Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep is a sort of navigators compass, the word meaning destination. The name “laksha” is only symbolic since the total number of Islands doesn’t even add up to a 1000. The word “laksha:” means 1,00,000 in Malayalam and Sanskrit. But it has other meanings too! For example, “Lakshya” means “Purpose” and Lakshadweep lies in the hub of the Arabian –African-Asian trade route
There are many theories as to how the huge archipelago, the Lakshadeep group of Islands emerged. The most widely accepted one is attributed to Sir Charles Darwin, the renowned English Evolutionist (1842).
He opined that the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and formed into fringing reefs. These turned into barrier reefs and later to atolls due to the geological submergence of the volcanic base.
One of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away at 220-240 kms. Off the Malabar Coast. The islands comprise of 4200 sq.km. of lagoon rich in marine wealth ad 36 islands in an area of 32 sq.km.
Each island here is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear water and the rich marine flora and fauna enhance the mystique of these islands.
Against the vast blue sea the islands look like emeralds. The huge wall like reef bordering the outer side of the shallow lagoons blocks the incoming swells of the sea.
The Lakshadeep islands are linked to the mainland by ships & passenger planes. Agatti island and Bangaram island can be reached by Air and the others by ship from Kochi (Cochin). The temperature increases from South to North; April and May are the hottest with temperatures averaging at 32° C.
The relative humidity is 70 – 75 %. Generally the climate is humid, warm and pleasant. The climate is equable and no well marked, distinct seasons are experienced.
From June to October the south-west monsoon is active. The average rainfall is 10-40 mm. Annual rainfall decreases from south to north. On an average 80-90 days a year are rainy.
Winds are light to moderate from October to March.
The Lakshadweep Archipelago has 12 atoils, 3 reefs and 6 submerged banks. The name Lakshadeep or its anglicized form Laccadives is of recent origin. The early geography and Arab travelers have alluded to the islands as “Divis” or “Dibarat”covering both Maldives and Lakshadweep.
By several accounts, the cultural and geographical affinities of Lakshadweep are closely linked to Sri Lanka, Kerala, Maldives and Tamil Nadu. The whole group of islands is one vast coconut garden with 100 trees crowded per acre. There are no boundaries between individual plots and almost no ground vegetables. The houses are spread out throughout the islands.
Located approximately 400 Kms off the western coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is a group of 36 coral islands sprinkled accross the arabian sea. Legend has it that the islands were discovered by shipwrecked sailors around 345 AD, during the rule of Cheruman Perumal, legendary king of Kerala.
Isolation from the mainland has preserved the islands and their seas to this day whereas a Union Territory of India, these islands enjoy a special status protecting their unique cultural heritage and way of life. Pristine seas, vibrant colors, powder soft sand, virgin coral reefs... all these make lakshadeep a dream destination waiting to be explored.
The absence of many things considered essential make a holiday in the Lakshadeep isalnds memorable along with healthy and rejuvenating doses of the outdoors.
Location :
400 Kms off the coast of Kerala
Getting there :
Indian airlines flies a 14-seater Dornier aircraft daily from Kochi ( cochin ) to Agatti island, except on sundays.
Ships ply from Cochin to Agatti island according to a published schedule
Tourist Season :
October to end of April
Monsoon :
June to September
Climate :
Temperatures range from 27 - 32 degree celsius ( 80 - 89 degree Fahrenheit )
Water temperature ranges from 25 - 30 degree celsius ( 77 - 86 degree Farenheit )
Things to do :
Scuba diving
Kayaking
Island excursions
Snorkeling
Speed boating
Glass bottomed boat sail
Para Sailing
Deep sea fishing
Lagoon fishing
Sail boating
Entry permit :
All visitors ( BOTH Indian & Foreign Nationals ) to Lakshadeep Islands require Entry Permit. ,
The following details should be submitted at the time of reservation:
Foreign Nationals - Full Passport Details viz., Full Name, Nationality, Permanent Address, Passport Numbers, Date and Place of Issue, Date of Expiry, Date and Place of Birth.
Domestic Visitors from India - Full Name, Age, Full Address, Occupation & Date of Birth.
Posts
