ShashwatRight after Modiji’s recent visit to this incredible picturesque island region called Lakshadweep, people have been trying to learn even more about this destination: from the ways to reach, things to do and so much more about its culture, history and so on.
To put it simply, Lakshadweep suddenly has soared up to newer heights and become 2024’s current favorite destination for all Indians.
And this popularity has also took a toll on Maldives tourism – since Lakshadweep boasts off all that Maldives has (and more!) – without the visa requirements, without having to travel for long hours, and while being in your own country.
Today, we delve into all the deats as in how to reach Lakshadweep islands: the best way to get there: by flight or cruise, the travel requirements, top things/activities to do, where to stay, what to eat, best time to visit, is it safe to go there and how is it different from Maldives, Andaman, etc.
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How to reach Lakshadweep? Flight or Cruise
Lakshadweep is the talk of the country right now and the most asked question since the start of 2024 is none other than : How to reach Lakshadweep?
Well, without any drama, there are two ways to reach Lakshadweep Islands –
- Flight: As of now, only Kochi (Kerala) offers a direct flight to Agatti Island in Lakshadweep. It is a 1 hour 25 minutes flight, operating everyday (Alliance Air 505). One way ticket costs around ā¹6000/.
- Cruise: Seven passenger ships (cruises) operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep and these take approximately 15-16 hours to get you to the magnificent islands of Lakshadweep. (More Information!) The ticket prices for cruise seats starts from approx. ā¹2,000 for second class cabin & ā¹5,000 diamond class cabin.
*For all tourist related ventures, Kochi is the gateway towards the island-region. Other than Agatti, Bangaram island in Lakshadweep is the one where you could also get a flight or cruise to.
Lakshadweep Travel Requirements:
- For Indian travelers: You need a PCC or Police Clearance Certificate for visiting Lakshadweep. This permit is issued by the Lakshadweep Administration based in Kochi, Kerala.
Here is the online portal for Lakshadweep permit booking: https://epermit.utl.gov.in/
- For International travelers: Along with the tourist permit, you would need a Passport and valid Indian VISA to enter Lakshadweep.
*One thing to note: While Indians are allowed to visit all the islands under Lakshadweep Tourism Authority, International travellers get a permit to the major three islands to explore: Agatti, Kadmat & the International Tourist Resort of Bangaram.
Best time to visit Lakshadweep
The best time to visit Lakshadweep Islands is between October to mid of May. The reasons for this are:
- Weather is mild & humidity is low.
- Temperature range: 22Ā°C to 30Ā°C.
- This weather is ideal for outdoor activities like: snorkeling, diving & island hopping.
Some travelers also tend to come here during the Indian rainy season, as the greens are more brighter during these months, giving out a more fascinating, dream-like landscape and interesting views of the lagoons.
How much does a Lakshadweep Trip Cost?
Due to limited access points, lesser flights and being one of the most exotic regions in India, a Lakshadweep trip can cost you a little more than most other places around the nation.
If you are planning a trip to Lakshadweep, make sure you have a budget anywhere between ā¹60,000 to ā¹1,50,000 per person for a 5-day trip, inclusive of airfare.
So, truth be told, a trip to Lakshadweep islands can be a little expensive – but it is all worth it. Especially if you are into island resorts, crystal clear waters, fascinating underwater world and water activities.
Top things to do in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is an island destination and has all that one needs from a luxury island escape: from water activities to lavish island-resorts to stay in and other fascinating adventures.
Here are some of the most interesting things you must-do while you enjoy your stay in Lakshadweep:
- Snorkeling at Agatti Island:
- Offers calm waters, ensuring a surreal experience.
- Shallow shores full of vibrant coral reefs and exotic underwater animals.
- Scuba Diving at Kalpeni Island:
- Offers really rich and colorful underwater life.
- Hundreds of exotic corals on the shores of Kalpeni Island.
- Huge number of exotic fish species (more than 2000 species can be seen here).
- Offers opportunity to witness wonderous sea turtles underwater.
- Fishing at Kadmat Island:
- Incredibly famous for fishing excursions.
- Surrounded by entrancing lagoon landscape.
- Can be reached with a short helicopter ride from Agatti Island.
- Canoeing at Minicoy Island:
- One among the most exquisite and beautiful locations for Canoeing in Lakshadweep.
- The shallow waters of Minicoy make it a perfect place for canoeing.
- Best place to try Canoeing for first timers.
- Nightlife at Bangaram Island:
- Full of ravishing clubs and eateries, offering the best seafood and booze for one and all.
- Only place where you could get high on drinks in Lakshadweep is Bangaram.
- Also known as the Party Capital of Lakshadweep.
Where to stay in Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep has tons of incredible resorts and stay options for staying surrounded by lavish landscapes and fun, natural space.
Let’s discuss the top resorts where you can stay in Lakshadweep:
- Agatti Island Beach Resort: Most comforting & picturesque of the beaches in Lakshadweep.
- Activities: Private Beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
- Location: Market road, behind HPO, Agatti.
- Bangaram Island Beach Resort: Surrounded by spectacular views of beaches and green palms.
- Activities: Private beach, scuba experience, canoeing
- Location: Near Poshaak, MG Road, Bangaram.
- Sea Shells Beach Resort: One of the most couple-friendly, romantic resorts to enjoy staying in Lakshadweep.
- Activities: Watching sunrises, sunsets, marine trails, trek.
- Location: Agatti South Side Pier, Agatti
Andaman vs Lakshadweep
Although, both these regions are India’s precious island-regions and honeymoon destinations, but they both have a few major differences which might help you plan out your next island-venture in the country:
- Accessibility: While Andaman & Nicobar islands are more connected to most cities around India (with flights and cruises), to travel to Lakshadweep – you first need to come to Kochi, Kerala.
- Travel Package Costs: While Andaman & Nicobar islands’ package for travel is cheaper, Lakshadweep is a destination of luxury – and thus, is considered an expensive destination to travel to.
- Number of Islands: While Andaman & Nicobar is a volcanic island group of 500 islands, Lakshadweep is a coral island group which has 36 islands where one can roam around. *(Actually, it has 1,00,000 islands in total, 36 of these can be visited. “Laksha” “dweep” translates to 1 lakh islands.)
- Location: While Andaman islands falls at the Bay of Bengal, Lakshadweep is on the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala.
Some similarities between the two include: the tropical climate, rich coral diversity, popular water sports opportunities, fascinating landscapes, clear waters.
Maldives vs Lakshadweep
With all the talks and controversies surrounding Maldives and Lakshadweep, here is some of the major differences that these two island regions have:
- Location: Maldives is located off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, while Lakshadweep is located off the coast of Kerala.
- Touristy Islands: Maldives boasts of 1192 coral islands for travel explorations, while Lakshadweep only has 36 of them open to travelers and explorers.
- Culture: Maldives is influenced by a mix of different cultures: South Asian, Middle Eastern & African, While, on the other hand, Lakshadweep’s culture represents Indian and Arabic cultures.
- Local Cuisine: Maldives offers seafood and tropical fruits, while Lakshadweep boasts of the best seafood as well as coconut-based dishes.
Both these islands offer unique and captivating experiences for travel lovers, while also having distinctive features which separates the two.
In my opinion, we must praise all the tourist spots across the world, no matter how different or how similar they are to each other.
With the on going mascaraed against the Maldives, I just want to say that whatever the ministers and politics are – shall be kept aside. As travelers, we must not have to create a ruckus regarding what’s better and what’s done for. Both are fabulous in their own ways, and we shall choose where we want to go keeping in mind our travel preferences, not the politics.
What to eat in Lakshadweep?
Now that you know all about how to reach Lakshadweep and what all to do there, now comes the time to satisfy your hunger needs:
- Tuna fish curry: Lakshadweep’s most incredible dish, the Tuna fish curry is prepared with many local spices and coconut milk.
- Coconut-based dishes: With the abundance of coconut trees spread all over, many local dishes incorporate coconut in various forms: coconut rice, curries, coconut desserts.
- Octopus masala: A treat for the seafood lovers, the Octopus masala is one of the most loved masala dish prepared with a blend of spices.
- Lakshadweep seafood platter: Variety of local seafood including: fish, prawns, crabs and lobster, prepared in different styles to experience the diverse flavors of the region.
How many days are enough?
How many days you spend at any particular holiday destination in the world depends on your own interests and the specific islands you plan to visit.
However, the most ideal time to stay in Lakshadweep to enjoy what all the vibrant island region has to offer is recorded to be anywhere between 4 to 7 days. It is sufficient for exploring the beauty of the island, enjoy various water activities as well as to relax on the pristine beaches.
Wrapping it up
Lakshadweep is not just a vacation spot, it is an immersive experience that tends to rejuvenate your soul and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty that nature graciously bestows upon us.
As you travel through the many islands of the region, you discover a sense of serenity and remoteness that seems to set Lakshadweep apart from other counterparts across the world.
So, why wait, pack your bags and embark on a voyage to Lakshadweep as soon as you can.
That’s all folks!
