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White sand, blue water, crashing and breaking waves. This sight is special.
Did reading this make your wandering mind crave a trip? Do you also want to go to a beach in India and enjoy this beauty?
If yes, then there are many beautiful beaches in India. One of the beautiful places that has garnered attention since the beginning of 2024 is also the Union Territory of Lakshadweep included.
Lakshadweep is a union territory and is located in the southwestern part of India.
The captivating beauty of this destination, consisting of 36 enchanting islands, truly mesmerizes even those from the Maldives.
If you're considering a trip to Lakshadweep, it's important to keep a few things in mind.
Find out how to get to Lakshadweep and determine the best route for you. But first, familiarize yourself with some key details about Lakshadweep.
Key Details about Lakshadweep
The name "Lakshadweep" means "one lakh islands" in Malayalam and Sanskrit.
Lakshadweep is situated approximately 440 kilometers away from Kochi, Kerala.
It's a group of 36 small islands with a total population of around 64 thousand.
The area spans about 32 square kilometers.
The primary languages spoken are Malayalam and English.
Notable islands include Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kilatan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andoh, Kalpani, and Minicoy.
According to the administration, there are 13 banks, 13 guest houses, and 10 hospitals in Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep is situated approximately 440 kilometers away from Kochi, Kerala.
It's a group of 36 small islands with a total population of around 64 thousand.
The area spans about 32 square kilometers.
The primary languages spoken are Malayalam and English.
Notable islands include Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kilatan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andoh, Kalpani, and Minicoy.
According to the administration, there are 13 banks, 13 guest houses, and 10 hospitals in Lakshadweep.
To reach Lakshadweep, obtaining a permit is absolutely crucial.
You can opt for a flight or train to Kochi, Kerala from any part of India.
Upon reaching Kochi, your first step should be to obtain a permit to visit Lakshadweep.
Certain locations in India, including Lakshadweep, require permission from the administration before entry.
The Lakshadweep administration office is located in the Willington Island area in Kochi, where you can apply for the permit.
It's even possible to apply for the permit online before commencing your journey. Click here to apply online.
During the application process, you'll need to upload the travel date, island, and relevant documents. It's advisable to take care of these details at least 15 days in advance.
The permit is valid for 30 days and carries a fee of Rs 300.
Additionally, a green tax of Rs 300 must be paid at the airport.
Alternatively, the application can be downloaded from the Lakshadweep Administration website. Once completed, the form should be submitted at the collector's office. Allow ample time for this process and plan ahead.
Keep your ID proof, passport-sized photo, and permit with you at all times. The permit will need to be submitted to the police station or administration office in Lakshadweep.
Furthermore, you may require additional permission for activities such as scuba diving or wildlife photography.
Now that the permit is in hand, let's embark on the journey.
How to reach Lakshadweep from Kochi?
Lakshadweep can be reached in two ways: First - by flight, and second - by ship. For both these options, you will need to come to Kochi in Kerala.
There are no direct flights to Lakshadweep from anywhere other than Kochi.
If you want to travel to Lakshadweep by flight after reaching Kochi, flights are available to Agatti. The flight duration is approximately one and a half hours.
However, it's important to note that the number of flights to Lakshadweep may be limited until the beginning of January 2024. This means that you may need to book tickets in advance and plan your journey accordingly.
Apart from flights, you can also reach Lakshadweep from Kochi by ship.
According to the Lakshadweep administration's website, flights from Kochi to Agatti and Bangaram Island are available. There is only one airstrip in Agatti.
However, online searches may show that flights from Kochi are only available to Agatti, and that too in limited numbers.
According to the Lakshadweep administration, boats are available from Agatti to Kavaratti and Kadmat from October to May.
During the monsoon season, helicopter services are available from Agatti to Kavaratti.
How to reach Lakshadweep by sea?
If you want to travel to Lakshadweep by sea instead of by air, there are passenger ships that operate from Kochi. These ships include:
1. MV Kavaratti
2. MV Arabian Sea
3. MPV Lakshadweep Sea
4. MV Lagoon
5. MV Corals
6. MV Amindivi
7. MV Minicoy
These passenger ships take approximately 14 to 18 hours for the journey. However, the travel time also depends on the specific island you are heading to. These ships offer various classes for travel, such as AC First Class, Second Class, and Back-to-Bunk Class.
For those who may feel seasick during the journey, there is a doctor available on board.
According to the Lakshadweep administration, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy have more comfortable seating and can get you from Kochi to Lakshadweep overnight.
During the season, speed boats also operate for travel between different islands in Lakshadweep.
What are the places to visit in Lakshadweep?
1. Kavaratti Island
2. Lighthouse
3. Jetty Site, Mosque
4. Agatti
5. Kadmat
6. Bangaram
7. Thinnakara
Similar to the Maldives, Lakshadweep also has white sandy beaches. The best time to visit here is between May and September.
The temperature here ranges from 22 to 36 degrees Celsius. From December to February, there is a considerable crowd of tourists.
If you want to explore Lakshadweep leisurely, six to seven days would be sufficient.
What is good to eat and drink in Lakshadweep?
If you are a vegetarian, you might face some challenges, but you should definitely try coconut milk, banana chips, and dishes made with jackfruit.
However, if you are a non-vegetarian, Lakshadweep can be a good place for you. You can try various dishes according to your preference.
Some dishes to try are:
1. Kavaratti Biryani
2. Tuna Curry
3. Masala Pickle
4. Lobster Masala
5. Squid Fry
Apart from these, you can also explore seafood options.
If you are a travel enthusiast, explore this beautiful place in India.
How much will it cost to go to Lakshadweep?
Good question.
The answer depends on when you are planning to visit Lakshadweep and how well you plan in advance; based on this, the cost of your Lakshadweep trip will be determined.
Also, keep in mind that the prices mentioned in the story may vary based on your bargaining skills.
Important note - Carry cash. Using ATMs or online payments may pose difficulties.
For example - Checking for a flight from Delhi to Kochi on January 11, 2024, reveals a flight ticket price of around seven thousand rupees for February 14, Valentine's Day, and a flight ticket from Kochi to Agatti costs around five thousand five hundred rupees.
If you want to enjoy Lakshadweep by ship, many private companies offer tour packages. These packages include visits to several islands for two to five days, and the cost of such packages ranges from fifteen thousand to sixty thousand rupees.
You can find cottages in Bangaram for approximately eighteen thousand rupees. In Kadmat, you can get a room for three to eight thousand rupees. Accommodations in Agatti may range from 1500 to 3000 rupees for a room.
A resort in Kavaratti Island can cost around eleven thousand rupees.
For scuba diving in Lakshadweep, a 20-minute session may cost around three thousand rupees, while a 40-minute session may be around five thousand rupees.
Snorkeling packages start from one thousand rupees. Typically, an island-hopping package costs around one and a half to two thousand rupees per person.
If you are traveling from one island to another by ship, it may cost approximately four to eight thousand rupees.
In the end, keep in mind that if you want to post updates on social media while in Lakshadweep, you might face some difficulties. Currently, the internet speed may not be very fast everywhere.
People who have visited Lakshadweep mention that Airtel and BSNL connections are good there, but Wi-Fi facilities might be challenging to find.
So, if you are planning to visit Lakshadweep, capture its beauty on social media when you return. Enjoy your time in Lakshadweep.