Location: 400 kms west of the coast of Kerala
Status: Tiniest Union Territory of India
Language: Malayalam, English
Attractions: Kavaratti, Minicoy, Bangaram, Agatti
Tourism
Promotion
Lakshadweep has a precious heritage in its ecology and culture.
The local Administration always keeps the carrying capacity of
the islands in mind. Similarly, in some islands the water-able
is not sufficient to provide increased drinking water in significant
quantities and so these islands have not been earmarked for tourism.
Government
'accommodation is available at Kavaratti, Kadmath and Agatti.
At Kalpeni and Minicoy private entrepreneurs have taken up the
task. Extensive use has been made of tiling roofs and coconut
palm matting for external walls, and the effect is remarkable
in the way the constructions blend with their surroundings.
Water
Sports
High quality equipment of international standards has been
imported for the Kadmath Institute of Water Sports. This includes
snorkels, glass- bottomed boats, rowing and motor boats, equipment
for wind surfing, scuba diving, Para sailing and water skiing.
Water
sports facilities like kayaking, sailing, paddle boats, inflatable
motor boats, glass - bottom boats and water skiing are available
in the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmath and Minicoy.
Traditional
folk dances of the islands are performed by local men. Performances
are available on request. No other form of entertainment exists
except TV and Radio.
One
interesting consequence of the Administration's concern for ecology
is the promotion of the concept of day tourism. A passenger liner
anchoring near an island provides both transport and accommodation.
Tourists therefore have the best of both worlds- comfortable accommodation
and service on board the ship, combined with the beauty of the
island and water sports facilities during the day.
There
is a regular ship service between Cochin and the islands according
to a scheduled programme.
Location and General Information
In the Arabian sea, approximately 400 kms west of the coast
of Kerala between 8 degrees and 12 degrees North latitude, and
71 degrees and 74 degrees East longitude, Lakshadweep is a Union
Territory of India - its tiniest - and has the country's only
coral islands. Of its 36 islands covering a land area of 32 so.
km, 10 are inhabited.
Climate
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate, with summer temperatures
ranging from 35 degrees centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade and
winter temperature between 32 degrees centigrade to 20 degrees
centigrade. During monsoons, ship - based tourism is closed but
a helicopter service is available. Some effect of the northeast
monsoon is felt in October-November in the form of light transitory
showers which cool the place.
It
is important to see Lakshadweep in the light of what it is - a
group of islands, far from each other and from the mainland. Most
items of food supplies, rice, vegetables, tinned food etc. as
well as a whole range of consumer goods have to be transported,
at some pains, from Kerala. Hence the few shops that do exist
cater very specifically to the everyday needs of the locals. Good
brands of toiletries and cigarettes are available on major islands..
Books and periodicals in any language other than Malayalam are
difficult to find but inhabited islands have excellent libraries.
Biscuits, tinned milk and similar provisions are not difficult
to find. However, Bangaram, having no local population, has no
shops at all.
Tropical
clothes throughout the year are sufficient. A waterproof coat
during October- November will be useful.
There
is prohibition on all the islands except in uninhabited islands
such as Bangaram.
Language
The language spoken in the islands is Malayalam except in
Minicoy where it is Mahl, written in the Divehi script. The local
population are all Sunni Muslims of the Shafi sect. Tourist guides
and those people who come into contact with tourists as part of
their job, speak English. Very little Hindi is spoken or understood
except in Minicoy.
How
to go there
BY
AIR
NEPC has started operating flights from Cochin to Agatti island
for Bangarani. From Agatti, passengers are transported to Bangaram
by fast boat and brought back to Agatti in time for their departure.
A helicopter service links Agatti to other islands.
BY
SHIP
Vessels ply between Cochin and Lakshadweep. They have air-conditioned
cabins for first class tourists and an air-conditioned Lounge
hall with push back seats for tourist class accommodation. Rates
vary according to the type of accommodation as well as the package
chosen. Domestic package prices are inclusive of ship fare, meals
on the ship and islands, ferrying charges between ship and island
(the ship anchors 30-45 minutes away from each island), transport
charges in the islands, sightseeing charges, lagoon cruising and
accommodation on the islands. Every journey of the· ship-between
Cochin and an island as well as between one island and another
takes anything from 3 to 20 hours. Indian meals are served on
board. Some cabins are fitted with a wash basin and have common
bathrooms. First class AC cabins have attached toilets. Bed-linen
and towels are provided. From October to April, Catamaran speed
vessels operate as per monthly schedule between major islands
in the northern group.
Board
and Lodging
The tourist huts in each island are situated on the beach
in ideal locations, Each hut has one or two twin-bedded bedrooms,
overhead fans, and attached baths, Meals are served out on the
beach, An extra bed can be provided in each room. (The tourist
huts along with the entire island receives its electric supply
from diesel generating sets.)
Tips
For Travellers
Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands formed
from coral rock, and beautiful formations can be seen all over
the lagoons. Tempting as it is to pick one piece up as a souvenir,
it is strictly Illegal, being punishable with heavy fines. This
is because in doing so you are seriously endangering the environment.
Local cuisine resembles food from Kerala for the spices it uses,
and for the extensive use of coconut. Breakfast could consist
or idlis or poorie subji and lunch and dinner of rice with a dry
vegetable, sambhar and fish, chicken or mutton in a gravy. Tuna
fish, curried, fried or barbecued is generally available from
October to March, Vegetarian meals are available.
Facilities
Telephone services are available on STD/ISD on major islands.
Doctors and medical assistance are available on the islands and
on the ship.
