. Persons with respiratory issues may avoid.

-Kerala- off the coast of Lakshadweep

-Goa- excellent beach vibe, and the 'party state'

-Karnataka- flights out of Lakshadweep to Karnataka are available.

-Maldives- an island nation near Lakshadweep.