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Lakshadweep: A Pristine Paradise Waiting to be Explored



 Introduction :-

        Lakshadweep is a tropical archipelago of 36 atolls and coral reefs in the Laccadive Sea, off the coast of Kerala, India. Not all of the islands are inhabited, and only a few are open to visitors (permits required). Kavaratti, one of the more developed islands, is home to dozens of mosques, including the ornately decorated Ujra Mosque, as well as Kavaratti Aquarium, showcasing regional fish, shark and coral species.

 

        Lakshadweep, union territory of India, is a group of some three dozen islands scattered over some 30,000 square miles (78,000 square km) of the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. The principal islands in the territory are Minicoy and those in the Amindivi group. The easternmost island lies about 185 miles (300 km) from the coast of the state of Kerala. Ten of the islands are inhabited. The administrative centre is Kavaratti. The name Lakshadweep means “Hundred Thousand Islands” in the Malayalam language and also in Sanskrit. Area 12 square miles (32 square km). Pop. (2011) 64,429.

 

Places to visit in Lakshadweep

Minicoy Island

        One of the 36 small islets of Lakshadweep group of Islands, Minicoy, also known as Maliku in the local language is one of the best-kept secrets of India. It is located amidst the vast expanse of Arabian Sea, just 398 km or 215 nautical miles from the shores of Cochin.

        The small island encompasses the total area of 4.801 sq. km and is exclusively known for its vibrant coral reefs, quaint white-sand beaches and the freshwater of the infinite ocean. The Minicoy Island is the second-largest island of the Lakshadweep and is one of the few inhabited islands of the group. It is best known for its luxury beach resorts that are an ideal destination for the travellers seeking tranquillity.

        This picturesque destination is a popular tourist spot and has gained immense popularity due to activities like tuna canning, tuna fishing and the presence of pristine palm-fringed beaches. Tourists can enjoy some of the most memorable moments here during winters and the onset of summer, as the weather here is ideal during those months.

Highlights of Minicoy Island :-

1. Minicoy Lighthouse 
2. Minicoy Thundi Beach 
3. Boat Racing 
4. Underwater shipwrecks 
5. Juma Mosque 
6. Lava Dance
 

 Agatti Islands

        Agatti Islands is considered another jewel from the Lakshadweep group of islands in India. The island is situated on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep islands and is few of the islands from the Lakshadweep group that is inhabited by people. 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 an area of 8 kilometres, and it is sparsely populated with around 8000 inhabitants. With a total area of a little over 3 square kilometres, the island may be small compared to many other islands but it is nothing but a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travellers.

        Agatti Island is the only island belonging to the Lakshadweep group with its airport that makes the island extremely accessible from major parts of the world. The airport is located at a distance of 459 kilometres from the shores of Kochi, India. The locals mostly speak English and Malayalam, and Islam is the main religion of the inhabitants. The primary occupation of the people is fishing. However, tourism is picking up quite well in this region of the world.

Bangaram Island

        Bangaram Island is a beautiful tiny island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. The Bangaram Island encompasses an area of 1.234 km2 and is the largest island in the chain of islands in the region (also known as an atoll) with a beautiful lagoon. With a population of only 10 and just one beach resort, it is an apt destination for people who want to disconnect entirely from the fast-paced world.

        The beach resort on the island was inaugurated in 1974, and 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 major destination for international tourism.

        The people who reside on the Island are the ones that work at the resort that is open for travellers. 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 beach of Bangaram Island should be on your bucket list.

 

Kavaratti Islands

Kavaratti is a small island spread across an area of 3.93 sqm km and one of the most beautiful gems from the Lakshadweep islands. The island is home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. 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 the 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.

Kalpeni Island

        A major attraction of the island is the Tip Beach that has a shallow emerald lagoon lapping at its white sandy shores. A 37-m-high lighthouse adds to the charm of the island. Along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam, Kalpeni forms a single atoll.

 

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