The Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands. Located
in the Arabian Sea off the south-eastern coast of India, the charm
of Lakshadweep Islands (known as Laccadive Islands till 1973)
lies in their remoteness.
The name “laksha” is only symbolic since the total
number of Islands doesn’t even add up to a 1000. The
word “laksha:” means 1,00,000 in Malayalam and Sanskrit.
But it has other meanings too! For example, “Lakshya”
means “Purpose” and Lakshadweep lies in the hub of
the Arabian –African-Asian trade route.
One
of the world’s most spectacular tropical island
systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-240 kms. off
the Malabar Coast. The islands comprise of 4200 sq.km.
of lagoon rich in marine wealth ad 36 islands in an area
of 32 sq.km.
Each island here is fringed by snow white coral
sands. The crystal clear water and the rich marine
flora and fauna enhance the mystique of these islands. Against
the vast blue sea the islands look like emeralds.
The huge wall like reef bordering the outer side of the
shallow lagoons blocks the incoming swells of the sea.
The Lakshadeep
islands are linked to the mainland by ships & passenger
planes. Agatti island and Bangaram island can be
reached by Air and the others by ship from Kochi (Cochin).
The temperature increases from South to North; April and
May are the hottest with temperatures averaging at 32°
C.
By several accounts, the cultural and geographical affinities
of Lakshadweep are closely linked to Sri Lanka, Kerala,
Maldives and Tamil Nadu. The whole group of islands
is one vast coconut garden with 100 trees crowded per
acre. There are no boundaries between individual
plots and almost no ground vegetables. The houses
are spread out throughout the islands.
Each island of Lakshadweep, a tiny principality in itself,
has existed from time immemorial, with little influence
from the outside world.
The charm of Lakshadweep
islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track,
they attract no hordes of merry makers to its shores,
or perhaps it is the beauty of the islands densely covered
with coconut palms, and threaded by an unbroken line of
creamy sand, each island serenely set in a sea whose waters
range from palest aquamarine and turquoise to deepest
sapphire and lapis lazuli.
The Lakshadweep islands now have two world class scuba
diving schools, at Agatti island and Bangaram island.
Agatti
island
Agatti island is the gateway to Lakshadweep islands, a
chain of little known islands, lying about 320 Km off
the south west coast of India. A holiday at Agatti
island is sure to bring about a refreshing change in you.
Becuase very seldom does one get to live so close to nature.
Be it on land or sea, there's always peace and happiness
in the air. Agatti Island offers some of the best swimming
beaches in the world.
No other place in India offers you beaches as beautiful
as Agatti island in Lakshadweep. There you have sugary
white beaches, swaying palms, soothing winds and a spectacular
view of the sea. Beneath the sea you get to discover
a colorful world teeming with corals, fishes, and turtles.
And above, you get to indulge in your favorite water sport.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, glass bottom
boat rides, water skiing, deep sea fishing, and sea excursions
to the neighboring uninhabited islands like Thinnakara,
Parali, Kalpitty make sure that you get to know the sea
in and out.
Bangaram
Iseland
Bangaram island been ranked among the best getaways of
the world. The teardrop-shaped island has superb
beaches and beautiful lagoons. The Jewel of the Lakshadeep,
Bangaram island is uninhabited except for occasional visitors
from the nearest island, Agatti, where the airport is
situated. Bangaram presents a breathtaking spectacle
of sparkling coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery
beaches and lush green coconut palms.
The island feels like it was designed specifically for
languid strolls, to watch the beach dances of hermit crabs
and listen to the raucous music of the seabirds. At
Bangaram island, the more unhurried can simply laze on
the silver beaches, soak in the sun, listen to the sound
of the waves and watch the swaying of the palms.
A well-equipped and professionally manned Scuba Diving
facility is available at the Bangaram.
For deep sea big game
fishing, Bangaram is an ideal location. Record size
Barracuda, Sailfish, Yellow fin, Travelly and Wahoo have
often been landed. Local boats are available here
for rent with experienced crew. Coconut and fish are abundantly
available on the island.
. Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also
lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. During
the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the
coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is
totally enchanting. Accommodation on the island is simple,
unpretentious, yet comfortable.