PACKAGES FOR 2015-2016 WILL BE UPDATED SOON ONCE WE FROM LAKSHASDWEEP TOURISM

Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. However there are only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometers. It is the tiniest Union Territory of India with 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Ten Islands are inhabited. They are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.

Theories about coral atoll formation are inconclusive. However the most prominent and perhaps most accepted one is given by the Sir Charles Darwin in 1842. According to him the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs, which transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base.

According to legends, small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.

The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th century. St. Ubaidulla of Mecca dreamt that prophet Mohammed wanted him to go to Jeddah, take a ship from there and go to distant places. While he was sailing near these small islands, a storm wrecked his ship. Floating on a plank he was swept ashore on the island of Amini. Ubaidulla started propagating Islam in the islands.

Still 93% of the inhabitants of Lakshadweep are Muslims.

People are mostly engaged in fishing and coconut cultivation. The islands are virtually crime-free.

Lakshadweep is one of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems. Thirty- two sq. km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 sq. km of lagoon rich in marine wealth. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Committed to the cause of Eco tourism Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The Administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns. As an effective strategy to avoid pressure on ecological environment, the efforts to promote tourism have been synchronized with the carrying capacity of the islands.

Though all the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reef, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings, most of these differ in terms of facilities and services offered. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports; still others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation and natural enjoyment. Since the land is precious and scarce it is avowed policy of the Administration to relieve pressure on land and promote water based tourism. The motto being admires and not exploits that natural beauty.

Lakshadweep with its vast lagoon around all the islands has emerged as a water sport destination in the country. Understanding the potential of water sports Department has been striving to make these islands a prime water sports destination not only within the country but throughout the world. As such, the Department has been concentrating on developing the water sports facilities. While developing these facilities fragile ecology of these islands have been taken into consideration and only non intrusive water sports are encouraged. Therefore, the water sports like water scooters, etc has been deliberately kept out. Another feature of water sports in Lakshadweep is the development of high yielding adventure water sports like scuba diving and para sailing, etc.

The Department has set up a full-fledged water sports Institute at Kadmat island. This Institute offers facilities for Kayaking, canoeing, yachting, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing and last but not least scuba diving. A full-fledged scuba diving centers are operational at Kavaratti and Kadmat islands and these have emerged as a prime scuba diving destinations to the well heeled and adventurous tourists.

 Future Plan:

1. Acquisition of a dedicated cruise ship for tourists.

2. Opening of more islands for international and domestic tourists.

Climate: Tropical. 27° C - 32° C 

Population: The population is only 60595 as per 2001 census, of which 95% are Muslims. Ethnically they are similar to the people of Kerala. They speak a dialect of Malayalam except in Minicoy where “Mahl” a form of Divehi is spoken.

Languages: Malayalam & Mahl. 

How to get there: Four all weather ships M.V. Kavaratti ,M.V Tipusultan, M.V Arabian Sea M.V Minicoy operate between Kochi and the islands. Kingfisher Airways  also operate flight from Kochi to Agatti Island

Boarding & Lodging: While on a day tour package cruise, you will get back to the ship at the end of the day. Staying tourists are accommodated in Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy Agatti and Kadmat. The tourist huts in each island occupy ideal locations on the beach itself. Each hut has one or two twin-bedded bedrooms with attached baths. For Indian/Overseas tourists there is also a holiday resort at Bangaram.

Food: Spiced coconut-rich Vegetarian & Non vegetarian food. Curried, fried and barbecued fish.

Tourist Season: October - May for the ship based tour packages. Agatti and Bangaram may be visited throughout the year.

Things to do: These are basically leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours.There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, Marine museum, LightHouse and a few local industries 

Things not to do: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands except Bangaram. Picking up Corals is a punishable crime.