Literally meaning a ‘hundred thousand islands’, Lakshadweep has few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India.

Lakshadweep is typically accessed from Kochi (Kerala) and a permit is required to visit Lakshadweep for all tourists (including Indians). After permit, Indians are permitted to visit all islands, however, even after permit, foreigners are permitted to just visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands. Permits can be obtained from Kochi itself.

The smallest Union Territory of India, ‘Lakshadweep’ is a group of beautiful islands, located some 400 km off India’s west coast into the Arabian Sea. However, there are only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometers. It’s made up of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Ten Islands are inhabited. 

Perhaps the charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merrymakers to their shores. The islands, though all equally mystical and beautiful, each offers a unique blend of tourist spots. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports, still, others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation.

Minicoy Island

One of the 36 small islets of Lakshadweep group of Islands, Minicoy, also known as Maliku in the local language is one of the best-kept secrets of India. It is located amidst the vast expanse of Arabian Sea, just 398 km or 215 nautical miles from the shores of Cochin. The small island encompasses the total area of 4.801 sq. km and is exclusively known for its vibrant coral reefs, quaint white-sand beaches and the fresh water of the infinite ocean.

The Minicoy Island is the second largest Island of the Lakshadweep and is one of the few inhabited islands of the group. It is best known for its luxury beach resorts that are an ideal destination for the travellers seeking tranquillity. It is also a romantic getaway to spend some quality time with your beloved amidst the clean beaches and the beautiful ocean. A trip to Minicoy Island is not about visiting the tourist places; it is about seeking the beauty of nature in its purest and most undisturbed form, as the island hasn’t been spoiled by the commercialisation yet.

For the best experience, you should undoubtedly choose to stay at the luxurious beach resorts overlooking the pearl white beaches and the turquoise blue sea. This picturesque destination is a popular tourist spot and has gained immense popularity due to activities like tuna canning, tuna fishing and the presence of pristine palm fringed beaches. Tourists can enjoy some of the most memorable moments here during winters and the onset of summer, as the weather here is ideal during those months.

Agatti Islands

Agatti Islands is considered another jewel from the Lakshadweep group of islands in India. It is majorly known for its blissful beauty of coral reefs but the scenic beauty of the island is mesmerizing too. The island is situated on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep islands and is few of the islands from the Lakshadweep group that is inhabited by people. Tourists often travel to Agatti Islands to bask in the sun, the white sand with crystal clear water under clear blue skies. With a total area of a little over 3 square kilometres, the island may be small compared to many other islands but it is nothing but a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travellers.

The beautiful Agatti island stretches over an area of 8 kilometres, and it is sparsely populated with around 8000 inhabitants. There is, however, no dearth of natural beauty on this splendid island. One may explore the island on foot or rent a two-wheeler to commute. Every corner of the island is rich with natural vegetation and beautiful geographical formations.

Agatti Island is the only island belonging to the Lakshadweep group with its airport that makes the island extremely accessible from major parts of the world. The airport is located at a distance of 459 kilometres from the shores of Kochi, India. The locals mostly speak English and Malayalam, and Islam is the main religion of the inhabitants. The primary occupation of the people is fishing. However, tourism is picking up quite well in this region of the world.

Bangaram Island

Bangaram Island, a breathtaking island located in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, is a beautiful tiny island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. The pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs are a treat for travellers. Walk around the entire island, swim with the colourful fishes, watch how the sting rays sway, check out the dolphins as they move closer to become friends with you, notice the turtles move leisurely either on the beach or under water and observe the bright colours of the coral reefs around. It’s an experience never to be missed. This enchanting island is also known as Bunnagara in the local language and is considered as one of the least explored parts of  Lakshadweep Islands.

The Bangaram Island encompasses an area of 1.234 km2 and is the largest island in the chain of islands in the region (also known as atoll) with a beautiful lagoon. With a population of only 10 and just one beach resort, The Bangaram Island Beach Resort, it is an apt destination for people who want to disconnect entirely from the fast-paced world. The beach resort was inaugurated in 1974, and it became more accessible for tourists after the Agatti Aerodrome was commissioned and the frequency of commercial flights from Kochi increased. The Government of India is also promoting tourism on the Island and is projecting it to be a major destination for international tourism.

The people who reside on the Island are the ones that work at the resort that is open for travellers. The small area and less population give a sense of being on a private island. The sunrises and sunsets are a treat to the eyes by the sparkling beach, and a range of activities to indulge in makes the stay worthwhile, but even if you choose only to laze around, the serene beach of Bangaram Island should be on your bucket list.

Kavaratti Islands

Kavaratti Island is one of the most beautiful gems from the Lakshadweep group of islands. The capital of Lakshadweep it is yet another island famous for its splendid sea views and the pristine white-sand beaches. Kavaratti lies 360 km from the shores of Kochi. It doesn’t have its airport and Agatti is the nearest airport to the island. Under the mission to develop smart cities, Kavaratti has been chosen to be developed into a smart city in the years to come.

Kavaratti is a small island spread across an area of 3.93 sqm km, but there is no dearth of natural beauty at the islands. The island is a home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. The spectacular views of the Arabian sea, the sparkling white-sand beaches offers solace amidst the tranquil nature.

The beaches are laden with the swinging coconut trees, and once you take a dip inside the vast expanse, you can witness the abundant marine life of the island. Kavaratti is best known for its beautiful sceneries and the enthralling water sports.