
The
spell bound expanse of emerald isles, Lakshadweep, studded
in the blue water of the Arabian Sea unfolds another world
in itself. The panorama encompasses magnificent lagoons, sylvan
sea shores, miles of sun drenched sand and the enchantment
of swaying palms, spectacular marine flora and fauna, All
these harmonise to form a colourful kaleidoscope typical of
an archipelago paradise. Four of

the
inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy and Kadmath)
are open mostly to Indian tourists and Kadmat, Agatti and
Bangaram is open to both domestic and foreign tourists.
Sailing in glass-bottomed boats which give enchanting views
of the coral below. The wealth of coral formation attracts
a variety of tropical fish-angel, clown, butterfly, surgeon,
sweetlip, snappers and groupers. There are also manta and
stingrays, harmless sharks and green and hawkbill turtles.
Water sports facilities like swimming, Rafting, snorkeling,
windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, catamaran sailing,
deep sea fishing and scuba diving are available in the islands.
Sightseeing at Lakshadweep -
Kavaratti : The Headquarters of the Administration,
Kavaratti is beautiful calm lagoon and forms an ideal spot
for water sports, swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches.
The Ajara and Jamnath mosques (of the 52 on the island) have
the best woodcarving and the former has a particularly good
ceiling carved out of driftwood. Marine life exhibits can
be seen at the new marine aquarium and specimens at the museum.
Water Sports facilities available at the Dolphin Drive Center,
is one of the attractions; a favorite spot for water sport
enthusiasts. Kayaks, Sailing yachts and glass-bottomed boats
are available on hire. One can visit Kavaratti in Coral Reef
and Taratashi Packages.
Kalpeni : Is known for its scenic beauty with the
small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited
island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon
encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll
is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern &
southeastern shoreline. It is a progressive island. It was
in this island that girls first went to school, when women's
education was considered a taboo. Here, one can swim, reef-walk
or

water
sports on kayaks, sail boat and pedal boat. A visit to the
Baniyan Factory and the Light House situated in the island
is included as a part of Coral Reef and Coconut Grove Packages.
Agatti : Located 459 kms. from Cochin. It is 6 kms.
long and 1000 meters wide at the broadest point. The Gateway
of Lakshadweep, Agatti Island is one of the most striking
features in Lakshadweep. Agatti and its satellite islands
of Bangaram, Thinnakkara & Parali, presents a breathtaking
spectacle of sparkling coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons,
silvery beaches and lush green coconut palms that sway to
the rhythm of the sea. Agatti is the only island with an airport.
The sea around the island offers excellent scope for water
sports and fishing. Coral growths and multi coloured coral
fishes are abound in its lagoons. There are facilities for
Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Excursions on Glass-bottomed
Boats, Sail boats and Fishing trips, Site Seeing and day cruise
to near by uninhabited islands Bangaram, Thinnakara, Paraly
and Kalpitty.
Kadmat : Located 407 kms. from Cochin. Land area of
Kadmat is 8 Km long and 550 m wide at the broadest point.
In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that
forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon
on the east. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches
and

the
sand banks on the southern tip for sunbath. Kadamat has been
identified for staying tourists with its tourists huts aesthetically
situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing
the lagoon. The place is ideal for a real holiday that brings
you away from the maddening crowd, hustle and bustle of city
life. Under Kadmat Package (MWAP), one can spend 3-4 days
enjoying sea breeze and moonlit beach. Water sports crafts
like kayaks, pedal boats, sailing yachts skiing boats and
glass bottomed boats are available on hire. The Scuba Diving
Center in the island has become an attraction for water sport
enthusiasts.
Bangaram : An uninhabited island, Bangaram is one of the islands
open to foreign tourists. It has been ranked among the best
getaways of the world. The teardrop-shaped island has superb
beaches and beautiful lagoons.
It offers utmost privacy unpolluted comfort with crystal
clear water. Sparkling coral reef and blue lagoon perform
magic on the soul searching traveler. There are numerous
adventures like scuba diving, snorkelling and deep sea fishing.
Agatti is the gateway to Bangaram and is linked to Cochin
for onward flights to metros.
Reaching Lakshadweep -
By Air : Lakshadweep is well connected by Air from
Cochin (International Airport), Kerala.
By Ship : Passenger vessels ply between Cochin and
Lakshadweep. Rates vary according to the type of accommodation
as well as the package chosen. Catamaran speed vessels operate
as per monthly schedule between major islands in the northern
group.