Looking for the best Lakshadweep travel guide? Keep on reading this blog.
Lakshadweep is a scenic archipelago of 36 islands off the coast of India’s western coastlines, located in the Arabian Sea. In the indigenous language, Lakshadweep means “one lakh islands.” Minicoy, Amindivi, and Laccadive Islands make up India’s smallest Union Territory.
The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti, often known as Kavaratti Island. It is also Lakshadweep’s most populous island and the closest to mainland India. Out of the 36 Lakshadweep islands, 10 are inhabited and only five are accessible to tourists.
Getting to Lakshadweep:
Lakshadweep Island can be reached by ships and flights operated from Kochi. For all tourist purposes Kochi is the gate way to Lakshadweep.
By Flight: Air India operates flights from Kochi to Agatti six days a week. To visit the Lakshadweep islands, you need to get a tourism permit from Kochi.
By Cruise: There are seven-passenger ships that sail frequently from Kochi and take 14-20 hours overnight to reach different islands here. MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on island chosen for journey
You have the option of booking your flight yourself (if you’re planning your own trip) or through a travel agent. If you want to take a cruise, you can book it through the Lakshadweep tourism website or through an agent.
Because we chose to fly in rather than take a cruise, this piece will focus on assisting you in planning a fly-in Lakshadweep trip.
Permits for visitors:
Tourism in Lakshadweep is tightly regulated, so you’ll need a permit for each island you plan to visit, regardless of whether you’re an Indian or international tourist. Only Authorized Agents can help for issue of permits to various category of applicants. You can find the list of Authorized agents here.
Your schedule must be planned and paid for ahead of time, and everything is costly (at least by Indian standards). After you’ve paid, the tourism agency will provide the permits.
Best time to Visit Lakshadweep:
November to February OR May to September. You must avoid monsoon season to visit Lakshadweep.
Places to visit in Lakshadweep
Bangaram Atoll: The Paradise-Like Island:
This island is sometimes described as a paradise. The island is certainly one of the best spots to visit in Lakshadweep, offering plenty of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers both. People usually stay here for 4-5 days to soak in the peace and quiet before returning to their normal lives.
Agatti Island:
This island is one of the most accessible in the region, with a weekly flight from Kochi International Airport. The Lagoon beach is a 20-minute drive from the airport. There are numerous options for homestays and motels.
Kalpeni Island: Take A Relaxing Stroll
This is a popular ship excursion from Kerala to this island. Because there are no privately owned resorts in this area, you must arrange your lodging ahead of time. This is a controversial option due to the absence of international tourist permits. However, if you’re seeking for remote areas with the most tranquil atmosphere, this works to your advantage.
Thinnakara Island: For Beautiful Lagoons
The island is a 40-minute boat ride away from Agatti. The island serves as a centre for water sports and adventure activities. It has the feel of a secluded island with only a few hotels. Some even claim that there are only twenty accommodations on the entire island, necessitating advance reservations. It is ideal for lone visitors looking for the greatest spots to visit in Lakshadweep because of its lovely lagoons and immaculate coastline.
Kavaratti Island: Witness Mesmerizing Sunsets
This island is one of the best spots to visit in Lakshadweep because of its white sand and spectacular sunsets. The amount of flora and plants in this tranquil lagoon is surprising. Kavaratti is a great place to visit if you enjoy nature. Hundreds of foreign tourists visit the city each year to simply relax and enjoy the beauty.
Kadmat Island: Relish Delicious Local Food
Kadmat Island is another prominent tourist destination in Lakshadweep. The aquatic life on this coral island is abundant. The island is sparsely populated, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday.
Minicoy Island
The island, also known as Miliku, is located in the Lakshadweep archipelago. All plans to Lakshadweep and its sibling islands must pass through this island. It’s tucked away on the archipelago’s southwest coast, surrounded by a plethora of fantastic attractions. It boasts an imposing lighthouse and numerous white-sand beaches, making it ideal for Lakshadweep sightseeing.
Accommodation in Lakshadweep
If you fly in, you’ll be required to stay at one of the government-run SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports) resorts on each island. Because commercial resorts, lodges, and guest houses are not authorized in Lakshadweep, this is the case. If you’re on a cruise, however, you’ll undoubtedly spend most of your nights on board.
Stay on Bangaram Island:
Bangaram Island, a blend of nature and luxury, is ranked among the best vacations in the world. You can book your stay at Bangaram Island resort – is a premium luxury resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon.
Cost: INR 15000 / Per couple (all meals included)
The ferry from Agatti to Bangaram takes 30 minutes and costs Rs. 4,000 per person for a two-way journey.
Stay at Thinnakara Island: Thinnakara island is located north of Agatti, very near to Bangaram, and offers thatched-roof tents on the beach.
Cost: INR 10000/ Per couple (all meals included)
The boat from Agatti takes around 45 minutes, and costs Rs. 5,000 per person for a two-way journey. But if you’re already on Bangaram, it’ll cost Rs. 1,000 to Thinnakara and back.
Stay at Kadmat Island: There aren’t many hotels on Kadmat Island to select from. Kadmat Island Beach Resort is the only location to stay in this area. This resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in Lakshadweep, with 28 sea-facing spacious AC and non-AC rooms and a beachfront restaurant.
Cost: INR 12000/ Per couple (all meals included)
The boat from Agatti costs Rs. 8,000 per person to get there and back.
Stay at Kavaratti Island: Kavaratti Island Beach Resort is the most picturesque of all the seaside Lakshadweep honeymoon resorts, nestled amidst turquoise water, white glittering beaches, and coconut palms. The setting is also ideal for kayaking and sailing with your significant other on a yacht. You can also take romantic beach walks and watch sunsets together.
Cost: INR 8000 / Per couple ( all meals included)
The boat ride from Agatti to Kavaratti is two-and-a-half hours and costs Rs. 8,000 per person for a two-way journey
Top Tips to visit Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is exorbitant, and the facilities are basic, so if you’re seeking for a cheap vacation or fancy lodging, you may be disappointed. However, all meals are included.
You will need a permit to visit Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a no-alcohol zone
Don’t forget to bring your beach essentials, such as sunglasses and caps. A decent sunblock, in particular.
Make sure you have enough cash with you. Due to the lack of development in the area, ATM coverage is limited.
Carry essential medical supplies. As with the ATM, medical stores also have a low presence.
Conclusion: Lakshadweep combines the finest of both worlds, catering to both your serene and adventurous sides. People love it as a romantic destination, but it is so much more to make for a perfect vacation, especially when you are a first-time visitor.
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