Kavratti

Kavaratti, the administrative capital of the Lakshadweep islands, is the most developed of the lot, and has the largest number of non-islanders as residents. There are a number of mosques (about fifty), the most beautiful being the Ujra Mosque. It has an ornately carved ceiling, and a well whose water is believed to have curative powers.

The island also has an aquarium with a variety of colourful fish. There are glass-bottomed boats for cruising, and a floating restaurant. The coral formations here are truly remarkable.

The island of Bangaram is open for international tourists but has no inhabitants of its own. Tourist huts have been put up here for the tourists.

The island is beautifully romantic, little visited, and surrounded by one of the largest and safest lagoons with its calm, blue-green waters and white coral sands. There is a luxuriant plantation of coconut which provide a cool deep shade even on a hot day. Bangaram is an experience in peace and tranquility, a memorable escape into isolation in complete harmony with nature.

Apart from the other tourist accommodation, the Bangaram Island Resort offers simple yet attractive housing and kitchen facilities to tourists.

Three other neighbouring islands Tirmakara, Parali-I and Parali-II -- share the same lagoon and the long coral reef and are easily accessible by out boarding, sailing, rowing, kayaking and windsurfing.

For the enthusiastic scuba diver, there is a beautiful world waiting under water. The warm, clear deep waters swarm with myriad marine life -- flora and fauna -- the exquisite corals, the rays, sting rays, moray eels and turtles. But remember, here there is a philosophy of preservation not of harming.

Some of the other islands open to tourists include Kalpeni, Kadamat, and Minicoy.

Kalpeni is surrounded by three other uninhabited islands, and has a huge beautiful lagoon rich in coral life. The quiet bay -- Koomel -- where most of the tourist facilities are located, looks out to two of the three satellite islands, namely -- Pitti and Tialkam.

Kadamat has a lagoon of even depth and a beautiful long shoreline perfect for swimming. The cool shade of the tall coconut palms throughout the island provides the relief from the hot afternoon sun. The tourist huts are situated at some distance from habitation and there is also provision for watersports.

Minicoy is the farthest from Kavaratti Island and very close to Maldives. There is an amazingly large lagoon, one of the largest in Lakshadweep. The island has a culture quite different from the others. It differs in dress, language and food. It is a cluster of 9 villages called Athinis, each headed by a Moopan.

Minicoy boasts of a unique dance tradition performed by men - called Lava - and which is performed on festive occasions.

The islanders specialize in tuna fishing, boat building and creation of interesting wooden handicrafts.

ACCESS

Lakshadweep is connected by air from the mainland. Inter-island tours are provided by fast motor boats. The islands are also connected by large boats etc with the mainland. They provide facilities like A/C, meals, bathrooms, cabins with attached toilets, bed linen, etc.

CLIMATE, FOOD, etc.

As the islands are far from the mainland and from each other, most of the food items have to be transported from Kerala. However, vegetarian food is easily available. Items like toiletries etc are also available.

Lakshadweep has a tropical climate with summer temperatures between 35 degrees and 22 degrees and the winters also about the same. Light cotton clothing is advisable while the months of October-November may require a water-proof coat.

COMMUNICATION

Telephone services of STD and ISD are available on major islands. Medical assistance is also available on the islands as well as on the ships.