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Lakshadweep Travel Guide
Lakshadweep literally means "a hundred thousand islands." Found in the Arabian Sea, just 400 kilometers off India's west coast, it is considered as the country's smallest union territory. It is comprised of 36 islands (only 10 are inhabited), 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks. A definite off-track destination, tourism is still in its infancy in Lakshadweep, making it suitable for the backpacking crowd and those just seeking a quiet and secluded getaway – with incredible natural beauty to boot.
First stop
Probably a tourist's first stop in Lakshadweep will be the island of Kavaratti, which acts as the administrative headquarters of the archipelago. It is the most developed island there, and contains most of the tourist amenities and accommodations. Sitting by a lovely lagoon, it provides excellent opportunities for swimming, water sporting, and sunbathing on its golden beaches. Not to mention the kayaking and yachting services offered there, as well as rides on glass-bottomed boats for those who want to explore the undersea world but can't or won't dive.
Islands of countless activities
Another worthy attraction is the island of Kalpeni, which dazzles with its inherent beauty. Characterized by having shallow lagoons, it is surrounded by the islands of Tilakkam & Pitti, including Cheriyam. Nearby is Minicoy, recognized to be the second longest island in the archipelago. It is known for its systematic village system called Athiris. The crescent-shaped island is also hailed for having one of the largest lagoons in the area, and is just ideal for swimming and diving. One can see there a lighthouse dating back to 1885, and is regarded as one of the oldest in the archipelago.
Tourists can't go wrong heading to the island of Kadmath, characterized by long stretches of beaches, narrow lagoons, and small sand banks. Measuring eight kilometers long and 550 meters wide, the island is distinctive for its mode of accommodation - tourist huts spread within groves of coconut palms. It is also known for its excellent scuba diving, and is in fact visited by enthusiasts from all over. Another is Bitra, the smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep. A breeding ground for sea birds, it also embellishes a holy shrine dedicated to Malik Mulla, an Arab saint, and is a pilgrimage destination.
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