Lakshadweep

One of the union territories of India, Lakshadweep, formerly Laccadives, is a group of islands situated 200-440 km off India's west coast in the Arabian sea. They are India’s only coral atolls and geologically a part of the same chain as the Maldives.

Lakshadweep is India’s smallest union territory with just 32 square kilometres, and one of only two Indian administrative divisions with a Muslim majority (sharing that distinction with the state of Jammu and Kashmir). The name literally means “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit (‘laksha’ = lakh or a quantity of 100,000, ‘dweep’ = island). It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands with attached islets, four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs.

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.

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. One may also visit local houses, the Marine museum, Lighthouse and a few local industries.

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

Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-440Kms off the Kerala Coast. The islands offer a precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the Islands is its coral reef, making it a pristine leisure spot to come back to 4200 sq kms of lagoon, rich in marine wealth, is spread over 36 islands in an area of 32 sq kms. The underwater view at Lakshadweep is kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. The lagoon offers excellent potential for water sports like swimming, wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking.

Each island is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life enhance the beauty of these islands. Against the vast expanse of the blue sea, the island look like emeralds. The huge shallow calm lagoon on one side with wall like reef made of marine live coral boulders blocks the incoming swells of the outer sea.

Lakshadweep was given the National Eco-Tourism Award 1997.

Places of interest in Lakshadweep are Minicoy, Kavaratti, Kadmat Island and Bangaram Atoll, etc.

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.