In this world of speed and stress, what is the true meaning of luxury? Jetting off to faraway lands or breaking the bank for travelling to Maldives. No, it's not what you think...
It is about cherishing the simple pleasures of life - like snoozing a little longer, switching off from the digital chaos, bonding with your soulmate, immersing yourself in nature, relishing mouth-watering food, snuggling and warming up, and having the privilege to disconnect from the urban madness for a while.
And Lakshadweep is an ideal heaven for that! It’s a dreamland for those who crave calmness and serenity, away from the noise and rush of everyday life - just wandering on the pearly beach, plunging into the azure water, or nibbling on a luscious cocktail while marveling at the crimson sunset.
And the best part? It is right here in our own homeland. So, why squander money on an overrated Maldivian getaway when you can have it all right here in India? Nothing is more rewarding than exploring new places and boosting our own economy.
How To Get To Lakshadweep
1. Lakshadweep only has a single airport. It is located on Agatti Island and promises a stunning landing view. There is a single flight to Lakshadweep daily from Kerala (mostly from Kochi, and sometimes from Kozhikode). So, if you are traveling from other parts of India, you will need to touchdown at Cochin International Airport first. Flights to Agatti are typically between 11 am – 12 pm every day.
2. Heads up: Lakshadweep needs you to have a clearance certificate and an entry permit before you go. You can get them online or in person from the Lakshadweep administration office in Kochi. When you land in Lakshadweep, you have to give the entry permit to the station house officer.
3. Flying is not the only way to get to Lakshadweep from Kochi. You can also hop on a cruise and enjoy the sea breeze. There are seven ships to choose from: MV Kavaratti, MV Minicoy, MV Amindivi, MV Corals, MV Lagoon, MV Lakshadweep, and MV Arabian Sea. And guess what? Cordelia Cruises has just launched a fancy cruise service to Lakshadweep from Mumbai. How cool is that?
How To Explore Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a cluster of 36 islands but only 11 of them have people living on them. Most travelers pick one of two Lakshadweep travel options. The north islands option takes you to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram, Thinnakara and Kalpati.
The south islands option lets you visit the islands of Kavaratti, Minicoy and Kalpeni.
How Safe Is Lakshadweep For Tourists?
If you have any doubts about the safety or tourism of Lakshadweep, just toss them away! Because Lakshadweep is probably the safest place to travel to. So don’t fret for a moment if you are wondering if it’s okay to go there. The islands are tiny, the people are super sweet and humble. Most people on Agatti are like a big family. They greet you with a smile as they cycle past you, the dive instructors are super supportive and friendly, the boat guys are eager to show you the sights, and the staff at the hotels go the extra mile to make your stay as cozy and awesome as possible.
How To Get Ready For Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep needs some paperwork before you go. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Grab your flight tickets to Lakshadweep as soon as you can (45- 60 days before). There’s only one flight every day, and they sell out fast.
2. You can’t go to Lakshadweep without a Police Verification Certificate. It’s like a VIP pass for the island. Find the closest police station near you and ask for a PCC for Lakshadweep. It could take a while, so don’t leave it for the last minute. You can do it online in most places, but some places are old-school and want you to show up in person. That’s the one that looks after your area (where your passport/Aadhar card says you live).
3. Getting a PCC is a game of luck. You never know how long it will take. It could be a week, a month, or more. So, don’t get any crazy ideas about flying to Lakshadweep on a whim. You need to plan ahead. When you finally get your PCC from your state, you need to share it with your sponsor who’s hooking you up with the trip.
4. You need a sponsor/agent to get you on the island. Send them your Aadhar card, your PCC, a passport photo and they’ll sort it out. You also need to get your stay booked through them. They’ll take care of the rest and get you the green light from Lakshadweep.
5. The Lakshadweep government will keep you hanging for a week or two before they give you a permit. Heads up: They’ll check your permit at Kochi airport, so don’t forget to bring it. You can’t get on the plane without it. The permit tells you which islands in Lakshadweep you can go to.
Best Time To Visit Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a no-go during the monsoons. The islands are off-limits for tourists from May to September because of the heavy rains and strong winds. The best time to go to Lakshadweep is from mid October to mid April, when the weather is pleasant and sunny. You can enjoy the cerulean waters, sugary white sand, and vibrant coral reefs. You can also try various water sports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Best Places To Stay In Lakshadweep Islands
If you are looking for a relaxing and comfortable stay in Lakshadweep, you have a decent options to choose from that are worth a dekko. Check the out!
Bangaram Island Resort: This resort is on another island, which you can get to by boat from Agatti. It has big cottages, a private beach, a restaurant, and a bar. You can have fun with the views, the coral reefs, and the water sports. The resort is great for couples, families, and groups.
Minicoy Island Beach Resort: This resort is also on a different island, which you can get to by boat from Agatti. It has snug rooms, a garden, a restaurant, and a terrace. You can relax with the calmness, the culture, and the lighthouse. The resort is awesome for solo travelers, couples, and nature lovers.
Agatti Island Beach Resort: This resort is on Agatti Island itself, near the airport. It has comfy rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa. You can enjoy the ease, the friendliness, and the amenities. The resort is good for business travelers, families, and groups.
Tips For Travellers Visiting Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a gem of an island, and it will stay that way for ages if we all do our part. Here are some pro tips for being a responsible tourist and saving this Indian wonderland:
1. Always carrry a trash bag for your snack leftovers and empty plastic bottles. Don’t litter this beauty!
2. Even better, just carry a reusable water bottle and say no to plastic. Plastic sucks for the environment!
3. If you’re going snorkelling/diving, KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF any coral or fish. They are not your toys. Touching them can hurt their home.
3. Use only eco-friendly/reef-safe sunscreen when diving. General sunscreens can harm the corals and other marine creatures. You don’t want to be a bad guy, do you?
4. If you're travelling with kids, teach them to respect nature and love animals. They are the future of tourism. Make them smart and compassionate.
5. Ditch the booze parties in this paradise. Lakshadweep is too gorgeous for you to miss out on the beauty in a drunk state. Plus, alcohol is not allowed on most islands anyway.
We hope we have shared everything you need to know to plan a fabulous trip to Lakshadweep and how you can support Lakshadweep tourism while enjoying the beauty. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below and we’ll be happy to assist you!
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