WHY PREFER LAKSHADWEEP OVER MALDIVES AS YOUR NEXT TOURIST DESTINATION?
About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, an island in the Arabian Sea, is a group of 36 coral islands. It is a Union territory of India. Its capital is Kavaratti. It consists of 12 coral atolls, 3 coral reefs, 5 banks, and numerous islets. It comes under the Jurisdiction of Kerala High Court.Eye Captivating beauty of this Island is just noteworthy. It is a famous tourist destination with white-sand beaches, calm waters of lagoons offering amazing views of underwater antics, tall green coconut palms making it a spectacular beauty, turning the land into a tropical paradise. As the island is rich in marine biodiversity, it’s a must visit place for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Out in the open sea, you will observe a great sight of Dolphins, Turtles, Tuna, rays, and flying fish. If you are looking for a tropical paradise, this place is completely meant for you.
About Maldives
Maldives, with its capital as Male is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, where over 1110 islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls. It is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed nations. Maldives are an island-hopper’s dream. Here you can find miles of coral reef which are home to thousands of marine life species and underwater treasure. Diving at Broken Rock, Snorkeling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, boating, beautiful beaches, luxury villas, rich culture, and history to uncover. Explore the 17th century architecture. You can also get a taste of local life at the Fish Market in Male. If you are looking for a luxurious and eco-friendly retreat, this place is a must visit.
Comparing Lakshadweep Vs Maldives
Well the fact is both the places are extremely beautiful ,and the enchanting beauty of these islands is just magnificent. But the most important factor that we consider while planning our holiday is the budget.
Cost of Holiday
Average budget for Lakshadweep trip
Flights - Around INR 12940. Make your bookings 30 days in advance for great discounts and deals.
Accommodation - They would cost you around INR 2000- 8000 approx. per night. You can choose according to your suitable budget.
Meals for the day- Starts from INR 300 and can vary according to your choices.
Sightseeing per Day - It starts around INR 2000 and the range varies.
Miscellaneous cost for day - Around INR 3000.
So, the average cost of your day per couple in Lakshadweep would be around INR 7,300. Hence you can plan a 5 day trip with just INR 50,000 for a 5 day budget holiday, which includes your flights, stay, meals, and sight seeing.
Average budget for Maldives trip
Flights- Around INR 30000. Book it before 30 days for any round trip per couple for great discounts.
Accommodation- Ranges from INR 4700- 10000 approx. per night. You can choose according to your suitable budget.
Meals for the day- Starting from INR 1000, all depends on the type of food you wish to have.
Sightseeing per day - Starts from INR 4500, and increases as you choose to see more.
Miscellaneous cost for Day- Starts for INR 5000
So, the average cost per day per couple in Maldives would be around INR 15,200. Hence a 5 day trip in Maldives would cost you around INR 100000 , which includes your flights, stay, meals, and sight seeing.
Looking at the budget for both the places, we can easily understand that Lakshadweep is relatively cheaper than Maldives. So, you can plan your next trip according to your set budget.
Means Of Transport
A trip is convenient when you know about how you would be visiting different places.
Lakshadweep- Ferries, Ships, and speedboats are the accessible mode of transportation here.
Maldives- Ferries, speedboats,and you can also hire bikes and bicycles easily available in every resort and guesthouse.
Location
Lakshadweep- Lakshadweep lies around 200 - 400 Km off the southwestern coast of India in the Arabian Sea.
Maldives- Maldives lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 Km from the Asian continent’s mainland. It lies in the Indian Ocean.
Time to reach from India
As time is the most important part of any trip, we cannot waste it just in traveling. Hence we need to plan our trip really well.
Lakshadweep- You need to reach Cochin first. From Cochin in Kerala, flights (1-2 hours by flight) or ships (18-20 hours by ship) are the modes of transportation to reach Lakshadweep.
Maldives- You can go via flight from major Indian cities. Depending upon your location, it takes around 2-6 hours.
Attractions
Since You are planning to visit the eye-captivating islands, it’s really important to stay updated about the attractive places you can see.
Lakshadweep- The clear waters around Lakshadweep makes it a great place for Scuba Diving. The best diving islands include Agatti, Bangaram( the Paradise like atoll) , Minicoy (boat ride) , Kadmat ( Relish delicious local food) , Kavaratti Island ( Witness mesmerizing sunset), and Kalpitti atolls. Lakshadweep is best known for its coral reefs, white sandy beaches,and beautiful lagoons.
Maldives- Experience local island life, explore the capital -Male, Male atoll, Ari atoll, go Scuba Diving, stay in an eco-conscious resort, spot Dolphins on a sunset cruise, go Parasailing, underwater restaurant at Hurawalhi Island, coral reefs, and enjoy the beauty of diverse marine life.
Activities
Since you're here on a trip, you might look for different activities that can keep you energetic and lively.
Lakshadweep - Snorkeling at Agatti Island, Scuba Diving at Kalpeni Island, Fishing at Kadmat Island, Kite Surfing, Canoeing, Sunbathing, Kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing in calm lagoons, and many more things to do.
Maldives - Snorkeling, Water Flying, Parasailing, Diving, Surfing and Sup, Fishing, Splendid sunset, Spa treatment. Maldives is renowned for its world class Surfing spots. Enjoy breathtaking sunset, and traditional Boduberu drum performances.
Accommodations
For a relaxing and comfortable trip accommodation matters a lot.
Lakshadweep - Enjoy a range of water activities at the beachfront Agatti Island Beach Resort or the scenic Bangaram Island Resort. For a unique experience, consider the Thinnakara Beach Camp on Thinnakara Island, offering tented accommodation on the beach. Revel in serenity and stunning views at the Kadmat Beach Resort or the Kavaratti Island Beach Resort.
Maldives: Choose from the best hotels, including the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Crown Beach Hotel and the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Experience luxury in overwater villas and bungalows with private pools at resorts like the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru and the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. Enjoy amenities such as fitness centres, infinity pools, spas, jacuzzis, and more.
Language Spoken
When you visit a new place, communication is the most essential aspect, as you cannot rely on the internet and google for everything. And many times even the internet doesn’t work. So, knowledge of the languages spoken is a necessity.
Lakshadweep- The most common language here is Malayalam. Another important language is Mahl, spoken in both Lakshadweep and Maldives. Since it’s a tourist place, Hindi and English are also understood.
Maldives - Dhivehi or Maldivian is the official language of Maldives. English is used as a medium of communication.
Food
Well, this is the most important thing which we look for. You need energy to do so many activities at these beautiful places. Let’s see the food options available at these breathtaking Islands.
Lakshadweep - Well the most famous cuisine includes, Kavaratti Biryani, Tuna Curry (Spicy coastal fish), Mussel pickle, Coconut-milk based dishes, Kallumakaya curry, Jackfruit-based dishes, Bondi- a crunchy snack, and traditional South Indian flavors.
Maldives - This place offers a variety of International cuisines. Staple food of Maldives is the Seafood.
Currency
Lakshadweep - Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency.
Maldives - Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency here. 1MVR= INR 5.40
Travel Visa
This is one of the most important factors you need to consider before planning a holiday to a Union territory in India or any other country.
Lakshadweep - For Lakshadweep, Indian citizens do not require a visa.
Maldives - Indian tourists don’t require a pre-arrival visa to enter this country, but a 30-day visa is issued on arrival, which can be extended up to 90 days. But all Foreign nationals have to get their visa. The documents required for every tourist are a valid passport with MRZ ( Machine Reading Zone) and 6 months of validity.
As discussed above, both destinations are extremely beautiful, and offer unique and stunning experiences.
Why choose Lakshadweep over Maldives :
Affordability : Lakshadweep will cost you 50 percent less compared to Maldives.
Accessibility : Lakshadweep is relatively more accessible, with flights from Kochi and Mumbai. For Maldives you have to book international flights, and chances of getting the bookings on time is comparatively less.
Cultural Influences : Lakshadweep is deeply influenced by Indian culture. Tourists can experience local traditions , cuisine, and festivals. You get the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Explore the Unknown : Lakshadweep Island will allow you a much larger spectrum of exploration compared to Maldives, being a tourist spot over a longer period of time, where hardly anything new is left to explore.
Visa : You don’t require any Visa in Lakshadweep. In Maldives, you require a Visa on arrival for a valid period of time.
Less Crowded : Few Islands in Lakshadweep are meant only for tourism purposes, which make these islands less crowded and give you a worthy experience. This is an untouched paradise.
Marine life : Lakshadweep has pristine coral reefs while Maldives has overfished waters.
Process for Indian citizens to visit Lakshadweep:
Entry Permit - According to the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands ( Restriction on Entry and Residence) Rules, 1967, every person, who is not a native of these Islands, has to obtain a permit from the competent authority. Government officials and Armed force members and their families are exempted from this rule. To obtain an e- permit, visit the website http://epermit.utl.gov.in to submit your application. Track your application and obtain a permit on your email.
Choose a Tour Package - For a hassle free trip, select a package based on your preferences.
Book your Accommodation - Try to book your accommodation near your trip area, so that it would be convenient for you to manage.
Ticket booking - Confirm your travel details. You have the option to travel either by ship or by flight. Flights are limited here, so you need to book in advance, or else ship would be the convenient mode.
Health declaration Certificate - A health declaration certificate from a medical practitioner is required to be carried by you, to ensure that you are fit to travel to Lakshadweep.
Submit your Documents and Pay fees - Once you are ready with all the documents , it’s time to submit, and pay fees for your bookings, entry permit, and transportation, online or through bank as per your choice.
Boarding pass and Entry permit- Don’t forget to Collect your boarding pass and entry permit before your journey.
It’s Time to Travel- Travel to Lakshadweep via your chosen mode- flight (to Agatti Airport) or ship ( from Kochi Port).
Finally you have Arrived at your destination : Lakshadweep Island - On reaching Lakshadweep, complete your entry formalities and enjoy your stay.
10 Places To Visit In Lakshadweep
Agatti Island -
This Island is famous for stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life. Immerse yourself in Agatti;s underwater world, providing an unforgettable snorkeling and scuba diving experience.
Beachcombing and watersports.
Agatti Island Church
Bangaram Island-
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving.
Water Sports.
Explore marine life at the Marine Biology Museum.
Relax at Tipp Beach.
Kavaratti Island (capital of Lakshadweep) -
Ujra Mosque and Aquarium.
Water sports.
Refreshing Kavaratti Beach.
Dolphin Dive Center- The center organizes boat trips where you can witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Participate in Lava Dance.
Minicoy Island (the southernmost tip of Lakshadweep Island)-
Explore Lighthouse.
Snorkeling at North reef.
Traditional Lava Dance.
Tuna Canning Factory.
Beaches.
Suheli Par Island (an uninhabited gem, stand as a testament to untouched natural beauty) -
Bird Watching.
Boat trips around the island.
Photography and Nature Walks.
Snorkeling and Diving.
Sunset Serenity.
Kalpeni Island -
Picturesque Lagoon.
Coral reefs.
Pitti Bird Sanctuary.
Andrott Island -
Andrott Beach
Juma Masjid
Natural beauty and Cultural richness.
Kiltan Island -
Serene Beaches.
Coconut Groves.
A glimpse into local life.
Kadmat Island -
Long sandy Beaches
Favorite for Water Sports and Nature lovers.
Thinnakara Island -
Paradise for snorkeling and Diving enthusiasts.
Known for its coral reefs and clear turquoise water.
Making a decision to choose between Lakshadweep and the Maldives depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for. If you’re looking for luxury, fancy resorts, and a cosmopolitan vibe, the Maldives is perfect. It’s well known for its high-end accommodations, beautiful coral reefs, and attracts tourists from all over the world.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxed and culturally rich experience without breaking the bank, Lakshadweep is a great option. It’s less crowded, offering a serene atmosphere, pristine beaches, and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. The islands are known for their untouched beauty because many islands are uninhabited, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
So, it’s a choice between a luxurious international escape in the Maldives or a more budget-friendly, culturally authentic experience in Lakshadweep. It all depends on your preference.