Located
in the Arabian Sea off the south-eastern coast of India, the charm of Lakshadweep
Islands (known as Lacadive Islands) lies in their remoteness. Far from
the chaos of civilization, as we know it, they represent a rather magical
realm of existence. Each island is densely covered with coconut palms,
and serenely set in a sea, the waters of which range from palest aquamarine
and turquoise, to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.
The
Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands. The Lakshadweep chain
of islands are coral atolls. An atoll is a coral organism lying exactly
at the surface of the ocean where air and water meet; this being the only
condition under which coral can live. The coral here is shaped like a ring
and encircles a staggeringly beautiful emerald-blue lagoon. Each atoll
is the topmost point of a submarine pillar of limestone extending several
thousand feet from an extinct volcano. Tempting as it is to pick up a coral
as a souvenir, it is strictly illegal, being punishable with heavy fines.
Non-availability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands being
uninhabited.
Of
the 36 islands covering a land area of 32 sq. km, only 10 are inhabited.
Ethnically,
the people of the islands are very similar to the people of the state of
Kerala. Majority of them are Muslims, and speak Malayalam except in Minicoy
where Mahli is spoken.Coconut cultivation and fishing, are the chief occupations
of the people, whose folklore and customs are, not surprisingly, largely
derived from the sea.
The
people of Lakshadweep are often commended for their honesty.
Lakshadweep
is spreading its wings in the way of tourism, by providing various facilities
for the tourists. Tourist facilities in Lakshadweep have been developed
by way of luxury cruises around the islands. All tourists need permission
to visit Lakshadweep, except those booked on a cruise, in which case permission
is automatic. Four of the inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy
and Kadmath) are open to Indian tourists and Bangaram, an uninhabited island,
is open to both domestic and foreign tourists. Bangaram has facilities
for water sports.Swimming, fishing, sailing in glass - bottomed boats which
give enchanting views of the coral below, and yachting are the main attractions.
Wood - carving in the Ujra Mosque at Kavaratti, the tomb of Hazrat Ubaidullah
at Andrott, the Buddhist archaeological remains at Andrott, and the famous
light house at Minicoy, are some of the places worth visiting. Lakshadweep
has a tropical climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 35 degrees
centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade, and winter temperature between 32
degres to 20 degrees centigrade.
WHEN
TO VISIT
Though
the resort is open round the year, May to September is the ideal time to
be on the islands. Not only is the weather pleasant, you can also have
the islands almost to yourself. The rush of tourists is mainly concentrated
from November to March, and August. (All visitors to the Lakshwadeep Islands
will require an entry permit.)
Climate
Lakshadweep
has a tropical climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 35 degrees
centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade and winter temperature between 32 degrees
centigrade to 20 degrees centigrade. During monsoons, ship-based tourism
is closed but helicopter services are available. Some effect of the northeast
monsoon is felt in October-November in the form of light transitory showers
which cool the place.Tropical clothes throughout the year are sufficient.
A waterproof coat during October-November will be useful.
Agatti
Agatti
has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. This is where the
airport is built.
A
virtual gateway to Lakshadweep, a 20 bed tourist complex has been set up
here.
Bangaram
Tear-drop
shaped, this island is encircled by a continuous halo of creamy sand. Like
all the other islands of Lakshadweep, luxuriant plantations of coconut
provide coolness even during the hottest time of the day.
Kavaratti
The
administrative capital, Kavaratti is the most developed of the islands
with the highest percentage of non-islanders as residents. Fifty two mosques
are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque.
A well, within its precincts, is believed to contain water of curative
powers.The island also has an aquarium with several colourful species of
fish. There is a glass bottom boat for viewing marine life and an
array
of remarkable coral formations that provides a background to the lagoons
and the islands within them.
Some
Water Sports like kayaking canoeing and snorkelling are available for tourists.
Kalpeni
Kalpeni
has three uninhabited satellite islands, all surrounded by an immense lagoon
of spectacular beauty. Koomel, the gently curving bay where the tourist
facilities are located, directly overlooks Pitti and Thilakkm, two of the
islands. Here, tourists can swim, reef walk, snorkel or use water sports
equipment like kayaks, and sail boats.
Kadmath
The
even depth and an endless shoreline make Kadmath a haven of solitude. This
is the only island with lagoons on both eastern and western sides. A Water
Sports Institute providing has been set up in Kadmath.
Minicoy
Furthest
from Kavaratti island, 200 km away to the south and also nearest to the
Maldives, Minicoy has a culture very different from any other island. It
has a cluster of 10 villages, which are called Athiris each presided over
by a Moopan.Minicoy is renowned for its dance tradition: the lava dance
is performed on festive occasions. The tuna fishing and boat building activity
is interesting. Minicoy has a lighthouse built by the British in 1885.
