Lakshadweep

As the islands have no aboriginal inhabitants, scholars have suggested different histories for the settlement of these islands. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of a human settlement in the region around 1500 BCE. As indicated by an anonymous reference from the first century CE to the region in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, the islands have long been known to sailors. The islands were also mentioned in the Buddhist Jataka stories of the sixth century BCE. Islam was established in the region when Muslims arrived around the seventh century. During the medieval period, the area was ruled by the Chola dynasty and the Kingdom of Cannanore. The Catholic Portuguese arrived around 1498 but were expelled by 1545. The region was then ruled by the Muslim house of Arakkal, followed by Tipu Sultan. On his death in 1799, most of the region passed on to the British, and with their departure, the Union Territory was formed in 1956.

Ten of the islands are inhabited. At the 2011 Indian census, the population of the Union Territory was 64,473. The majority of the indigenous population is Muslim, and most of them belong to the Shafi school of the Sunni sect. The islanders are ethnically similar to the Malayali people of the nearest Indian state of Kerala. Most of the population speaks Malayalam, with Mahl being the most spoken language in Minicoy island. An airport serves the islands on Agatti Island. The main occupation of the people is fishing and coconut cultivation, with tuna being the main item of export. Lakshadweep is a stunning group of islands off the coast of Kerala. Kavaratti Island is the capital of this paradisiacal union territory. There are 36 individual islands in Lakshadweep where some of these islands are inhabited while some aren't. Not all of these islands are open for tourists to visit, but those available to visit will enthrall you like no other place in the country.

Lakshadweep is a magnificent heavenly island and makes for a perfect exotic beachside holiday. The islands are famous for their fascinating colorful flora, exotic fauna, and incredible adventures with their stunning beauty. Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already known as a tourist attraction for Indians since 1974. This brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Since such a small region cannot support industries, the Government actively promotes tourism as a means of income in Bangaram and Kadmat islands. Bangaram is projected to become a significant destination for international tourism. Marine fauna is plentiful. Water sports activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sportfishing, yachting, and night sea voyages are popular among tourists. Tourists flock to these islands throughout the year, except during the southwest monsoon months when seas are extremely rough.

The Government has also proposed to set up two customs clearance check-in offices so that tourists can enter directly instead of getting permission from the nearest customs office in Kochi, which is 260 nautical miles from these islands. These will be the minor customs offices in India. Tourism is expected to get a considerable boost after these offices open as the islands lie on one of the busiest cruise passages. Lakshadweep, which means 'one hundred thousand islands,' is one of the most incredible nature's gifts to us. The enchanting and unspoiled beaches will simply blow your mind. It is the perfect escape from your hectic schedules and cacophony of the overcrowded cities. The smallest union territory of India, Lakshadweep, consists of several islands. Around 10 of them are inhabited by humans, and the others are used for coconut plantations, tourism, fish hatcheries, and many other activities. Lakshadweep is full of adventure. You can either go for adventurous water sports or sit on the beach and soak up the natural beauty. Scuba diving is the main attraction in this archipelago. A unique diving institute has been set up to assist you in having a great scuba diving experience. The Government of India is constantly working on the development of the tourism industry in Lakshadweep.

To visit Lakshadweep, you need to ask for special permission from the Government. There are several hotels and resorts there for your comfortable stay, and all of them are constructed under the supervision of the Indian Government. Some suggestions for you are Bangaram Island Resort, Agatti Island Beach Resort, Kadmat Island Resort, etc. The local cuisine in Lakshadweep is divine. You must try the sumptuous delicacies in the restaurant Café de Saina and other local cafes. The seafood is mouth-watering. Nightlife in the archipelago might disappoint you a little as drinking is prohibited there, and you will not find any nightclub or pub. But you can do many other activities to have a happening nightlife there like organize a beach barbeque party with the other tourists of the hotel or see the glow worms on the beach which are excellent. You can enjoy the place without alcohol. Lakshadweep is one of the world's most spectacular tropical island systems, tucked away at 220-440Kms off the Kerala Coast.

The islands offer a precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the Islands is its coral reef, making it a new leisure spot to come back to. 4200 sq. km. of the lagoon, rich in marine wealth, is spread over 36 islands in an area of 32 sq. km. The underwater view at Lakshadweep is kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. The lagoon offers excellent potential for water sports like swimming, wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. No wonder Lakshadweep is fast becoming India's one of its kind Adventure sport – Nature Tourism location. Snow-white coral sands fringe each Island. The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life enhance the beauty of these islands. Against the vast expanse of the blue sea, the Island looks like emeralds. The huge shallow calm lagoon on one side with a wall-like reef made of marine live coral boulders blocks the incoming swells of the outer sea. The islands are linked to the mainland by – ship, helicopter, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, and mechanized sailing wooden vessels. In all the islands, elaborate infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of tourists.

History

In the 16th century, the Portuguese ruled the seas between Ormuz and the Malabar Coast and south to Ceylon. As early as 1498, they took control of the archipelago, later on, to exploit coir production until the islanders expelled them in 1545. In the 17th century, the islands came under Ali Rajahs/Arakkal Bheevi of Kannur, who received them as a gift from the Kolathiris. The islands are also mentioned in great detail in the stories of the Arab traveler Ibn Batuta. The Aminidivi group of islands came under the rule of Tipu Sultan in 1787. They passed to British control after the Third Anglo-Mysore War and were attached to South Canara. The rest of the islands came under the suzerainty of the Arakkal family of Cannanore in return for a payment of annual tribute. The British took over the administration of those islands for non-payment of arrears. These islands were attached to the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency during the British Raj.

Geography

Lakshadweep is an archipelago of twelve atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks, with about thirty-nine islands and islets. The reefs are, in fact, also atolls, although mostly submerged, with only small unvegetated sand cays above the high-water mark. The submerged banks are sunken atolls. Almost all the atolls have a northeast-southwest orientation, with the islands lying on the eastern rim, and a mostly submerged reef on the western rim, enclosing a lagoon. It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, attached islets, four newly formed islets, and five submerged reefs. The main islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, and Amini. The total population of the territory is 64,429, according to the 2011 census. Agatti has an airport with direct flights from Kochi.

Flora and Fauna

Together with the Maldives and the Chagos, the Lakshadweep Archipelago forms the Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests ecoregion. It has over 600 marine fishes, 78 species of corals, 82 species of seaweed, 52 species of crabs, two species of lobsters, 48 species of gastropods, 12 species of bivalves, 101 species of birds. It is one of the four coral reef regions in India. The corals are a significant attraction for the tourists. Pitti Island is an important breeding place for sea turtles and several pelagic birds such as brown, lesser crested tern, and greater crested tern. The Island has been declared a bird sanctuary. Cetacean diversity off the Lakshadweep Islands and adjacent areas is higher than other areas, although a lack of scientific study results in poor understanding and conservation promotion. These include various whales, smaller cetaceans, pilot whales, and dolphins. The region does not have a rich flora, and almost all the plants can be found on the mainland of India. There is also an absence of forest in the region. Nearly 400 flowering plants have been documented, including three species of seagrasses Cymodocea isoetifolia, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii, other angiosperms as Pandanus, Heliotropium foertherianum, Tournefortia argentea, and Pemphis acidula, as well as fungi, algae, lichens, are also found. The typical flora of the coral sands includes coconut groves and coastal shrubs as Pemphis acidula, Cordia subcordata, Scaevola taccada, Thespesia populnea, Suriana maritima, Dodonaea viscosa, Guettarda speciosa, and seaweeds such as sea lettuces, Codium, and Hypena.

Adventure Activities in Lakshadweep

Tourists visit these islands throughout the year but avoid the monsoon due to rough seas inhospitable water sports. There are numerous chances for Swimming, Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, etc. There is no way that one should miss these things to do Lakshadweep. You can also visit the lighthouse, and a few local houses would complete the Lakshadweep trip! The shallow lagoons' vast expanses give a perfect setting for water sports and thrill-seekers. All the islands in Lakshadweep are included in the various tourist packages, offer canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, snorkel sets, sailboats, windsurfers, glass-bottomed boats, and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports in the unpolluted lagoons. Kavaratti, Kadmat, and Bangaram have facilities for scuba diving in Lakshadweep. Deep-sea fishing buffs can allow big game fishing. Sail Fish, Barracuda, Yellow Fin Tuna, Triveli, and sharks are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep. Local boats with an experienced crew can be hired.

1. Dolphin Watching

Head off to Lakshadweep for a splash of a time! Kavaratti in Lakshadweep is the headquarter Island located around 404 km off the coast of Cochin. The beautiful calm lagoon on the Island is perfect for beginner scuba divers. The scuba dive center is conveniently located on the Island's northern tip, very close to the entrance. Therefore to dive spots are easy and quick from the dive center. Catering to divers, the Island has a ten bedded resort. It is well known for turtles, rays, soft corals, sharks, and all types of tropical fishes.

2. Parasailing

A single person or two or three people are tied into a parachute in this particular leisurely activity and pulled along by a boat. The parasailor is carried off into the air when the ship sets off speedily. Parasailing in Lakshadweep is an intriguing experience to appreciate emerald islands' attractiveness surrounded by silvery sands studded inside the Arabian Sea's deep blue waters. The idyllic seascape includes vast stretches of sun-soaked shining sands, beautiful lagoons, and palm trees' soothing green extends. The clear deep waters encompassing the Lakshadweep Islands deliver excellent opportunities for parasailing.

3. Canoeing

The shallow waters around Minicoy make it a perfect place for canoeing, and one can enjoy the sport even if one is trying it for the first time. Canoeing in Lakshadweep will also be a miraculous experience in your life. Like Kayaking, Canoeing is also among the exciting water sports you have to paddle out a canoe. In this whole world, who does not want to spend some, leisure time with their loved ones propelling on the Arabian sea's crystal clear water enjoying the natural beauty along with so much fun and adventure while canoeing.

4. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving is among the most favorite water activities in Lakshadweep amongst travelers. Kadmat Islands, Agatti, and Bangaram are the three islands that prove a perfect Scuba setting. Each dive center in Lakshadweep has attached resorts catering to beginners' needs and those interested in PADI and CMAS courses by certified divers. The islands in Lakshadweep are also enriched with diverse tropical fishes, vibrant corals, and other creatures like turtles, rays, and coral sharks. Kadmat is among the most beautiful scuba diving places in India.

6. Kayaking

Look around and soak in the serenity along with views of the historical Minicoy Lighthouse in the distance. One method of growing popularity is kayak fishing. Kayaks are stealthy and allow anglers to reach areas not fishable from land or conventional boats. Also, fishing from kayaks is regarded by some to level the playing field, to a degree, with their quarry and to challenge their angling abilities further by bringing an additional level of complexity to Kayaking in Lakshadweep.

7. Kitesurfing

Kite Surfing is an enthralling water sports activity that one can participate in at Lakshadweep. Kadmat Island here is among other popular spots for Kite Surfing's experience. Kadmat Island offers an excellent opportunity to practice Kitesurfing in Lakshadweep and then go more in-depth with your kite. Practice this activity enough once you get your hands on it, after which the adventure will be much more fun. There are good instructors on the Island, making you feel comfortable and at home with this sport.

8. Snorkeling

The main islands of Lakshadweep include Agatti, Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. Their surrounding waters are abundant in coral reefs and marine life, making them a favorite with snorkelers. The snorkeling water sport reveals to the tourists the aquatic life of Lakshadweep. Snorkeling in Lakshadweep is the practice of swimming at the surface of a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swim fins. In calmer waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. Combining these tools allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort. In the Blue Lagoon's unspoiled waters, living coral reefs of vibrant blue, green, and yellow ring Island and are home to colorful galaxies of fish, from lionfish to angelfish to butterflyfish.

9. Fishing

Lakshadweep boasts of having some of the best fishing grounds globally. It is the perfect place for different fishing types, including deep sea fishing, recreational fishing, kayak fishing, and lagoon fishing Lakshadweep. The lagoons of Lakshadweep are a hotbed of various fisheries and Boating in Lakshadweep. There are multiple resorts on this beautiful Island that provide night lagoon fishing facilities. Night lagoon fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy this recreational activity as it happens away from all kinds of distractions and disturbances. If you are in Lakshadweep, do experience this activity, which lets you explore the multitude of species and colors of different fish.

Places to visit in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep tourism offers the kind of dreamy island vacation that people spend a fortune on abroad, within India! 300 kilometers away from Kerala's coast floating in the Laccadive Sea, the Lakshadweep Islands' pristine atolls and coral reefs will embed unforgettable memories of a sunkissed holiday in your mind. The archipelago inhabits only 10 islands, and visit Lakshadweep tourism extends to only six of them. India's smallest Union Territory is one of its most beautiful destinations that, surprisingly, neither many Indian citizens know about nor international travelers. The very few that do have nothing but glowing reviews. Please scroll down to find out more about the country's best-kept secret and add it to your bucket list right away!

1. Marine Museum

The museum's exciting thing is its aquarium, a few unique sea fishes, and water animals. The beautiful, colorful fishes and aquatic species are beautiful, and it is an incredible sight to see these ornamental species. It is also the right place to collect information about marine life and related stuff. This is where one can witness some of the wealthiest showcases of marine life and artifacts.

2. Kadmat Island

Boasting silvery white beaches, sunkissed shores, incredible blue lagoons, azure blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Kadmat Island is a travelers' delight. Winter, especially December, is the best season to visit Lakshadweep. The picturesque Island is infested with marine turtles, which live and breed here. The Island has one inhabited village called Kadmat, where fishing is the primary occupation. Kadmat Island offers a host of activities to its guests, which is why it is thronged by thousands of tourists every year. Some of the most popular activities and things to do on the Island are scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and paragliding. 

 3. Minicoy Island

The Minicoy Island is the second-largest Island of the famous places in Lakshadweep and is one of the few inhabited islands. It is best known for its luxury beach resorts that are an ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquillity. This picturesque destination is a popular tourist spot and has gained immense popularity due to tuna canning, tuna fishing, and the presence of pristine palm-fringed beaches. The islands also show a bit of Buddhist influence. Many ancient relics, some of them 800 years old, were found by India's archaeological survey. However, the most striking feature of the Island is its dominant female society which stands apart from the patriarchal Indian society.

4. Kalpeni Island

Naturally, this place is among the must-see places. This is also a great spot to enjoy water sports, including Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Reef walking, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing yachts. This Island is a popular ship trip from Kerala. Since there are no privately run resorts here, it's essential to book your accommodation beforehand. The highlights here are the food and fresh catch.

 5. Bangaram Island

The beach resort on the Island was inaugurated in 1974. 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 significant destination for international tourism. The people who reside on the Island are the ones that work at the resort that is open for travelers. 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 coast of Bangaram Island should be on your bucket list. This Island is often referred to as a paradise.

6. Agatti Islands

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. The beautiful Agatti island stretches over 8 kilometers, and it is sparsely populated with around 8000 inhabitants. With a total area of a little over 3 square kilometers, the island may be small compared to many other islands, but it is nothing but a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travelers. Agatti Island is the only island belonging to the Lakshadweep group with its airport, making it highly accessible from significant parts of the world.

 7. Pitti Bird Sanctuary

This dead coral island is an excellent spot for snorkeling and sees some of the most indigenous marine life. You can also choose to walk by the beach and spend quality time at one of the most celebrated tourist attractions in Lakshadweep tourist places.

8. Kavaratti Islands

The spectacular views of the Arabian sea, the sparkling white-sand beaches offer solace amidst the tranquil nature. Kavaratti is best known for its coconut trees, a vast expanse of marine life, beautiful sceneries, and enthralling water sports. 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.

Things to do in Lakshadweep

Welcome to India's smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep! Its shining bright green waters draw many travelers across the world. It is a pretty famous beach and hot spot in India. It is well known for white-sand beaches, sapphire lagoons, colorful corals, and omnipresent silence. Suppose you are looking for a peaceful and chaos-free vacation, then this is the place for you. It is a stunning archipelago of landmasses where you can enjoy water sports and discover sea life. There are many Lakshadweep things to do, from the romantic boat ride to jet ski to kayaking to scuba diving in the Kalpeni Island, exploring the beautiful rare corals, watching turtles and fishes.

1. See Lagoons at Agatti Island

This place is a paradise for water sports lovers. The thrilling activities to do in Lakshadweep, Agatti Island include water sports, sightseeing, kite flying, exploring beautiful corals, and unique fishes. You can also take a stroll several kilometers and can get hypnotized by the beautiful flora and fauna. The allure lagoons can attract you with their remarkable beauty. There are many things to do in Agatti as you can watch unique and different fishes and enjoy the adventure of swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

2. Various adventurous sports to do in Lakshadweep

You are going to get many exciting things to do in Lakshadweep. It is a paradise for newly married. Lakshadweep is considered the most stunning destination, which you can visit during your vacations here. This incredible union territory is in the Arabian Sea and includes twelve islands, three sandbanks, and five underwater banks. The glamorous marine life, the traveler resorts, the rural communities, and the lighthouse are enormous magnetism for the tourists.

3. Visit Kalpeni Island

These three Islands are settled and are often visited by travelers. Activities to do in Lakshadweep include Canoeing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, kayaking, reef walking, and sailing yachts. Kalpeni is a famous place for its turquoise lagoon adjoining the Island. You can see several types of corals here. It is a popular weekend getaway destination due to its super weather and lagoons. Ensure your camera's battery is full as this is the most scenic area of Lakshadweep, which is just 1 kilometer far from the city center.

4. Take a sunbath at Kadmat Island

Silver sand beaches are the major attraction of this Island. No matter if you are an Indian tourist or a foreign tourist, all are welcomed here. You can have fun while exploring the colorful fishes inside the corals, which you can see from sparkling clear water, dolphins doing somersaults, turtles enjoying swimming. Views are magnificent and will amaze you with all these scenes. This small island offers many more beach activities for all tourists.

5. Visit Kavaratti Islands

The dancing palm and coconut trees here will make you dance. You can get a romantic time and can enjoy an evening holding the hands of your partner. Visiting Urja Mosque in Kavaratti Islands and watching endless fishes and corals are few activities in Lakshadweep, Kavaratti Island. This mosque in Lakshadweep is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Muslims and a chief tourist attraction.