Planning For Lakshadweep? Read This Before You Plan A Trip There

Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, of which only 11 are inhabited. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Lakshadweep offers stunning coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and rich marine life. Some of the activities you can enjoy in Lakshadweep are snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, island hopping, and fishing.

To visit Lakshadweep, you need to obtain a permit from the competent authority. You can either fly to Agatti Island, the only island with an airport, or take a cruise ship from Kochi, Mangalore, or Mumbai. You can choose to stay in one of the islands or opt for a cruise package that covers multiple islands. Some of the islands that are open to tourists are Agatti, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Kalpeni.

Lakshadweep is a safe and peaceful place to travel. The locals are friendly and helpful, and the culture is predominantly Muslim. The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. Lakshadweep is a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you want to know more about Lakshadweep, you can check out these websites:

• The Ultimate Lakshadweep Itinerary - Places To Visit & Stay
• A Complete Guide to Travelling in Lakshadweep - On His Own Trip
• How to get an entry permit for Lakshadweep: Check the travel guide here
• Lakshadweep Vacation Guide: How To Reach The Island? Starting From THIS City Is Best For Your Travel Plans
• Lakshadweep travel guide and must-visit beaches

Languages Spoken:

Malayalam & Mahl (spoken on Minicoy Island). Jeseri ( similar to  Malayalam with a hint of Tamil) is a dialect that is also spoken in Lakshadweep.

Total Population:

As per the 2011 census, the population of Lakshadweep is 64,473 of which 93% are Muslims.

Occupation:

Fishing and coconut cultivation are the major occupations on the islands. Tuna fish is the biggest export of the islands. 

A Week-Long Trip (Suggested) – Lakshadweep Itinerary

• Bangaram/Thinnakara (3 days)
• Kadamat (2 days) or Kavaratti (2 days)
• Minicoy/ Kalpeni (2 Days)

Long Weekend Trip – Lakshadweep Itinerary

• Day 1 – Reach Agatti and hop on a speed boat to Bangaram Island
• Day 2 – Enjoy your Time snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping ( Pareli 1 & 2 )
• Day 3 – Stay at Thinnakara island
• Day 4 – Enjoy your time in the morning and then head back to Agatti

‼️ Protected Area Permit (PAP): 

📌 Application Process: 

• You can apply for the PAP online through the e-permit portal of the Lakshadweep Administration (http://lakshadweeptourism.com/contact.html).
• The application requires basic information like your name, address, purpose of visit, travel dates, and chosen islands. 
• You can upload scanned copies of your ID proof and a passport-sized photograph. 
• Once submitted, the application is processed within 7 working days.

You'll receive an email notification with the permit status.

📌 Validity and Fees: 

• The PAP is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. 
• The permit fee is INR 300 per person for all ages.

📌 Details: 

• You can choose the islands you want to visit during your application. 
• Carry a printed copy of the approved PAP and your valid ID proof while traveling.
• Certain islands within Lakshadweep might require additional permits for specific activities like scuba diving or wildlife photography.
• Check with the respective island authorities for details.

📌 Transportation: 

• Flights: Delhi to Kochi- costs INR 12k (round trip). 
• Ferry: Inter-island transfers range from INR 4,000-8,000 per person (two-way).

📌 Accommodation: 

• Budget: Agatti Island has guesthouses for INR 1,500-2,500 per night. 
• Moderate: Bangaram Island offers cottages at INR 15,000 per night (all-inclusive). 
• Luxury: Kavaratti has air-conditioned suites for INR 9,000 per night (all-inclusive).

📌 Water Activities:

• Canoeing At Minicoy Island
• Water sports: Snorkeling starts at INR 1,000, scuba diving at INR 3,500, and fishing tours at INR 1,000.
• Sightseeing: Island tours cost around ₹1,000-1,500 per person.

📌 More activities:

• Visit local villages, witness traditional boat building, and enjoy Maldivian dance performances.
• Get Ayurvedic massages and spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.

📌 Permits and Taxes: 

• Permit: A mandatory ₹300 entry permit is required for non-Indians.
• Green Tax: ₹300 per person is levied upon arrival at Agatti airport.

📌 Best time to visit:

• October to February is the best time to travel. During this time the humidity isn’t too high and the weather is quite pleasant.

📌 Extra tips:

• Carry enough cash, as ATMs and credit card facilities are limited on some islands.
• Learn basic Malayalam.
• Minimize plastic waste, avoid littering & be respectful of the fragile marine ecosystem. Participate in beach clean-up initiatives if possible.