Lakshadweep is one of the smallest union territories of India. “Lakshadweep” means “hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit and Malayalam. It was previously known by various names such as Laccadive, Minicoy and Aminidivi Islands. Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep.
It is a cluster of 36 islands and is also the capital of the Union Territories of India. The beauty of this place is known for its enticing and invigorating beaches and lush green landscape. Therefore, most of the population of Lakshadweep is engrossed in fishing and coconut cultivation due to the abundance of beaches.
Of the 36 islands in the group, only 10 are inhabited, namely Amini, Kiltan, Chetlat, Kadmat, Bitra Kalpeni, Agatti, Kavaratti, Kiltan, Andrott and Minicoy. The place looks more like a Muslim Union Territory as almost 93% of the population is Muslim. The people there are also very quiet and have a very carefree attitude. The area is practically crime free.
A brief history of Lakshadweep
The Lakshadweep group of islands are indigenous and hence there are a number of speculations that have been made about the arrival of settlement in Lakshadweep. One of the earlier mentions worth noting is of the region lying in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea by some anonymous author.
Vasco Da Gama was the first Westerner to visit the islands, but only the English explored them further. The Lakshadweep islands were also heavily mentioned in Ibn-e-Batuta, which is the story of an Arab traveller. The islands were ruled by various powerful rulers such as Tipu Sultan in 1787, the Chirakkal family of Cannanore and later finally the British who annexed the Malabar district to the Madras Presidency.
It was not until 1956 that these islands were separated from the main administrative units and formed into a new union territory by uniting all the islands under the States Reorganization Act.
Geography of Lakshadweep
Spread over an area of up to 32 square kilometers, the Lakshadweep Islands are an amalgamation of 36 different islands, of which 26 are uninhabited. The lush green islands are rich in vegetation and the beautiful combination of islands is also called the Emerald Islands.
It is located in the Arabian Sea and is approximately two hundred and twenty four to four hundred and forty kilometers from the coastal city of the southern state of Kerala, Kochi.
Lakshadweep tourism
Tourism in Lakshadweep is one of the largest industries in terms of income and employment in the islands. The tourism of a place depends on its physical features, from its abundant marine life to its flora and fauna. The islands’ tourism department has paid great attention to its infrastructure, protecting its beaches and monuments, and building newer hotels.
It has a long stretch of coastline that provides a lot of scope for expansion in adventure tourism. It has turned out to be one of the most promising water sports destinations in India. The department has also established several water sports institutes which offer facilities for sports like canoeing, kayaking, surfing, water skiing, diving etc.
Top tourist attractions in Lakshadweep
– Agatti Island, Kavaratti
– Minicoy Island, Minicoy
– Lighthouse, Minicoy
– Museum, Agatti
– Laguna, Agatti
– Urja Mosque, Kavaratti
– Kadmat Island, Bangaram
– Lighthouse, Androth
– Juma Masjid, Minicoy
– Amini Beach, Amini
Lakshadweep festivals
Lakshadweep showcases exuberant culture and traditions during Muslim festivals. However, there are a number of tribal festivals that are also celebrated with great fervor and energy. The most convenient place to witness such a celebration is the numerous mosques that are on all the islands. Id-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated after Ramadan, is one of the holidays celebrated by everyone present on the island.
Even if you are a tourist, you will find yourself irresistible to be a part of all the exciting celebrations. The sudden transformation from a calm and peaceful location to a jubilant and cheerful noisy place will surely sweep you off your feet.
How to reach Lakshadweep
The islands are very well connected by sea and air. The island administration operates boats from Kochi to Lakshadweep which have standard sailings. The journey takes up to 18 to 20 hours. The ships are well equipped and offer a range of modern accommodation and amenities.
Agatti Island in the territory is also connected by regular flights from Kochi International Airport. Kochi Airport is connected to all major cities of India. You can also find helicopter services from Agatti to Kavaratti and it takes about an hour and a half.
