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Home ❯ Travel ❯ Destinations

Lakshadweep

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LAKSHADWEEP TOURISM

Situated off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4,200 sq km of lagoon rich in marine wealth and is one of the most spectacular tropical island systems. The ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. While tourism is being promoted, a lot of importance is being given to the carrying capacity of the island to avoid pressure on ecological environment.

Lakshadweep literally means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. The tiniest Union Territory has 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The ten inhabited islands are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.

Though all the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reefs, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings, most of these differ in terms of facilities and services offered. While some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports others are meant for relaxation.

According to Sir Charles Darwin in 1842, the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs, which transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base.

Legend has it that small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to other islands like Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat. The earliest references to the islands is made in Puranuru as part of the ancient (Dravidian) country. They talk about the control of the islands by the Cheras in the Sangam literature Pathitruppaththu. A Pallava inscription of 7th century AD refers to the islands as Dveepa Laksham and lists them as part of the Pallava domain.

Local traditions and legends attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera king of Kerala. The oldest inhabited islands in the group are Amini, Kalpeni Andrott, Kavaratti and Agatti. Lakshadweep islanders were originally Hindus who later converted to Islam in the 14th century. However, recent archaeological evidence has established that Buddhist settlements also had existed in the islands as early as the 6th or 7th century. According to popular tradition, Islam was brought to Lakshadweep by an Arab named Ubaidulla in 661 AD. His grave is located in the island of Andrott. Muslim grave stones dated to 756 AD have also been discovered here.

In the 17th century, the islands came under the rule of Ali Rajahs/Arakkal Bheevi of Kannur, who received them as a gift from the Kolathiris. The Portuguese took control to exploit coir production until the islanders expelled them. The islands are also mentioned in great detail in the stories of the Arab traveller Ibn Batuta. The Amindivi group of islands (Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat and Bitra) came under the rule of Tipu Sultan in 1787. They passed to British control after the Third Anglo-Mysore War and were attached to South Canara.

The rest of the islands came under the suzerainty of the Arakkal family of Cannanore in return for a payment of annual tribute. The British took over the administration of those islands for non-payment of arrears. These islands were attached to the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency during the British Raj.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LAKSHADWEEP

If you are on a day tour package cruise, you will get back to the ship at the end of the day. However there is accommodation for tourists who are staying at Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy Agatti and Kadmat. Tourist huts in each island occupy ideal locations on the beach itself. Each hut has one or two twin-bed bedrooms with attached baths. Bangaram also has a holiday resort.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN LAKSHADWEEP

The food in Lakshadweep is quite similar to the food of Kerala. Use of coconut is consistent in the cuisine. You can get spicy coconut rich vegetarian & non-vegetarian food and delicious curried, fried and barbecued fish.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKSHADWEEP

The average minimum and maximum temperature of Lakshadweep is as given below. The best time to visit Lakshadweep is also specified.

MONTH BEST TIME MIN. TEMP (°C)MAX. TEMP (°C)
JanuaryBest time2032
FebruaryBest time2032
MarchBest time2236
AprilBest time2236
May2236
June2236
July2236
August2236
September2236
OctoberBest time2236
NovemberBest time2032
DecemberBest time2032

Place to visit in LAKSHADWEEP

All Nature Nature Wildlife

Agatti

A virtual gateway to the islands, Agatti has the only airport in the island. A…

Kavaratti

The administrative headquarter, Kavaratti is the most developed island. 52 mosques are spread out over…

Minicoy

Southernmost island of the group, Minicoy, is geographically isolated from other islands. Perhaps due to…

Bangaram

This tear-drop shaped piece of land is encircled by creamy sand. For a perfect outing,…

View all places to visit in LAKSHADWEEP

THINGS TO DO IN LAKSHADWEEP

All Shopping Adventure Adventure

Shopping in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is not a budget destination: in addition to the permit issue, there is no…

Yacht sailing on Kavaratti

Kavaratti island is the administrative capital of Lakshadweep island. The place is frequented by adventure…

Lagoon Fishing

Lagoon Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, you can do so at the lagoons in Lakshadweep.…

Water sports – Scuba diving, Kayaking, Canoeing

Water sports - Scuba diving, Kayaking, Canoeing: Lakshasweep Islands have a lot of fun water…

View all things to do in LAKSHADWEEP

Articles About LAKSHADWEEP

  • Lakshadweep: Amid Adverse Weather, 7 Crew Members of Sunken Ship Rescued in Daring Air-Sea Operation

    The rescued crew later said that their vessel MSV Messiah sunk around 9 am and since then they were floating in a lifeboat, praying to…

    India.com News Desk January 23, 2021, 12:58 am IST

  • Lakshwadeep For Honeymoon: Leave Maldives, This Stunning Remote Island Should be Your First Choice as Newly Married Couple

    Explore the stunning Lakshadweep which is a haven for newly married if you are looking for tranquility and pristine nature. Being the only place in…

    India.com Lifestyle Staff November 23, 2020, 6:52 pm IST

  • This Union Territory is The Only Place in India With no Coronavirus

    The UT administration arranged for quarantine in Kerala. Only those who tested negative after the quarantine period in Kerala are allowed to enter Lakshadweep.

    India.com News Desk August 16, 2020, 11:36 am IST

  • India's Diverse Landscape Can be Viewed Through These 10 Beautiful Photos

    One of the greatest things about traveling in India is that you will experience a different kind of terrain, culture, style of clothing, language and…

    Dilip Merala March 10, 2015, 5:14 pm IST

  • Nature Lovers - Here Are Some of The Greenest States in India You Can Visit

    India is home to some very green places that you may not be aware of.

    Dilip Merala July 17, 2017, 9:02 am IST

  • Indian Navy, ICG Take Precautionary Measures as Cyclone Maha Intensifies Into Severe Cyclonic Storm

    The Indian Coast Guard said that at least six ships, one aircraft and disaster response teams have been kept standby for rescue and relief operations.

    India.com News Desk October 31, 2019, 7:54 pm IST

  • Andaman Versus Lakshadweep: Where Should You Head Next?

    While there's cocktails at sundown in Andaman, Lakshadweep is perfectly wrapped in serenity.

    Charu Chowdhary June 17, 2019, 7:27 pm IST

  • Why You Must Give Diving a Shot at Lakshadweep Islands

    You don't need to look far and wide for an island experience, head to Lakshadweep for a surreal experience.

    Charu Chowdhary June 12, 2019, 2:41 pm IST

  • Holiday on INS Viraat? That's Crazy: Rahul Gandhi on PM Modi's Claims

    I accompanied my father on Viraat but that wasn't a holiday, Rahul rubbishes PM Modi's allegations.

    India.com News Desk May 10, 2019, 5:20 pm IST

  • Lok Sabha Election 2019: All You Need to Know About Lakshadweep Seat

    LS Polls 2019: Lakshadweep will go to polls on April 11.

    India.com News Desk April 8, 2019, 4:35 pm IST

View all articles about LAKSHADWEEP

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Featured Articles on Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep: Amid Adverse Weather, 7 Crew Members of Sunken Ship Rescued in Daring Air-Sea Operation

Lakshwadeep For Honeymoon: Leave Maldives, This Stunning Remote Island Should be Your First Choice as Newly Married Couple

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Nature Lovers - Here Are Some of The Greenest States in India You Can Visit

Indian Navy, ICG Take Precautionary Measures as Cyclone Maha Intensifies Into Severe Cyclonic Storm

Andaman Versus Lakshadweep: Where Should You Head Next?

Why You Must Give Diving a Shot at Lakshadweep Islands

Destination Themes

  • Adventure Places in Lakshadweep
  • Nature Places in Lakshadweep
  • Wildlife Places in Lakshadweep

More on Lakshadweep Travel Guide

  • Places to Visit in Lakshadweep
  • Things to Do in Lakshadweep
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  • Articles about Lakshadweep
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  • Lakshadweep Map

Things to Do in lakshadweep

  • Shopping in Lakshadweep
  • Yacht sailing on Kavaratti
  • Lagoon Fishing
  • Water sports - Scuba diving, Kayaking, Canoeing
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