Tourism
The charm of Lakshadweep islands

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. 



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