lakshadweep tourism contact number

• Organizational set up
• Basic facts
• Tourist Season
• How to reach
• Tourist Focal Island
• WaterSports

• Destinations

Discover the Hidden Paradise: Your Ultimate Guide to Lakshadweep Tourism!

Table of Contents

Introduction: Lakshadweep Tourism Blog

Lakshadweep is a captivating union territory of India, comprising numerous islands renowned for their pristine beauty and rich marine life.

Exploring Lakshadweep

Top lakshadweep tourist places.

Lakshadweep boasts an array of breathtaking destinations that lure travelers from across the globe. From the picturesque beaches of Agatti to the serene lagoons of Kadmat, each island offers a unique experience.

Hidden Gems of Lakshadweep

Beyond the popular tourist spots lie hidden gems waiting to be explored. Dive into the untouched beauty of Bangaram Island or unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings of Thinnakara for a truly immersive experience.

Best Time to visit Lakshadweep

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is during the months of October to March when the weather remains pleasant, and the sea is calm, ideal for water activities and sightseeing.

How to Reach Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is accessible via air and sea routes. Travelers can opt for flights from major cities like Kochi or board a passenger ship from Kochi or Beypore.

Accommodation

Accommodation Choices in Lakshadweep From luxurious resorts to cozy beachside cottages, Lakshadweep offers a range of accommodation options catering to every budget and preference.

Adventure Activities

Embark on thrilling water adventures like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, or simply soak in the sun on the pristine beaches of Lakshadweep.

Local Cuisine

Savor the flavors of Lakshadweep with its delectable seafood delicacies, coconut-infused dishes, and traditional sweets like Ela Ada and Kadalakkari.

Culture and Traditions

Take in the vivid culture of Lakshadweep, which is defined by its many customs, eye-catching festivals, and friendly residents.

Safety Tips

While exploring Lakshadweep, it’s essential to adhere to safety guidelines, including swimming only in designated areas, staying hydrated, and respecting the local customs and environment.

Environmental Conservation

Lakshadweep is committed to preserving its pristine natural beauty through various conservation initiatives aimed at protecting its fragile ecosystem and marine biodiversity.

Take home a piece of Lakshadweep with unique souvenirs like shell crafts, traditional handwoven textiles, and intricately designed jewelry reflecting the island’s culture and heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the visa requirements for visiting Lakshadweep? A. Visitors to Lakshadweep require a permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration, which serves as an entry permit. Additionally, foreigners need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or a Special Permit, which can be arranged through registered tour operators.

Q. Are there any restrictions on alcohol consumption in Lakshadweep? A. Yes, alcohol consumption is prohibited in Lakshadweep except on Bangaram Island, where it is permitted in designated areas.

Q. Is it safe to swim in the waters of Lakshadweep? A. While the waters of Lakshadweep are generally safe for swimming, it’s advisable to swim only in designated areas under the supervision of lifeguards, especially for those unfamiliar with the local currents and tides.

Q. What currency is accepted in Lakshadweep? A. The Indian Rupee (INR) is the only currency accepted in Lakshadweep. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash as there are limited banking facilities on the islands.

Q. Are there any medical facilities available on the islands? A. Yes, Lakshadweep has basic medical facilities and dispensaries on most inhabited islands. However, for serious medical emergencies, patients may need to be evacuated to the mainland.

Q. Can I hire a private boat for island hopping in Lakshadweep? A. Yes, private boat charters are available for island hopping and exploring the scenic beauty of Lakshadweep. Visitors can arrange boat tours through authorized operators for a customized experience.

In conclusion, Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and plethora of activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this enchanting archipelago promises an unforgettable experience amidst the lap of nature.

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Technical Assistance Mobile : 9495984001

Dr.rakesh minhas ias.

Managing Director SPORTS Lakshadweep Tourism Kavaratti-682555 [email protected] [email protected]

Vishal Sha IAS

For booking and information.

Manager (Information & Booking) SPORTS Lakshadweep Tourism (Information & Booking Desk) 2nd Floor Lakshadweep Administrative Office Indira Gandhi Road Willingdon Island Cochin-03 Mobile: 09495984001 Email: [email protected]

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Lakshadweep Itinerary – How to Reach, Permit & Resort Stay

January 1, 2024

Are you looking for the ultimate Lakshadweep Itinerary? Lakshadweep — the name itself means ‘a hundred thousand islands’. Located off the coast of Kerala, the islands of Lakshadweep are bestowed with miles of heavenly sun-kissed beaches devoid of crowds, magnificent lagoons, and turquoise blue water brimming with colorful marine life. If you are planning to visit this piece of paradise then look no further, in this post we have shared our Lakshadweep itinerary – how to reach Lakshadweep, places to stay in Lakshadweep, and things to do.

Islands of Lakshadweep

The islands of Lakshadweep are beautiful inside out and their beauty is unparalleled. With its laid-back vibe, the islands of Lakshadweep offer an experience which is bound to create lasting impressions.

In this post, we provide all the details so that you can plan for a perfect Lakshadweep holiday.

Lakshadweep is an archipelago made up of thirty-six islands spread across an area of 32 sq. kilometers, 10 out of them are inhabited – Agatti,  Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan, Amini, Bitra, Chetlat, Androthm, Bangaram, and Minicoy.

Tourists are allowed to visit a few of the selected islands. The islands of Agatti, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Minicoy, Bangaram, and Thinnakara .

Location : Located between 8° and 12° North Latitude and 71° and 74° East Longitude.

Inhabited Islands: Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan, and Minicoy

Languages Spoken: Malayalam & Mahl (spoken on Minicoy Island). Jeseri ( similar to  Malayalam with a hint of Tamil) is a dialect that is also spoken in Lakshadweep.

Total Population: As per the 2011 census, the population of Lakshadweep is 64,473 of which 93% are Muslims.

Occupation: Fishing and coconut cultivation are the major occupation on the islands. Tuna fish is the biggest export of the islands. 

Lakshadweep Itinerary

Here is a sample Lakshadweep itinerary. You can mix and match and plan your itinerary that suits your needs. 

A Week-Long Trip (Suggested) – Lakshadweep Itinerary

• Bangaram/Thinnakara (3 days) 
• Kadamat (2 days) or Kavaratti (2 days)
• Minicoy/ Kalpeni (2 Days)

Read Next: Our Stay at Bangaram Island Resort

Long Weekend Trip (Our Itinerary) – Lakshadweep Itinerary

• Day 1 – Reach Agatti and hop on a speed boat to Bangaram Island
• Day 2 – Enjoy your Time snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping ( Pareli 1 & 2 )
• Day 3 – Stay at Thinnakara island
• Day 4 – Enjoy your time in the morning and then head back to Agatti

Our flight was from Kochi to Agatti and we booked our stay via SPORTS (the official Lakshadweep Tourism Website)

( Read Next: Our Stay at Bangaram Island Resort )

Cruise Package

Two days/ Weekend Excursion Package: Lakshadweep islands are perfect weekend getaways from Cochin, Mangalore, and Beypore. The ship departs on Saturday from Kochi/Mangalore/Beypore and on Monday it returns to Kochi/Mangalore/Beypore.

Coral Reef Package: It is a five-day cruise package that takes tourists to different coral islands.

Lakshadweep Samudram is a Five-days cruise to visit the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy by ship- M.V Kavaratti.

Get all the latest updates HERE

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swati & Sam | Travel_Lifestyle (@swati_n_sam)

Best Time To Visit Lakshadweep

October to March/April is the best time to visit any of the islands of Lakshadweep with temperatures dropping to 30°C along the coast.

If you still want to visit during the off-season, chopper services are available. But it is advisable to check before planning. October to May is the perfect time if you want to opt for  cruise packages.

Summer Months: March to May

Monsoon Months: May to mid-September

Winter Months: September to Feb

Islands To Visit in Lakshadweep

Agatti island.

Agatti Island will be your first stop as you land at Lakshadweep . The island boasts of having some of the finest beaches and offers tons of water sports activities.  The beaches are clean and the water is deep blue teeming with the most colorful and diverse underwater world.

Where To Stay:  

Local guesthouses and a few private-run resorts are the only options. 

Do check the latest update on the official tourism site.

Bangaram Island

Surrounded by a shallow lagoon this island is one of the most beautiful islands of Lakshadweep. It boasts world-class corals and rich marine life. From shipwreck snorkeling sites to hidden beaches with hermit crabs, the bluest of the blue ocean to a lagoon full of sea turtles, Bangaram fits the bill perfectly for a perfect beach experience.

Where To Stay:

The only option is to stay at the Bangaram Island resort which is run by SPORTS ( Lakshadweep Tourism ).

Travel Time

•  From Agatti: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the boat.

Pareli 1 & 2

These tiny islands surrounded by the shallow lagoon on one side and the deep sea on the other can be covered by foot in 15-30 minutes. The shallow lagoon is home to numerous sea turtles whereas the deep sea is home to sharks and stingrays.

The island is full of ( hungry 😉 ) hermit crabs, and sea turtles.

No options. These islands can be visited as day trips from Bangaram, Agatti or Thinnakara

• From Agatti: 30 -75 min depending on the boat
• From Bangaram: 20-40 min depending on the boat
• From Thinnakara: 15 min

A bite-sized island midst a shallow lagoon makes Thinnakara an ideal place for vacation. It is isolated and just a few cottages are dotted on the shores. It is a perfect escape for those who want to be away from the rush of life. You can snorkel, sail out in your kayak, play beach volleyball, and relax in a hammock doing nothing.

Even at times, it might happen you are the only one with the resort staff on the island.

Cottages on the Island

• From Agatti: 20-40 min depending on the boat.

Kadamat Island

Kadmat is one of the most stunning islands in the archipelago. You will find dolphins cleaving through the clear blue waters, sea turtles all around might come to greet you on your way to Kadmat from Agatti.

The phenomenal sweep of talcum-powder sand with dramatic waves breaking across the bay is an everyday thing here. Apart from the scenic vista, the island also offers various water sports activities like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paragliding to name a few. Some of the best diving spots can be found here.

Kadmat Island Resort – You have an option of NonAC tents and AC rooms to choose from. However, the Non-AC tents are a little far from the main resort.

Minicoy Island

Minicoy Island is a beautiful coral island dotted in the Arabian Sea full of dense coconut groves, a long stretch of white powdery beaches, and an amazing marine world. The island is distinct from the rest of the islands in terms of culture, lifestyle, and language. You can find a lot of influence from Maldivian and South Indian culture on this island.

There are three tourist cottages and one 20-bed tourist home.

Kalpeni Island

Kalpeni is famed for its bewitching landscape with the small islets Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. You can walk to Cheriyam island from Kalpeni during low tides but make sure you are not barefoot.

The islands of Kalpeni were reshaped because of a huge storm in the 1800s and the formation of the beautiful corals is attributed to this storm. It has the largest lagoons among all the islands of Lakshadweep. These lagoons are quite shallow and are perfect for all sorts of water sports activities. You can also explore the Sait Moinuddin mosque while on the island.

Koomel Beach Resort is the only resort for tourists and it is run by SPORTS (Lakshadweep Tourism).

Kavaratti Island

It is the capital of Lakshadweep and the most developed of all the islands. Apart from sun-drenched white sandy beaches, and amazing coral reefs, you can also explore the aquarium and museum on the island.

Ujra Mosque constructed by Sheikh Mohammad Kasim in the 17th century is one of the most prominent attractions on the island and draws a lot of tourists. The island also offers a plethora of water sports activities like kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba diving at a very reasonable rate.

Kavaratti Island Beach Resort

Budget & Expenses

Flight rates are fixed and they don’t vary from Kochi to Agatti – Rs.4842*

Stay at Bangaram – INR 10,000 for a Tent and INR 15,000 for a Cottage

Stay at Thinnakara – INR 10,000 for Tent

Inter-island transfers could be arranged and the price varies depending on the boat. Everything for us was organized by the Sports and we paid around 60-65 K.

• Pick up from/ to airport + Stay ( Inclusive of all three meals ) + Island transfers

PS: We booked our stay at Bangaram & Thinnakara Resorts via SPORTS. To confirm your booking you just have to share your flight details and pay by electronic fund transfer (NEFT) or check.

To customize your trip, drop an email to  – [email protected]

If you do find our article useful in planning your trip, don’t forget to send a note/picture of your trip to us ( Email:  [email protected])

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swati & Sam | Travel & Lifestyle (@swati_n_sam)

 Lakshadweep Islands are outrageously stunning.

We urge you to put this little corner on your bucket list before it becomes too commercialized. 

Related Posts

Packing for Lakshadweep

Stay at Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep

Shipwreck Snorkeling – Bangaram Island

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July 13, 2016 at 11:30 am

Nice and informative. Sums up Lakshwadeep perfectly. Will be very handy for someone traveling to Lakshwadeep.

July 15, 2016 at 1:37 pm

Hope our mini guide serves the purpose well 🙂

July 14, 2016 at 6:08 am

This should make it easy to plan a trip there. Great pics. A dream destination for me.

July 15, 2016 at 1:24 pm

That was the whole purpose of this post Indrani 🙂 🙂 Hope it helps others in planning and we hope you get to visit this tropical paradise soon

July 14, 2016 at 6:14 am

Such a helpful post!

July 15, 2016 at 1:23 pm

Thanks a ton !!

July 14, 2016 at 8:23 am

Had such fun looking at those photos of sea and sky. Fabulous. Tons of information too.

July 15, 2016 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much and glad you liked 🙂

July 14, 2016 at 1:25 pm

A good guide for the lesser known Lakshadweep….hopefully one of these days and soon

July 15, 2016 at 1:16 pm

You can plan a weekend trip 🙂

July 14, 2016 at 2:40 pm

The place looks stunning for sure!

July 15, 2016 at 1:15 pm

You will love it !!!

July 15, 2016 at 5:46 am

Very exhaustive info. Loved it.

Thank you so very much 🙂

July 15, 2016 at 6:55 am

Beautiful place to visit !! well narrated

Thanks a ton 🙂

July 15, 2016 at 3:16 pm

Beautiful images. This is a very useful itineary.

December 9, 2016 at 7:16 pm

Thanks a lot Rajesh, glad you liked it. 🙂 🙂

October 26, 2016 at 6:40 am

Great post on Lakshadweep! I have been wanting to visit it for so long…. I’m glad I can plan my trip with ease with this post. Thanks guys!

Thanks a lot Renuka, glad we could be of help. 🙂 🙂

November 5, 2016 at 11:09 am

I am planning a trip to lakshdweep in january, I will be alone and do not want to spend much on stay. Please suggest whether i can get some cheap stay after reaching there, or prebooking/e-booking is required? Please note I am a solo traveller and I generally focus on sightseeing and local cuisines and culture. I can manage with some cheap accomodation.

December 9, 2016 at 7:12 pm

Hi Prashant, you need a permit to travel to Lakshadweep. This permit is arranged by SPORTS or any other travel agent which takes care of your lodging (the details of travel agents are on the SPORTS Lakshadweep website). We would highly recommend a pre-booking. For more details, you can check the website of SPORTS Lakshadweep.

November 27, 2022 at 4:41 pm

I want to plan my own trip and not go for any package. Will Sports help me get permit if I only book my lodgings through them?

December 4, 2022 at 2:48 pm

November 28, 2016 at 1:44 am

Detailed and useful post…. Kachua photo is best. Hope to visit here some day

December 9, 2016 at 7:15 pm

Thanks a lot, Srinidhi and yeah we too loved the turtle. There were so many of them near the island. You should definitely plan a visit soon.

November 28, 2016 at 8:12 am

Thanks for detailed tour guide. I really like to visit this place. Carry some nostalgic memories. My father was working in Minicoy long time back when I was a toddler. So I wan to see the place again taking with my mother. Can you please suggest a 2-3 days (max) itinerary covering Minicoy. I want to see Minicoy.

December 3, 2016 at 10:30 am

Glad you liked our post, Minicoy is near Kalpeni & Kavaratti so either you can plan to visit one of the islands and visit Minicoy on a day trip or you could check weekend cruise packages from Cochin.. hope that helps

December 19, 2016 at 7:29 am

Lovely photos as always! Thanks for sharing vital information on Lakshadweep tour.

December 26, 2016 at 7:08 pm

What is the approximate total cost for a week trip. I want to mainly know how much we would spend on daily stays at each island and the no of ppl on sharing basis.

January 21, 2017 at 9:41 am

Awesome post! It’s so confusing the information on google about these islands! Just wondering – is Minicoy an inhabited island? Just because you mention that there are 3 guest houses owned by locals there. Also if we were to book a few days through SPORT and stay at their accomodation, could we extend our stay and stay at local accomodation somewhere? Do we need to apply to SPORTs to be able to stay in local accomodation? I just assume local places would be cheaper?

February 17, 2017 at 7:39 am

Awesome tips. Thank you so much for this post. Being located so close to use, Lakshadweep is in the top of my wishlist! I really hope to go soon…

July 15, 2017 at 4:19 pm

did you book the whole trip through SPORTS ?

July 16, 2017 at 1:44 pm

Not the whole trip only the accommodation and transfer between islands … food is inclusive

July 26, 2017 at 4:50 pm

hey..Thanks for the informative post.. Though I have a query.. you have given quite a detailed information of the islands while SPORTS website is mostly about about the cruise packages and they dont cover all the island either. Did you guys make your own itinerary and visited the place via flight. Would it be possible for you to give an idea about the ititnerary you followed.

July 30, 2017 at 6:01 pm

Thanks a lot, Nimisha….We have mentioned everything about our itinerary in this post only 🙂

August 26, 2017 at 7:13 pm

Hey.. just wanted to say thanks. Your blog is very descriptive and informative. You’re doing awesome job by writing down about your travel experiences. It’s really helpful for me and I’m sure for others also. This inspired me to go to lakshwadeep. Thanks again. Happiness and blessings to you.!

September 9, 2017 at 10:19 am

Detailed and useful for Lakshadweep travellers !

April 19, 2018 at 6:33 am

First of all !thank you for informative post. We are planning to visit lakshadweep by the year end, and your post is really helpful in planning for the same.

August 23, 2019 at 11:02 pm

Glad you liked and have fun in Lakshadweep, it’s a beautiful place and best time to visit is during winters 🙂

December 12, 2018 at 3:09 pm

A really detailed, informative with amazing pics, itinerary! Appreciate it both!! Wanted to plan on a trip and this blog had almost all the information that I was looking for. I have been thinking of writing such a blog, but haven’t written one yet.

August 23, 2019 at 11:00 pm

Thank you so much Kevin and all the best for your blog, do share a link whenever you write one, would love to read your experience 🙂

April 9, 2019 at 11:44 am

Awesome post. The tips very helpful for the visit Lakshadweep. Thanks for sharing the information and guide to travel near places of the Lakshadweep.

August 23, 2019 at 10:59 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words, we are delighted 🙂

April 25, 2019 at 4:58 am

Hi, what a wonderful post with great details. Which month of the year did you travel?

August 23, 2019 at 10:57 pm

We visited in the month of March and it was super hot 🙁

July 17, 2019 at 7:35 am

wow! such nice and informative blog thankss for sharing your travel experiences with us

August 23, 2019 at 10:58 pm

Glad you liked and hope it helps you in planning to this beautiful part of India 🙂

June 22, 2021 at 11:05 am

I was looking for a detail guide to Lakshadweep Island and so landed on your website. Really great info and guide. Better to visit Lakshadweep than maldives. this is after looking at your pictures.

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Contact Details of Departments functioning under Administration of UT of Lakshadweep

Minicoy is the southern most island in the Lakshadweep group of islands. Situated 398 kms from Cochin , it is the second largest island in size. A crescent shaped island, has a huge lagoon on the western side. It has a tiny islet called Viringili on the southern tip of the island. The island is set apart from other islands as culture, language and tradition are different from other islands. The island has a systematically arranged village system known as 'Avah'. Each Avah is a cluster of houses which is headed by an elected elderly man called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Mahl is the spoken language. MINICOY is an important centre for tuna fishing. The Light House of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. It has a 20 bedded resort for accommodating divers and other tourists. Independent tourist cottages are also available in the island. Minicoy is the only island in Lakshadweep having three large ship wrecks believed to be that of S.S Hoechst and other ships, within 8 mtrs depth on the island reef. It is believed that these ship wreck initiated construction of light house In 1885. These wrecks are virtual underwater museums and fish species found here are larger than average normal size found else where perhaps due to consumption of Ferrous of the wrecks. Manta Ray can be cited in almost all dive sites like Ragganmathi, Mulimatti, Rabberufarai during September - October and January - February. Sharks, bull rays, turtles, school of jacks, red snappers, black snappers, napoleon wrasse, barracuda, sweet lips are in abundance at Bose Point, Murambu, Boduhavaligang . Other interesting species found here are hump back parrot fish and Giant Sweet Lips.

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'Lakshadweep tourism surged, more enquiries after PM Modi's visit': Official

Pm modi's visit to lakshadweep has catalysed a surge in tourist interest, both nationally and internationally, prompting efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote local entrepreneurship in the region..

Listen to Story

• PM Modi's visit boosts tourism in Lakshadweep
• Inquiries about Lakshadweep tourism increase
• NITI Aayog identifies three islands for eco-tourism projects

Lakshadweep has witnessed an influx of tourists ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the island, tourism officer Imthias Mohammed told news agency ANI. Further, the island region is receiving inquiries both from the national tourism arena and the international tourism market, he said.

"Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is an influential leader in the country. He visited the Lakshadweep Islands in December 2023. The kind of impact he has had during his visit is huge," the tourism officer said, when asked about the impact of PM Modi's visit.

"We have been streamlining various tourism activities in the islands. Scuba diving and water sports are the major revenue-generating segments of Lakshadweep tourism," the tourism officer said.

Talking about future initiatives of the tourism department, he said, "Lakshadweep seeks to promote more cruise ship companies."

About the connectivity issue with mainland India, as few airlines operate in Lakshadweep, he hopes that when air connectivity is streamlined, it will boost the influx of tourists.

Prime Minister Modi visited Lakshadweep in January this year and shared his pictures of the islands on X.

He also interacted with locals, enjoyed magnificent views from the pristine coastline and went snorkelling.

The batting for Lakshadweep as a tourist destination is in line with the Prime Minister's pitch for choosing Indian destinations for weddings and tourism.

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Lakshadweep to Mangaluru highspeed ferry service launched for tourists

Lakshadweep nearer by five hours as mainland connectivity gets better with new ferry service that shortens the journey for tourists.

Travel by searoute from the mainland to Lakshadweep is now nearer by five hours. The highspeed vessel ‘Parali’ on Thursday ferried 160 passengers from Lakshadweep Islands to the Mangaluru old port in just seven hours compared to the earlier 13 hours on an experimental basis.

Speaking to PTI, the first batch of tourists on the ‘HSC Parali' said that it was a different experience. The new vessel has not only high-speed connectivity but is also smoother by far than the earlier vessels which are modified to ferry passengers from cargo carriers.

The Lakshadeweep Islands Tourism Development Authority formed under the Central Tourism Ministry will start the Mangalore-Lakshadweep tourist liner service after few trial runs starting from today. But we do not know how rough will be the sea once the monsoon starts. The LITDA has already ramped up the facilities at the receiving point in Kadmatt, which is the nearest port of arrival from the mainland, the officials said.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep Island earlier this year, the island administration (union territory) moved in many ways to improve the connectivity between the mainland at Kochi and at Mangaluru.

According to the officials, this is the first step and things will be easier for people of Lakshadweep to arrive in Mangaluru for several types of tourism including the western ghats eco tourism, educational, health and recreation tourism in the mainland.

Karnataka, part of the mainland, and Lakshadweep share a common history since 1783 as it was Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan who protected the entry of mainland marauders into Lakshadweep Islands and prevented them from pillaging the island paradise.

But after 1799, when Tippu Sultan died in Srirangapatnam near Mysore, the people of Lakshadweep lost their freedom again as the British conquered the islands.

The beautiful cluster of small islands, Lakshadweep is one of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems. Thirty two sq km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4,200 sq km of lagoon is rich in marine wealth. The heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem.

Committed to the cause of eco tourism, Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns.

The first passenger Vessel ‘M.V.Aminidevi’ had set sail for Kadmatt island in Lakshadweep Islands on 6 November with 150 tourists in 2010. "This had opened a new horizons in tourism for Karnataka. Earlier this circuit was very circuitous for the people in the interior parts of Karnataka, but the new initiative will help high value tourists from Bangalore, Mysore, Panaji, Mumbai to use Mangalore as a port of departure to Lakshadweep.

"We are now getting inquiries from Karnataka especially Bengaluru," according to Lakshadweep Island Tourism Development Authority co-ordinators in Karnataka.

The authorities had already prepared the ultra modern tourism facilities in three islands out of the nine which are closer to Mangalore in terms of navigation. The two islands of Minicoy and Kalpeni are closer to Kochi.

At Kadmatt water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, diving, cruising and a combination of tourist activities including the local and world culinary attraction has been arranged.

The authority are hoping that the tourists from Bengaluru will take advantage of this facility. Earlier they had to go to Kochi.

The IT and Business tourists can travel to Lakshadweep at a cost of ₹ 5,000 per head on this ship. The travel time is less than 14 hours and if they can squeeze in three days, we have devised a weekend package which is very rejuvenating, said an official from the Union Territory Authority of Lakshadweep Islands.

Earlier, only a cargo ship ‘Tipu Sultan’ was plying between the Islands and the mainland. This route is stated to be one of the oldest in the Indian maritime history.

Accommodations in Minicoy, Kalpeni, Kadmatt, Aminidevi are limited and the ship will take tourists only when there is accommodation available on the islands. However, the rush has already begun as tourists from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Baroda, and other places are booking their seats. They will treat Mangaluru as a port of departure, according to officials.

• Lakshadweep
• Tourist Spot

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