|
Lakshadweep Island - Scattered on the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, off
the western coast of India is a group of coral islands of unparalleled beauty.
The Lakshadweep islands (or Laccadives as they were formerly known) are a
geographical extension of the Maldive island chain. "Lakshadweep" which means 'A
Hundred Thousand Islands' is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands, 12 atolls,
3 reefs and 5 submerged banks in the Arabian Sea. These emerald islands, rich in
greenery and fringed by silvery beaches overwhelm you with their natural beauty.
Visitors to these islands take back an unforgettable experience of enjoying
nature in all her splendour.
|
Fact File: |
|
Location : |
Lakshadweep islands lie about 220 to 440kms from the Kerala
coast between 8 and 12 North Latitudes and 71 and 74 East
Longitudes. |
|
Status :
|
Tiniest Union Territory of India. |
|
Religion :
|
The local population are all Sunni Muslims.
|
|
Languages :
|
The language spoken in the islands is Malayalam except in
Minicoy where it is Mahl, written in the Divehi script.
|
|
Climate : |
Summer temperatures ranging from 22 C to 33 C and Winter
temperatures from 20 C to 32 C. Southwest monsoons from June to
September bring plenty of rainfall to the islands. and
Northeast monsoons also result in some rains during October
and November. . |
|
Clothing : |
Light cotton tropical clothes are sufficient throughout the
year. A waterproof coat will come in handy during the monsoons. |
|
Entry permits:
|
For foreigners and People holding foreign passports: One can
visit islands on a package tour as individuals are not allowed
to book independently. A permit is required for which you have
to provide details of the place and date of birth, passport
number, date and place of issue, expiry date and 4 photos. |
|
Best Season: |
October to May is ideal and popular with tourists. |
 Legal
Issue & Risk Factors:
-
Litter the
land or the water pollutes the Clear waters.
-
Pick up
corals as souvenirs is a punishable offence.
-
There is a
prohibition on consumption of alcoholic beverages in all islands except at
Bangaram
-
Carrying
narcotics or drugs is a punishable offence.
-
Swim or nude
sunbathe is prohibited.
-
It can be
risky to go out of your island lagoon without permission of the SPORTS
authorities and without a proper escort.
-
The Coconut
trees are privately owned and unauthorized plucking of coconuts is a theft. Also
a fall from the palm can prove dangerous.
Getting
there:
By Air:
Lakshadweep(Agatti) is well connected by air
from Cochin and Goa. Indian Airlines operates a Dornier aircraft on all days
except Sundays from Cochin and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Goa.
The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately
one hour Fifteen minutes.
BY SHIP: Four passenger ships- MV Tippu
Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and
Lakshadweep. The passage takes between 18 to 22 hours.
The ships offer different classes of accommodation; A/C Deluxe Class with two
berth cabins, A/C First Class with four berth cabins and Tourist Class with A/C
seating. The ships have cafeteria and snack bars, entertainment lounge, video
shows and upper-deck promenade etc in MV Tipu Sultan and MV Bharat Seema. A
doctor is available on call on board these ships. MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy
also offers comfortable A/C accommodation.
AGATTI ISLAND BEACH
RESORT
Overlooking
the mighty Arabian sea, this Beach Resort is situated in the finest islands in
the Lakshadweep. The
average transfer time
from Agatti airport is 2 min. walk. This resort offers 20 independent
cottages (A/C & Non A/C) with an exquisite restaurant serving Indian &
International cuisines on AP basis. Facilities for arranging business conference
up to 40 persons. Well arranged aquatic sports like Kayaking, Snorkeling, scuba
diving, Glass bottom boat riding, canoeing, skiing, excursion to nearby islands,
fishing can be done in one of the best locations.
Resort is operating a licensed Scuba Diving Center where tourists can learn
diving & explore spectacular dive sites in close proximity to the island with a
guide diver.
BANGARAM ISLAND
Bangaram is the only international resort in Lakshadweep. The island and the
resort will be a new experience. Bangaram island is uninhabited and accommodates
a maximum of 30 couples so that every guest has atleast two of the island’s 128
acres to themselves. Bangaram presents a breathtaking spectacle of sparkling
coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery beaches and lush green coconut
palms. 
Bangaram is not a luxury resort. In fact, it is far away from that. There is no
phone, fax, e-mail, air conditioning, television, newspaper, hot water or room
service. Some of the island’s beauty comes from what is absent. What you find is
a curious combination – five star service minus the pretention and excess.
The resort offers you a variety of outdoor activities – scuba diving,
snorkeling, boating, fishing, kayaking etc. There is also an Ayurveda centre.
The cuisine is international and also offers a selection from the coast of
Lakshadweep islands. There is also a well stocked bar.
The transfer from Agatti to Bangaram is by
boat during fair weather and by helicopter during monsoon(16 May to 15
September).
"All
Tours can be tailor-made to your needs" |
ISLANDS 