Lakshadweep Tour Packages From Bangalore

The word "Lakshadweep" means "One Hundred Thousand Islands" and, indeed, they consist of lagoons, reefs, sandy shores and 27 tiny, coconut palm-covered coral islands. Only ten of them are populated, the total number of population is slightly more than 50,000; most of them are Malayalam-speaking Sunni Muslims, who are said to have come from seventh-century Kerala Indians who were converted to Islam. So book your Bangalore Lakshadweep tour packages to know more about this place.

The main sources of income are fishing and selling coconut related products. Fruits, vegetables and beans are grown in small quantities, but major crops, such as rice and many other products, have to be constantly imported.

Its total area is 32 km2; the best-known inhabited islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Kalpeni and Minicoy, but some islands that were considered uninhabited. The ecosystem of the islands is famous for its biodiversity, living corals, a huge variety of fish, several species of sharks, turtles, barracudas, stingrays, sea urchins, leopard moray eels, sand eels. The main population of the islands, which is a mixture of descendants of Arabs and Indians, speaks a dialect of the South Indian language Malayalam.

The Lakshadweep archipelago is bathed by the emerald waters of the Arabian Sea. Tourism is developing with great potential: it is the only coral island chain in India. To visit them, you must have a special authorization since access is restricted. Amini Island is located 407 km from Kochi. Its surface is 2.60 km2. The weather is moderate and it is inhabited by artisans who skillfully work with coral and stone, the famous turtle shell canes are produced here. It is famous for its rich tradition and folk songs. Food of this land matches with that of the Kerala food.

7 Places to Visit in Lakshadweep

1. Minicoy Island

What’s Special: Vibrant coral reefs

Nearby Attractions: Villingili Island, Agatti Island, Bangaram Island

Distance from Bangalore: 720 kms

Minicoy Island is also known as Maliku Island, and is located on the Maliku atoll, the southernmost atoll of Lakshadweep. It covers an area of nearly 5 sq kms, and is home to some of the best and most popular attractions of Lakshadweep such as the Minicoy Lighthouse that was constructed by the East India Company during the British reign and is still functional. The island is also much acclaimed for its picturesque beaches, tuna fishing, colorful boats and a vibrant local life. There is also another smaller lighthouse here, which is functional as well.

2. Agatti Island

What’s Special: Mohiuddin Mosque

Nearby Attractions: Bangaram Atoll, Tinnakara Lagoon, Minicoy Island

Distance from Bangalore: 632 kms

A bottle shaped island in Lakshadweep, Agatti Island is probably one of the best known islands of Lakshadweep. It covers nearly 3.4 sq kms, and is very popular for its beautiful network of coral reefs, off the shores of the Arabian Sea. It is also famous for its varied aquatic life, with plenty of unique species dwelling in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It is customary to indulge in various water sports here, such as snorkeling and diving, although beach activities are just as popular. It is also one of the best islands to try out some exquisitely fresh seafood, and there are also opportunities to go fishing on your own and get the catch of the day cooked by a local eatery.

3. Bangaram Island

What’s Special: Brackish pond in the center of the island

Nearby Attractions: Tinnakara Island, Agatti Island, Pitti Bird Sanctuary

Distance from Bangalore: 620 kms

A beautiful island in the shape of a teardrop, Bangaram Island is part of the Bangaram atoll that measures 8.1 kms in length and a width of 4.2 kms. The Bangaram atoll comprises four separate islands including Bangaram itself, South Bangaram Cay, Parali triplets (Parali 1, Parali 2 and Parali 3) and Thinnakara. There is a large resort on Bangaram Island, which is a must stop for most tourists visiting here. Bangaram Island is also popular for being the only island where consumption of alcohol is legal, whereas it is not allowed on any of the other islands in all of Lakshadweep.

4. Kadmat Island

What’s Special: One of the largest lagoons of Lakshadweep

Nearby Attractions: Amindivi Island, Kiltan Island, Chetlat Island

Distance from Bangalore: 558 kms

Locally famous as the Cardamom Island, Kadmat Island is one of the most popular coral islands of Lakshadweep. It is part of the Amindivi islands, and is a marine protected area. Thanks to being located almost at the center of Lakshadweep, it can be reached very easily from all the other parts of the Union Territory. There is also a beautiful lagoon here, along with a small village and white sand beach. It is still not a very popular place for tourists to visit hence travelers can expect less crowds and secluded virgin beaches. Here too, water sports are a major attraction and marine life is just as varied.

5. Kavaratti Island

What’s Special: Lagoons and mosques

Nearby Attractions: marine Aquarium and Museum, Kavaratti, Pitti Bird Sanctuary, Pitti Bird Sanctuary

Distance from Bangalore: 601 kms

The Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful and well-developed islands in the country. It is also the capital of this Union Territory and is popular for its coral reefs off its shores. Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are the most popular water sports here, apart from spending time at the beach enjoying the local cuisine, shopping at the street market and simply sunbathing. Its most popular attraction is the Ujra Mosque. It is home to a well that is said to hold water that can cure certain ailments. You can check out this and other attractions in your Lakshadweep Islands tour package.

6. Kalpeni Island

What’s Special: The uninhabited island of Cheriyam

Nearby Attractions: Andrott Island, Kavaratti Island, Amindivi Island

Distance from Bangalore: 538 kms

One of the inhabited atolls of Lakshadweep, Kalpeni atoll is where Kalpeni Island is. It is made up of four major islands, including Kalpeni, Cheriyam, Kodithala and Tillakam group of islands. It is noteworthy that Kalpeni Island was the first island in Lakshadweep where women were allowed to get an education and to attend school. The most popular beach here is Tip Beach, where plenty of water sports are available, as well as the chance to enjoy some sunbathing and delicious local fare. There is also a coral reef here that is worth a dive for, although the water is still enough to see the corals from the surface as well.

7. Amindivi Island

What’s Special: The coir products are a must buy

Nearby Attractions: Bangaram Island, Pitti Bird Sanctuary, Minicoy Island

Distance from Bangalore: 637 kms

One of the three island subgroups of Lakshadweep, Amindivi Island covers almost 95 sq km in entirety. Nestled towards the North of Lakshadweep, Amindivi Island is a coral island that attracts visitors interested in various types of watersports such as snorkelling and diving. This island subgroup comprises several smaller islands, of which the main ones are Bitra, Kadmat, Amini, Chetlat and Kiltan. It is also a good place to simply relax, soak up the sun and enjoy some amazing seafood. Make sure to include this island as a part of your Lakshadweep Islands tour package itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep has a tropical sort of climate, with hot and humid summers, heavy monsoons and pleasant winters. The best time to visit it would be during September to February, when a cool breeze off the sea will keep you relaxed and sightseeing will not be a problem due to the incessant rains.

Summer

March to May is the summer season for Lakshadweep, which is also a good time to visit this group of islands. The average temperature here during this season remains around 22° C to 35° C, with plenty of heat and humidity. This, however, is a great time to indulge in watersports and sightseeing options, since there are next to no chances of rains.

Winter

The months of September to February bring about the winter season in Lakshadweep, with the average temperature being around 20° C to 30° C. The weather remains immensely pleasant during this time, with chilly nights and cool mornings. The afternoons are sure to bring you a lot of sunshine, which can be a blessing for those looking to sunbathe. This is also a good time to enjoy some watersports, since the sea remains calm.

Monsoons

The monsoon season in Lakshadweep lasts from June to August, and although it is a beautiful sight see the rains washing the islands clean and green, it is actually not a good time to visit Lakshadweep. The rains are sure to play havoc with any sightseeing plans, and would also make most cruises very hard to enjoy. Commuting between islands, especially the ones that can be accessed only via boats or helicopters, also becomes an impossibility owing to the unpredictable weather. The average temperature here during the monsoons remains around 30° C to 35° C.

How to Reach Lakshadweep From Bangalore?

By Air

If you want Lakshadweep trip from Bangalore then you should travel by air. Air India usually flies thrice-weekly from Kochi to the airstrip at Agatti. It is the sole airline serving Lakshadweep. However, the service is irregular and mostly season dependent.

By Bus

Both boat and helicopter transfers are presented from Agatti to Bangaram and Kadmat. The helicopter (US$150 return) may be the only option in monsoon season from May to September. Once on an island, there aren't too many options as the islands themselves are very small: most of them are less than 10 km in length and less than a kilometre in breadth between their extremes. You can travel by bus.