TOURIST ATTRACTIONS LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS
Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands with a total area of 32 sq. kilometers with unlimited scope for tourism. Lakshadweep is the tiniest Union Territory of India with 12 atolls, 5 submerged banks and 3 reefs. There are ten inhabited Islands namely Andrott, Amini, Agatti, Chetlat, Bitra, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kiltan, Kavaratti and Minicoy.
There are inconclusive theories about the coral atoll formation. However Sir Charles Darwin in 1842 gave the most prominent and perhaps most accepted one. It explains the base of the islands below the reef and the volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs. These are later transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base.
Islands in Lakshadweep
Kavaratti :
The most developed island, Kavaratti is the administrative headquarter of Lakshadweep. There are around 52 mosques spread out over the island which includes the most beautiful Ujra mosque. The mosque has an ornately carved ceiling which was believed to be carved from a piece of driftwood. It is also an ideal place for water sports, swimming and there are sandy beaches for sun basking. The Marine Aquarium at Kavaratti exhibits wide range marine life, along with a vast collection of specimens at the Museum. The exotic underwater world without getting yourself wet, from the glass-bottomed boats offers a unique experience. Hire water sports crafts like Kayaks and Sailing Yachts.
Kalpeni :
Among the Lakshadweep islands, Kalpeni has the largest lagoon. The lagoon is relatively shallow and ideal for all kinds of water sports. The huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and southeastern shoreline is a peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll. The islanders are torchbearers in the field of education. The small islets Tilakkam, Pitti and the uninhabited Cheriyam of Kalpeni with sparkling lagoon in between them are known for its scenic beauty. The gently curving bay, Koomel, offers tourists’ facilities like bath huts, change rooms etc. There are even facilities for swimming and other water sports. Usually Kayaks, SailBoats and Pedal Boats are available on hire.
Minicoy :
Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which is geographically isolated from other islands. The culture here is a mix of Maldivian and South Indian. The people of Minicoy are seamen working in international shipping companies for decades. The pole and line tuna fishing was practiced here even before it was officially introduced. Usually the men folk of the island are employed in their carpentry and maritime skills where as women are well known for their culinary and housekeeping skills.
Kadmat :
The haven of solitude Kadmat is known for its fine lagoon of even depth, well secluded tourist huts and a long stretch of shoreline ideal for swimming. The magnificent shallow lagoon on the west forms an ideal place for water sports, along with a narrow lagoon on the east. This island is unique from the others for the presence of lagoon on both the sides. The beauty of the land is highlighted with the green coconut palm leaves which also form a natural canopy over the whole area protecting from sunlight.
Agatti :
Agatti is one of the most beautiful lagoons of Laksadweep along with being a virtual gateway to the islands, as it has the only airport in the island. There is a twenty-bedded tourist resort set up in the Island for the tourists. It is the only island where one can stay as long or as short as one wishes- an advantage given by the Indian Airlines flight operated from Kochi. The uninhabited islands of Bangaram, Thinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II are just a step away from this magnificent land.
Bangaram :
Bangaram is an uninhabited Island of Lakshadweep with very idea unfurls several romantic thoughts. This island does justice to all that romantic imaginations and tourists aspirations of all the visitors. The piece of land is teardrop shaped which is encircled by creamy sand. Even during the hottest part of the day, it won’t feel the heat as luxuriant coconut trees shade the Sun’s rays. There are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll, Tinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II for a perfect tour. The deep, warm, clear waters of Indian Ocean with its myriad flora and fauna are an irresistible invitation to the scuba diving fraternity of the world.
Islands in Lakshadweep
Kavaratti :
The most developed island, Kavaratti is the administrative headquarter of Lakshadweep. There are around 52 mosques spread out over the island which includes the most beautiful Ujra mosque. The mosque has an ornately carved ceiling which was believed to be carved from a piece of driftwood. It is also an ideal place for water sports, swimming and there are sandy beaches for sun basking. The Marine Aquarium at Kavaratti exhibits wide range marine life, along with a vast collection of specimens at the Museum. The exotic underwater world without getting yourself wet, from the glass-bottomed boats offers a unique experience. Hire water sports crafts like Kayaks and Sailing Yachts.
Kalpeni :
Among the Lakshadweep islands, Kalpeni has the largest lagoon. The lagoon is relatively shallow and ideal for all kinds of water sports. The huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and southeastern shoreline is a peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll. The islanders are torchbearers in the field of education. The small islets Tilakkam, Pitti and the uninhabited Cheriyam of Kalpeni with sparkling lagoon in between them are known for its scenic beauty. The gently curving bay, Koomel, offers tourists’ facilities like bath huts, change rooms etc. There are even facilities for swimming and other water sports. Usually Kayaks, SailBoats and Pedal Boats are available on hire.
Minicoy :
Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which is geographically isolated from other islands. The culture here is a mix of Maldivian and South Indian. The people of Minicoy are seamen working in international shipping companies for decades. The pole and line tuna fishing was practiced here even before it was officially introduced. Usually the men folk of the island are employed in their carpentry and maritime skills where as women are well known for their culinary and housekeeping skills.
Kadmat :
The haven of solitude Kadmat is known for its fine lagoon of even depth, well secluded tourist huts and a long stretch of shoreline ideal for swimming. The magnificent shallow lagoon on the west forms an ideal place for water sports, along with a narrow lagoon on the east. This island is unique from the others for the presence of lagoon on both the sides. The beauty of the land is highlighted with the green coconut palm leaves which also form a natural canopy over the whole area protecting from sunlight.
Agatti :
Agatti is one of the most beautiful lagoons of Laksadweep along with being a virtual gateway to the islands, as it has the only airport in the island. There is a twenty-bedded tourist resort set up in the Island for the tourists. It is the only island where one can stay as long or as short as one wishes- an advantage given by the Indian Airlines flight operated from Kochi. The uninhabited islands of Bangaram, Thinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II are just a step away from this magnificent land.
Bangaram :
Bangaram is an uninhabited Island of Lakshadweep with very idea unfurls several romantic thoughts. This island does justice to all that romantic imaginations and tourists aspirations of all the visitors. The piece of land is teardrop shaped which is encircled by creamy sand. Even during the hottest part of the day, it won’t feel the heat as luxuriant coconut trees shade the Sun’s rays. There are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll, Tinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II for a perfect tour. The deep, warm, clear waters of Indian Ocean with its myriad flora and fauna are an irresistible invitation to the scuba diving fraternity of the world.
