Lakshadweep
The smallest Union Territory of India. Lakshadweep is an
archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, three reefs and five underwater banks. It
covers an area of 32 Sq.Km. Is has 10 inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands. 4
newly formed islands and 5 underwater reefs. The inhabited islands are Kavaratti,
Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni and Minicoy.
Bitra is the smallest of all having only a population of 225 persons. The main
occupation of the people is fishing, coconut cultivation and coir twisting.
Getting There :
- By Air : Indian Airlines flies from Cochin to Agatti island.
- By Sea : There is also a ship service, that takes 20 hours to reach
Lakshadweep from Kochi.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 32 Sq. Km
- Capital: Kavaratti
- Languages: Malayalam and Mahl
- Religion: Christianity (major), Hinduism and Islam
- Literacy rate: 88.49 %
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
Tourist Attractions :
Minicoy :
Is the island closest to the Maldives.
Minicoy has a very different culture from any of the other islands, dress,
language and food is all different.
Bangaram :
A beautiful island encircled by white sand. Bangaram is
surrounded by a large and safe lagoon with calm water. It has amazing coral
formations, including black coral and a large variety of coral fish. There is
also a diving school here.
Diving :
Popular dive spots off Bangaram include Manta Point and the
wreck of the Princess Royal which sunk 200 years ago. Manta rays, eagle rays,
moray eels and hawkbill turtles are common. Manta Rays are mostly seen from
October to December, when they come to feed at Manta Point.
