How To Reach Lakshadweep?

Lakshadweep, which means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, is a tropical archipelago of 36 islands in the Laccadive Sea off the coast of Kerala in southwestern India. The smallest Union Territory of India, Lakshadweep is spread across 32 sq km comprising 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks. 

The islands have a long history, being mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts. They came under British rule in the 18th century before being incorporated into independent India in 1956 as a Union Territory. As of 2011, the population of Lakshadweep stands at around 60,000. The majority are Muslims and most speak Malayalam. The main occupation is fishing and coconut cultivation.

The islands are renowned for their pristine sandy beaches, crystalline lagoons, and rich marine life. Tourism is restricted to prevent overexploitation of the fragile ecosystem. Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Minicoy and Kavaratti islands are the most visited attractions in Lakshadweep.

Geography of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands in the Laccadive Sea, 200 to 400 km off the coast of Kerala. The islands form the smallest union territory of India. 

The islands are composed of coral reefs and sand bars on a submarine bank – the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge in the Indian Ocean. This ridge stretches from the Seychelles in the north to the Maldives in the south. 

Lakshadweep islands sit on the Cretaceous era volcanic formation. The reefs are flanked by dunes, lagoons, and sandy beaches on the western shore. On the eastern shore, the reefs drop steeply into the deep sea.

The islands form the northern part of the Lakshadweep-Maldives-Chagos archipelago, which are true coral islands. The reefs are formed by living corals and skeletal remains of dormant volcanic mountains. The absence of high mountains on the islands allows intensive cultivation of coconuts and rice.

Accessibility to Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is an archipelago of islands in the Arabian Sea, located off the coast of Kerala. Reaching these pristine islands can be an adventure in itself! Here are the main ways to get to Lakshadweep:

By Air- The only airport in Lakshadweep is Agatti Airport, located on Agatti Island. It’s connected by direct flights to Kochi and Bangalore. The flight duration is around 1.5 hours from Kochi.

You can also take a flight to airports in Kerala like Kochi or Calicut, and then take a ship to Lakshadweep. Kochi to Kavaratti by ship takes around 14-18 hours. 

By Ship: Regular passenger ships run from Kochi to Lakshadweep islands like Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, etc. The journey can take 14-18 hours depending on your destination island.

You can also get passenger ships from Mangalore port in Karnataka. This takes around 18-24 hours to reach islands like Kavaratti or Agatti.

Occasional cruise ships also offer trips to Lakshadweep from Mumbai and Kochi. They take around 24-36 hours to cover the distance.

So in summary, the most convenient way is to fly to Agatti or Kochi/Calicut, and then take a passenger ship to your island of choice in Lakshadweep. The sea journey will allow you to soak in the beautiful scenery of turquoise waters and coral atolls along the way.

By Air: The nearest airport to Lakshadweep is Agatti Airport, located on Agatti Island. This is the only airport in Lakshadweep and is well-connected with major cities across India.

Some popular flight options to reach Agatti Airport are:

From Kochi – There are regular flights from Kochi International Airport to Agatti Airport operated by Air India. The flying time is around 1 hour 20 minutes.

From Bengaluru – Flights operate from Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport to Agatti Airport. SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India operate these flights with a flying time of approx 2 hours. 

From Chennai – Agatti Airport is connected with Chennai International Airport via Air India flights. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

The major airlines operating flights to Agatti Airport are:

Air India

SpiceJet

IndiGo

The airport has a single runway and a small terminal building. After reaching Agatti, tourists need to take a ferry to reach the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep.

By Ship:Lakshadweep can be reached by passenger ships from Kochi and Goa ports. These ships are operated by the Lakshadweep Administration. 

The major port for accessing Lakshadweep islands by ship is Kochi in Kerala. Passenger ships depart 2-3 times a week from Kochi to Lakshadweep. The journey takes around 14-18 hours to reach Kavaratti island.

From Goa, passenger ships depart once a week on Saturdays, taking approximately 18-24 hours to reach Kavaratti.

The passenger ships stop at various islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago such as Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadamat, Bitra, Kiltan, Chetlat, and Amini during their weekly routes.

Tickets can be booked in advance online through the Lakshadweep Administration website. Due to limited seats, it is advisable to plan your trip and book tickets well in advance. The frequency of ships may be lower during monsoon season.

Why Lakshadweep is Famous

Lakshadweep is famous for its natural beauty, biodiversity, coral reefs, and tourism. The islands have some of the most exotic flora and fauna due to their isolation from the mainland. 

The Lakshadweep islands are home to over 600 species of marine fishes, 78 species of corals, 82 species of seaweed, 52 species of crabs, 2 species of lobsters, 48 species of phytoplankton, and many more. This makes it one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in India. The Pitti island alone has a rich diversity of 337 species of organisms.

Lakshadweep’s pristine coral reefs surround the islands and thrive in the clear blue lagoons. These reefs come in various shapes and sizes, from the table-top corals of Kadmat to the maze-like corals of Minicoy. The reefs serve as a natural habitat for thousands of colorful fish and other marine life. They create a visually stunning underwater landscape that makes Lakshadweep a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 

The islands have become popular among tourists for water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine adventures. Activities like kayaking, banana boat rides, and glass bottom boat tours allow visitors to experience the reefs and marine life up close. The Agatti and Bangaram islands have facilities for water sports. There are SCUBA diving centers on some islands certified by PADI that offer diving expeditions. Overall, the biodiversity, coral reefs, and tourism make Lakshadweep famous among nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Flora and Fauna

Lakshadweep is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna that thrive in its tropical climate. Coconut trees are abundant across the islands and are a vital part of the local economy and cuisine. 

The lagoons of Lakshadweep are home to an incredible array of marine life. Schools of beautifully colored fish like triggerfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish can be easily spotted while snorkeling or scuba diving. The corals provide a habitat for these fish to feed and breed.

The beaches of Lakshadweep are major nesting sites for sea turtles like the green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, and leatherback sea turtle. The hatchlings emerge at night and make their way to the sea under the cover of darkness. Lakshadweep has conservation programs in place to protect the sea turtle nesting grounds.

The island’s isolation has allowed unique species of flora and fauna to evolve here. Lakshadweep has several endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. Some rare fauna include the coconut crab, a large hermit crab that climbs trees.

Coral Reefs 

Lakshadweep is often described as an island system with fringing coral reefs. The reefs surround all of the islands, providing a barrier to the waves and storms of the open Indian Ocean. These coral reefs are home to a large diversity of marine life, including many species of fish such as snapper, shark, and tuna; invertebrates like sea cucumbers, clams, and sea urchins; and reef-building corals.

Lakshadweep has a total of 5 major fringing reef formations across the islands. These reefs are highly complex structures with shapes formed by currents, tides, and bathymetry. Coral colonies grow on the reef framework, building the structure over time along with coralline algae and other organisms. The reefs also provide critical nursery, feeding, and breeding grounds for many species. 

Lakshadweep’s coral reefs face threats from coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures, pollution, destructive fishing, coastal development, tourism, and more. Conservation efforts focus on establishing marine reserves, regulating tourism, developing sustainable fisheries, and restoring damaged reefs. Local communities are heavily involved in stewardship as the reefs provide food security and livelihoods from tourism and fishing. Protecting the reefs is critical for both the marine ecosystem and the islanders who depend on it.

Water Sports

Lakshadweep is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The islands offer pristine waters and abundant marine life perfect for activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Lakshadweep offers the chance to explore shallow reefs as well as underwater caves and shipwrecks. Some of the best dive sites are around Kadmat, Bangaram, and Agatti islands. Divers can spot an array of marine life including corals, reef fish, turtles, sharks, and even dolphins. The underwater visibility is excellent, ranging from 15-30 meters.

Snorkeling 

For those who prefer to stay on the surface, Lakshadweep offers world-class snorkeling. Do a mask and flippers and swim along the reefs to be surrounded by schools of fish in every color. Snorkelers can often spot giant manta rays and reef sharks gliding by as well. Some lodges offer guided snorkeling trips to the best reefs around the islands.

Kayaking

Paddling a kayak is a peaceful way to explore the shallow lagoons enclosed by the atolls. Kayakers can easily access remote uninhabited islands and quiet serene beaches. Many resorts provide kayaks for rent and some also offer guided kayak excursions. With a kayak, it’s possible to encounter sea turtles, stingrays, and other marine creatures up close.

Travel Tips

Lakshadweep’s tropical climate means the best time to visit is between October and May. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures around 25°C, and there’s little rain. During the summer monsoon from May to September, seas can be rough. 

When planning your trip, note there are restrictions in place to protect the fragile coral islands. Tourist entry is limited, so book well in advance. Permits are required for visiting different islands and activities like scuba diving. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are prohibited on all islands except Bangaram.

As the islands are remote, carry any medications you may need. There is limited medical care available. Prevent mosquito bites to avoid the risk of malaria and dengue fever. Drink bottled water and take precautions against sunburn while enjoying the beautiful beaches. Respect local culture and customs when interacting with the predominantly Muslim population.

Following eco-friendly practices helps preserve Lakshadweep’s natural beauty. Do not litter or damage coral when diving. With some preparation and care, your Lakshadweep holiday can be smooth sailing. The rewards are pristine beaches, incredible marine life encounters, and a taste of island life far from crowds.

Why Is Lakshadweep Known As A Coral Island?

How many island in lakshadweep?

India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.