Lakshadweep Island: Eden of the Arabian Sea

One of the smallest union territories that India has, Lakshadweep is a cluster of islands and a fascinating tourist spot for many coast lovers from around the world. The islands have a lot to offer – from clean beaches and well-managed resorts to abundant greenery and peaceful vibes.

Minicoy Island

One of the 36 small islets of the 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 the Arabian Sea, just 398 km or 215 nautical miles from the shores of Cochin.

The small island encompasses a 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 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 winter and the onset of summer, as the weather here is ideal during those months.

Location: Lakshadweep 682557
Time required: 2 days
Things To Do: Boat rides, Hiking, Food
Ideal For: families and friends

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 the Lakshadweep Islands and is one 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 kilometers, and it is sparsely populated with around 8000 inhabitants. With a total area of a little over 3 square kilometers, 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 an 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.

Location: Agatti, Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 2 days
Things To Do: dining, relax
Ideal For: Families and couple

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.

Location: Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 2 days
Things To Do: Hiking, Snorkeling
Ideal For: Couples and Friends

Kavaratti Island

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, and 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 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.

Location: Kavaratti 682555
Time required: 2 days
Things to Do: Nature walks, Take a relaxing walk on the beaches
Ideal For: Families, Solo Travellers

Kalpeni Island

Also known as Koefaini, Kalpeni Islands is a group of three islands and is one of the most picturesque areas of Lakshadweep. Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tillakkam are the islands that together form the Kalpeni islands.

These islands are inhabited and are frequently visited by tourists. Kalpeni is famous for its beautiful lagoon surrounding the island and is highly rich in Coral life. Naturally, this place is among the must-see places in Lakshadweep. This is also a great spot to enjoy water sports including Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Reef walking, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing yachts.

Location: Kalpeni, Lakshadweep 682556
Time required: 2 days
Things to Do: Take a relaxing walk on the beaches, relish seafood
Ideal For: Families and friends

Marine Museum

Situated in Kavaratti, the Marine Museum showcases a plethora of marine-related artifacts and aims to promote marine products and their preservation. The interesting thing about the museum is its aquarium which has few of the most striking species of sea fishes and water animals.

The beautiful, colorful fishes and aquatic species are very pretty and it is a great sight to see these ornamental species. It is also a good place if you are interested in collecting information about marine life and related stuff.

Location: Kavaratti 682555
Time required: 1-2 hours
Things to Do: Seek information on marine life
Ideal For: Families

Kadmat Island

Sprawling over 9.3 kms in length, Kadmat Island is a gorgeous island that is part of the Amindivi subgroup of islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Boasting silvery white beaches, sunkissed shores, wonderful blue lagoons, azure blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Kadmat Island is a travellers' delight.

The picturesque island is infested with marine turtles which live and breed here. Other than that, the island just has one inhabited village called Kadmat where fishing is the major occupation. Kadmat Island offers a host of activities to its guests which is why it is thronged by thousands of tourists every year. Some of the most popular activities and things to do on the island are scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and paragliding. Besides, you can also just sit and sunsoak and admire the resplendent surroundings. You can also choose to avail some of the many amazing spa and massage services available here.

Location: Lakshadweep 682557
Time required: 2 days
Things To Do: Suba, Snorkeling, kayaking, marine life
Ideal For: Adventure

Amini Beach

Amini Beach is an incredible spot for people who are looking for serene tourist places in Lakshadweep. Located on Amini Island, this beach is popular as it is covered with coral sandstone. You can try various adventurous activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking. Amini Beach is perfect for relaxing and spending a day while basking in the sun and sipping cocktails.

Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep is one of the most popular activities amongst travelers. Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat islands are the three islands that prove a perfect setting for the Scuba. Each dive center has attached resorts catering to the needs of beginners as well as those interested in CMAS and PADI courses by certified divers. The islands are also enriched with a diverse variety of tropical fishes, vibrant corals, and other creatures like turtles, rays, and coral sharks.

Location: Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 6-7 hours
Things To Do: snorkeling, scuba diving, reef walking
Ideal For: Families and couples

Andretti Island

Also known as Andrott Island, this is the largest island of Lakshadweep and is located closest to the Indian mainland. Unlike other islands, Andretti islands are in an east-west direction.

The island is also inhabited but has been able to maintain its beauty and charm. It also provides enough opportunities for its visitors to mingle with nature. Spending the evenings at the seaside could be very relaxing and if you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot various aquatic animals including octopuses. Andretti Island is also famous for some Buddhist archaeological remains and the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah. However, foreign tourists are not allowed to visit this island.

Location: Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 5-6 hours
Things To Do: Visit Jummat Mosque, Spot Octopus
Ideal For: Families and couples

Thinnakara Island

Thinnakara Island is one of the famous Islands in Lakshadweep, located at a 40-minute boat ride from Agatti. The island is the central hub for water sports and adventure. It feels like a private island with minimal hotels. Some even say that there are only twenty rooms on the whole island, so one must book beforehand. The beautiful lagoons and flawless coast make it a perfect spot for solo travelers who are looking for the best places to visit in Lakshadweep.

Location: Lakshadweep 682557
Time required: 1 day
Things to Do: Water sports, Relaxation
Ideal For: Solo travelers

Pitti Bird Sanctuary

While staying on Kalpeni Island, you can take a smaller boat to head to Pitti Island. This is a small, secluded island located in the middle of nowhere. The island is clean and beautiful. This dead coral island is a great spot to go snorkeling and see some of the most indigenous marine life. You can also choose to take a walk by the beach and spend quality time at this one of the most celebrated tourist attractions in Lakshadweep. Please ensure you make all the bookings before heading there, as the options for accommodations are limited.

Location: Pitti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Time required: 2-3 hours
Things to Do: Bird-watching
Ideal For: Adventure

Kiltan Island

Most traveled from the seaport of Mangalore, this island is known for its many spots with colonial prominence. The city was a point on the trade route between Ceylon and the Persian Gulf. This place is located 52 kilometers from the main island of Amini. The island is home to many stunning reefs and lagoons that Lakshadweep has to offer.

Location: Kiltan Island, Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 5-6 hours
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things to Do: City walks, Learn Culture
Ideal For: Families and Solo Travellers

Who Needs a Permit To Visit Lakshadweep?

If you are not a native of Lakshadweep, you need a permit issued by the competent authority to enter, reside, or attempt to enter and reside in the islands.

How to Apply for a Permit to visit Lakshadweep?

1. Online Permit: The quickest way to secure a permit is through the e-permit portal (https://epermit.utl.gov.in/pages/signup). Create an account, fill in personal details, choose the island you wish to visit and travel dates, upload necessary documents, and pay the fees online. The permit is typically emailed 15 days before the trip.

2. Offline Permit: Alternatively, download the application form from the Lakshadweep Administration website or collect it from the District Collector’s office in Kavaratti. Fill out the form, attach required documents, and submit them to the Collector’s office. This process may take longer, so planning ahead is advised.

Documents Required for Lakshadweep Permit Application

• Passport size photo
• Photocopy of a valid ID proof (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Pan Card, etc.)
• Proof of travel (flight tickets or boat reservations)
• Booking confirmation from the place of accommodation (hotel or resort)

*The permit is usually valid for 30 days, with extensions possible under special cases.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is an all-year-round place to visit. This little island allows tourists from all over the world to explore its scenic beauty and calm beaches. Ideally, tourists prefer ‘October to March’ as the main travel season.

FAQ’s About Lakshadweep

Why Lakshadweep is famous for tourism?

Lakshadweep is famous for its gorgeous sightseeing destinations like the coastline, beaches, and various other Islands around. Tourism in Lakshadweep is popular because it is one of the best locations for a honeymoon, a family trip, or a relaxing getaway with friends.

How can you travel to Lakshadweep Island?

Both can access the Islands of Lakshadweep by air and by ship. There are direct flights to the city of Agatti and Bangaram from Kochi International Airport.

What is Lakshadweep famous for?

This group of islands is an archipelago of India. It’s made up of 36 atolls and numerous coral reefs. The city of Agatti gets many tourists each year. It is famous for its stunning coral islands and the clean and safeguarded white sand beaches.

Is Lakshadweep good for a honeymoon?

If you are looking for a honeymoon that has clean beaches, blue waters, and a hint of adventure, this is the perfect spot for you. Each island is more beautiful than the other. The many cities are ideal for a 4–7 days trip making it a fascinating choice for a honeymoon.

Which is the best island in Lakshadweep?

Agatti Island is one of the highest recommended islands in the cluster. The city is well-equipped for all kinds of travelers. It has all the basic and needed infrastructure to nurture your love for adventure and spark excitement for beaches.

How many islands are there in Lakshadweep?

The cluster is a collection of 36 atolls and corals. This makes for one of the most exciting combinations of islands. Each one of them is unique in its way and makes for a great summer holiday.

Is alcohol allowed in Lakshadweep?

The island of Bangaram is the only place where sales and consumption of alcohol are allowed in the cluster of Lakshadweep. Although it’s a coastal town and also a union territory, there is no sale of alcohol here.