Lakshadweep
Introduction
:
The Lakshadweep islands are the only real
coral islands in the country. They almost seem to float out
of nowhere some 400 kilometers from the coast of Kerala and
of the 36 islands, only ten are inhabited. Most of them are
long and irregular with a lagoon enclosed by a coral reef
usually on the western side. Believed to have been formed
as a result of coral activity, each lagoon abounds with some
spectacular growth of corals, which in turn supports a diverse
array of marine life. The tiny, narrow islands with their
coconut palms, white coral beaches and lovely, shallow and
clear waters, combine to make it a tropical dream, which few
parts of the world can match.
Entry
permit :
All visitors to the Islands of Bangaram Resort will need a
permit. These are issued at Cochin. It would
therefore be necessary to send three passport size photographs
with full passport details to the management of Bangaram Resort
to obtain the permit in advance in the case of foreign nationals.
In the case of Indians only name and address required. Permits
are ordinarily issued with a validity of 15 days. If required
this may be extended from the resort itself. While advance
arrangement for the permit would be desirable, this permit
can also be arranged on arrival at Cochin.
Islands
:
Kavaratti
The administrative capital, Kavaratti is the most developed
of the islands with the highest percentage of non-islanders
as residents. Fifty two mosques are spread out over the island,
the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque.
A well, within its precincts, is believed to contain water
of curative powers. The Ujra mosque has an ornately carved
ceiling, said to have been carved from a piece of driftwood.
Kavaratti also has an aquarium with several colourful species
of fish. There is a glass bottom boat for viewing marine life
and an array of remarkable coral formations that pro- vides
a background to the lagoons and the islands: within them.
Some Water Sports like kayaking canoeing and snorkeling are
available for tourists.
Kalpeni
Kalpeni has three uninhabited satellite islands, all surrounded
by an immense lagoon of spectacular beauty. Sunlight on the
water causes it to sparkle and flash like a million aquamarines.
Koomel, the gently curving bay where the tourist facilities
are located, directly over- looks Pitti and Thilakkm, two
of the islands. Here you can swim, reef walk, snorkel or use
water sports equipment like kayaks, and sail boats. Now the
tourist facilities have been augmented and tourists can stay
on the island in privately managed huts, depending on the
package. This lagoon is specially rich in coral life.
Kadmath
A particularly fine lagoon, of even depth and an endless shoreline,
perfect for swimming, makes Kadmath a haven of solitude. The
tourist huts are situated some distance away from habitation,
with only the splash of the waves to break the silence. During
the day, when the heat of the overhead sun becomes too strong,
the feathery network of coconut palms provides a canopy throughout
the island, through which light dimly filters, green and cool.
It is the only island with lagoons on both eastern and western
sides. A Water Sports Institute providing water sports facilities
has been set up in Kadmath. Accommodation consists of AC and
non AC tourist huts aesthetically situated in the coconut
palm groves on the beaches. The island is becoming increasingly
popular for honeymooners. As a testimony to its Water Sports
potential, a Scuba Diving Centre has been set up there. With
the Water Sports Institute, Scuba Diving Centre and the proposed
augmentation of accommodation, the island is sure to become
the focal point of tourist activities in Lakshadweep.
Minicoy
Furthest from Kavaratti island, 200 km away to the south and
also nearest to the Maldives, Minicoy has a lighthouse built
by the British in 1885. Visitors are allowed up, right to
the very top. Words cannot do justice to the incredible size
of the lagoon, one of the largest in Lakshadweep, the green
of coconut trees, and the mirror-like surface of an inland
lake as it nestles in one corner of the island. Minicoy has
a culture very different from any other island - dress, language,
food, all differ. Minicoy has a cluster of 10 villages, which
are called Athiris, each presided over by a Moopan. A walk
through the winding lanes of the villages is an indication
of the culture here. Minicoy is renowned for its dance tradition:
the lava dance is performed on festive occasions. There is
a tuna canning factory - signifying its importance in tuna
fishing and boat building activity. Privately managed cottages
have been built on the isolated beaches and are available
for tourists.
Agatti
Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep.
This is where the airport is built. A virtual gateway to Lakshadweep,
a 20 bed tourist complex has been set up here. The island
will shortly be opened for tourists.
Bangaram
There is something indescribably romantic about the very notion
of an uninhabited island and Bangaram justifies that feeling.
Tear-drop shaped, it is encircled by a continuous halo of
creamy sand. Like all the other islands of Lakshadweep, luxuriant
plantations of coconut provide coolness even during the hottest
part of the day. There are three uninhabited islands in the
same atoll consisting of Tinnakara, Parali-l, Parali-ll, perfect
for a day's outing. All the islands share the same lagoon,
an enormous bowl of turquoise blue. At twilight, the setting
sun, a ball of crimson in a flaming sky, casts its reflection
on the water, and with the ever present coconut palms as a
black silhouette, Bangaram is at the height of its allure.
That is the hour when every visitor promises himself another
visit someday.
If one were to cut the poetry,
eulogising the beauty of the island of Bangaram, then one
would still be left with the essential fact that it is a breathtakingly
beautiful island quite out of this world. Surrounded by one
of the largest and safest lagoons with its calm, unimaginable
blue- green waters, lie the white coral sands and the half-a-square
kilometer rise of Bangaram.
And yet the lagoon is born out of a long coral reef that rings
around three other islands as well, each easily accessible
by out boarding, sailing, rowing and for the athletic, by
kayaking or wind-surfing from Bangaram.
But that is not all.
How
to go there :
By
Air
NEPC has started operating flights from Cochin to Agatti island
for Bangarani. From Agatti, passengers are transported to
Bangaram by fast boat and brought back to Agatti in time for
their departure. A helicopter service links Agatti to other
islands.
By
Ship
Vessels ply between Cochin and Lakshadweep. They have air-conditioned
cabins for first class tourists and an air-conditioned Lounge
hall with push back seats for tourist class accommodation.
Rates vary according to the type of accommodation as well
as the package chosen. Domestic package prices are inclusive
of ship fare, meals on the ship and islands, ferrying charges
between ship and island (the ship anchors 30-45 minutes away
from each island), transport charges in the islands, sightseeing
charges, lagoon cruising and accommodation on the islands.
Every journey of the· ship-between Cochin and an island
as well as between one island and another takes anything from
3 to 20 hours. Indian meals are served on board. Some cabins
are fitted with a wash basin and have common bathrooms. First
class AC cabins have attached toilets. Bed-linen and towels
are provided. From October to April, Catamaran speed vessels
operate as per monthly schedule between major islands in the
northern group.
Board
and Lodging
The tourist huts in each island are situated on the beach
in ideal locations, Each hut has one or two twin-bedded bedrooms,
overhead fans, and attached baths, Meals are served out on
the beach, An extra bed can be provided in each room. (The
tourist huts along with the entire island receives its electric
supply from diesel generating sets.)
Tips
For Travellers :
Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands formed
from coral rock, and beautiful formations
can be seen all over the lagoons. Tempting as it is to pick
one piece up as a souvenir, it is strictly Illegal, being
punishable with heavy fines. This is because in doing so you
are seriously endangering the environment. Local cuisine resembles
food from Kerala for the spices it uses, and for the extensive
use of coconut. Breakfast could consist or idlis or poorie
subji and lunch and dinner of rice with a dry vegetable, sambhar
and fish, chicken or mutton in a gravy. Tuna fish, curried,
fried or barbecued is generally available from October to
March, Vegetarian meals are available. |
