India’s very own island destination that is brimming with scintillating beaches, turquoise waves, and lush greenery. Situated off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands scattered in the Arabian Sea. Kavaratti is the capital which is very well connected to the other islands via boats and helicopters.
Last year, after the recent trip of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lakshadweep tourism has boomed like never before. More and more travellers are heading to this natural treasure of beauty. In fact, luxury hotels are being planned to enhance the travel experience. And why not? The islands deserve all the attention and love. Filled with beaches, lakes, coral reefs, and lagoons, these remote islands will leave you awestruck. The culture of Lakshadweep in itself is a vibrant experience you shouldn’t miss.
Every year millions of tourists every year, making tourism a significant part of its economy. The number is set to grow more. In this Lakshadweep travel guide, we will share everything you need to know for planning a trip – from Lakshadweep itinerary to things to do and where to stay.
CLIMATE OF LAKSHADWEEP
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate which means it is neither too cold nor hot. Lakshadweep temperature dwindles between 27°C and 32°C, making it a year-round destination for travellers. Even the rainy season in Lakshadweep is pleasant and refreshing.
That being said, every season has its perks. To find the best time to visit Lakshadweep, we have shared an overview of what the weather feels like in every season. Plus, we have also mentioned the festivals or events to help you make the most of your trip:
Lakshadweep In Summer (March To May): For adventure lovers, this is the best season for Lakshadweep trip. The weather is a little hot but it is perfect for all water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and so much more. The crystal clear waters also allure you to swim and spend time in the ocean. This is also when many tourists throng the islands for holidays, so make sure you book the accommodation and flights in advance.
Lakshadweep In Monsoon (June To August): Lakshadweep monsoon makes the island look like a paradise of greenery. The coast is no longer calm but roars with strong winds and waves. This also means that sometimes, it is not easy to reach the islands. If you still wish to plan the trip, visit the beautiful islands of Bangaram and Agatti which are serviced by direct flights from Kochi.
You can take part in tribal festivals that happen in this season or celebrate Id-Ul-Fitr at the mosques. Also since this is an offseason, you can grab awesome deals and discounts on hotels in Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep In Winter Season (September To February): Apart from summer, winter in Lakshadweep is also the best season to visit. There is so much to see and so many things to do in Lakshadweep like sunbathing, island hopping, and even water sports.
Couples on honeymoon especially pick this Lakshadweep tourism season to spend quality time on private islands. You can also be part of festivals like Lakshadweep Minicoy Festival and learn more about the traditions and rich culture of the island.
Calm, stunning, untouched – these are the three words that instantly pop in the minds when someone hears about Lakshadweep Islands. This cluster of islands has always invoked fascination since it seems like a paradise hidden away amidst the turquoise sea. But now more and more people are planning their trips to Lakshadweep and creating the best of itineraries.
If you are also planning a trip, here are the top 10 places to visit in Lakshadweep you should definitely add to your plan. Read on:
Minicoy Island: Minicoy Island is India’s best-kept secret brimming with natural beauty, refreshing weather, and cultural delight. The southern-most island, Minicoy Island has one of the largest coral reefs in Lakshadweep. But that is just one reason why this tops the list of the best places to visit in Lakshadweep. Minicoy Island also has white-sand beaches, mirror-like reflecting lakes, and the oldest lighthouse that stands tall against the sea.
The island is also home to 10 villages where you can plan a tour to learn more about Lakshadweep culture and be a part of their traditional festivals and dance performances. If you are lucky, you can also attend the lava dance which is performed on festive occasions.
Kavaratti Island: The capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti Island famous for its pristine beaches and stunning landscape. It is also home to over 50 mosques, with Ujra mosque being the most beautiful. There is also an aquarium where you can spot colourful fish and learn more about the marine life around the islands in Lakshadweep.
Plus, if you love water sports and marine life, there is also a Dolphin Dive Centre that will make your entire experience unforgettable and magical.
Kadmat Island: Also known as Cardamom Island, this one belongs to the Amindivi subgroup of islands in Lakshadweep. It is long and narrow – shaped just like a strip! But this emerald isle is more than just its shape. This gorgeous island has everything you can expect from Lakshadweep tourist places – coral reefs, sun-kissed beaches, azure lagoon, shores lined with coconut trees, and a serene environment.
What more? It is a popular nesting spot for marine turtles. So, if you reach in time, you may witness the hatchings! Other than this, Kadmat Island is also famous for adventure activities like snorkelling, deep sea fishing, and so on.
Thinnakara Island: Crystal clear waters and exotic marine life – presenting to you another gem of Lakshadweep. Thinnakara Island is just 40 minutes away from Agatti, making it easy to add it to your Lakshadweep itinerary. It is located between Bangaram and Parali Islands.
The beautiful lagoon and flawless beaches make it a perfect spot to chill in peace. It gives you the vibe of being a private island with minimal hotels. Just like Kadmat, this island in Lakshadweep is also famous for water sports. But there’s one more thing not everyone knows. Thinnakara island is where you can see the magical blue glow on the beach at night, thanks to the phosphorescent plankton that gets washed ashore.
Agatti Island: A trip to Lakshadweep is incomplete without Agatti Island. The major reason is that this is the only island with an airport – making it easy to reach Lakshadweep. The other reason is its unmatched beauty. This slice of paradise is perfect for all travellers – be it solo wanderers or family people.
Apart from the beaches, you can also visit Kalpitti Village to glimpse into their traditions and customs. You can also try local dishes and interact with locals. There’s also a little market where you can buy local handicrafts, such as intricately woven mats and coir products.
Bangaram : When it comes to the places to visit in Lakshadweep, you can not leave Bangaram aside. This enchanting spot has idyllic beaches and flourishing marine life. You won’t believe but this little island is so pretty that some people spend 4-5 days just basking in its beauty.
Another reason is that Bangaram is the only island in Lakshadweep where sales and consumption of alcohol are permitted. This means, while you can enjoy the breath-taking lagoon in the day, you can also feel the party vibes at night.
Kalpeni Island: Most of the Lakshadweep tourist spots are islands and why not – each of them will make you fall in love with the beaches. Kalpeni Island is also among them. This tropical masterpiece is a haven for water enthusiasts. You can run through the sandy beaches and dive deep into the sea to see vibrant coral gardens up close.
This inhabited atoll is a group of three islets – Tilakkam, Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. Pitti Islets is the love of bird enthusiasts as it is home to Pitti Bird Sanctuary. You can hire a boat to reach this secluded spot and watch exotic bird species like sooty tern, the greater crested tern, and the brown noddy.
Kiltan Island: If you are looking for places to visit in Lakshadweep to understand its culture, Kiltan Island is the perfect one. The island boasts of thick forests and probably the best beaches to explore. This home of the Sufi saint Shaikh Ahmed Naqshabanthi is also one of the most populated islands in Lakshadweep. This means, you can find more hotels, more markets, and man-made structures. For instance, Kiltan Island has a 41-metre lighthouse and mosques as well.
Amini Island: This small, oval-shaped island is another hidden gem not many people know about. Fringed by coconut palms and azure waters, Amini Island offers a perfect retreat into nature’s lap. You can book resorts that have artificial wood finish decks from where you can see the best sunsets of your life.
You can also try adventurous activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking to turn a simple trip into a thrilling one.
Andrott Island: For those wanting to see Lakshadweep historical places, Andrott Island is a treasure. One of the largest islands in Lakshadweep, this island is famous for the Saint Ubaidullah Tomb in the Jumaat mosque. It is believed that it was Saint Ubaidullah who preached Islam in the Lakshadweep Islands.
You can also take a stroll through the narrow lanes where you can find coral-stone houses reflecting the rich culture of the island. Apart from ancient mosques, you can also see several Buddhist archaeological remains.
A trip to Lakshadweep means lots of fun activities and the thrill of the sea. So whether you visit Kavaratti or Andrott Island, you will find plenty of things to do in Lakshadweep. We have jotted down the best ones to help you stay ready for adventure!
Snorkelling:
One of the best things to do in Lakshadweep is snorkelling. This exhilarating activity takes you underwater to witness the vibrant coral reefs and marine life in Lakshadweep. There are plenty of centres where you can book snorkelling in Lakshadweep but when it comes to which island is the best, we would suggest you to head to Kavaratti, Thinnakara, and Bangaram islands for the perfect experience. These locations are famous for their stunning coral reefs.
Note that anyone above 10 years can do snorkelling in Lakshadweep under expert’s supervision. The gear is provided by the tour operators and the activity lasts for 30-45 minutes.
Scuba Diving:
If you love adrenaline-pumping thrill, then scuba diving in Lakshadweep should definitely be on your bucket list. Unlike snorkelling, scuba diving takes you deep into the sea to see the untamed waters and swim amidst unique fishes, plants, coral reefs, and even shipwrecks!
The best places for scuba diving in Lakshadweep are Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Minicoy and Kavaratti Islands. All these islands are known for magnificent coral reefs and the mighty sea. Scuba diving in Kavaratti also takes you to explore caves underwater to make the whole experience even more thrilling.
Fishing:
Fishing in Lakshadweep is not just a source of income but also a fun activity that tourists love to take a part in. You can book a fishing tour where they teach you different forms of fishing such as deep sea fishing, recreational fishing and kayak fishing. Some people also try night lagoon fishing and learn the tricks from local fishermen. You can catch sport fish like Tuna, Kingfish, Barracuda, Shark, Snappers, Bonefish, Stonefish, wahoo to name a few.
One of the most popular spots for fishing in Lakshadweep is Kadmat island which you can reach through a short helicopter ride from Agatti island. Some private resorts also offer fishing as a part of their package. This means, all you need to do is enjoy the sport and the other things will be taken care by the resort.
Kite Surfing:
Kite surfing in Lakshadweep is an adventure sport you can’t miss. This one takes you on a whirlwind where you feel like flying the azure waters. For this, you can visit any island since all of them offer amazing views and perfect conditions. But if you want to hit the popular places, Kadmat Island is the best place to do kite surfing in Lakshadweep.
Just make sure you practice staying steady, even amidst strong winds to enjoy the sport. You will get dedicated instructors who will ensure that you feel comfortable and safe.
Canoeing:
If you have added Minicoy Island to your Lakshadweep itinerary, you should definitely try canoeing. In this incredible beautiful experience, you glide through the serene lagoons in a traditional canoe. And since the water at Minicoy Island is calm and the surroundings are picturesque, it is the ideal spot for canoeing. Plus, the depth of water is also hardly 2 to 3 meters. This means beginners and non-swimmers don’t feel afraid.
This is a great option for those who are interested in water sports but are not comfortable with the adventure that comes with snorkelling or surfing. This activity may seem a bit difficult in the beginning but once you gain the confidence, it’s quite easy and safe. You can also ask the guide to sit with you in case you are afraid.
Kayaking:
Just like canoeing, kayaking is also quite popular Lakshadweep’s things to do. You can paddle your way through the scenic beauty of Kadmat Island. The calm and shallow waters surrounding the island provide a perfect setting for kayaking, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
If you want a different experience, try kayaking in Pitti Bird Sanctuary. Here, you can kayak through the sanctuary while also spotting diverse bird species. Just make sure you have all the permits since this is a protected area and you will need special permissions to enter the sanctuary.
Glass-bottomed boat ride:
One of the most unique and latest things to do in Lakshadweep is glass-bottomed boat ride. As the name suggests, you get the chance to explore the waters of Lakshadweep on a boat with a glass bottom so that you can get a glimpse of the marine beauties.
This is a great activity for people who can’t swim or are afraid of water. From the glass bottom, you can see the stunning views of the marine creatures including colourful reefs, colourful fishes, aquatic vegetation, other aquatic animals and many more.
Island Hopping:
Those who want to visit most of the islands in Lakshadweep in less time would love island hopping. You can hire boats that will take you to the stunning islands. Usually, such tours cover three to four islands. The most famous ones are Agatti, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy, and Thinkarra islands.
If you want a more lavish and extended tour, book a five-day cruise to visit the islands via ship.
Enjoy Nightlife:
Lakshadweep is not just about water activities; you can also feel the thrill of night at the cafes and restaurants. While the nightlife isn’t as buzzing as in Goa, you can enjoy amazing drinks, dine at barbeque, and see folk dance performances.
To make the most of your nightlife, we would suggest you to head to Bangaram Island or Agatti Islands. Or if you have booked a luxurious resort, they also arrange different activity along with dinner to enhance your experience. In these tours, you will have to stay on boat at night while you explore the islands in the day.
Shopping:
Shopping is also one of the best things to do in Lakshadweep. Here, you can find handicraft items made out of corals, oysters, shells, and coconut coir. From jewellery to home décor items, there is a large variety to choose from. You can also buy handmade sarees from Fibre Factor in Kavaratti.
Travellers can reach Lakshadweep either via ship or flights. If you wish to know how to reach Lakshadweep from Delhi or some city other than Kochi, we would suggest you to take direct flight to Kochi or a train and then follow the route we are going to mention below:
Lakshadweep By Flight: Lakshadweep has only one airport in Agatti Island that hosts direct flights from Kochi. There are several Indian airlines that operate on a daily basis. The flight takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Agatti from where you take boats or helicopters to reach other islands in Lakshadweep. Tourists from other countries are also required to first reach Kochi and then take a flight to reach Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep By Ship: There are several cruise ships that reach Lakshadweep from Kochi, Beypore, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Goa. So if you wanted to know how to reach Lakshadweep from Mumbai, this might be an exciting way. A cruise trip to Lakshadweep also takes you to some of the most popular islands in Lakshadweep like Minicoy, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Kadmat. But these luxurious trips can be long and costly. Some ships take 14-18 hours to reach Lakshadweep from Kochi. A few of the famous ships from Kochi are called MV Minicoy, MV Amindivi, MV Bharat Seema and MV Tipu Sultan.
Important Note: Lakshadweep is not open to all and the Indian government has several restrictions. Thus, before you plan a trip to Lakshadweep, make sure you apply for a permit in Kochi. The permit is issued by Lakshadweep administration after which you will require a clearance certificate and then get it cleared by a local police station. Make sure you attach the identification documents and then three passport-size photos. Upon reaching Lakshadweep, you will have to show your entry permit and clearance certificate to finally enter the island.
To know about the online permit – https://epermit.utl.gov.in/
For Lakshadweep packages – Agatti package 3N/4D
