Built on ancient volcanic formations, Lakshadweep, formerly the Laccadives, is a group of coral islands scattered on the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, off the western coast of India. One of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems it has thirty- two km or 20 miles of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 km or 2600 miles of lagoon rich in marine wealth. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Lakshadweep is India’s only coral “atolls” or island of coral that encircles a lagoon partially or completely and geologically a part of the same chain as the Maldives.
It has 36 main islands, many smaller islands, coral atolls and coral reefs. These coral reefs give each of these islands and the sea around them, a unique colour and beauty. Out of 36 islands, only 10 islands are inhabited, namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. Each Island fringed by snow-white coral sands, is marked by a huge shallow calm lagoon on one side which separates it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals
An inviting holiday destination for nature lovers, Lakshadweep is known for its lush green landscape, incredible marine life, soft silvery beaches and water sports. These emerald islands, rich in greenery and fringed by silvery beaches overwhelm you with their natural beauty.Varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. Visitors to these islands take back an unforgettable experience of enjoying nature in all her splendor.
Peak season is December to May, when it’s cooler and dry. May to September is the main (southwest) monsoon season, but the October-November northeast monsoon can also be rainy.
The unique feature of the islands is the pristine heritage of coral reefs tucked in the sapphire lagoons that create their own world on the snow white sands, shifting underneath. In an attempt to preserve the fragile ecology and culture of the islands, the Tourism Department only allows tourists to only some of the islands.
Everybody, Indian or otherwise, requires a special permit to visit Lakshadweep. in fact, for foreigners, accommodation booked in advance is a precondition for being allowed to visit.
Foreigners are restricted to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat, plus transit only (max. 12 hours) in Kavaratti. Indians may visit the other islands as well, but accommodation is very limited.
Because of their protected status, Lakshadweep’s reefs are among the least explored in the world, and the wealth of coral formations (including the rare black coral) attracts not only the explorers, but also an amazing variety of tropical marine life ranging from tiny transparent jellyfish that change shape continuously, to the mighty sharks.
While equipment for water sports is available at the islands themselves, there are not much avenues for shopping and entertainment. Lakshadweep is the perfect holiday for those who want to get away from the artifices of the world and enjoy a few days in simple yet stunningly beautiful surroundings.
For a trip to Lakshadweep contact www.indianmosaic.com
Indian Mosaic is an exclusive travel company specializing in high quality personalized trips to India. Indian Mosaic tours are customized, created for astute travelers who expect the highest levels of service, luxury and attention to detail right from the planning stage till the completion of the trip. Each day’s itinerary is tailored to personal interests, pace, travel preferences and schedule with an expert personal guide and a driver in each destination.
