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: | |
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Location : |
Lakshadweep islands lie about 220 to 440kms from the Kerala coast between 8 and 12 North Latitudes and 71 and 74 East Longitudes. |
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Status : |
Tiniest Union Territory of India. |
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Religion : |
The local population are all Sunni Muslims. |
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Languages : |
The language spoken in the islands is Malayalam except in Minicoy where it is Mahl, written in the Divehi script. |
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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. . |
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Clothing : |
Light cotton tropical clothes are sufficient throughout the year. A waterproof coat will come in handy during the monsoons. |
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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. |
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Best Season: |
October to May is ideal and popular with tourists. |
Legal Issue & Risk Factors:
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Litter the land or the water pollutes the Clear waters.
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Pick up corals as souvenirs is a punishable offence.
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There is a prohibition on consumption of alcoholic beverages in all islands except at Bangaram
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Carrying narcotics or drugs is a punishable offence.
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Swim or nude sunbathe is prohibited.
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It can be risky to go out of your island lagoon without permission of the SPORTS authorities and without a proper escort.
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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.
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Flights from Cochin - Agatti: Mon / Tue / Wed / Thurs / Fri / Sat
| Air Fare (Subject to revision by Authority) Cochin - Agatti |
| Rs.7,575/- ($191) One way Per person |
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.
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Ship Schedules (As per schedule provided by Lakshadweep Administration)
| Ship Fare (Subject to revision by Authority) Cochin - Agatti | |
| Tourist class Chair car With food | Rs.1,500/- ($40) One way Per person |
| Cabin class with food | Rs.3,000/- One way Per person |
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).
