Just off the coast of Kerala are a widely scattered group of coral islands – 36 of them – collectively known as Lakshadweep. They form part of the Union of India and are one of the country’s newest tourist destinations. Ten of the islands are inhabited by simple, peace-loving folk whose language is close to that spoken in Kerala. The islanders have lifestyles and occupations that revolve around coconut cultivation, coir matting and fishing. Even today, nothing is actually produced in the islands themselves, and everything comes from the ’mainland’, as India is somewhat quaintly referred to there. Tourism’s major focus is on water sports, as each of the islands are surrounded by a coral reef providing large areas of crystal clear water for everything from snorkeling to wind surfing. The five islands which are open to tourists have simple accommodation in the shape of beach cottages. Permits to visit Lakshadweep can be obtained from the Lakshadweep tourist office in Cochin. Regular flights operate from Cochin to one of the islands, as well as modestly priced ship cruises which stop at all the islands open to tourism. These cruises begin and end at Cochin.

While equipment for water sports is available at the islands themselves, not much in the way of shopping and entertainment is possible as yet. 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.

Special Feature: Welcome to hundred thousand islands (Lakshadweep)

Lakshadweep is located in the Arabian Sea approx. 400 kilometres west of Kerala between 8 and 12 degrees north latitude and between 71 and 74 degrees longitude. It has a tropical climate. (Summer: 22 to 35 Degree C and Winter: 32 to 22 degree C). Out of 36 islands covering a land area of 32 Square Kilometres, only 10 are inhabited. Out of the 10 inhabited islands only 4 islands viz. Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy and Kadamat are open for domestic tourists. Only 2 islands (Bangaram and Kadamat) are open for foreign tourists. The procedure to be followed to visit Bangaram and Kadamat islands is as follows:

Bangaram Island: For a visit to Bangaram, tourists have to travel by air from Kochi to Agatti and are transferred from Agatti to Bangaram by boat during fair weather and by helicopter during the monsoon. At present the flights operate on all days (except Sundays) from Kochi. It is uninhabited and Casino group’s island resort is located here. The Resort offers Scuba diving, Snorkelling, Deep Sea fishing, kayaking and rides on Catamarans etc. The central reservations of Casino group of hotels (P.B.No: 585, Willingdon Island, Kochi-682003 Tel: 00 91 484-2668421. Fax: 00 91 484-2668001.

E-Mail: may be contacted for reservation of accommodation and also for obtaining entry permit to Bangaram.

Kadamat Island: Kadamat is 8 kilometres long and 550 m wide at the broadest point, A particularly fine lagoon of even depths and an endless shoreline, perfect for swimming, makes Kadamat, a haven of solitude. It is the only island with lagoons on both east and west sides. A full-fledged watersports institute is functional at Kadamat. To visit the Kadamat Island, foreign tourists have to avail of the 6 days package tour organised by SPORTS, a wing of Lakshadweep Administration.