Lakshadweep, formerly (1956–73) Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands, union territory of India. It is a group of some three dozen islands scattered over some 30,000 square miles (78,000 square km) of the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. The principal islands in the territory are Minicoy and those in the Amindivi group. The easternmost island lies about 185 miles (300 km) from the coast of the state of Kerala. Ten of the islands are inhabited. The administrative centre is Kavaratti. The name Lakshadweep means “Hundred Thousand Islands” in the Malayalam language and also in Sanskrit. Area 12 square miles (32 square km). Pop. (2011) 64,429.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Lakshadweep generally range from about 70 °F (about 20 °C) to nearly 90 °F (about 32 °C).
78,568 as per 2018
Culture and customs:
The most commonly spoken language by the people of Lakshadweep is Malayalam.The culture of the people of Lakshadweep has got a historical link with the state of Kerala when it comes to it music and dance. Also the music and dance of the people of this island can be seen to be highly influenced by Islamic culture.
Festivals and Events:
The majority of the population in Lakshadweep follows Islam and therefore the islands celebrate all the major Islamic Festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Milad-Ul-Nabi, Bakri-Eid, and Muharram. These festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm in Lakshadweep that makes the islands colorful.
Laskshadweep celebrate many folk festivals by performing the popular Dance form Lava.
Best time to visit:
The cluster of islands is one of those places which can be visited throughout the year. With a pleasant climate all year round, you cannot go wrong with the magnificent Lakshadweep Islands. Both early summers (March – May) and winters (november – february) are ideal for a vacation to Lakshadweep. With pleasant climatic conditions, both these periods are perfect for sightseeing and enjoying your trip. Monsoons experience high temperatures and heavy rainfall followed by high humidity, hence a lot of activities are shut down. Winters (November-Feb) and Early summers (March-May) are the best time to visit Lakshadweep. During the monsoons it is really wet and a lot of activities are shut down during this period.
The islands of present-day Lakshadweep were first mentioned by a Greek sailor in the 1st century CE as a source of tortoise shell. Muslim missionary activity in the 7th century and continued contact with Arab traders eventually led to the conversion of all the islanders to Islam. Sometime before 1100 a small Hindu kingdom on the Malabar Coast annexed the islands, and after the fall of the Kulashekhara dynasty of Kerala in 1102 they passed to the Kolathiris, another small Hindu dynasty. Later in the 12th century, after a Kolathiri princess married a Muslim convert, a separate kingdom (including the islands that eventually formed Lakshadweep) was set up in the Kannur (Cannanore) area of Kerala in order to protect the Keralan tradition of matrilineal descent.
Kadmat: Kadmat Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. There is a huge lagoon on the west side of the island, around 10km from the Amini.
Kavaratti Island: Kavaratti Island is the most developed Island in Lakshadweep. Kavaratti is the administrative capital of Lakshdweep and the population is dominated by non-islanders. There are many Mosques on this island (around 52) and the most beautiful one is Ujra mosque.
Kalpeni: Kalpeni is located at the distance of around 76km south of Androth. This place lies in an extensive and shallow lagoon. The lagoon is world famous for its rich coral and marine life.
Bangaram: This Island is one of the best tourist destinations in the world due to its smooth sands and amazing palm grove backdrop. Here smooth sand is caressed by the waves of the multi coloured sea. This beautiful Island lies at a distance of around 8km from the north side of Agatti Island.
Agatti Island: Agatti Island the gateway for the Lakshadweep, it is located at a distance of around 459 km from the Cochin. Agatti Island is around 6 km long. Surplus fishes are easily found on Agatti island. Fishing is the main occupation for the people living here.
This island has some of the best beaches for swimming in the world. Here tourists can enjoy the adventure of swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Tourists can also find huge lagoons over here, which increases the beauty of this island.
Adventure and things you can do:
Visitors can also enjoy different water sports activities like Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, sailing, boat rides, water skiing and kayaking at Agatti Island.
Accommodation type available:
Accommodation in Lakshadweep is generally available in the form of eco-friendly cottages. Resorts and homestays are common on the islands Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat and Bangaram. Government lodges are also available at very reasonable rates.
How to reach there:
Air India operates flights from Kochi to Agatti six days a week.
Ships, ferries and boats from Kerala ply regularly to Lakshadweep for locals.
Dos and don’t:
There are basic leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours. There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, the Marine museum, Lighthouse and a few local industries.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands except Bangaram. Picking up corals is a punishable crime. Be safe.
Lakshadweep Entry Permit:
To visit the Lakshadweep islands, you need to get a tourism permit from Kochi.
Being an unconventional tourist spot, travelling to the Lakshadweep Islands will require a traveller to obtain an official permit from the Administrator of the Lakshadweep.
However, the requirements for Indian travellers and foreign travellers are typically different, in nature. For instance, Indian travellers are permitted on all islands in India through this permit, but foreigners (keeping in mind, the need to preserve the sanctity of the island and not ensue, hyper tourism) who have a valid Passport and Visa to visit India, can visit the Islands of Agatti, Kadmat and International Tourist Resort of Bangaram, with a prerequisite being a permit from the Administrator.
The easiest way to be granted these permits is to consult a travel agent who will thereafter take care of each of your documents and applications that have to be submitted to the Lakshadweep authorities while charging a reasonable fee.