the group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’.
India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km. It is a uni-district Union Territory and is comprised of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands. The islands comprise of 32 sq km. The capital is Kavaratti and it is also the principal town of the UT. All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea. The natural landscapes, the sandy beaches, abundance of flora and fauna and the absence of a rushed lifestyle enhance the mystique of Lakshadweep.
One of the earliest references to the region is by an anonymous author in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.[11] There are references to the control of the islands by the Cheras in the Sangam Patiṟṟuppattu. Local traditions and legends attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera king of Kerala.[12] The oldest inhabited islands in the group are Amini, Kalpeni Andrott, Kavaratti, and Agatti.
| Chief Minister | Area | Name of Capital | People | Official languages | Spoken languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pema Khandu | 32.69 km2 | Kavaratti | 65,473 | Malayalam, English | Jeseri, Dhivehi Language (Mahl) |
The island, also called Miliku, is one of the most prominent parts of the Lakshadweep islands. The island is the central hub for all plans to Lakshadeep, or it’s sister islands. Locked on the southwest side of the archipelago, sprinkled with many great attractions. Great for Lakshadweep sightseeing, it has an awe-striking lighthouse and many white-sand beaches.
Location: Lakshadweep 682557
Time required: 2 days
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Boat rides, Hiking, Food
Ideal For: families and friends
Another one of the popular Lakshadweep tourist places is Kadmat Island. This coral island has a vibrant marine life. The island is scarcely populated and makes for a great quiet getaway. Since it is rich in marine life, the primary source of income here is fishing; it’s also a great spot to try some of the locally cooked catch. This island is famous for snorkeling and deep-sea diving.
Location: Lakshadweep 682557
Time required: 2 days
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Suba, Snorkeling, kayaking, marine life
Ideal For: Adventure
The white sand and beautiful sunsets make this island one of the best places to see in Lakshadweep. This peaceful lagoon has a surprising amount of greenery and plantations. Kavaratti is the ideal getaway for nature lovers. Each year, the city attracts hundreds of foreign tourists who just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Location: Kavaratti 682555
Time required: 2 days
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Nature walks, Take a relaxing walk on the beaches
Ideal For: Families, Solo Travellers
This is where one can witness some of the wealthiest showcases of marine life and artifacts. The museum is established with an aim to educate the masses about the importance of aquatic life and show the various species of fish available. There is a shark skeleton here which is one of the most adored installations. Do add this museum to your list of places to visit in Lakshadweep.
Location: Kavaratti 682555
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: INR 15
Things To Do: Seek information on marine life
Ideal For: Families
Amini Beach is an incredible spot for people who are looking for serene tourist places in Lakshadweep. Located in Amini Island, this beach is popular as it is covered with coral sandstone. You can try various adventurous activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking. Amini beach is perfect for relaxing and spending a day while basking in the sun and sipping cocktails.
Location: Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 6-7 hours
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: snorkeling, scuba diving, reef walking
Ideal For: Families and couples
Andrott island is one of the largest islands in Lakshadweep and is known for the Saint Ubaidullah Tomb in the Jumaat mosque. You can spot octopuses and other marine creatures on this island. Andrott Island is one of the best places to visit in Lakshadweep if you are a history buff. Andrott island is also famous for the ancient Buddhist ruins found here.
Location: Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 5-6 hours
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Visit Jummat Mosque, Spot Octopus
Ideal For: Families and couples
While staying on the Kalpeni Island, you can take a smaller boat to head to the Pitti Island. This is a small, secluded island located in the middle of nowhere. The island is clean and beautiful. This dead coral island is a great spot to go snorkeling and see some of the most indigenous marine life. You can also choose to take a walk by the beach and spend quality time at this one of the most celebrated tourist attractions in Lakshadweep. Please ensure you make all the bookings before heading there, as the options for accommodations are limited.
Location: Pitti Island, Lakshadweep 682555
Time required: 2-3 hours
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Bird-watching
Ideal For: Adventure
The island, located at a 40-minute boat ride from Agatti. The island is the central hub for water sports and adventure. It feels like a private island with minimal hotels. Some even say that there are only twenty rooms on the whole island, so one must book beforehand. The beautiful lagoons and flawless coast make it a perfect spot for solo travelers who are looking for the best places to visit in Lakshadweep.
Location: Lakshadweep 682557
Time required: 1 day
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Water sports, Relaxation
Ideal For: Solo travelers
This island is a popular ship trip from Kerala. Since there are no privately run resorts here, it’s essential to book your accommodation beforehand. The highlights here are the food and fresh catch. The lack of foreign tourists permits make this a slightly unpopular choice. But this works to your advantage if you are looking for secluded regions and for the most serene Lakshadweep tourist places.
Location: Kalpeni, Lakshadweep 682556
Time required: 2 days
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Take a relaxing walk on the beaches, relish seafood
Ideal For: Families and friends
This island is often referred to as a paradise. The island is easily considered one of the best places to visit in Lakshadweep, as it is filled with activities for both nature lovers and adventure fanatics. People typically spend around 4-5 days here to absorb the quiet and calm before heading back to their regular life. The clean blue waters give a sense of liberation like none other. The reason this island is so popular with travelers is that this is the only island where the sales and consumption of alcohol are permitted. However, if you are here during the off-season; the odds of this limited alcohol are also grim.
Location: Lakshadweep 682553
Time required: 2 days
Entry fee: No entry fee
Things To Do: Hiking, Snorkeling
Ideal For: Couples and Friends
Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India. The word Lakshadweep means "One hundred thousand Islands". The two well known colleges of the island are, the Government Jawaharlal Nehru College and the Mahatma Gandhi College which offers degree courses in various disciplines of arts, science and technology. The Lakshadweep colleges specialize in various courses like English, British History, World History, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Applications, Physics, Botany, Zoology and Pisciculture.
Government Jawaharlal Nehru College offers courses in Certificate courses in Computing, Diploma in Disaster Management, PG Diploma in Health and Hospital Management, Certificate courses in Food and Nutrients, Certificate courses in Environment Studies, PG Diploma in Rural Development, Paramedical Courses, Mass Communication, Technical, Humanities
- Mahatma Gandhi College, Lakshadweep
Affiliated to Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
- Government Jawaharlal Nehru College, Kadamath
Affiliated to Calicut University, Calicut
- Government Jawaharlal Nehru College, Lakshadweep
Affiliated to Calicut University, Calicut
