Places to Visit in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is a collection of 36 islands spanning 32 square kilometres in the Arabian Sea. Its remote location gives it a unique appeal, attracting tourists who seek an exotic escape with vibrant natural beauty.

The islands of Lakshadweep offer dazzling blue waters, pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, thrilling underwater sports, and a rich cultural heritage. Thus, it lets you experience the best of both worlds: nature and adventure.

Unlike many holiday spots, this island remains largely free from heavy human intervention, preserving its breathtaking landscapes. Hence, you can enjoy relaxation with laid-back vibes while enjoying the untouched natural surroundings on your trip. This Lakshadweep travel guide covers everything you need to plan your visit to this tropical gem, including permits, ferries, attractions, resorts, and water sports.

Why Visit Lakshadweep?

Imagine your feet drenched in soft white sand, towering palm trees with swing ropes attached against the blue sky. This is precisely the image of what Lakshadweep Island tourism offers, which allures tourists from all geographies. On top of that, it is one of the best snorkelling hubs in India, allowing you to dive into the crystal clear water to swim with ocean fish like lionfish, sea cucumbers, butterflyfish, dolphins, and turtles.

Explore: 5 Days Cordelia Cruise Package, Lakshadweep Bangaram Package

Places to Visit in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a small union territory but has a lot to explore. Most importantly, you will find many things to add to your bucket list, except beaches and water sports. Below is a list of some of the must-visit places in Lakshadweep that would be the bookmark for you.

Agatti Lighthouse: One of the oldest lighthouses in Lakshadweep, located on Agatti Island. It is one of the iconic spots to click pictures by making it a backdrop, as it has an old charm that attracts visitors.

Kalpeni Juma Mosque: This ancient mosque of Lakshadweep has traditional Malabar architecture with intricate wood carvings. Apart from the sign of Islamic Heritage, it is well-known for its detailing art.

Minicoy Lighthouse: This British-era lighthouse is settled on Minicoy Island and is still operational. Thus, you can get panoramic views of the surrounding seas and let the calm wind hit your face.

Kavaratti Archaeological Museum: This is a must-visit tourist attraction that exhibits culture and history through artefact collections. You can witness traditional handicrafts, ancient coins, pottery, and other collections.

Pitti Bird Sanctuary: Settled on the tiny uninhabited island of Pitti, it is an ideal place to visit in Lakshadweep for bird-watching. Here, you can spot a diversity of birds and admire the pristine natural beauty.

Best Beaches to Explore in Lakshadweep

Being a land where you will find loads of beaches, picking which should be added to your go-to list is challenging. To sort out this, here is the list of top beaches in Lakshadweep;

Things to Do in Lakshadweep

The aqueous jewel of India, Lakshadweep, has plenty of things to do with your near or dear ones. Some of the best ones are;

• Indulge in long walks on the never-ending shorelines to manifest tranquillity.
• Watch the sunset changing its hues from golden to pink and purple at any beach or island in Lakshadweep.
• Spot the rich collections of rare artefacts at Juma Masjid.
• Explore Kalpeni Island on foot, as it is a small island.
• Spot smoked tuna fish at Agatti Island.
• Relish seafood at Kalpeni Island after a leisurely evening stroll on the beaches.
• Unlock the vibrant nightlife experience at Minicoy Island and Bangaram Island.

Water Activities in Lakshadweep

Being an archipelago in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep offers various water sports. Some of the most popular ones for incredible experiences are;

How to Reach Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a tropical destination surrounded by the sea. Resulting, you have only two options: air travel and waterways. However, you should obtain an entry permit for Lakshadweep before choosing anyone.

By Air: Two main airports in Lakshadweep are connected only to Cochin International Airport. The first is on Agatti Island, while the second is on Bangaram Island. Indian Airlines-operated flights could be used for transportation. The average travel time between Cochin and Lakshadweep is around three hours (approx.).

By Sea: To reach Lakshadweep, one must take a ship from Kochi. The shipping service operates overnight and takes around 12-14 hours (approx.). You can land on various islands by taking a ship from the Cochin Port Trust Passenger Wharf.

Permit for Lakshadweep

The island has several islands, but only 10 are inhabited. Only a few of these inhabited regions are open to tourists. Every tourist must obtain a permit to visit these islands. This is mandatory to protect the unique environment and culture of the Indigenous communities.

Documents/Paperwork Required to go to Lakshadweep

You will require some documents as it is a remote location with restricted zones. Here are some of the mandatory papers and requirements.

• Entry Permit: The first and foremost thing is an entry permit, which you can obtain through the Lakshadweep Administration, authorised agents, or online.
• Confirmed Accommodation Booking: Ensure you have a copy of your stay confirmation, which will prevent discomfort during the documentation and checking process.
• Confirmed Return Tickets: You must have proof of a confirmed return ticket, which is essential to the entry requirement.
• Identity Proof: You must have proof of identity, such as an Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN card, or passport.
• Customs Declaration: The Lakshadweep Administration and authorities require you to complete the Customs Declaration Form.
• Special Permits for Restricted Islands: Some islands in Lakshadweep require special permits. Hence, cross-check the details to obtain these permits.
• Travel Insurance (Recommended): A travel insurance includes medical emergencies and unexpected events, which is a good practice for being on the safe side.

How to Get Around Lakshadweep

You are not alone if you are searching for the answer to how to get around Lakshadweep. Popular ways to get around are;

• Ferries and boats: A most suitable form of getting around from one island to another.
• Renting a Bicycle: Exploring the island like a local.
• Walking: Cover the short distance at your own pace.
• Hire and Ride Car: On the island, Hatchbacks, SUVs, and Sedans.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep

The ideal time to visit Lakshadweep is September to February. During this season, tourism in Lakshadweep gets to boom annually. You will meet like-minded travellers, mainly couples, in the winter.

Winter Season (October to February): This season offers every possibility of enjoying water sports without fear of strong tides and waves.

Monsoon Season (June to August): You can avoid this season, as it brings heavy rainfall, and many resorts and water sports may also close during this period.

Summer Season (March to May): This is another good season to visit Lakshadweep, as there is less humidity than during the monsoons.

Accommodation in Lakshadweep

In this tropical paradise, you will find economic range and luxury accommodations. A few resorts are so plush and opulent that it will make you feel like you are at some foreign destination. Here we present you the best accommodations in Lakshadweep for your holidays:

• Seagate Holiday Home
• Agatti Island Beach Resort
• Kadam’s Beach Resort
• Minicoy Island Beach Resort

Where to Eat in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep’s staple cuisine is inspired by Kerala food. Malabar-style dishes, such as rice, sambar, and fried tuna, are famous in Lakshadweep. If you are looking for where to eat in Lakshadweep places, take a look:

• Cafe de Saina
• Al Barath Restaurant
• Hotel Aboo’s
• Daily Dose Kavaratti

Note: Meals in Lakshadweep start at 300 INR and go up to 2,000 INR (approx.) for two persons.

Shopping in Lakshadweep

Returning home from Lakshadweep without shopping would be an injustice to your island vacation. A few lavish showrooms are also located on the Agatti, Minicoy, and Kadmat Islands.

Here are a few of the best places for shopping in Lakshadweep:

• Thele Fole Tea Shop at Minicoy Island
• Thavakkal Clothing Store at Agatti Island
• Muhammad Mustafa Super Market at Kavaratti Island

Special Note: You will find a range of markets in Lakshadweep dotted around the beachside, where you can buy various items as souvenirs.

Must-Buy Items in Lakshadweep

• Buy seashells
• Candies
• Unique fabrics
• Coconut powder
• Ayurveda oils

Useful Tips for A Trip to Lakshadweep

Cheers to Bangaram and Kavaratti: The Only islands with alcohol! So sip, savour, and call it a Lakshadweep “achievement.”

Monsoon Madness: Your outdoor plans might need a rain check unless you like being one with the sea and sky.

Helicopter Commute: Go by helicopter, as it’s like a tropical rollercoaster with fewer lines.

Summer Sun: At 35°C, summer’s toasty, so pack water, a hat, and a sense of humour.

Winter Bliss: Winter’s the real showstopper that hints at how to pre-book your hotel and flights.

Checkout: Lakshadweep Tour Packages