Are you looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility? If yes, then Agatti Islands is the perfect place for you. Agatti Islands is one of the 36 islands that form the Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea. It is a coral island that boasts of a turquoise lagoon, a rich marine ecosystem, and a serene atmosphere. Whether you want to relax on the white sandy beaches, explore the underwater wonders, or enjoy the local culture, Agatti Islands has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Agatti Islands, including how to reach, when to visit, what to do, and where to stay. Read on to discover why Agatti Islands is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
How to Reach Agatti Islands
The first thing you need to know about Agatti Islands is how to reach there. Agatti Islands is located about 460 km from Kochi, the nearest mainland city. There are two ways to reach Agatti Islands: by flight or by boat.
- By flight: Agatti Islands has a small airport that connects it to Kochi and Kollam. There are only two flights per week, one on Monday and one on Thursday, operated by Air India. The flight duration is about 1.5 hours and the cost is around Rs. 10,000 per person for a round trip. You need to book your tickets well in advance as the seats are limited and in high demand.
- By boat: Agatti Islands can also be reached by boat from Kochi or Kollam. There are two types of boats available: passenger ships and luxury cruises. The passenger ships are cheaper but slower and less comfortable. They take about 18 to 20 hours to reach Agatti Islands and the cost is around Rs. 2,000 per person for a round trip. The luxury cruises are faster and more comfortable. They take about 14 to 16 hours to reach Agatti Islands and the cost is around Rs. 15,000 per person for a round trip. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the islands along the way.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, you need to obtain an entry permit from the Lakshadweep administration before visiting Agatti Islands. You can apply for the permit online or through a registered travel agent.
Best Time to Visit Agatti Islands
The next thing you need to know about Agatti Islands is when to visit. Agatti Islands has a tropical climate with warm and humid weather throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C and the average rainfall is about 1600 mm per year. The best time to visit Agatti Islands is from September to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for water activities. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices.
You should avoid visiting Agatti Islands from May to August, when the island is prone to heavy rains and storms. This is the monsoon season, when the sea is rough and the visibility is low. Many water activities are suspended and the flights and boats are often cancelled or delayed.
Attractions and Activities of Agatti Islands
The main reason to visit Agatti Islands is to enjoy its attractions and activities. Agatti Islands has a lot to offer for tourists of all ages and interests. Here are some of the main attractions and activities of Agatti Islands:
- Lagoon cruise: One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Agatti Islands is to take a lagoon cruise. You can board a traditional wooden boat and sail along the turquoise lagoon that surrounds the island. You can admire the stunning views of the coral reefs, the coconut palms, and the blue sky. You can also spot some marine life, such as dolphins, turtles, and rays. A lagoon cruise is a relaxing and romantic activity that you can enjoy with your loved ones.
- Glass-bottom boat ride: Another way to witness the underwater life of Agatti Islands is to take a glass-bottom boat ride. You can hop on a boat that has a transparent bottom and glide over the crystal clear water. You can see the colorful fishes, the corals, and the seaweeds without getting wet. A glass-bottom boat ride is a fun and educational activity that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
- Coral reef snorkelling: If you want to get closer to the marine ecosystem of Agatti Islands, you can try coral reef snorkelling. You can wear a mask, a snorkel, and a pair of fins and dive into the water. You can explore the rich biodiversity of the coral reefs and the fishes that inhabit them. You can also swim with the turtles, the rays, and the sharks. Coral reef snorkelling is an adventurous and thrilling activity that you can enjoy with your partner or group.
- Marine museum: If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Lakshadweep and the conservation efforts of the marine environment, you can visit the marine museum. The museum is located near the airport and showcases various exhibits and displays related to the marine life, the coral reefs, the fishing, and the islanders. You can also watch some documentaries and videos that explain the importance and the challenges of preserving the marine ecosystem. The marine museum is an informative and enlightening activity that you can enjoy with your kids or solo.
- Bangaram Island: If you want to visit another island near Agatti Islands, you can go to Bangaram Island. Bangaram Island is an uninhabited island that is about 10 km from Agatti Islands. It is a part of the Bangaram Atoll, which consists of three other islands: Thinnakara, Parali I, and Parali II. Bangaram Island offers pristine beaches, exotic flora and fauna, and a peaceful atmosphere. You can reach Bangaram Island by boat from Agatti Islands and spend a day or a night there. You can also indulge in some water activities, such as kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving. Bangaram Island is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
These are some of the main attractions and activities of Agatti Islands, but there are many more to discover and enjoy. You can also try some local cuisine, such as fish curry, coconut rice, and banana chips. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable locals, who speak Malayalam and English. You can also witness some cultural events, such as folk dances, music, and festivals. Agatti Islands is a place that will surprise you with its diversity and charm.
Agatti Island Beach Resort
The last thing you need to know about Agatti Islands is where to stay. Agatti Islands has only one accommodation option, which is the Agatti Island Beach Resort. The resort is located on the eastern side of the island and faces the lagoon. It offers 20 cottages, which are categorized into standard, deluxe, and luxury. The cottages are spacious and comfortable, with amenities such as air conditioning, television, refrigerator, and attached bathroom. The resort also has a restaurant, a spa, a gym, and a water sports center. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Lakshadweep cuisines. The spa offers a range of treatments, such as massages, facials, and manicures. The gym has modern equipment and trainers. The water sports center provides equipment and guidance for various water activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing.
The Agatti Island Beach Resort is the only place where you can experience the hospitality and the luxury of Agatti Islands. The resort has a friendly and helpful staff, who will make you feel at home. The resort also has a stunning view of the lagoon and the beach, which will make you feel relaxed and refreshed. The resort also has a high rating and positive reviews from previous guests, who have praised its facilities, services, and location.
If you want to stay at the Agatti Island Beach Resort, you need to contact the resort directly or through a registered travel agent. You need to book your rooms well in advance as the resort has limited availability and high demand. You also need to pay a package fee, which includes the accommodation, the food, the water activities, and the taxes. The package fee varies depending on the season, the type of cottage, and the number of people. You can check the resort's website or call the resort for more details and queries.
Conclusion
Agatti Islands is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is a coral island that offers various attractions and activities for tourists. You can reach Agatti Islands by flight or by boat from Kochi or Kollam. You can visit Agatti Islands from September to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for water activities. You can enjoy the lagoon cruise, the glass-bottom boat ride, the coral reef snorkelling, the marine museum, and the Bangaram Island.
You can stay at the Agatti Island Beach Resort, the only accommodation option on the island. Agatti Islands is a place that will make you fall in love with its beauty and adventure.
