lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India which consists of 36 islands known for its exotic, sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means a hundred thousand islands.

The tourists are allowed to visit only a few islands on Lakshadweep, and these include:

• Kavaratti (capital city).
• Agatti.
• Bangaram.
• Kadmat.
• Kalpeni.
• Minicoy.

Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands off the coast of Kerala. The islands are popular for their stunning natural and aquatic beauty and the adventures they offer. Some of the adventures that one can indulge in here include:

• Snorkeling at Agatti
• Scuba Diving at Kalpeni Island
• Fishing at Kadmat Island
• Kite Surfing
• Canoeing
• Sunbathing

The islands in Lakshadweep celebrate all the major Islamic festivals as a majority of the islands’ population follows Islam. Some of the festivals that are celebrated in islands are: Eid Ul Fitr, Bakri Eid, Milad Ul Nabi and Muharram.

The food and cuisines in Lakshadweep are significantly influenced by flavors, ingredients, and style of Kerala’s cuisine as Kerala is at the closest proximity to it. Some popular dishes here are: Mus Kavaab, Fish, Fish Pakoda and Octopus Fry. Apart from local delicacies, the restaurants in Lakshadweep also serve dishes from international cuisines such as Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Korean dishes.

The most widely-spoken language in Lakshadweep is Malayalam. Malayalam is spoken by the local people in all the islands of Lakshadweep except the island of Minicoy.

Mahl, a dialect of Dhivehi language, is spoken on the island of Minicoy. Besides Mahl and Malayalam, many local residents can also speak Hindi, Bengali, Oriya, Tamil and Urdu.

Lakshadweep has a local population of about 64,000 and most of these are descendants of migrants from the Malabar Coast of southwest India, whose lifestyle and beliefs are similar to those of coastal Kerala's.

People in the islands of Lakshadweep celebrate all the major Islamic festivals as a majority of the islands’ population follows Islam. Some of the festivals that are widely celebrated in islands are: Eid Ul Fitr, Bakri Eid, Milad Ul Nabi and Muharram.

Lakshadweep has some famous beaches and tourist attractions , like:

• Kavaratti Beach
• Minicoy Beach
• Agatti Beach
• Kalpeni Beach
• Kadmat Beach
• Bangaram Beach
• Kiltan Beach
• Amini Beach, and so on

where people can relax, sunbathe or enjoy some adventurous activities, such as:

• Lagoon Fishing (fishing at the lagoons in these islands)
• Yacht Sailing
• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

For people who don’t prefer or are looking for other things to do besides water sports or beach activities such as scuba diving, fishing, kite surfing, canoeing or sunbathing, Lakshadweep has places where they can indulge in a bit of retail therapy.

Although Lakshadweep does not offer luxury malls or high-end shopping destinations as such, shopping here is still a great experience as you can find many fascinating souvenirs.

Below are some great spots for shopping in Lakshadweep:

• China Bazar Kavaratti
• Fiber Factory
• Muhammad Musthafa Supper Market
• Co-operative Society Supermarket
• Thavakkal Clothing Store
• Thele Fole Tea Shop

The easiest way to reach Lakshadweep is by flight. Agatti airport/aerodrome is Lakshadweep’s major and only airport; it is a domestic airport, connecting Lakshadweep islands to various other cities in India. One of the neighbouring regions’ airports which is closest and connects directly to Lakshadweep is Cochin International airport, which people from India as well as other countries can use to reach the islands.