Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands nestled in the Arabian Sea, is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored. The Union Territory (UT), governed by the Government of India, has recently gained attention due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. In his efforts to promote tourism in India, PM Modi visited Lakshadweep on January 2, 2024, and even shared some beautiful pictures of the island on his social media handles. During his visit, he interacted with the locals, inspected the ongoing development projects, and highlighted the potential of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination.
Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the… pic.twitter.com/tYW5Cvgi8N
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Lakshadweep on January 2 and 3, 2024, he laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the primary healthcare facility and inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the islands, MakeMyTrip said on January 8, 2024, that it has seen a 3,400% rise in searches for Lakshadweep on its site and Lakshadweep Tourism has been trending on social media platforms as well.
Lakshadweep Vs Maldives Controversy
Interest in Lakshadweep grew when Prime Minister Modi visited the island and shared some stunning images of the beautiful beaches there. But the incident began when three deputy ministers in the Maldives' Ministry of Youth Affairs - Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid—made derogatory statements against the Prime Minister of India during his recent visit to Lakshadweep. As a result, Maldivian social media users began degrading India and Indians, and they also started comparing the Maldives to the Lakshadweep islands.
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN
And now not just a common man but several other Bollywood stars are coming in support of Lakshadweep on social media platforms.
About Lakshadweep Tourism
In Malayalam and Sanskrit, the term Lakshadweep refers to ‘A hundred thousand islands.’ Lakshadweep is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and diverse marine life. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs that offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving.
So if you are a travel freak person then this article might help you as we will give you the ultimate itinerary for your Lakshadweep trip, take a look:
How To Reach Lakshadweep
One can reach Lakshadweep Island from Kochi via plane and ship.
By Flight: For travellers, Kochi serves as the entry point to Lakshadweep. The only route to Lakshadweep is via Kochi as there are no direct flights to it. From Kochi, Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by flight. Flights are operated from Kochi by Indian Airlines. Agatti Aerodrome (AGX), located on Agatti Island, is the only airport on Lakshadweep Island.
By Ship: As per the official website of Lakshadweep, seven-passenger ships travel between Cochin and the Lakshadweep islands: MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi, and MV Minicoy. It takes about 14-18 hours. Also, there are three accommodation classes available on the ships; push back/bunk class with A/C seats, A/C second class with four berth cabins, and A/C first class with two-berth cabins.
Lakshadweep Flight Details
As per Momondo, the best deal on a one-way ticket from India to Lakshadweep is ₹5,321 (Kochi to Agatti Island). The best round-trip airfare from India to Lakshadweep is ₹10,724 (Kochi to Agatti Island). The flight from India to Lakshadweep (Kochi to Agatti Island) takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
How To Obtain Permit To Enter Lakshadweep?
Travellers planning to visit Lakshadweep need to apply online using the Lakshadweep Administration's e-permit site. The application is processed in seven days, and the permit is valid for 30 days. It will be necessary for tourists to specify which islands they wish to visit.
Places To Visit In Lakshadweep
Some of the best islands that could be visited are Agatti Island, Minicoy Island, Bangaram Island, Kalpeni Island, Kavaratti Island Lagoon, and Thinnakara Island. Also, most of the islands have limited connectivity.
These days, you can pick between a customised itinerary or a cruise package to explore the Lakshadweep Islands. If you choose the cruise package, you will spend the whole trip on a cruise with the option to get off at a few locations. In the cruise package, you can also choose to participate in some water sports and later you can stay on the cruise.
And in the customised Lakshadweep itinerary, you'll find it easy to see all the larger and smaller islands and stay on the properties.
Things To Do In Lakshadweep
For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7
Apart from exploring the beautiful islands of Lakshadweep, you can also do a lot of things here such as:
1. Snorkelling And Scuba Diving: The waters around Lakshadweep are home to a colourful array of marine life, making it a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise.
2. Ayurvedic Massage: Lakshadweep is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. There are many ayurvedic spas on the islands, where you can enjoy traditional Indian massages and treatments.
3. Water Sports: There are plenty of water sports opportunities in Lakshadweep, including windsurfing, water skiing and Kayaking
4. Attending Cultural Programs: Many of the islands in Lakshadweep have vibrant cultural traditions, and visitors can attend cultural programs like traditional dance performances, music concerts, and folk shows.
Don't miss: Unleash Your Wanderlust: 5 Indian Islands That Will Make You Forget About Maldives
What To Eat In Lakshadweep
If you are going to Lakshadweep, then you must try their authentic delicacies, including Kilanji, Mus Kavaab, Maas Podichathu, Batla Appam, Fish Tikka, and Kavaratti Biryani, etc.
Rice is a staple food for the people who live here. Kerala's Malabar cuisine, which uses curry leaves and coconut oil in its recipes, has a strong effect on Lakshadweep cuisine (as per the Indian Culture Portal).
Best Time To Visit Lakshadweep
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The ideal season to visit Lakshadweep is winter (October to March) when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. Travellers can also schedule a trip to Lakshadweep in the summer, which is from March to May. It will be easy to explore all of Lakshadweep's tourist attractions during these months (as per MakeMyTrip).
Don't miss: Exploring Lakshadweep: 5 Experiences You Can't Miss On These Enchanting Islands
Where To Stay In Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is one of the most popular destinations known for its beautiful beaches, magical sunsets, and lush green backdrop. It's simple to reserve rooms at hotels and resorts for a few days here. You can check out any popular travel website to find the best deals that are suitable for you. This helps you to get great deals on everything from OYO rooms to five-star hotels or any island beach resort with a perfect beach view.
Best Hotels To Stay In Lakshadweep (With Price)
Here are some of the best top-rated hotels and their prices that you can choose from:
- Bangaram Island Resort
- White Pearl Beach Hotel
- Kadmat Beach Resort
- Minicoy Island Beach Resort
- Island Holiday Home
- Kalpeni Tourist Hut
Cost - ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,18,405. This is the price for a four-day stay for two people (as per Tripadvisor).
PM Modi's visit has undoubtedly given Lakshadweep tourism a much-needed boost. With responsible planning and development, Lakshadweep has the potential to become a thriving eco-tourism destination while preserving its unique charm and ecological balance.
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