About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. However there are only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometers. It is the tiniest Union Territory of India with 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Ten Islands are inhabited. They are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.
Theories about coral atoll formation is inconclusive. However the most prominent and perhaps most accepted one is given by the Sir Charles Darwin in 1842.
According to him the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs, which transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base.
According to legends, small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.
The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th century. St. Ubaidulla of Mecca dreamt that prophet Mohammed wanted him to go to Jeddah, take a ship from there and go to distant places. While he was sailing near these small islands, a storm wrecked his ship. Floating on a plank he was swept ashore on the island of Amini. Ubaidulla started propagating Islam in the islands.
Tourist In Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is one of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems. Thirty- two sq. km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 sq. km of lagoon rich in marine wealth. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Committed to the cause of Eco tourism Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation.
The Administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns. As an effective strategy to avoid pressure on ecological environment, the efforts to promote tourism have been synchronized with the carrying capacity of the islands.
Though all the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reef, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings, most of these differ in terms of facilities and services offered.
Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports; still others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation and natural enjoyment. Since the land is precious and scarce it is avowed policy of the Administration to relieve pressure on land and promote water based tourism. The motto being admires and not exploits that natural beauty.
The dispersed Island situations and small size of Islands put unavoidable constraints to physical development. Islands are forced to support independent infrastructure and amenities and import almost all requirements to develop such facilities besides items of daily need. However, Lakshadweep has used the situation as an asset rather than a constraint through promotion of quality tourism.
To enhance tourism that has significant positive social impact and negative environment impact, and extreme low volume and high value added specialized tourism in the basic thrust to make tourism development environmentally sustainable. The policy thrust is very much evident from the fact that only 3587 tourists visited the islands during the finical year 1998-99.
In pursuance of the above policy, an environment impact assessment of 9th five-year Plan of Lakshadweep Administration for the period 1997-2002 was conducted. While environmental impact assessment of project is now a well-established practice, environmental impact assessment of policies or plans is a relatively new concept.
It was for the first time in the country that Five Year Plan was subjected to environmental impact assessment. In the environmental analysis of the Department of tourism, it has been observed that preservation of environment is the cherished goal of Lakshadweep. In fact environment is the basic raw material for tourism for these islands.
Water Sports
Lakshadweep with its vast lagoon around all the islands has emerged as a water sport destination in the country. Understanding the potential of water sports Department has been striving to make these islands a prime water sports destination not only within the country but through out the world.
As such, the Department has been concentrating on developing the water sports facilities. While developing these facilities fragile ecology of these islands have been taken into consideration and only non intrusive water sports are encouraged.
Therefore, the water sports like water scooters, etc has been deliberately kept out. Another feature of water sports in Lakshadweep is the development of high yielding adventure water sports like scuba diving and para sailing, etc.
The Department has set up a full-fledged waters sports Institute at Kadmat island. This Institute offers facilities for Kayaking, canoeing, yachting, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing and last but not least scuba diving. A full fledged scuba diving centres are operational at Kavaratti and Kadmat islands and these have emerged as a prime scuba diving destinations to the well heeled and adventurous tourists.
Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. However there are only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometers. It is the tiniest Union Territory of India with 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Ten Islands are inhabited. They are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.
Theories about coral atoll formation is inconclusive. However the most prominent and perhaps most accepted one is given by the Sir Charles Darwin in 1842. According to him the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs, which transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base.
According to legends, small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.
The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th century. St. Ubaidulla of Mecca dreamt that prophet Mohammed wanted him to go to Jeddah, take a ship from there and go to distant places. While he was sailing near these small islands, a storm wrecked his ship. Floating on a plank he was swept ashore on the island of Amini. Ubaidulla started propagating Islam in the islands.Tourist In Lakshadweep
Though all the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reef, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings, most of these differ in terms of facilities and services offered.
Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports; still others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation and natural enjoyment. Since the land is precious and scarce it is avowed policy of the Administration to relieve pressure on land and promote water based tourism. The motto being admires and not exploits that natural beauty.
To enhance tourism that has significant positive social impact and negative environment impact, and extreme low volume and high value added specialized tourism in the basic thrust to make tourism development environmentally sustainable. The policy thrust is very much evident from the fact that only 3587 tourists visited the islands during the finical year 1998-99.
In pursuance of the above policy, an environment impact assessment of 9th five-year Plan of Lakshadweep Administration for the period 1997-2002 was conducted. While environmental impact assessment of project is now a well-established practice, environmental impact assessment of policies or plans is a relatively new concept.
It was for the first time in the country that Five Year Plan was subjected to environmental impact assessment. In the environmental analysis of the Department of tourism, it has been observed that preservation of environment is the cherished goal of Lakshadweep. In fact environment is the basic raw material for tourism for these islands.
Water Sports
Lakshadweep with its vast lagoon around all the islands has emerged as a water sport destination in the country. Understanding the potential of water sports Department has been striving to make these islands a prime water sports destination not only within the country but through out the world.
Therefore, the water sports like water scooters, etc has been deliberately kept out. Another feature of water sports in Lakshadweep is the development of high yielding adventure water sports like scuba diving and para sailing, etc.
The Lakshadweep island lie on the Arabian Sea. A timeless undiscovered treasure comprising 36 reefs and coral atolls - untouched and unspoilt. Very little is known about them and this adds to the sense of adventure for visitors.
Places to Visit in Lakshadweep - Get online information about Lakshadweep Tour Attractions, Places to visit in Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep,attractions,
Lakshadweep sight seeing places, Lakshadweep holiday places,visit Lakshadweep tourist beaches and all information about Lakshadweep India.
Lakshadweep sight seeing places, Lakshadweep holiday places,visit Lakshadweep tourist beaches and all information about Lakshadweep India.
While on Kerala tour, do visit the widely scattered group of coral islands - 36 of them - collectively known as Lakshadweep. They form part of the Union of India and are one of the country's newest tourist destinations. Ten of the islands arinhabited by simple, peace-loving folk whose language is close to that spoken in Kerala.
The five islands which are open to tourists have simple accommodation in the shape of beach cottages. Permis to visit Lakshadweep can be obtained from the Lakshadweep tourist office in Cochin. Regular flights operate from Cochin to one of the islands, as well as modestly priced ship cruises which stop at all the islands open to tourism. These cruises begin and end at Cochin.
The Lakshadweep island lie on the Arabian Sea. A timeless undiscovered treasure comprising 36 reefs and coral atolls - untouched and
unspoilt. Very little is known about them and this adds to the sense of adventure for visitors. The islanders have lifestyles and occupations that revolve around coconut cultivation, coir matting and fishing. The main focus of Lakshadweep Tourism is on water sports, as each of the island is surrounded by a coral reef providing large areas of crystal clear water for everything from snorkeling to wind surfing.
The first glimpse of the island is about one and half hours flight from Cochin airport to the
mainland Agatti.
The first glimpse of the island is about one and half hours flight from Cochin airport to the
mainland Agatti.
Everything you expect of atropical paradise is here: Deserted sandy beaches, stretches of coconut palm trees, endless sunshine and above al the clear blue waters of the coral lagoons. Sightseeing at Lakshadweep.
Kavaratti :About 404 kms. from Cochin, Kavaratti is a beautiful calm lagoon and forms an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches. The Ajara and Jamnath mosques (of the 52 on the island) have the best woodcarving and the former has a particularly good ceiling carved out of driftwood.
Kalpeni : Kalpeni is at a distance of about 287 kms. from Cochin. It is known for its scenicbeauty with the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the northcalled Cheriyam.A striking feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern & southeastern shoreline. Here, one can swim, reef-walk or water sports on kayaks, sail boat and pedal boat. Agatti : Agatti is about 459 kms. from Cochin. It is 6 kms. long and 1000 meters wide at the broadest point. Agatti presents a breathtaking spectacle of amazing coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery beaches and lush green coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. There are facilities for Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Excursions on Glass-bottomed Boats, Sail boats and Fishing trips.
Kadmat :Kadmat is about 407 kms. from Cochin. Land area of Kadmat is 8 Km long and 550 m wide at the broadest point. The best attractions at Kadmat are the long sandy beaches and the sand banks on the southern tip for sunbath. The place is ideal for a real holiday that brings you away from the busy crowd, hustle and bustle of city life.
Bangaram : Bangaram is located at a distance of 459 kms. from Cochin. An undomesticated island, Bangaram is one of the islands open to foreign tourists. It has been ranked among the best hideaways of the world. The teardrop-shaped island has superb beaches and beautiful lagoons. There are numerous adventures like scuba diving, snorkelling and deep sea fishing in which you can engage yourself.
