Quick Facts:

Area: 32 sq km
Population: 60,600
Capital City: Kavaratti
Best time to visit: October to March
Languages: Malayalam

Tourist Attractions In Lakshadweep:

Lakshadweep has immense potential for the development of domestic as well as international tourism. The virgin islands, which were inaccessible to the outside world because of their secluded location are now within reach of the modern technology. Now, Lakshadweep has gained the attention of the domestic and international tourism, resulting in the revolution in the tourism facilities here. Though, the administration is being cautious enough to limit the number of tourists permitted here to prevent overcrowding in the islands and any consequent environmental damage, which is a very thoughtful step on its part. Society for promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports registered under the Societies Act,1860 aims to promote tourism and recreational activities in islands.

The Bangaram Resort, tourist huts and cottages at Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Minicoy are some of the good choices to stay while in the islands. Only three inhabited islands have been opened for the foreign tourists including Suheli Cheriyakara, Cheriyam and Tinnakara. Full-fledged water sport Institute at Kadmat offers facilities for wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, yatchting, para sailing, scuba diving and other such thrilling and adventurous water sport activities along with a tourist cafeteria and floating restaurant. The marine life of the sea here is one of the main attractions of these islands.

Oceanic birds like Tharathasi and Karifetu can be seen in one of the uninhabited islands known as Pitti, which has been declared a bird sanctuary. The economically advantageous molluscs of Lakshadweep include Money Cowrie found in abundance in the shallow lagoons and reefs of the islands. Hermit Crab is common here along with the colorful coral fish such as Parrot Fish, Butterfly fish and Surgeonfish. The state animal of the Lakshadweep Islands is Butterfly fish, locally known as Fakkikadia; state bird is Sooty tern, locally known as Karifettu and state tree is Breadfruit, locally known as Chakka.

tourist attractions:

Kavaratti:
It is the capital of these islands and has the maximum amount of modern amenities as compared to the other islands. It houses an aquarium that displays a large variety of fishes. However, the biggest attraction of this island is the large number of carved mosques, 52 in all. The most outstanding of them is the Ajjara Mosque, which has a beautifully carved well. It is believed that this well has divine powers and that the water from this particular well can cure any illness. The main tourist activities available on these islands are snorkeling, canoeing, and a glass-bottomed boat ride.

Andretti and Agatti islands:
Andretti is the island where the Prophet disciple laid the foundation of Islam and from where it began spreading like wildfire to all the surrounding regions. Agatti Island is the sole island that can boast of an airport and a 20 bed tourist complex. This is the first spot you reach when you start your journey into Lakshadweep.

Minicoy:
This is a very unique island with rather strange and exciting cultures and style of living. This Island is located 200 km from Kavaratti and is closer to the Maldives. To a very large extent, this area is influenced by the Maldives and the people living here speak in a language called “Mahl.” The women here enjoy a special status and are highly respected and cared for. Not surprisingly, Marco Polo has once mentioned these islands as the “female island” in his travelogue due to its matrilineal society.

The men primarily work as laborers in international ships. This island differs in many respects from all others, namely, food, dress, ideologies, etc. The people here live as specific, small communities and reside in villages known as “Athirs.” Take a stroll through these beautiful villages, enjoy the colorful painted houses, wood carvings, and relax in the lap of the calm lagoon that is nestled in a forest and encircled by coral reefs.

Amindivi:
This group of islands is located in the northern end and includes other, smaller islands such as Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, and Amini. Bird watching is the main attraction here since this area is crammed with rare species of birds. The Kadmat Island has a beach and a lagoon. Here, you can enjoy a swim under the shades of coconut trees. You can also stay at the tourist huts located inland, away from the settlements, which renders an even more serene and pleasant quality to their charm. This Island is also equipped with a scuba diving center, a water sports complex, and air conditioned or non air conditioned tourist cottages.

Bangaram Island:
Thanks to an extensive abundance of marine life that includes sharks and turtles, a variety of fishes such as the Clownfish, Surgeonfish, eels, and beautiful, rare black corals, the Bangaram Island Resort has started attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. Sun kissed beaches and refreshing coconut trees are a common sight here. The transparent glass-like blue waters make swimming and scuba diving major activities on the island. There are three uninhabited islands called Tinkara, Parali I, and Parali II, which can be easily reached by boats.
       
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