|
The Lakshadweep islands are one of India’s most protected and most beautiful regions. Located in the Arabian Sea off the west coast of India, Lakshadweep is India’s smallest union territory. The name literally translates to ‘hundred thousand islands’ which, of course, is a euphemism. The archipelago is Lakshadweep consists of thirty six islands. Ten of these islands are inhabited by indigenous tribes and local residents. The rest are isolated and protected, many even submerged below sea level. There are three flourishing reefs among the islands, which contribute to the abundant marine bio-diversity. Lakshadweep vacations are particularly attractive for scuba divers, who have so much to explore in these waters. The quaint villages and beautiful beaches add to its appeal as a tourist destination. In order to help maintain the environmental sanctity of these delicate islands there are several stringent rules in place for tourists. All India tours to Lakshwadeep must be pre-planned and booked in advance. India tours to Lakshadweep most often pass through Kochi, which is the nearest Indian harbour and airport. All tourists planning Lakshadweep vacations need to obtain a special permit to visit. The easiest way to do so is to book a government certified tour. There is a restriction on the number of hotels and guest houses allowed on the Lakshadweep islands. Indians are allowed access to all the habitable islands. However, foreigners on India tours to Lakshwadeep can only stay for 12hours at a time on the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat. All these are extremely beautiful, inhabited by tribes of fishermen who live in tandem to nature, respecting its balance and protecting it fiercely. Agatti Island has some of the best beaches, where one can swim, snorkel and scuba dive. This island also has a number of beautiful lagoons! The Karavatti Island in the most populated, and probably the easiest to find accommodation on. It is the capital and the most developed island, but sadly it isn’t populated by locals. Non-islanders dominate the population here. Minicoy Island is a crescent shaped island located in the southern part of Lakshwadeep. This island is one of the few that has a flourishing local Industry outside of tourism. Most people here are employed by the tuna canning industry, and the island has a number of factories, ice plants and cold storage facilities. Travelling to Lakshwadeep is expensive because of all the protective laws. It is definitely not a place for budget travellers and backpackers. There is almost no cheap public transport and very limited tourist infrastructure. There are only three resorts for foreign tourists all of which are high-end. Drinking alcohol is not permitted on any of the islands and picking up coral from the beach or the sea is illegal! So if you plan a visit to Lakshadweep be sure to follow all the rules, and travel only if you are sure you can respect them. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ninad Chaudhari works as a Web UI Designer / Developer with Cox & Kings. In his spare time, Ninad is an ardent photographer and loves to travel across India. His albums are replete with pictures of Lakshadweep vacations.
Related Articles -
India tours, Lakshadweep vacations,
|
