Lakshadweep Islands are an archipelago known for its coral reefs, pristine beaches, and exotic marine life, situated off Kerala in India. There are no thieves nor any snakes or dogs on the islands.

It is believed that the island’s coral reefs were formed because of a volcanic formation thousands of years ago. Corals settled and built fringing reefs slowly. Later on, these were transformed into barrier reefs. Finally, they became atolls due to the submergence of the volcanic base.

Beach Resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.

10 out of the total 26 islands are inhabited. Human-inhabited islands in Lakshadweep are Agatti, Amini, Andrott (Androth), Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan, and Minicoy. Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Minicoy, etc., consist of 3 reefs, 12 atolls, and five submerged banks.

Water sports are a major activity (besides the corals) for tourists to the Lakshadweep islands. High-speed boats connect Agatti Island with other islands.

The Bangaram Island Resort, in Bangaram Island, is a resort where tourists can have food and offers luxury accommodation. Snorkeling, Kayaking, Canoeing, turtle watch trips, Day Lagoon fishing Boats, Scuba diving, Water Diving, etc., are some of the facilities available at this resort.

Scuba diving is also available at ‘Thundi Beach‘ on Minicoy Island. Charges are rupees 2360, including GST (taxes), as of September 2018. There is also a lighthouse on this island. There are many private resorts near Thundi Beach, with a rental of 6000 rupees and above per day.

Kadmat Island, alias Cardomon Island, has sea-facing cottages for tourists to stay.

Kavaratti is the capital of the Lakshadweep islands. Kavaratti island has huts and a dormitory for tourists.

Lakshadweep islands are rich in fauna, especially those related to marine life. There isn’t much flora in Laskshsdweep, as there are no forests on the islands.

Fishing is the major source of income for the local people. Tuna is found in large numbers, which is dried and kept. Coconut is the major agricultural activity of the people of the Lakshadweep islands.

It is believed that human settlement on the island dates back to 1500 BC.

Most of the houses are not locked, as thieves are not there. There is no major work for the police other than registering the details of permit holders. You need to register with the local police station once you reach the island and get the permit stamped (sealed) by a police officer.

Except for Coconut, fish, and milk, most other food items are shipped from mainland India.

Internet and Phone connectivity in the Islands

You will not get Internet connectivity on the islands. Wi-Fi connectivity is available for Rs. 10 per day or so. Still, the speed of internet connectivity will be very poor. Your voice connection speed will be very low for mobiles (2G connectivity only).

Language of the Islands

Jesri, a  dialect of the Malayalam language, is spoken in the islands (except in Minicoy islands).  In Minicoy islands (situated close to Maldives islands, around 100 kilometers distance), a dialect of Maldives island’s official language, known as Mahal or Mahl, is spoken.

Procedure for Getting Visit Permits for Indians to Visit Lakshadweep Islands

You need to find a sponsor from any of the Lakshadweep islands to get the permit, which costs Rs. 250 or so (it is called a heritage fee or something like that). Travel agents also arrange for this permit. But they charge a very high amount for the permit, even up to Rs. 25000. If you come across any Lakshadweep resident who is studying or working in Kerala or other parts of India, ask them to get the permits. Many may be willing to help you in this regard.

You need to fill out the form and submit it with attested copies of your identity, two passport-size photos, names and addresses of two neighbors, and a police clearance certificate (PCC) from your local police station, specifically mentioning the purpose of the visit. These documents should be submitted to the Office of the Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands at  Kochi. PCC  verification is done by sending it to your local police station. After the PCC is confirmed from your police station, they will issue the travel permit, valid for 15 days or so, once you enter the islands. (Sometimes, you or your sponsor need to visit the Office of the Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands at  Kochi and remind them of the application.)

Once the permit is issued, you can book flight tickets or book ship tickets at the ticket counter at Wellington Island, Kochi.  You may also book online ship tickets to the Lakshadweep islands. There are a few ships to the islands, but seats are limited (both online and across the ticket counters), and getting the tickets is difficult but not impossible. Few tickets are issued for entry permit holders; the rest is reserved for island residents.

Return tickets can be booked at the  Lakshadweep islands. It can be booked five days in advance or so. Once you arrive at the islands, you need to go to the ticket counter and get the return ticket form from the counter. Fill up the form with details like name, permit number, date of the return journey, etc. Submit the filled-up form and your entry permit to the local police station on the island. They will stamp the ticket form and give it to you. Only stamped ticket forms are acceptable for return ticket booking. The original permit is kept at the police station and is returned only on your return journey date.

The ship ticket rates for those with permits in the lowest class (Bunk class), cost only a few hundred Indian rupees. Food will be charged extra.  It costs Rs 50 for a meal with fish fry in the bunk class.

There are also other classes of tickets like second class, first-class, VIP class, etc., depending on the ship. VIP class ticket costs  4 to 6 thousand rupees, depending on the island you are going.

It costs around a minimum of 22,500 rupees per adult (plus GST) to avail of the Samudram tourist Package tour offered by Lakshadweep Tourism Society. Ten percent extra will be charged during the month of December.

How Do I Go to Lakshadweep Islands?

Lakshadweep airport is on Agatti island. There are flights connecting Lakshadweep with Bangalore.  There are helicopter services to Cochin.

There are ship services between Lakshadweep and Cochin. These ships embark at Wellington islands, Kochi alias Cochin. There are ship services from Beypore port,  10 kilometers south of Kozhikode.

MV Kavaratti is one of the best ships to travel to the islands. It can seat 700 people on seven floors. It has got a swimming pool on the top. MV Lagoons is another ship to these islands.

Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, and Kadmat islands are tourist centers, and other islands do not have tourism-related infrastructure.

Summer is the best time to visit the islands (October to May). During Monsoon season, turbulent sea causes ships to be canceled.

Kalpeni is the nearest island to Kerala. It takes around 12 hours by ship to reach Kalpeni from Kerala. Minicoy is the farthest island from the mainland. It takes around 24 hours to reach Minicoy from Kerala.

Getting around the Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep islands can be covered by walking (maximum distance is six or seven kilometers) or by hiring a bicycle.

Auto-rickshaws are also available for hire on the islands. You need to call the number of the auto-stand. Calling individual driers is not allowed. +91-489-2223422 is the number in the Minicoy Islands. Twenty-two auto-rickshaws are there on this island. They operate from 6 am to 11 pm.

Note: Consumption of liquor is prohibited in Lakshadweep islands, except in some resorts.