TOP 13 BEST PLACES TO VIST IN LAKSHADEEP
01 Minicoy Island
One of the 36 small islets of Lakshadweep group of Islands, Minicoy, also known as Maliku in the local language is one of the best-kept secrets of India. It is located amidst the vast expanse of Arabian Sea, just 398 km or 215 nautical miles from the shores of Cochin. The small island encompasses the total area of 4.801 sq. km and is exclusively known for its vibrant coral reefs, quaint white-sand beaches and the fresh water of the infinite ocean.
The Minicoy Island is the second largest Island of the Lakshadweep and is one of the few inhabited islands of the group. It is best known for its luxury beach resorts that are an ideal destination for the travellers seeking tranquillity. It is also a romantic getaway to spend some quality time with your beloved amidst the clean beaches and the beautiful ocean. A trip to Minicoy Island is not about visiting the tourist places; it is about seeking the beauty of nature in its purest and most undisturbed form, as the island hasn’t been spoiled by the commercialisation yet.
For the best experience, you should undoubtedly choose to stay at the luxurious beach resorts overlooking the pearl white beaches and the turquoise blue sea. This picturesque destination is a popular tourist spot and has gained immense popularity due to activities like tuna canning, tuna fishing and the presence of pristine palm fringed beaches. Tourists can enjoy some of the most memorable moments here during winters and the onset of summer, as the weather here is ideal during those months.
02 Agatti Islands
Agatti Islands is considered another jewel from the Lakshadweep group of islands in India. It is majorly known for its blissful beauty of coral reefs but the scenic beauty of the island is mesmerizing too. The island is situated on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep islands and is few of the islands from the Lakshadweep group that is inhabited by people. Tourists often travel to Agatti Islands to bask in the sun, the white sand with crystal clear water under clear blue skies. With a total area of a little over 3 square kilometres, the island may be small compared to many other islands but it is nothing but a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travellers.
The beautiful Agatti island stretches over an area of 8 kilometres, and it is sparsely populated with around 8000 inhabitants. There is, however, no dearth of natural beauty on this splendid island. One may explore the island on foot or rent a two-wheeler to commute. Every corner of the island is rich with natural vegetation and beautiful geographical formations.
Agatti Island is the only island belonging to the Lakshadweep group with its airport that makes the island extremely accessible from major parts of the world. The airport is located at a distance of 459 kilometres from the shores of Kochi, India. The locals mostly speak English and Malayalam, and Islam is the main religion of the inhabitants. The primary occupation of the people is fishing. However, tourism is picking up quite well in this region of the world.
03 Bangaram Island
Bangaram Island, a breathtaking island located in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, is a beautiful tiny island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. The pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs are a treat for travellers. Walk around the entire island, swim with the colourful fishes, watch how the sting rays sway, check out the dolphins as they move closer to become friends with you, notice the turtles move leisurely either on the beach or under water and observe the bright colours of the coral reefs around. It’s an experience never to be missed. This enchanting island is also known as Bunnagara in the local language and is considered as one of the least explored parts of Lakshadweep Islands.
The Bangaram Island encompasses an area of 1.234 km2 and is the largest island in the chain of islands in the region (also known as atoll) with a beautiful lagoon. With a population of only 10 and just one beach resort, The Bangaram Island Beach Resort, it is an apt destination for people who want to disconnect entirely from the fast-paced world. The beach resort was inaugurated in 1974, and it became more accessible for tourists after the Agatti Aerodrome was commissioned and the frequency of commercial flights from Kochi increased. The Government of India is also promoting tourism on the Island and is projecting it to be a major destination for international tourism.
The people who reside on the Island are the ones that work at the resort that is open for travellers. The small area and less population give a sense of being on a private island. The sunrises and sunsets are a treat to the eyes by the sparkling beach, and a range of activities to indulge in makes the stay worthwhile, but even if you choose only to laze around, the serene beach of Bangaram Island should be on your bucket list.
04 Scuba Diving
Lakshadweep is one of an ideal destination for scuba diving which offers some really mesmerizing views. Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat are the three islands offering a perfect setting for the activity.
Each dive center has attached resorts catering to the needs of beginners as well as those interested in CMAS and PADI courses by certified divers. Each island is enriched with diverse variety of tropical fishes, vibrant corals and other creatures like turtles, rays, coral sharks giving you an unforgettable experience for life.
05 Kavaratti Islands
Kavaratti Island is one of the most beautiful gems from the Lakshadweep group of islands. The capital of Lakshadweep it is yet another island famous for its splendid sea views and the pristine white-sand beaches. Kavaratti lies 360 km from the shores of Kochi. It doesn’t have its airport and Agatti is the nearest airport to the island. Under the mission to develop smart cities, Kavaratti has been chosen to be developed into a smart city in the years to come.
Kavaratti is a small island spread across an area of 3.93 sqm km, but there is no dearth of natural beauty at the islands. The island is a home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. The spectacular views of the Arabian sea, the sparkling white-sand beaches offers solace amidst the tranquil nature.
The beaches are laden with the swinging coconut trees, and once you take a dip inside the vast expanse, you can witness the abundant marine life of the island. Kavaratti is best known for its beautiful sceneries and the enthralling water sports.
06 Kalpeni Island
Also known as Koefaini, Kalpeni islands is a group of three islands and is one of the most picturesque areas of Lakshadweep. Cheriyam, Pitti and Tillakkam are the islands which together forms the Kalpeni islands.
These islands are inhabited and are frequently visited by tourists. Kalpeni is famous for its beautiful lagoon surrounding the island and is highly rich in Coral life. Naturally, this place is among the must-see places in Lakshadweep. This is also a great spot to enjoy water sports including Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Reef walking, canoeing, kayaking and sailing yachts.
07 Water Sports
Apart from admiring the nature, the next best thing on any vacationer’s ‘to-do list’ should be water sports. There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling, etc.
There is no way one should miss out on these. Also, a visit to the lighthouse and a few local houses would complete the trip!
08 Marine Museum
Situated in Kavaratti, Marine museum showcases plethora of marine related artifacts and aims at promoting marine products and its preservation. The interesting thing about the museum is its aquarium which has few of the most striking species of sea fishes and water animals.
The beautiful, colorful fishes and aquatic species are very pretty and it is a great sight to see these ornamental species. It is also a good place if you are interested in collecting information about marine life and related stuff.
09 Kadmat
Kadmat is one of the most popular islands for tourists. Famous for sun bathing, it is renowned for its pristine silvery white beaches. This really small island has a beautiful lagoon in its premises enclosed by coral reefs.
Kadmat is also one of the inhabited islands offering both domestic and foreign tourists with a pleasant experience.
10 City Shopping
The quaint little islets of Lakshadweep which are miles away from the modernity offers an exotic beach holiday. The markets of the island aren’t much developed, and there are very few things that you can take back home as Lakshadweep souvenirs.
In fact, most of the islands of Lakshadweep are inhabitants and hence with no mark of concrete edifices at all. However, being a beach destination, you can collect a lot of beach handicrafts, and since fishing is the main occupation of the islanders, there are a lot of fish products that you can take back home.
11 Amindivi Islands
One of the most habited islands of Lakshadweep; Amindivi is a group of islands lying in the North Lakshadweep and is famous for its choir products. It is an ideal place for those seeking to experience the local culture and markets of Lakshadweep.
Due to government regulations, foreign tourists are not allowed to visit this island.
12 Andretti Island
Also known as Andrott Island, this is the largest island of Lakshadweep and is located closest to the Indian mainland. Unlike other islands, Andretti islands are in east-west direction.
The island is also inhabited, but has been able to maintain its beauty and charm. It also provides enough opportunities to its visitors to mingle with the nature. Spending the evenings at the seaside could be very relaxing and if you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot various aquatic animals including octopuses. Andretti Island is also famous for some Buddhist archaeological remains and the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah. However, foreign tourists are not allowed to visit this island.
13 Lighthouse, Minicoy Island
Built in the late 19th century back in 1885 in the Minicoy Island is one of the oldest lighthouses in Lakshadweep. Standing tall at 300 feet, the view from the top is absolutely mesmerizing.
It is one of the must visit place if you are planning a trip to Minicoy Island. However, the foreign nationals are not allowed to visit this island.
Tourist Places 