 Shimmering like glittering emeralds
in splendid aquamarine shaded lagoons, the Lakshadweep
islands are reminiscent of a time bygone. A vibe
that is both ancient and mellow prevails over these
islands… a vibe that begs visitors from outside
to slow down and soak in the marvelous beauty that
the islands offer.
Approximately 450 kilometers off the Western
coast of Kerala, the Lakshadweep islands are a
set of 36 coral islands – part of the Maldivian
Archipelago. They maintain an identity that is
still tradition bound and a culture that has evolved
from being linked to the seas around them.
Only 10 islands are inhabited. Out of these only
the islands of Kadmat, Agatti, Bangaram, Minicoy
and Kavaratti are open to domestic visitors while
International visitors are allowed on all the
above islands save Kavaratti.
 The local community is entirely Islamic and is
primarily fisher folk. Coconuts and fish still
dominate conversations here. A controlled effort
is underway to introduce them to the outside world
and vice-versa. Visitors are controlled by the
number of tourists allowed on any island at a
given time and entry permits are processed through
selected channels. Total prohibition on alcohol
is observed here except for the Bangaram resort
which boasts of the only beach bar in Lakshadweep.
Cellular phones end up as fancy gizmos on most
islands; the Net is what is used for fishing and
the Satellite TV invasion – well it didn’t
invade Lakshadweep! Almost all supplies come from
the mainland on cargo ships that now regularly
ply the waters. All inhabited islands have hospitals
and a helicopter is based throughout the year
for medical evacuations. The nearest Decompression
facility is at the Naval Base at Cochin.
Apart from two private resorts at Bangaram and
Agatti, all other resorts are administered by
the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and
Sports (SPORTS) in synch with the Department of
Tourism, Lakshadweep.
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