FACTS AND FIGURES Best Time to Visit : October to April INTRODUCTION Lakshadweep Islands are the only coral reef islands in India. Among the total 36 Islands, only 10 islands are inhabited. Kavarathi is the head Quarters of the Islands. In these Islands there are abundant opportunities for marine activities. The Lakshadweep Islands, surrounded by beautiful lagoons are known for their virginal beauty. The most important point to be noted is that here the tourism activities are restricted to a certain extent to keep up the environment from being polluted. Only five islands are open for tourism activities- four to the domestic tourists and two for foreigners. To the foreigners a special permission is required to visit these Islands. LOCATION This group of islands is located off the western coastal line of the South Indian state Kerala, in the Arabian Sea. The Lakshadweep Islands are scattered in the ocean from the costal line of Quilon in south and Kannur in the north.

SEASON
The best season to visit the Lakshadweep is between October and March. The average temperature in summer is 30-34 degree Celsius and in winter it is 25 - 29 degree Celsius.

HISTORY OF POPULARITY As the group of Islands have a special administrative and geographical position the accessibility to the outsiders especially for the foreigners were restricted in a great deal. Considering the rich and unique potentialities for tourism the authorities have recently allowed tourism activities for a viable economic development. The emergence of certain tourist resorts with all the facilities for enjoying the sun and surf along with the unique coral reef have given a new dimension to the Islands. Though there are still some restrictions prevailing, innumerable tourists are visiting every year, as it is the only coral reef islands in India. The two islands open for foreign tourists are Bangaram and Kadmat. And the islands opened for domestic tourists are Kavarathy, Kalpeni, Kadmat and Minicoy. ACTIVITIES Apart from the usual sunbath and surfing, many marine activities are possible in these Islands. The local fishermen provide sunrise and sun set cruises in fishing boats. The boat cruises for deep-sea angling, on the country raft is very popular here. The visit of colorful villages and lagoons are totally novel experiences to the visitors

The major activities here are diving, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, yachting etc. Surfboards and boogie boards can also be hired from the resorts. There are two diving centers in the islands in Bangaram Island and in the Katmat Island and they are also conducting diving courses. No dives are permitted below 35 m. The resorts provide the equipments for marine activities. Although only the Katmat and Bangaram isles are permitted for foreigners fortunately both are blessed with beautiful coral reef.

PRIVATE BEACHES
Bangaram Island Resort, the property of Casino Group of hotels has beautiful beaches, but those are limited to their own guests only. The Agatti Island beach resort is also have a clean beach and also restricted only for its own residents.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Majority of the people are Muslims. Hence most of the Muslim festivals like Muharam, Id-ul-Fither etc are usually celebrated at the islands and they are most colorful and enthusiastic.

TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
As the local folks are very conservative, while being in the public one should be very formal in dressing. Nudity is strictly prohibited here in the beaches.

SHOPPING
Locally made handicrafts are plenty in all the resorts. Craft works of seashells, coconut shells etc are available here. Most of the cases tourists are depending the city of Cochin, on the main land, for shopping.

ACCOMMODATION
Bangaram Island Resort is a top class resort in Lakshadweep Islands. In its 30 double rooms only a maximum of 60 visitors are accommodated at a time. Hence an early booking is highly advisable.

Agatti Island Beach Resort is meant to accommodate only the Indian visitors. Boat trips to lagoons, Snorkeling and other water sports are available in this popular resort.

In Kavarathy, Minicoy, Kalpeni and Kadmat tourist cottages are there for mid range and budget travelers.

HOW TO REACH
The nearest airport is in Agatti Island. The nearest airport in the mainland is Cochin International Airport, 300 km away. The Indian Airlines is operating daily (except on Sundays) flights to Agatti, on a small Focker Plane. From Cochin it takes around 40 minute to cover the distance. From the Agatti Island the resorts authorities are transferring the guests into the respective properties by boat and helicopter on extra cost.

The ship named MV Tipu Sultan operates cruises to the Islands. The booking can be done at SPORTS office at Willington Island in Cochin.

OTHER FACILITIES
Good medical facilities are available at the resorts. The STD, ISD, FAX and Internet facilities are also available in the resorts. The resorts are also equipped with foreign exchange counters.

SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
It is advised to avoid the deep-sea swimming. No diving below 35 meters is permitted here. Kindly avoid in entering the restricted areas.

DO'S AND DON'TS
Littering the beach areas and the sea must be avoided. Possession and consumption of intoxicating chemicals are prohibited. The special permission for the foreign visitors can be obtained from Cochin.