Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a small island in the Arabian Sea and a retreat for nature lovers. This island has been formed out of corals and dates back to millions of years. It is adjacent to Kerala. Lakshadweep has been built with 12 atolls, five submerged banks including three hidden reefs. Lakshadweep consists of 36 islands which cover 32 square kms of area. Lakshadweep is famous for its natural beauty. The background of this archipelago is the vast blue Arabian Sea which surrounds this tiny island on all four sides.
This island was formed millions of years back due to volcanic eruption. The liquid lava took the shape of reefs under the seabed. The vastness of the blue ocean mingles with the sky at a horizontal level. The bellowing blue briny water paints the nature with mind blowing natural hues. The deep silence of the islands creates a holistic grandeur which will perfect your senses. Every year visitors step in to this nature’s marvel from different parts of the world.
Location
So far as the geographical location of this beautiful island is concerned, it is located between 8° and 12° North Latitude 71° and 74° East Longitude. The distance from Lakshadweep to Malabar Coast is approximately more or less 440 kilometer.
Places to see
Kavaratti: Kavaratii is the capital city of Lakshadweep. If you plan to visit this magnificent island for spending your vacation comfortably, you will have to visit this wonderful capital city to see Ujra mosque. There is a traditional belief about an age old well which is supposed to contain the medicated water for enhancing the speedy recovery of the patients. The architectural elegance and the mind blowing indoor decoration of the mosque will attract you to a great extent. In this city, you can also take look at other wonderful tourist spots like small lakes which adds up the glow of its beauty. The aquarium is also fantastic because it is filled to the brim with corals and colorful marine fish. There are total 50 large and small shrines/mosques in Kavaratti.
Kadamat: Kadamat is another point of enticement and attraction to viewers. It is a marvelous lagoon which has an excellent natural charisma and panorama. You can take a look at the cliffs which are located in the backdrop of the coconut trees. This place looks picture perfect and rejuvenates your senses. You can enjoy the sunrise and sunset from the beach area which is a serene destination.
Kalpeni: Kalpeni is a perfect tourist spot where you will come into contact with natural wonders which will make your life more enjoyable, attractive and elegant. Kalpeni is also a lagoon which is dotted with lakes, natural aquariums and shrines. Koomel will give you a fantastic chance to feel the natural beauty of the bay. You can also visit Pitti which is also part of this island. Tialkam is another satellite island of this city.
Minicoy: Minicoy is famous for its architectural elegance. In this island, you will see a well built lighthouse which was constructed by British rulers long way back before independence of the country. This city consists of nine small villages which are also called Athinis. It has become a hot spot for travelers.
Bangaram: Bangaram is a well known tourist center/spot in Lakshadweep. You will find a cluster of well designed luxurious tourist lodges, holiday homes and hotels/resorts in this wonderful island. You will get both scenic beauty of white colored sandy beaches and eye soothing natural panorama. During sunny days, it will be a marvelous experience to saunter through the sea beaches. Bangaram is one of the major attractions in Lakshadweep and attracts plenty of tourists.
Androth: Androth is one of the finest islands in Lakshadweep and welcomes global tourists. When you reach here you will find that it is aligned in an east west direction. The fishing industry of the place has blossomed over the years. You can visit the Lighthouse which is one of the oldest tourist attractions of the place. The lighthouse provides you with a complete view of this enchanting island.
Bitra: While on tour to Lakshadweep you can come to Bitra which is the tiniest island of the place. It has a variety of attractions for tourists and is located on the north eastern part. The island has a religious place called the Mallik Mulla shrine.
Amini: Amini is one of the famous tourist spots of the island located at a distance of 304 kilometers from Mangalore. The island looks majestic with a small lagoon and coral reefs. It is also famous for its handicraft industry run by the local artisans. The coconut shells and walking sticks made by the local people are quite popular.
How to reach
By Air: If you want to reach Lakshadweep by air you can come to the airport in Agatti. You will be able to catch flights from Kochi to land on Lakshadweep. A maximum time of 2 hours will be taken for reaching this island. You will be glad to set foot on Lakshadweep by air which is a much more convenient way to make a fantastic trip to this wonderful island. The air services are provided by some of the leading airlines of the country.
By Sea: You can also arrive in Lakshadweep by waterway. You can catch passenger ships like M.V. Bharatseema, M.V Tipusultan, M.V Aminidivi inclusive of M.V Minicoy to visit Lakshadweep. The ship will take more than 15 hours to arrive at the main port of Lakshadweep. These ships are well built and equipped with furniture and excellent sanitary system. You will be taken care of by the attendants and other senior office staff members. If you want to go to Lakshadweep during the festive seasons, it will be better for you to opt for online bookings to reach the island. Try to get some prior information about the rival and departure timings of the passenger ships from reliable sources.
What to do
Scuba Diving: Lakshadweep is a great spot for scuba diving enthusiasts. If you have the penchant for some great adventure under the azure blue sea, you can just choose some of the scuba diving packages. These scuba diving adventures are available in places like Kadmat and Bangaram. The sandy beaches, gushing waves and exotic aquatic life welcomes you to a whole new world of scuba diving where the fun is just endless. But before embarking on a package you should take the assistance of experienced trainers who are always at your service.
Boat Sailing: If you want to be in the middle of the sea and enjoy the beauty of nature from a very close distance, Lakshadweep is an ideal place for you. You can hire small sailing boats and set out in the quest of exploring the unknown ocean. If you know sailing well, you can take the boats alone but it is better to take the assistance of local boatmen.
Para Sailing: You can participate in the refreshing adventure of Para Sailing in Lakshadweep. While parasailing you can catch a bird view of the entire island which looks like paradise from above.
Deep Sea Fishing: If you want to be a part of an exciting adventure you can engage in deep sea fishing which is simply amazing. You can catch a range of sea fishes in the deep waters with nets and other angling equipments. The best time to catch fishes in this island is from October to May.
Best time to visit
The best time to go to Lakshadweep is between October and April. During this period, the climate in Lakshadweep is more conducive for vacation. The summer months are relatively hotter, so it is better to come here in winter.
History
Lakshadweep is not only a beautiful island but offers you a great historical background. However there are no specific historical records about the birth of this marvelous island. According to the historians, during 9th century people living in Kerala moved to Laccadive and Amini for earning their livelihoods. There are other stories which are all about the discovery of Lakshadweep by Cheraman Perumal who was supposed to be the king of Kerala in the 9th century. He and his followers gathered evidences which proved the existence of Lakshadweep just several kilometers away from the coastal part of Kerala.
Depending on the facts and historical records which have been flashed in Periplus of the Erythrarean Sea (A.D.90), it can be concluded that in ancient times there was transaction between Kerala and Lakshadweep. The traders shifted products and raw materials to this island for marketing.
Climate
The climate of Lakshadweep is more or less similar to Kerala. You will get tropical type of climate in this island. You will be able to enjoy your holidays and vacation by visiting this island in good seasons. The Tropical climate will be more enjoyable when you go to Lakshadweep during October. Your effort will be fruitful if you visit the island during the festive seasons.
