LACADIVES

INTRODUCTION

Lakshadweep is a union territory of India -the tiniest -and has the country's only coral islands. Ethnically , the people of the islands are very similar to the people of kerala -even their languages are the same expect in Minicoy where mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach.

Perhaps the charm of lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of meery makers to their shores. Or perhaps it is the beauty of the islands -densely covered with coconut palms and threaded by an unbroken line of creamy send, each island serenly set in a sea whosewaters range from palest aquamarine and turquise to deepest sapphire and lapis la Zuli. Yet again may be the unique charm of lakshadweep lies in the fact that each island, a tiny principality in itself, has excited from time immemorial, with little influence from the outside world.

ACCESS

AIR-There are flights from Cochin to Agatti. From Agatti passengers are transported to Bangaram by fast boat and brought back to agatti in time for their departure. A helicopter service linkes agatti to other island.

Ship-From October to April, Catamaran speed vessels operate as per monthly schedule between major islands in the group.

Their is a regular ship service between cochin and the islands according to a scheduled programme.

TOURIST PLACES AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS

KAVARATTI

Its the administrative capital. Fifty two mosques are spread over the island, the most beautiful being the Urja mosque. A well with in its precincts , is believed to contain water of active powers . The Ujra mosque has an ornately carved ceiling, said to have been carved from a piece of driftwood-Kavaratti also has a aquarium with several colourful spices of fish . there is a glass bottom boat for viewing marine life and an array of remarkable coral formations that provide a background to the lagoons and the islands within them. Some water sports like kayaking, canoeing and snorkeling are availble for tourists.

KALPENI

It has three uninhabited satelite islands, all surrounded by an immense lagoon of spectacular beauty. koomel, the gently curveing bay where the tourists facilities are located directly over looks pitti and Thilakkm two of the islands. Here you can swim, reaf walk snorkel or use water sports equipment like Kayaks and safi boats. Tourist can stay on the island in privately man -aged huts.This lagoon is specially rich in Coral life.

KADAMATH

A particularly fine lagoon, of even depth and all endless shoreline, perfect for swimming , makes kadamath a haven of solitude. A water sport institute providing water sports facilities has been set up in kadamath As a testimony to its water sports potential a scuba diving centre has been set up there.The island is becoming increasing popular for honey mooners.

MINICOY

Furthest from kavarati island 200 km away to the south and also nearest to the Maldives, minicoy has a light house built by the British in 1885. Visitors are allowed up right to the top. Words cannot do justice to the incredible size of the lagoon, one of the largest in Lakshadweep the green coconut trees, and the mirror like surface of an island lake as it nestles in one corner of the island Minicoy is renowed for its dance.

AGATTI

It has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. This is where the airport is built. Aerial gateway to Lakshadweep, a 20 bed tourist complex has been set up there .

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