Lakshadweep Travel Guide: This article will help you plan your perfect trip to one of the most exotic and vibrant places in India, which is on par with or better than many foreign touristic places. So, here we are talking about “Lakshadweep,” which is the union territory of India consisting of 36 coral islands.
Lakshadweep, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word, means “a hundred thousand islands.” It is located in the Arabian Sea and is known for its pure and sun-kissed white sandy beaches, clean turquoise waters, and colorful coral reefs.
People visit from all over the world to experience this mesmerizing touristic place in India to look at the natural landscapes, white sandy beaches, variety of marine life, pristine coral islands, and laid-back atmosphere that is free from the hustle and bustle of city life. The absence of rushed ways of living adds to the charm of Lakshadweep.
So, today we will give you a complete Lakshadweep travel guide with full details regarding how to reach Lakshadweep, from choosing the best time to visit to the top things to do to finding the most beautiful beaches and lagoons. We’ll also cover all essential information on transportation, accommodation, food, and activities, so you can make the most of your time in this island paradise.
Here’s a Lakshadweep travel guide to help you navigate your Lakshadweep adventure:
How to Reach Lakshadweep
If you want to visit Lakshadweep, there are two most convenient ways to get there. The first way is through flight, and the second way is through cruise.
These two are the best options available for you to easily reach Lakshadweep. In between them, a flight is the most reasonable and hassle-free way to reach Lakshadweep.
And one more thing: if you are planning to visit Lakshadweep for holidays, you must remember to obtain a special permit before your Lakshadweep adventure, as it’s a part of the Union territory of India. So, you must obtain a permit before entering Lakshadweep, without which you are not allowed to enter Union territory. But the good thing is that you can get the permit easily.
How Do I Get An Entry Permit for Lakshadweep?
To visit Lakshadweep, all Indian national tourists have to obtain a mandatory special permit. For an entry permit to Lakshadweep, you have to apply for a special permit from the official website of Lakshadweep Tourism.
You can also get the entry permit from the Lakshadweep Administration Office, which is present in Kochi, Kerala. Locally (Kochi), the Lakshadweep Administration Office is called the Sports Office.
So, first, get your permit for Lakshadweep, then book your tickets for a flight or cruise.
How Do I Reach Lakshadweep By Flight?
If you want to reach Lakshadweep via flight, There are daily flights available, but book tickets in advance as seats fill up quickly. You have to follow the following steps: If you want to reach Lakshadweep via flight, they are as follows:
Firstly, you have to reach either Kochi or Bangalore airport from your city because Kochi and Bangalore are the only airports where flights for Lakshadweep are available.
Secondly, after reaching either Kochi or Bangalore airports, you have to fly directly to Agatti Airport, the only airport in Lakshadweep.
Lastly, as soon as you reach Agatti Airport, you are in Lakshadweep. So, from there, you can take a boat or ship to reach any Lakshadweep Islands that are open to tourists.
Note: Before booking flight tickets to Lakshadweep, take the permit for Lakshadweep.
How Do I Reach Lakshadweep By Cruise?
If you don’t like flying much, then a cruise is another good option by which you can reach Lakshadweep. To reach Lakshadweep by cruise Firstly, you have to reach Kochi. Secondly, you have to take a cruise from Kochi to Kavaratti, the administrative capital of Lakshadweep.
The journey to reach Lakshadweep by sea takes around 15–20 hours. There are many perks to traveling via cruise, as you can watch the stunning views of the mesmerizing coastline. However, cruises for Lakshadweep are only available from October to March (peak season).
Mumbai to Lakshadweep Cruise
There is a Premium cruise called “Cordelia Cruise” which sail from Mumbai to Lakshadweep. The details regarding the cruise itinerary and budget can be seen in their official website.
Note: To come to Lakshadweep even by cruise, you will have to take Lakshadweep Permit.
How Do I Reach Lakshadweep By Train?
Unfortunately, there is no direct train connectivity to Lakshadweep, but if you still want to go by train, You have to book a ticket to Kochi’s main railway station, Ernakulam Junction, or you can take a train to Mangalore. From there on, you have to take a flight or cruise to reach Lakshadweep.
Top Things To Do In Lakshadweep
Explore the Underwater World: Lakshadweep is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, with vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear turquoise waters brimming with rare species, exotic fish, and even gentle manta rays.
Relax on Pristine White Sand Beaches: Lakshadweep is a treasure for India as it boasts some of the most exquisite beaches with white sand, clean turquoise water, and swaying palm trees, which are ideal for swimming, tanning, and making sandcastles.
Kayak over Lagoons: If you are in Lakshadweep, you must try kayaking to explore the lagoons surrounding the islands and experience the calmness and peacefulness of nature. While kayaking, you can also see vibrant, colorful birds.
Go Island Hopping: Island hopping is a must-do thing in Lakshadweep. Since then, there have been eleven inhabited islands, each with its own distinct beauty. Go to Bangaram for its immaculate beaches, Agatti for its laid-back atmosphere, and Kadmat for its historical lighthouse.
Experience local culture: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Lakshadweep by going to traditional dance performances, trying their local delicacies like Malabar curry and fresh seafood, and interacting with the friendly islanders.
Places To Visit In Lakshadweep
You will get to see a total of 36 islands in Lakshadweep, out of which some islands are the most popular, and you should definitely visit those islands. Below, we have told you about all the popular islands of Lakshadweep.
Kadmat Island
Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep is a very big and beautiful island. It is the largest island in Lakshadweep. Kadmat is home to a historical lighthouse, lush coconut groves, and a laid-back island atmosphere.
On this island, you will get to see clearer water than all the islands of Lakshadweep. Apart from this, here you also get the facility to do scuba diving.
That means, after reaching Kadmat Island, you can also see the underwater view of Lakshadweep. Most people come to Kadmat Island only for scuba diving and the historical lighthouse. Therefore, this island should also be on your travel list.
Minicoy Island
The southernmost island in Lakshadweep, Minicoy, is known for its unique Laccadive language, traditional tuna fishing, and stunning natural beauty.
On this island, you will get to see many beautiful scenes of nature, and the water on this island is completely clean. You also have the facility to do water activities on this island of Lakshadweep, so if you are coming to Lakshadweep, then you must visit Minicoy Island.
After visiting Minicoy Island, you can also visit the lighthouse here, which is a very popular tourist destination on Minicoy Island. Visitors can go to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the panoramic view of the island from above.
Kalpeni Island
Kalpeni Island in Lakshadweep is a very beautiful and popular island where you can go for a walk. Here, you will also have the facility to do many water activities. Apart from this, it boasts some of the most exquisite beaches with white sand, clean turquoise water, and swaying palm trees, which are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, making sandcastles, and drinking coconut water. Therefore, if you are going to visit Lakshadweep, then visiting Kalpeni Island should definitely be on your list.
Apart from the above, there are many places that you can visit. They are as follows:
Agatti Island, Bangaram Island, Kavaratti Island, and more places that you can visit while planning your trip to Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep On A Budget
Lakshadweep is not a budget-friendly destination. The permit process, limited accommodation options, and transportation costs can add up. If you are planning to visit Lakshadweep, then you should plan a trip of 4 nights and 5 days. During this time, you will be able to explore Lakshadweep very well. If you are planning to go to Lakshadweep on your own, then you should have a budget of Rs 50 thousand to Rs 1.50 lakh (your travel, food, and stay are included in this budget). In this budget, you will be able to visit Lakshadweep very well.
However, you can find budget-friendly options by opting for homestay stays, packing your own food, and limiting water sports activities. Expect to spend around Rs. 3,000–5,000 per day, excluding travel costs.
Note: This budget is just an estimate; it can be more or less depending on your lifestyle.
Apart from this, if you want, you can also go to Lakshadweep with travel packages through many travel companies. Many travel companies help you visit Lakshadweep in packages ranging from Rs 25 Thousand to Rs 1 lakh. For this, you should contact your nearest travel agent or different online portals for visiting Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep Food : Lakshadweep Travel Guide
If you are visiting Lakshadweep then you will not have to worry about the food, As you will get both the option of Veg and Non-veg Food items available in your hotel accommodation itself.
Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to March.
Lakshadweep Airport : Lakshadweep Travel Guide
At present, Agatti Airport is the only airport in Lakshadweep.