Formerly known as the Laccadives, the Lakshadweep Islands- `Million islands’- may be somewhat inaccurately named, but are undeniably beautiful. In fact, the Lakshadweep islands, which lie in the Arabian Sea, are actually only 36 in number- a series of atolls and open reefs of which only 10 are inhabited.
In the Lakshadweep Islands among the most popular sites for water sports are Bangaram which is the only island accessible to foreigners and Kadmat. Both have extensive facilities for snorkeling, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, swimming, windsurfing and parasailing. Bangaram, especially, has a wonderful coral reef, with an abundance of marine life- everything from angelfish, clown fish, stingrays, hawkbill turtles and green turtles to sturgeons. Minicoy, the southernmost isle of the Lakshadweep group has a large lagoon which is good for swimming. Further north at Kalpeni Island has sea suitable for kayaking, sailing and swimming.
In Kadmat training courses in snorkelling and scuba diving are conducted by the deep-sea diving institute.Tinakara, Valiyakara, Cheriyam and Suheli are few of the other sites which are being developed as tourist centres and consequently are also acquiring the necessary infrastructure for sea sports.
TOURISM
Seeing the beauty and the potential of Lakshadweep as a tourist hot-spot, the Government of India has started promoting Lakshadweep at a rampant pace. As part of that, they have set up a webpage on Lakshadweep and its offerings.
At the same time, Superstar cruises has it on their map for their various offerings.
SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET THERE...
Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island is currently the only airport in Lakshadweep. Indian Airlines, the state owned carrier, serves Agatti and flies to Kochi on the mainland. Also, from April 2007, a private carrier, Kingfisher Airlines, has commenced flights to and from Agatti. Kingfisher connects Kochi and Bangalore to Agatti. The other islands are linked by a helicopter or boat service.
Do let us know when to tie our backpacks and see you there...
