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In the Arabian Sea
towards the west off the coast of Kerala lie the islands of
Lakshadweep the country’s only Coral Islands. The palm-covered
islands of Lakshadweep add up to only 32 sq. of lagoon waters. The
archipelago lies 300 kms west of Kerala and is divided into the
northern Amindivi group the Laccadive group and isolated Minicoy in
the south.
Out of the 36 islands comprising the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Only 10 of the 35 islands are inhabited not including the resort
island of Bangaram. These are Andrott, Amini, Agatti, Chetlat,
Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavarati, Kiltan and Minicoy. Malayalam is the main
language but the southernmost island of Minicoy speak Mahl which is
also spoken in the neighbouring Maldives. Fishing and coir
Production are the main economic activities.A castes system divides
the islands between Koya (land owners) Malmi (sailors) and Melachery
(farmers).
Six of the islands-Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Minicoy, Cheriyam and
Thinakara are open to Indian tourists only.Bangaram an uninhabited
island is open to both Indian and foreign tourists.
Monsoon:
Mid May to mid September.During the monsoon the island are closed to
tourists.
Prohibition: In force on all the islands except Bangaram.
Islands:-
Bangaram
The warm clear deep water with myriad marine flora and fauna in this
uninhabited island are an irresistible invitation to scuba divers.
The exquisite coral formations including black coral large variety
of coral fish, the angel, clown, butterfly, surgeon sweetlip,
snappers, groupers etc. and fauna such as the harmless sharks manta
rays sting rays moray eels turtles make diving here an addictive
experience. The best mode of transport to visit Bangaram Island is
by air from Kochi to Agatti and thereafter by speed boat or
helicopter to the island. The island resort is run by theCasino
Group of Hotels who make arrangements for transfer of tourists from
Agatti to the resort.
Boat Taransfer: Agatti-Bangaram-Agatti
Kadmat
A fine lagoon of even depth and an endless shoreline tailor made for
swimming makes Kadmat a haven of solitude. It covers an area of 3.1
Sq.kms. The island is 8 kms long and 550 metres wide has a fine
beach and lagoon to the east and west ideal for swimming and diving.
Water sport facilities are available and Water sport facilities are
available and Water Sports Institute as well as a Scuba Diving
Centre has been set up here. The tourist huts shaded by palms are
away from the local village.
Accommodation: Tourist Cottage and Executive Cottages.
Kalpeni
Kalpeni has three uninhabited satellite islands Cheriyam Tilakam and
Pitti all surrounded by a lagoon of spectacular beauty which offers
excellent watersport facilities including snorekelling and diving.
The raised coral banks on the southeast and eastern shores are
remains of a violent storm in 1847 ; the Moidin Mosque to the south
has walls made of coral.Koomel the gently curving bay where all the
tourists facilities are located directly overlooks Tilakam and Pitti.
This lagoon is particularly rich in coral life and a trip by
glass-bottomed boat reveals the splendour of the underwater world of
flower-like coral and irridescent fish. Water Sport crafts such as
kayaks sailing boats pedal bots,sailing yachts are also available.
Kavaratti
The administrative capital Kavaratti is the most developed of the
islands with the highest percentage of non-islanders as residents.
It is in the centre of the archipelago and has a bank. The Aquarium
with tropical fish and corals and there has a beautiful lagoon ideal
for water sports and swimming. Water sport crafts such as sails,
yatchts, kayaks, ect., are available on hire. Kavaratti also has an
aquarium with several colourful species of fish. Glass bottom boats
are available for cruises a floating restaurant built as a
traditional country craft and an array of remarkable coral
formations provide a background to the lagoon the lake nearby and
the tombs are the other sights. These are some of the attractions on
this island. Fifty-two mosques are spread out over the island the
most beautiful being the Ujira mosque.
Minicoy
Minicoy (Maliku) is the southern most islands in Lakshadweep. It
covers an area of 4.4 Sq.kms. It is largest and interesting because
of its unique Maldivian character having become the part of the
archipelago more recently. This cresent shaped island with one of
the largest lagoons in Lakshdweep and has a cluster of nine
systematically arranged villages known as ‘Athiris’. The people
speaking mahl similar to Dhivehi and follow many of their customs;a
few speak Hindi.The ancient seafaring people have been sailing long
distances for centuries. There is a Light House built by the British
approximately 100 year ago. Water sport crafts such as pedal boats,
kayaks, sailing yachts etc are available on hire. This island is one
of the important centres for tuna fishing boat building and for
local handicrafts.
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