Quick Facts Area: 32 sq km Population: 60,600 Capital City: Kavaratti Best time to visit: October to March Languages: Malayalam

The charm of Lakshadweep Islands cannot be described in mere words, it has to be felt and experienced with all your senses. Feel the silky sand beneath your feet, let your mind wander off with the breeze, and let your eyes soak in the visual delight that is created by the clear blue waters and the natural beauty that is an inherent part of this island. This is a place that almost appears to have never been affected by the outside world; it is perhaps the only beach in this country that has white beaches without a speck of dirt.

Contrary to its name, Lakshadweep, which means a hundred thousand islands, these islands primarily constitute 11 settled islands and 17 uninhabited islands. The residents of these islands are categorized as scheduled casts or scheduled tribes by the Government of India. The primary language spoken in this region is Malayalam since Kerala is the state closest to the mainland. The total area comprises of 32 sq km and these islands are located in the Arabian Sea

Kavaratti

It is the capital of these islands and has the maximum amount of modern amenities as compared to the other islands. It houses an aquarium that displays a large variety of fishes. However, the biggest attraction of this island is the large number of carved mosques, 52 in all. The most outstanding of them is the Ajjara Mosque, which has a beautifully carved well. It is believed that this well has divine powers and that the water from this particular well can cure any illness. The main tourist activities available on these islands are snorkeling, canoeing, and a glass-bottomed boat ride.

Andretti is the island where the Prophet disciple laid the foundation of Islam and from where it began spreading like wildfire to all the surrounding regions. Agatti Island is the sole island that can boast of an airport and a 20 bed tourist complex. This is the first spot you reach when you start your journey into Lakshadweep.

Minicoy

This is a very unique island with rather strange and exciting cultures and style of living. This Island is located 200 km from Kavaratti and is closer to the Maldives. To a very large extent, this area is influenced by the Maldives and the people living here speak in a language called “Mahl.” The women here enjoy a special status and are highly respected and cared for. Not surprisingly, Marco Polo has once mentioned these islands as the “female island” in his travelogue due to its matrilineal society.

The men primarily work as laborers in international ships. This island differs in many respects from all others, namely, food, dress, ideologies, etc. The people here live as specific, small communities and reside in villages known as “Athirs.” Take a stroll through these beautiful villages, enjoy the colorful painted houses, wood carvings, and relax in the lap of the calm lagoon that is nestled in a forest and encircled by coral reefs.

Amindivi

This group of islands is located in the northern end and includes other, smaller islands such as Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, and Amini. Bird watching is the main attraction here since this area is crammed with rare species of birds. The Kadmat Island has a beach and a lagoon. Here, you can enjoy a swim under the shades of coconut trees. You can also stay at the tourist huts located inland, away from the settlements, which renders an even more serene and pleasant quality to their charm. This Island is also equipped with a scuba diving center, a water sports complex, and air conditioned or non air conditioned tourist cottages.

Bangaram Island

Thanks to an extensive abundance of marine life that includes sharks and turtles, a variety of fishes such as the Clownfish, Surgeonfish, eels, and beautiful, rare black corals, the Bangaram Island Resort has started attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. Sun kissed beaches and refreshing coconut trees are a common sight here. The transparent glass-like blue waters make swimming and scuba diving major activities on the island. There are three uninhabited islands called Tinkara, Parali I, and Parali II, which can be easily reached by boats.

The Minicoy Islands exhibits an almost extraordinary culture that compels you to appreciate the position and respect that the womenfolk are given in these islands. Colorful painted houses and spotless beaches give you a very positive feeling. Scuba diving off these islands is a complete delight. Therefore, be sure to visit the Laccadives diving schools located in Bangaram and Kadmat islands. A few of the favorite diving spots in this area include the Garden of Eden, Shark Point, Manta Point, and also a wrecked ship called Princess Royale, which is 32 meters deep.

The culture and traditions of these islands are rather similar to those of Kerala. This is evident from the caste system that still exists in Lakshadweep. Although people are open-minded and non-judgmental, they continue to follow certain old-time customs and traditions. The women of these islands are highly respected and actively involved in duties both inside and outside the house. Also, strange as it may sound, in some communities it is the husband who takes in the wife’s family name after marriage. Folk culture is very prevalent in these islands and the fishermen and farmers often indulge in folk dances, ballads, etc., which helps in spreading joy and entertainment in the lives of these people.

Previously, boat making was one of the main occupations of the people of these islands; however, with the advancement of technical and machine-made motor boats, this profession is almost non-existent. Presently, the main source of income, along with that from the fishing industry, is derived from coconut implantations.

The climate on these islands varies from 25 to 35 degrees with humidity levels of 73% throughout the year. The southwest monsoons arrive on these islands during mid May and September. The topography mainly constitutes of coral islands and lagoons and the marine life comprises of Butterfly Fish, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta and Sting Rays, Hermit Crabs, and Hawksbill Turtles. The common Oceanic birds found on these islands include Tharathasi and Karifetu. Coconut and banana trees and other implantations are scattered in abundance all over the islands.

A visit to these islands is almost guaranteed to be a heart warming and pleasurable journey since this place is one of nature’s perfect pieces of work.

These islands were subjected to the advent of Islam by Hazrat Ubaidullah, a disciple of Prophet Mohammed. He arrived on these islands with a mission to spread Islam during the 7th century and was highly successful in achieving his goal. Today, 93% of the population here follows Islam.