Things to do in Lakshadweep

Basic info

The tiny island of Chetlat, spreading across 1.30 sq km, is the northernmost inhabited island of Lakshadweep. The island is a part of the Amindivi Island group, with Kiltan and Agatti Island being around 37 km and 100 km away respectively. The nearest major city on the Indian mainland is Kochi at the distance of 432 km. On the eastern part of the island, the wide coral delta looks something out of a picture book. The beauty of the island and the pleasant sea breeze

is suitable for a relaxing holiday. From certain the distance, the island looks like an upturned boat from a distance. The people here mostly speak Malayalam, Mahl, and English. Fishing and farming, along with coir twisting are prime occupations of the region. During the early 20th century, the island was well known for its vessels and boats, which were used by the local Amindivi’s. Coconut is a prime crop of the region, followed by jackfruits and drumsticks.

Tourist attractions

Sunset from Chetlat Island cannot be described in words. Tourists

can relax on the beach while sipping refreshing tender coconut water.

Things to do

Sunbathing and relaxing on the beach are a must for tourists. The area is well known for its mats, and caps made from tender coconut leaves,

Sunbathing and relaxing on the beach are a must for tourists. The area is well known for its mats, and caps made from tender coconut leaves,

Basic info

Just opposite to Bangaram Island, this tear-shaped island is a paradise amidst nowhere. The Thinnakara Island, spread in 130 acres, has a vast lagoon and coralline bank and is uninhabited. The area is accessible from Agatti Island via speed boats. Kochi is the official entry point for Lakshadweep, and the tourists are required to

get a permit from the tourism office in Kochi for the same. The scare telecom connectivity, negligible human habitation and the mesmerizing beauty of the region are ideal for a relaxing holiday. The island is surrounded by lagoons, beautiful palm trees and varied flora and fauna making it one of the prettiest islands in Lakshadweep.

Tourist attractions

The area is a well-known spot for scuba diving and other water sport. Peaceful

Island is suitable for relaxing and rejuvenating. Also, the sunset is breathtaking.

Things to do

Tourists should try different water sports, like scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. Strolling during the night is just to watch the phosphorescent

Tourists should try different water sports, like scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. Strolling during the night is just to watch the phosphorescent

Basic info

The Kadmat Island, also referred to as the Cardamom Island, is a coral islet belonging to the Amindivi Subgroup of islands. Spreading over the area of 9.3 km, this island has been the home to coral reefs as well as the marine turtles. The Agatti Island is just 77 km away from Kadmat and can be reached by ferries, speedboats and

catamaran vessels. During summers and monsoons, the climate o the region can become very harsh due to extreme heat and humidity. Avoiding these seasons are advisable for having a good experience at the island. The emerald island, filled with 100-meter long sun-kissed beach, lagoons, and corals makes it an ideal honeymoon destination.

Tourist attractions

Beautiful beaches with a stunning view and a host of available water sports make this region a favorite among tourists.

One can hire experienced instructors while snorkeling or scuba diving. Also, kayaking and deep sea fishing can be done here.

Things to do

Honeymooners should try strolling on the beach during the night for a romantic experience. Sunset at Kadmat Island is worth catching. From the

Honeymooners should try strolling on the beach during the night for a romantic experience. Sunset at Kadmat Island is worth catching. From the

Basic info

Kalpeni Island, spread in the area of 25.6 sq km, is an inhabited island in the atoll surrounded by the Tilakkam, Pitti and several other small islands. The given atoll has one of the largest lagoons of the Lakshadweep Islands, which is home to diverse marine wildlife. The weather around the island is most comfortable, but during the winters it is at its best. The beaches of the land are covered in

corals crushed white sand, giving the island a unique look. It is believed that during a violent storm in 1847, a huge coral boulder was thrown into the beach by the wind leading to this phenomenon. The people here are progressive and were one of the early promoters of girl education within Lakshadweep. During the stay, tourists should try the island’s fresh coconut water which is very sweet and refreshing.

Tourist attractions

The serene beauty of the island is one of the major attractions of the place. The white sand, beautiful weather and sun are a great combination for relaxing and unwinding. Tourists can try several water sports or can go for sightseeing.

The deserted mosque of Moinuddin is an important tourist attraction. The 37-meter high lighthouse at Kalpani Island gives a panoramic view of the surroundings can be considered as another one. The trip to nearby Cheriyam Island is a must.

Things to do

Walking to the Cheriyam Island from Kalpeni Island through the coral debris, during low tide is an exciting experience. The walk is a little difficult, but the

Walking to the Cheriyam Island from Kalpeni Island through the coral debris, during low tide is an exciting experience. The walk is a little difficult, but the

Basic info

The capital island of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is spread in the area of 3.93 sq km on the Arabian Sea. The destination is well known for its beautiful beaches and calm lagoons. The Kavaratti Island is surrounded by Pitti islet, an uninhabited landmass in the distance of 24 km, and Agatti Island situated 58 km North of Kavaratti. Kochi is the nearest major city in the Indian landmass.

The island is well connected with Agatti Island via helicopter or boat transfer. Overnight voyages between Kochi and Kavaratti are run by private cruise liners, which take around 14 hours to complete. The climate here is mostly tropical monsoons with the period between March and May being the hottest ones. Fishing and farming are major occupations among the locals followed by tourism.

Tourist attractions

Exploring the white sand beaches of the island is a must. There are several water sports venues located within the island for interested tourists. The western region of the island is suitable for

swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Whereas, the southern part of the island is ideal for scuba diving. Visitors interested in learning about the diverse marine life can visit the Kavaratti Aquarium.

Things to do

Scuba diving on Chicken Neck Point is a must. The tourist who wants to relax on the island can go for sunbathing on

Scuba diving on Chicken Neck Point is a must. The tourist who wants to relax on the island can go for sunbathing on

Basic info

Once referred to as Cheriyaponnani (Little Ponnani), this stunning island is another coral land mass belonging to the Amindivi Sub-group. Kiltan Island is situated on an important trade route between Sri Lanka and the Persian Gulf. The distance between Kiltan Island and Agatti Island is 51 km, which can be covered in 30 minutes on a speedboat. The sea winds have a great influence on the climate of the region. During

summers, the climate can soar to a higher range, making it very uncomfortable to stay indoors. Locals during summer build temporary quarters on the beaches for sleeping during the night. The island is very fertile and well known for its rich fishing zones and coconut plantation. The people here have a rich traditional heritage and are very friendly. Interestingly, the Sufi Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah is believed to belong to this island.

Tourist attractions

View from the 41-meter high lighthouse on Kiltan Island is breathtaking. During traditional festivals, special dance shows are organized which depicts

the social and cultural heritage of the island. The 73rd Meridian East line passes thought Kulikkara, the tomb of an honored lady respected by the locals.

Things to do

Relaxing in the beautiful sea beaches and watching mesmerizing

Relaxing in the beautiful sea beaches and watching mesmerizing

Basic info

The Minicoy Island or Maliku, along with the uninhabited Viringili form the southernmost atoll of Lakshadweep. According to legends, the name Maliku has been derived from the term Jazirat al-Maliku (King’s Island) - a term the Arab traders used for referring the island. Minicoy is completely covered in coconut palms, giving it a distinct look. The climate of the region is mostly tropical savanna, with hotter summers and comfortable winters. The locals belong to

matrilineal Muslim society and speak Mahal, a language descendant of Elu Prakrit, very close to Sinhalese. As per the law, Indian tourists require permits issued by the administrator of Lakshadweep to enter the island. International tourists are required to show permits issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Government of India. The international tourist permit needs to specify the number of days the tourist intends to stay in the Lakshadweep, among other things.

Tourist attractions

Ruins belonging to an 800 old Stupa can be visited by the history lovers. The

old lighthouse built in 1885 by British colonizers is a popular tourist attraction.

Things to do

The panoramic view of the island from the top of the lighthouse is a must. Walking through the villages

The panoramic view of the island from the top of the lighthouse is a must. Walking through the villages

Basic info

Pitti or Pakshipitti (pakshi meaning "bird" in local language), is an unoccupied coral island of Lakshadweep archipelago. The 0.7-km coastline, with a small reef and tiny sandbank, of the island is well-known for its scenic beauty as well as the nesting place of the pelagic birds. The Pitti Bird Sanctuary is located on the island and provides a safe habitat for avifauna of the region. Kavaratti (24 km) is the nearest

island, and regular boat services are available for the tourists to reach the bird sanctuary. The distance can be covered in 15 minutes. Several marine birds such as Sooty Tern, Greater Crested Tern, and Brown Noddy are some of the birds who nest in the region. One can see these birds nesting side by side, on the dry corral debris. As there is no protection against the wave, this islet is from time to time rinsed by sea.

Tourist attractions

Watching the marine birds in their natural habitat is an exciting prospect. The island is well known for

its clear blue sea water ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. The sunset from the beach is also very attractive.

Things to do

Diving and snorkeling around the island is

Diving and snorkeling around the island is

Basic info

Tourist attractions

Things to do