Islands in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep (means 100 thousands islands), the smallest union territory of India and the magnificently breathtaking ocean world, lies on the coastline of Kerala and in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Whether you are a water freak or on a romantic rendezvous, this amazing bunch of islands is a mus- go once in your life time.

The inhabited islands in Lakshadweep are Chetlat, Minicoy, Andrott, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Bitra, Agatti, Amini, Kiltan and Kavaratti.

Bitra

Bitra is placed on the north eastern tip of a large coral ring reef. It is the smallest and least populated of all inhabited islands in the union territory of Lakshadweep. It has a land area of 0.105 sq.km its only 0.57 km in length and 0.28 km in breath with a population of about 264 people according to a recent census. Culture and language is similar to Kerala. Located around 483 km from Cochin airport it possesses one of the best and tiny lagoon area of 0.45 sq. km.

Bitra is wonders of the waters where mult-colored fish and coral growth are found in abundance. This island's land area is covered by thick shrubs and brushwood and rich coconut palms.

History says that islanders from Kiltan and Chetlat came here to collect eggs of pelagic birds, that hail from a nearby uninhabited island called Pitta.

Also, a shrine of Arab saint Malik Mulla is based here who was buried over these lands. After which it has turned into a pilgrim place. Bitra faced a lot of shortage of drinking water, for which they found a solution in rain harvesting, lately a solar and waste heat water purification system has been successfully implemented.

Where to Stay in Bitra

There is no tourist staying facility in Bitra. One can visit it on a day cruise and stay at Kadmat Island Resorts.

Amini

Amini got its name from the Arabic word “Amin” which means trust. It is an oval-shaped island which is 3 meters above sea level with a depression in the middle. The local population follows Islam and are talented craftsmen and stone engravers. They are fun loving; sing and dance folklores during evenings.

Well known to be a perfect blend of scenic splendor with modern infrastructure is the wonderful island of Amini. Its rich culture and traditional history is similar to its other cousins within Lakshadweep. Amini has a religious origin as Saint Ubaidullah started preaching Islam here and then went to other islands. Amongst all, Amini is the most sought-after island for holidaying, perfect beaches, lovely weather and ideal for water sport, inviting sands and the alluring blue hues of the lagoon make one forget the woes of the world.

Kadmat

Kadmat an Island of Amindivi subgroup is, also known as Cardamom Island, with the lagoon on both western and eastern ends, lovely coral habitat and virgin beaches are noteworthy for this beautiful island. Rich in marine wealth, the island is located on a coral reef 5 km north of Amini Island. Its length is about 8 km and width just about 0.5 km. The population of Kadmat is meagerly 6000 Malayalam speaking people.

Tourist attractions

Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking is what attract tourist in the shallow and tamed waters of the oceans here. Just as Agatti and Bangram, Kadmat is open throughout the year for tourists. Kadmat is blessed with an ideal blend of green and blue with the likes of palms, coral, flora and fauna. Lime stone is available in abundance here.

While holidaying here enjoy the sublime shores and bask in the warm silver sand sun all day.
Kadmat offers diving sites unexplored. With a boat trip one can reach the dive locations and dive to their heart content. For those who are not well-versed can take help of the expert divers.

Where to stay

The Kadmat Island Resort is 60 km away from airport. It has 28 sea-facing rooms and cottages well equipped and furnished to please local and international tourist. A 6-day marine wealth awareness program is also offered by them.

Room types
The resort offers AC and non AC single and double rooms.

Tariff
For 2 adults single non ac rooms are available at Rs. 4713 /- and double rooms at Rs. 6861 /- per day.
For 2 adults single Ac rooms are available at Rs.5751/- and double rooms at Rs.7594/- per day. This is inclusive of complimentary breakfast, unlimited water sports and one time glass bottom trip.

Agatti

Agatti is the Airport Island, and has the most wonderful lagoons within. A breath-taking view of the mesmerizing mother nature holds you spell bound. A tourist paradise, where the Arabian Sea displays the most spectacular and enthralling portrait of the blue hues as the waves engulf you into its tranquilizing waters where mind body and soul rejuvenate from the tensions of life. Savor the pristine purity of nature, be a part of the bio diverse and bewitching Agatti and return home with memories filled with bliss.

Tourist attractions

Needless to say all kinds of water sports like sailing, fishing, sea excursions and the welcoming beaches of course enhances the fun and frolic.

Explore the hidden treasure so the ocean, while you scuba dive. Even if you have little experience you can take a dive in the waters with a well-trained instructor and trainer. The aquatic creatures like nurse shark, manta rays, white whale sharks, sting rays, lion fish, eels, eagle rays, parrot fishes are waiting to greet you.

Where to stay

Agatti island resort awaits to please. A resort with 20 beds is nestled here and one can enjoy staying to one’s heart content. Well not only that you can hop skip and jump other secluded islands of Pitti and Thinnakara for a short sea excursion by ferries or ship.

It has 9 beach huts and 10 beach cottages at about a distance of 50 yards from the sandy bay and a dining area in the middle-standard and deluxe cottages give you a comforting stay. The large and spacious cottages are fully furnished and overlooking the blue lagoon, ensures privacy and pleasure at one go.

A continental restaurant caters to multi-cuisines from around the world for Indian and international visitors. Guests may enjoy barbecue and indoor dining, with Chinese, Indian and continental food.

Room types

Non AC – for single room Rs. 5500/- double 7900 from September to November and from January to May

• Rs.7500/- for single room and Rs.11300 /- for double room from December to January
• Rs.3900 /- for single room and Rs. 5000 /- for double room from May to September.

Standard A/c cottages – single room at Rs.8000/- and double room at Rs.11200/- from September to November and January to May

• Rs.9575/- for single room and Rs.14000 /- for double room from December to January
• Rs.5400/- for single room and Rs. 6600 /- for double room from May to September.

Facilities – Sea-facing cottages have spacious rooms with attached bathrooms with all modern facilities.

Kiltan

One more jewel in the crown of Lakshadweep is Kiltan a coral island in the Amindivi subgroup of islands. Once upon a time it was a trade route between Ceylon and the Persian Gulf the island lies 51 km north east of Amini, with a small area of 2.2 km its length is 3.4 km and width 0.6 km. This Island is 394 km away from Kochi the nearest airport. Climatic conditions again are very similar to Kerala. Monsoon is from May to September but the place is humid almost all through the year ranging from 70 to 75 present humidity. During monsoons all water activities are restricted so it’s definitely not the right time to visit. There are high storm beaches at both northern and southern ends of this isle, and a very rich in foliage of thick trees and fertile green lands. Enjoy folk dances in the warm beach nights in summer on the western beaches that are strewn with cubicles made from Cadjan leaves.

Where to stay

There is no overnight staying facility here.

Bangaram

Spectacular Bangaram has lately been closed for tourism as the government has restricted entry there for ecological reasons but a while ago it was one of the most splendid islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago.

Its silver sands beaches and coconut grooves were alluring to all who visit. Bangaram Island resorts is a 60 bed well-equipped resort with all trendy amenities. One can enjoy the water sport activities with the sea creatures like butterfly fish turtles and clown fishes for company.

The first Dive School of Lakshadweep was established here. Here at the island of Bangaram you can find canopies of coconut, fishes and boats here are a sight worth watching. You may go deep sea diving, surfing and kayaking rafting and snorkeling at Bangaram.

Chetlat

Chetlat Island is the northern most in the group of islands of Lakshadweep. Its captivating beauty makes this into a sought-after tourist destination. Located very close to Mangalore, the island of Kiltan is its next door neighbor. Again like all its sister islands the main source of income is fishing clubbed with other businesses alike and coir twisting and cap making out of coconut leaves. Rich in all kinds of fauna and vegetation because of the climate and soil, they also grow drum sticks jack fruit and Cheeranu puruthi (a different cotton plant) and export to other islands and countries. A rich combination of aquatic wonders is one of the selling point of this island. Its history speaks that Portugal robbers and pirates had killed and robbed this island many times, they came via the sea route.

Where to stay

There are no resorts on Chetlat to stay overnight.

Androth

Androth is the longest and biggest island on the western coast of India. The distance is about 198 kms from Kozhikode and 293 kms. From Kochi. It is not a very famous tourist destination but is a protected territory, (because it has the smallest lagoon). It is the nearest to the mainland from all the islands in the group. The island has an area of 4.84 square km and is the only island of the group to have a west-east orientation. It is about 119 km away from Kavaratti.

The tower of lighthouse which is only 3 km form the beach area, is a structure one may not want to miss while visiting Androth. In 1966, the government constructed this first modern Lighthouse in Androth. This was made by the British for the navigation of sailors at midnight to know where the islands existed.

The exquisiteness of Androth not only spills out in the ecstatic scenic splendor but is also narrated in the history of the land and the richness of the legacy of Islam religion. It has been the birth place of many a civilizations of ancient Islam culture. The preachings of Saint Ubaidullah who made this revolution of change, reflects in the rich historical past. The history lover would want to revel in the Buddhist archaeological remains. Rich engineering talent of that age can be seen in the Jummaat mosque and the tomb of the saint.

Fishing is the main trade of this place; people are simple and hardworking.

For the shopaholic there is ethic and traditional artifacts and merchandize in the streets as you stroll away to glory.

Where to stay

There are no resorts in Androth but tourists can go to Agatti and other places to stay overnight.

How to reach all Islands

By air

Kochi International Airport connects you to Agatti, Air India takes you there on all days except Sundays in 90 minutes. You can even make trips between islands by helicopter. October to March is the best time to visit. Ship-based packages are not allowed during monsoons as the climate is windy and humid.

By ship
Cruise your way toward a wonderful holiday with the ocean and its wonders. There are many ships which take you to Lakshadweep like M.V. Tipu Sultan, M.V.Aminidivi, M.V.Minicoy,and M.V.Seafox from Mumbai and from Cochin.

Between islands one may hire small boats and ferries. Within the islands have a flighty bike ride on bikes available on rent.