By Air:
Both Kingfisher and Indian Airlines fly to Agatti
Island. Flying time between Cochin and Agatti is
approximately 90 minutes.
While Kingfisher Airlines flies a 40 seat ATR between
Bangalore – Cochin – Agatti every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday, Indian Airlines flies a 12
seat Dornier between Cochin – Agatti on every
day except Wednesdays. Fares are cheaper
if bookings are made in advance so it’s wisest
to book early.
Bangaram is under 10 kilometers from Agatti and
the boat transfer from Agatti to the resort takes
about 90 minutes in the resort
boat.
Kadmat is under 60 kilometers from Agatti and the
boat transfer from Agatti can take between 2 to
6 hours depending on the availability
of inter island boats to ferry travelers across.
There is a baggage restriction of 10 kilos on the
Indian Airlines flight 25 kilos on the Kingfisher
flight.
By Ship:
Lakshadweep tourism operates tourist vessels that
ply between Cochin and the various islands.
Bangaram resort does not encourage tourists to
do this and have no facilities to pick up tourists
coming by ship. Hence, this option applies only
to tourists visiting Kadmat Island.
The ships start at about 12 noon from Cochin and
reach Kadmat next morning/afternoon. Tourists
are picked up by the resort and transported via
boats / bus.
The ships offer air-conditioned lounges with push-back
seats and a cafeteria that provides meals and
beverages during transit. This is definitely a
more economical option for those traveling directly
from Cochin to Kadmat but factors like available
ship schedules (with a remote possibility of changes),
time spent sailing (18 hours, give or take) and
the absence of cruise ship like luxuries should
be considered. Not a bad option altogether as
they drop travelers to Kadmat directly and the
sail is quite pleasant. Carrying a sleeping bag
to sleep out on the top deck and under the stars
is the best way to do it… also sea-sickness
pills for those who might be prone to it.
Entry Requirements:
All visitors to Lakshadweep Islands are required
to obtain an entry permit. We require the following
details in order to obtain your entry permit:
Foreign Nationals: Name, Address, Date and Place
of Birth, Passport Number, Place and Date of issue,
Place and Date of expiry and Expiry of Visa.
Indian National: Name, Address, Date and Place
of Birth.
Climate:
Typically Tropical as we call it! Temperate throughout
most of the diving season. The pre-monsoon period
starts around the last week of April when winds
start to pick up. Temperatures range from 25-32
degrees C. Humidity averages at 70-75%
Best time to visit the islands
is November through March. The diving season is
October through April. The monsoons start to advance
by the middle of May and diving as well as boat
transfers shut down till 15th September. The helicopter
based on the islands then ferries visitors between
the islands. Only the resort at Bangaram is open
throughout the year.
Health & Safety:
All inhabited islands have a government hospital.
Medical emergencies and evacuation is by helicopter
to Cochin (available throughout the year) Nearest
Decompression Chamber is at the Indian Naval base
at Cochin.
Local Customs:
Islam is practiced throughout Lakshadweep and
though the islanders are friendly, public nudity
and Alcohol is prohibited on all islands. Modesty
in clothing is advised when visiting the local
villages. |
