|  Kavaratti
The administrative capital, Kavaratti, is the most developed of the islands. Fifty
two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra
mosque. A well within its precincts, is believed to contain water of curative
powers. The Ujra mosque has an ornately carved ceiling, said to have been carved
from a piece of driftwood. Kavaratti also has an aquarium with several colourful
species of fish. There is a glass bottom boat for viewing marine life and an array
of remarkable coral formations. Water sports like kayaking, canoeing and snorkelling
are available for tourists.
Kalpeni
Kalpeni has three uninhabited islands, all surrounded by an immense lagoon of
spectacular beauty. Koomel, the gently curving bay where the tourist facilities
are located, directly overlooks Pitti and Thilakkm, two of the islands. Here you
can swim, reef walk, snorkel, kayak and sail. Tourists can stay on the island
in privately managed huts.
Kadmath
A fine lagoon
of even depth and an endless shoreline, Kadmath is a haven of solitude. The tourist
huts are situated some distance away from habitation, with only the splash of
the waves to break the silence. The feathery network of coconut palms provides
a canopy throughout the island. Kadmath is the only island, with lagoons on both
the eastern and western sides. An institute for water sports has been set up.
Accomodation consists of both A/C and non A/C tourist huts, picturesquely situated
amidst the coconut palm groves. The island is becoming increasingly popular for
honeymooners.
Minicoy
At 200 km to the south,
it is the farthest from the Kavaratti island, but also nearest to the Maldives.
Minicoy boasts of a lighthouse built by the British, in 1885. Visitors are allowed
right up to the very top of the lighthouse. The lagoon is one of the largest in
Lakshadweep. Minicoy has a fascinating culture, very different from any other
island - the dress, the language, the food are peculiar to this area. It has a
cluster of ten villages called Athiris, each presided by a Moopan. Minicoy is
renowned for its dances. The lava dance is performed on festive occasions. There
is a tuna canning factory - signifying its importance in tuna fishing and boat
building activities. Privately managed cottages built on isolated islands are
available for tourists.
Agatti
Agatti has one
of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. It also has an airport. A virtual
gateway to Lakshadweep, a tourist complex has been set up here.
 Bangaram
The tear-drop shaped, uninhabited Bangaram island, is embraced by a halo of creamy
sand. Like in all other islands of Lakshadweep, coconut palm groves are ubiquitous
in Bangaram. There are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll - Tinnakara,
Parali-I, and Parali-II. All the islands share the same lagoon, an enormous bowl
of turquoise blue. The warm, clear and deep waters of the Indian Ocean pose an
irresistible invitation to scuba divers. The Bangaram Island Resort is fast becoming
a by-word among the island - hoppers of the world. Opened only recently to foreign
tourists, the resort with its simple but attractive housing, has already become
a circled spot in the brochures of tour operators all over. There are attractive
package terms for the domestic tourists too. |
Winter: October to March.