A chain of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a bucket list destination for anyone who loves the sea. Known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands from 1956 when it became a Union Territory, the name change to Lakshadweep came into being in 1973 after a parliamentary act. The islands are ecologically similar to the islands of Maldives comprising coral reefs, atolls, lagoons and unspoilt beaches. As the crow flies, the main administrative island of Kavaratti is about 400 kilometres to the west of Kochi, and most of the islands are within a range of 220 to 450 kilometres from mainland India. According to the last census in 2011 only 11 islands in this serene archipelago are inhabited. Many of the islands are simply sand bars and atolls, with no source of fresh water. One such island called Parali 1 is now a submerged reef due to sea erosion.
The islands are divided into three clusters, namely Aminidivi, Laccadive and Minicoy. Aminidivi comprises Chetlal, Kiltan and Kadmat islands among others. Kadmat is known for its scuba diving sites, and is one of the few islands that has resorts. The Laccadive cluster of islands is the biggest with prominent islands being Androth, Kavaratti, Agatti and Bangaram. While Androth island is the biggest in term of population with 10,720 inhabitants, Kavaratti is the capital of the Lakshadweep Union Territory. Agatti houses the only airport in the UT, and Bangaram is a resort island. The Minicoy cluster in the southernmost of the islands, close to Maldives. All tourists, Indian and international, need permits to on a Lakshadweep trip. These permits can be arranged by authorised agents who sell Lakshadweep tour packages.
History of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep in Sanskrit means one lakh islands. Archaeological finding point towards Buddhism being the faith of the islanders in the ancient past. However, local traditions put down the first settlers to the period of Chera dynasty king of Kerala – Cheraman Perumal. It is believed he converted to Islam from Hinduism, under the influence of Arabian traders according to some sources. Soon he set out for a pilgrimage for Mecca from Cranganore or Kodungallor, near Kochi. The king never returned. Search parties were sent in sailing boats, one of which was shipwrecked off the shore of Bangaram island. Other boats too chanced upon these islands, and many people onboard decided to make these islands their new home. The islands of Amini, Kavaratti, Andrott and Kalpeni were soon inhabited. These people were converted to Islam in time by a revered saint named Ubaidullah, who landed on these shores from Jeddah. Initially there was resistance to his preachings but he soon convinced people to embrace the new religion. Islam, today, is the main religion of Lakshadweep with over 96% following it. Ubaidullah lies buried in the island on Andrott.
Cholas – the powerhouse seafaring dynasty of Tamil Nadu took control of these islands in 11th century. Being on the sea trade route these islands were a prize possession. From the Cholas it moved to Kingdom of Kannur in north Kerala. Hence the cultural affinity with the Mappilas is significant. The Portuguese, Tipu Sultan and the British ruled over it subsequently until it became a part of the Indian Union at independence.
Culture of Lakshadweep
Malayalam, with a fair smattering of Tamil and Arabic words, is spoken in the northern island clusters of Laccadive and Amindivi, while the southern cluster of Minicoy speaks the Mahl dialect of Dhivehi, the language of Maldivians. Most of population has similarities with the Mappila community of northern Kerala, and many socio-cultural practices that hark back to their Hindu ancestry. Many Nambudiri Brahmins and Nairs among other social groups settled along these shores. The matrilineal way of life in the islands points towards this old caste connection. Kinship with the mother’s family side is a standard social practice. The two popular folk dances namely Kolkali and Parichakali brings the community together in the Laccadive and Amindivi cluster of islands, while people of Minicoy congregate around a dance form called Lava. For these small isolated communities, traditions and customs play a big part in life. Ask your travel planner to design Lakshadweep holiday packages according to your interest, which for example could revolve around water sports and peek into local culture.
Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep
The clear waters around Lakshadweep offers fabulous scuba diving opportunities. Agatti, Bangaram, Minicoy and Kadmat are some of the leading islands for diving. With many leading PADI certified dive enterprises operating here, these islands are tailor made both for advanced divers and newbies to the sport. The ship wreck off Bangaram, variety of marine life teeming within the coral reefs, visibility of around 30 feet underwater – offer some of the finest dive conditions in the world. Check out Diveline at Agatti island. A dive can cost anywhere between Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 depending on the dive location and expertise of the instructors. It is completely safe, and one doesn’t need swimming skills. For beginners, instructors also hold hands and guide you through the underwater experience.
Best time to visit Lakshadweep
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is December and January, however October to March is the larger travel season. The waters are calm, the atmospheric conditions are pleasant, and it is also the best time for scuba divers due to high underwater visibility. Summer through monsoon months are lean season, when the weather gets very humid and waters are choppy. During October–November northeast monsoon hits the islands and can be rainy, but not as intense as the southwest monsoon in June-July.
How to reach Lakshadweep?
Being a chain of islands, Lakshadweep can only be accessed by air or water transport. The city of Kochi in Kerala is the hub for tourists headed to the islands. Air India operates daily flights to Agatti island, the only airport in Lakshadweep. From Agatti there are boat transfers to many surrounding islands such as Kavaratti, Bangaram, Kadmat etc. Helicopter service is available to the administrative headquarters in Kavaratti from Agatti. There is also a proposal to connect some of the islands by sea planes. However, ships are the most popular way to reach the different islands. Located within 450 kilometres from Kochi, they take between 14 to 18 hours to reach these Islands. There are seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy which operate between Kochi and the islands. They come in different class segments: Air-conditioned First Class with two berth cabins, air-conditioned Second Class with four berths, air-conditioned push back seats. A doctor is always available on call in each ship for emergency. During favourable season high speed catamarans also operate. For tourists wishing to visit Minicoy islands near Maldives, the sea route from Kochi is the only option.
Also, ensure you have a special permit before boarding the plane or ship. You may get this through an operator registered with the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports, a nodal government body handling tourism in Lakshadweep.
