Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep Guide – A Guide for you to plan your Lakshadweep Tour Soon

Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands. These islands are spread across the Arabian Sea. Even though it was one of the lesser-known destinations, now it has reached a lot of people. With its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, clear waters and unique culture, this group of islands offers an untouched and serene getaway. If you love nature and even if you are an adventure seeker, Lakshadweep has a lot to satiate you. This Lakshadweep guide aims to provide a lot of information to help plan a trip to these islands.

Planning a trip to Lakshadweep, one of the best travel destinations for couples in India needs a lot of planning and preparation. This is because of the remote location of the islands. Also, some access restrictions apply. The group of islands follow unique tourism regulations as well. Let us start this Lakshadweep Guide by throwing some light on its history:

History of Lakshadweep

The history of these islands is associated with cultural exchange and maritime trade. The earliest explorers of these islands are known to have reached here by 1500 BC. However, the recorded history of these islands dates back to the 7^th century. This was the time when Islam was introduced by Arab traders, who visited this region.

These islands were under the rule of different dynasties including the Cheras and Cholas before they came under the influence of the Portuguese. This happened during the 16^th Century. In 1799, these islands came under the British Empire. Even though India got its independence in 1947, Lakshadweep became part of Independent India only in 1956. Due to its unique biodiversity and culture, this region continues to be a Union Territory and not a state.

The rich history of Lakshadweep continued to evolve. This happened only after its integration into India. Due to its strategic location close to the Arabian Sea, during British Rule, it was administered by the Colonial government. After these islands became part of India, Kavaratti was declared its capital.

Over many decades and centuries, these islands experienced a combination of colonial, Arab and Indian influences. This happened particularly in its architecture, language and culture. Islam became the predominant religion in this region from the 7^th century as the religion was introduced by Legendary Saint Ubaidullah. The islands thrived initially on coconut cultivation and fishing. However, later tourism also started generating revenue. Now, Lakshadweep tourism remains the key to the economy of these islands.

How to Reach Lakshadweep?

You might be travelling from Bangalore, Mumbai or Delhi. You can travel by different means like flight, train or bus to reach Lakshadweep. In this Lakshadweep guide, I would like to share how to reach these islands from three major Indian cities:

Bangalore

Lakshadweep is located more than 600 km away from Bangalore. The quickest mode of transportation to reach Lakshadweep from Bangalore is by flight. When you choose this mode, you can reach the islands within 2 hours.

In case you are particular about affordable means of transportation, you travel from Bangalore to Cochin by train. Then, from Cochin, you can take a flight to reach Lakshadweep. In this way, you can reach Lakshadweep within around 10 hours. Here are some options to travel from Bangalore to Lakshadweep:

Flight from Bangalore to Lakshadweep
Flight from Bangalore to Calicut and again a flight to Lakshadweep from Calicut
Travelling by train from Bangalore to Calicut and then a flight from Calicut to Lakshadweep
Bangalore to Calicut by bus and then by flight from Calicut to reach Lakshadweep
From Bangalore to Malappuram by flight and again a flight from Malappuram to Lakshadweep
By car from Bangalore to Malappuram and a flight to Lakshadweep from Malappuram
Flight to Cochin from Bangalore and again a flight from Cochin to Lakshadweep
Train to Cochin from Bangalore and flight from Cochin to Lakshadweep
Bus to Cochin from Bangalore and flight from Cochin to Lakshadweep
Flight from Bangalore to Thalassery, flight from Thalassery to Malappuram and again a flight from Malappuram to Lakshadweep.

Irrespective of the mode you choose, make sure to book your tickets in advance. When you book flights early, you can save money as well.

Mumbai

Mumbai is more than 1000 km away from Lakshadweep. If you would like to reach Lakshadweep quickly from Mumbai, you can take a flight via Goa. This journey will take around 4 hours. If you are looking for an affordable mode of transportation, you can take a train to reach Goa. From Goa, you can take a flight to reach Lakshadweep. Here are some travelling options:

There are no direct flights from Mumbai to Lakshadweep. So, you will have to break the trip. Here are a few options available:

Travel by flight from Mumbai to Goa. From Goa, you can take a flight again to reach Lakshadweep
You can travel to Goa by train from Mumbai. Then, you can travel by a flight to reach Lakshadweep from Goa.
You can also travel from Mumbai to Pune either by flight, train or bus. Then, from Pune, you can fly to Goa. From Goa, again you can fly to Lakshadweep.
Instead of Pune, you can also choose to reach Navi Mumbai. From Navi Mumbai, you can reach Goa by flight and then Lakshadweep by flight from Goa.
You can also travel from Mumbai to Kolhapur. From Kolhapur, you can take a flight to Goa. From Goa, again, take a flight to reach Lakshadweep
Travel from Mumbai to Calicut by flight. Again, take a flight from Calicut to Lakshadweep.

Delhi

Similar to Mumbai, there are no direct flights from Delhi to Lakshadweep. So, you have no other option than splitting your trip into two or three parts. Here are a few options.

Delhi is located at a distance of more than 2100 km from Lakshadweep. As there is no direct flight from the Indian capital, you can choose one of these options based on your convenience and travel budget:

From Delhi you can take a flight to Bangalore. From Bangalore, you can again take a flight to reach Lakshadweep. There is no direct flight service from Delhi to Lakshadweep.
Instead of Bangalore, you can also reach Goa by flight from Delhi. From there, you can take another flight to reach Lakshadweep.
The third option is to travel to Cochin by flight from Delhi. You can take another flight from Cochin to reach Lakshadweep.
You can also travel in the same way via Calicut or Malappuram
If you cannot find direct flights to Bangalore from Delhi, you can take flights to Hyderabad or Indore. From these cities, you can reach Bangalore by flight. Then, again a flight to Lakshadweep.
Otherwise, you can travel by flight to Pune, Raipur or Ahmedabad. From these cities, you can take flights to Bangalore. From Bangalore, you can take direct flights to Lakshadweep.

Do you love island visits? If so, you should not miss out checking out my post on Havelock Islands.

Key Attractions and Things to Do in Lakshadweep

Key Attractions in Lakshadweep

As mentioned earlier in this Lakshadweep guide, Lakshadweep is a combination of islands. Here are a few islands, you can visit when you are at Lakshadweep:

Kalpeni Island

This island is popular for its attractive coral reefs and lagoons. If you love beach walks and water sports, you should not miss out on visiting this island. You can expect a quiet retreat when you visit this island as it is less commercialized comparatively.

Minicoy Island

This island in Lakshadweep is known for its distinct culture. This is due to its proximity to the Maldives. It is popular for its historical lighthouse, tuna fishing and traditional dance. From the lighthouse, you can get stunning panoramic views.

Kadmat Island

Kadmat is popular for its long stretches of sandy beaches and water sports. If you love adventure sports, you will love this island for sure. This island is popular for its diving and snorkelling opportunities. Also, you can participate in kayaking and windsurfing when you are at Kadmat Island.

Bangaram Island

Bangaram is a must-visit for those looking for a tropical paradise. It is popular for its coral reefs, coconut palms and lagoons. If you wish to get a luxurious experience, this island has a lot of resorts to bring you this comfort.

Agatti Island

Agatii is popular for its attractive coral reefs. It is the entry point for other islands in Lakshadweep. When you are on this island, you can enjoy kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling. Even though this island is small compared to other islands in Lakshadweep, it offers clear waters and picturesque beaches.

You can take boat trips to travel from one island to another in Lakshadweep. You can find many boat operators on each island, who can help you reach and explore the other islands in Lakshadweep.

Things To Do in Lakshadweep

For marine adventures and water sports, Lakshadweep is a haven. As you wish to learn about the things to do in Lakshadweep, I share the activities you can do in this Lakshadweep guide:

Get Cultural Experiences

Many of us think of beach and water activities when talking about Lakshadweep. But, when you are on these islands, make sure to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can do this by attending traditional dance performances. Otherwise, visiting places like Minicoy Lighthouse will help you explore the island’s history.

Island Hopping and Beach Walks

Lakshadweep Island is popular for its uncrowded beaches and miles of pristine waters. So, one of the best things you can do when you are in Lakshadweep is to take long walks on beach sand, take sunbathe or just relax watching the beauty of the ocean. Yet another popular activity on these islands is island hopping.

Island hopping trips are organised by many trip organizers in Lakshadweep. These trips will let you explore multiple islands of Lakshadweep on a single day.

Fishing

Lakshadweep is popular for the wide range of fishing opportunities offered. Many resorts on the islands arrange sportfishing expeditions for guests. Otherwise, you can also join local fishermen to catch fish.

The other popular activities in Lakshadweep include canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. You can find schools that are dedicated to teaching these activities even for first-timers like you and me.

Best Time and Season To Visit Lakshadweep

The winter season between October and March is the best time to visit Lakshadweep Island. You will enjoy your Lakshadweep tour during this season well. The reason is that the climate during this season will be pleasant. The days during this season are generally pleasant. Also, evenings in this season are breezy. The average temperature in this season ranges between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius.

How Long To Spend in Lakshadweep?

Some people say that you can dedicate 4-6 days to your Lakshadweep tour. However, some recommend opting for a 7-day trip. With 7 days, you can immerse yourself in the marine life, coral reefs and beaches of the island.

Best Restaurants and Cafes Around Lakshadweep Island

If you love seafood, you can find the best restaurants on the island that serve tasty seafood. Here is the name of a few restaurants and cafes in Lakshadweep:

Seaside Splendor Café
Coral Reef Restaurant
Lagoon View Café
Sunset Paradise Restaurant
Island Breeze Café
Palm Grove Restaurant
Ocean Delight Café
Merine Drive Restaurant
Blue Lagoon Café
Spice Island Restaurant
Beachfront Bliss Café
Island Feast Restaurant
Tropical Breeze Café
Fisherman’s Cove Restaurant
Oceanfront dining

Lakshadweep Itinerary

In this Lakshadweep guide, I would like to share my detailed 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary. According to this itinerary, here is how your 7 days in Lakshadweep Island will look like:

Day 1 – Reach Agatti islands
Day 2 – Travel to Bangaram Islands
Day 3 – Explore Bangaram Islands
Day 4- Travel to Kavaratti
Day 5- Water activities at Kavaratti
Day 6- Travel to Thinnakara
Day 7 – Departure

Conclusion

In short, with the growth of Lakshadweep tourism, I should share that you can get the best experience at Lakshadweep. So, pack your bags and get ready for a unique enjoyable experience.

Would you like to visit Daman and Diu? If so, check out my post on Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Daman and Diu.

FAQ

1. Are There Any Travel Restrictions in Lakshadweep?

Yes, Lakshadweep has 36 islands. However, tourists are allowed only to 10 of them.

2. Is Any Permit Needed to Enter Lakshadweep?

Yes, Lakshadweep is a restricted area. However, obtaining permits is easy for Indians compared to foreign nationals. With a valid ID Proof, you can apply for the permit through Lakshadweep Administration. Even, a registered travel agency can help you easily obtain the necessary permits.

March 26, 2025 1 comment

Lakshadweep India Itineraries

7-day Lakshadweep itinerary To Experience a Tropical Paradise Adventure

written by Umang Trivedi

Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands, is a tropical paradise located off the southwestern coast of India. Renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and clear blue waters, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquillity. This 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary will help you explore the best of Lakshadweep, from its stunning marine life to its unique culture and heritage.

Before beginning my 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary, I would like to share how to reach Lakshadweep first:

How to Reach Lakshadweep?

You can reach Lakshadweep Island either by flight or ship. To travel to Lakshadweep, you should first reach Kochi. The reason is that Kochi is the gateway to Lakshadweep.

You will have to reach either Bangaram or Agatti island. However, as our 7-day itinerary starts from Agatti, you can reach this place. Indian Airlines, operates flights from Kochi to take people to Agatti. You can reach Kochi either by flight or train as Kochi is well-connected to other cities in India.

Flight from Kochi to Agatti will take about one hour and 30 minutes. In Lakshadweep, the Airstrip is available only at Agatti. So, we will start our itinerary from this place.

Also, if you choose to travel by ship, 7 passenger ships connect Kochi and Lakshadweep. The travel time will be between 14 and 18 hours if you choose to travel by sea. The ships offer different classes of accommodation including AC first class with two berth cabins.

You might have heard that you should get a special permit to explore Lakshadweep. However, remember that not all places on this island need tourists to have a permit. The exempted places include Minicoy, Kadmat, Bangaram, Agatti and Kavaratti. If you wish to travel to other islands, you can apply for the permit online.

Do you love beach destinations? If so, my post on 8-day Goa itinerary can help you plan your visit.

My 7-Day Lakshadweep Itinerary

Now, you know how to reach Lakshadweep. As we plan to start our 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary from Agatti, let us ensure that you reach Agatti on the first day of our itinerary.

Day 1 & 2: Reaching Agatti and Travel to Bangaram Island

Day 1: Reaching Agatti

Let us consider that you are reaching Agatti on the first morning of our 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary. Upon reaching, check in to one of the above-mentioned or other accommodations you have previously booked.

Read my post on 4-day Delhi itinerary.

Where to Stay in Agatti?

I would like to suggest a few accommodation options in Agatti. You can choose one based on your budget. Thankfully, you can book your accommodation in one of these places through hotel-booking apps or websites:

White Pearl Beach Resort – This resort offers stunning ocean views, exciting water sports, and island-hopping excursions. It boasts proximity to the airport, delicious food, and excellent value for money
Turtle Nest Resort – This resort is a great choice for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing stay. It offers comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and friendly service.
Wundervoll Resort – This resort offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. It’s a great choice for those who want a luxurious and relaxing stay.
Coral Paradise Beach Resort – This resort is located on a beautiful beach and offers a variety of water sports activities. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
Government Beach Huts – A budget-friendly option, these beach huts offer basic amenities but provide a true beachfront experience.

Morning

After reaching your accommodation, freshen up and have your breakfast. Check whether your accommodation has a restaurant attached to finish your breakfast. You might also be served complementary breakfast in your accommodation. So, check and accordingly finish your breakfast.

After breakfast, you can rest for a few hours before you start island hopping.

Afternoon Island Hopping

Before starting to island hopping trip, you can finish your lunch near your accommodation. The island hopping excursion will take you to nearby islands. You can enquire about this excursion in your accommodation as they can guide you with choosing the right provider. Bangaram Atoll is one of the best islands for your island-hopping excursion. Other islands you might be taken to include Minicoy, Andretti, Amini, Birla and Kadmat.

Also, check with your accommodation to know whether any special permission is required to visit these islands.

Evening: Relax by the Beach

After your island hopping excursion, you can soak in the surroundings of Agatti Island. You can engage in lip-smacking fruit punch, practice yoga, stroll along the beaches or you can lay down for relaxing by the beach.

You can find food outlets by the beachside to finish your dinner before heading to your accommodation to conclude the day.

Check out my post on the 7-Day Andaman & Nicobar Islands Itinerary and 8-day Rajasthan itinerary.

Day 2: Travel to Bangaram Island

On the second day of our 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary, we can finish our breakfast on Agatti Island before taking a boat trip to Bangaram Island. You can find many ferries and boats taking tourists and locals from Agatti to Bangaram island. The travel time will be around 45 minutes.

Where to Stay in Bangaram Island?

Unlike other Lakshadweep islands, Bangaram offers limited accommodation options. The primary place to stay is the Bangaram Island Resort. This beachfront resort provides a range of thatched-roof cottages, offering a rustic charm directly on the sand. They cater to various budgets with options for both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. The resort also handles most dining and activity needs, making it a convenient one-stop shop for your Bangaram stay. While budget guesthouses aren’t available here, the resort offers a variety of room categories to find the experience that suits you.

Morning: Reaching Bangaram Island

As you can reach Bangaram Island within a 45-minute ride from Agatti Island, you can start your day a bit late.

Let us consider that you are reaching Bangaram Island around 10.30 or 11 am. You can check in to your accommodation and spend some time relaxing before heading to a snorkelling adventure activity.

Afternoon: Snorkelling

Bangaram Island is known for its warm and calm waters ideal for fishing, snorkelling, diving and swimming. Otherwise, this island is ideal just for lazing around. However, if you are like me interested in adventurous activities, you can opt for snorkelling. This island has professionally trained and well-equipped divers to guide you with snorkelling. You can choose one of the two snorkelling activities available on this island.

After completing your snorkelling activity, you can finish your lunch on the beach. Go back to your accommodation to rest for a few hours.

Evening

Take a leisure walk along the shoreline close to your accommodation. After some time, you can enjoy your dinner under the stars along the beach watching the beauty of the ocean.

With this, the second day of our 7-say Lakshadweep itinerary comes to an end.

You might feel my blog on the West Bengal itinerary helpful if you plan a trip to this state.

Day 3 & 4: Bangaram Island Exploration and Trip to Kavaratti

Day 3: Exploring Bangaram Island

Let the third day of our itinerary begin with a refreshing cup of coffee with the sound of the sea. After coffee, take a refreshing bath at your accommodation before heading for a tasty breakfast.

Morning: Engage in Water Sports

Around an hour after your breakfast, you can engage in a lot of water sports in Bangaram Island. You can choose any one activity from paddleboarding, windsurfing and kayaking. Otherwise, you can try all these activities if you love adventurous water sports.

After this, take a fulfilling lunch at a beach-front restaurant. After lunch, get back to your accommodation to rest for a few hours. The reason is that adventurous water sports can be very tiring. I share this information out on my personal experience.

Evening

In the evening, you can go to the Bangaram Island lighthouse. You can get some stunning panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse. You can have a refreshing coffee with some evening snacks near the lighthouse before climbing atop.

Dinner

After spending some time in the lighthouse, take your dinner. You can also participate in a bonfire and barbecue dinner in your accommodation if available.

Here comes the end of the third day of our 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary.

Kindly go through my post on the 9-day Telangana itinerary. This post might help if you would like to spend some days during your next vacation.

Day 4: Trip to Kavaratti

On the 4^th day of our 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary, we can travel to Kavaratti island. Finish your breakfast in Bangaram Island.

Morning: Travel to Kavaratti

It will be hard to find direct ferries from Bangaram Island and Kavaratti Island. So, you will have to reach Agatti first. From Agatti, many ferries operate to Kavaratti. To reach Agatti, it will take around 45 minutes. From Agatti, it might take around 30-45 minutes of a speed boat trip to reach Kavaratti.

Where to Stay in Kavaratti?

Kavaratti offers a broader range of stay options compared to Bangaram. Here’s a quick guide:

Luxury: For a luxurious stay, consider the Kavaratti Island Beach Resort managed by the Lakshadweep Tourism Department. It boasts a beachfront location, modern amenities, and water sports facilities.
Mid-Range: Several private resorts like Sea Shells Beach Resort offer comfortable cottages with a beachside vibe. These cater to travellers seeking a relaxed atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Budget-Friendly: For budget travellers, government-run guesthouses provide basic amenities at an affordable cost.

Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and start at Kavaratti Mosque:

Afternoon: Kavaratti Mosque

Visit the historic Kavaratti Mosque, adorned with intricate carvings and a towering minaret. At this mosque, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture of Lakshadweep in this capital city.
Finish your lunch before heading to the Maring Research Institute
After lunch, visit the Marine Research Institute after your lunch. From this institute, you can gain insights into Lakshadweep’s fascinating marine life.

Evening

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the traditional ‘Lafandi’ dance, a vibrant display of local culture.

As the day unfolds, indulge in a delectable spread of Lakshadweep cuisine, a unique blend of Malabari and Arabic flavours.

Reach back to your accommodation for a restful sleep.

Do not miss out on gaining insights from my post on the 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary.

Day 5 & 6: Water Activities at Kavaratti & Travel To Thinnakara

Day 5: Engage in Water Activities at Kavaratti

Finish your breakfast in your accommodation and you have the entire day dedicated to participating in water activities in Kavaratti. So, you can start late.

Remember that no Lakshadweep experience is complete without diving into the underwater paradise. Kavaratti offers a plethora of water activities.

Embark on a snorkelling adventure, marvelling at the dazzling array of colourful fish flitting through coral reefs.

For the more adventurous, scuba diving unveils a breathtaking underwater world teeming with marine life.
Witness majestic sea turtles glide effortlessly, vibrant coral formations teeming with life, and schools of exotic fish darting in and out of sight.

After spending a few hours on water activities, you can finish your lunch before getting back to your accommodation.

Evening

In the evening, enjoy a bonfire on the beach under a star-studded sky, sharing stories and creating unforgettable memories. If time permits, you can also stroll along the beachfront before going for your dinner.

After the dinner, your 5^th day on the 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary comes to an end.

You might feel my blog on Punjab itinerary helpful.

Day 6: Travel to Thinnakara

On the 6^th day, you can start late from Kavaratti after finishing your breakfast. You can find ferries that can take you to Thinnakara from Kavaratti.

Afternoon: Check-in at Thinnakara

You might wonder where to stay at Thinnakara. Your stay itself is going to be an experience at Thinnakara when you choose to stay in a tent. Yes, tents in Thinnakara are constructed like row houses on this island. You will feel as if you are staying on your private island.

Thinnakara Island is located just opposite side of Bangaram Island. Both these islands share the coralline and lagoon banks. Thinnakara is located around 8 km from Agatti.

You can spend your entire day on this island. Your stay in a tent will come with food as a package. You can spend some quality time on this island with impressive marine flora and fauna, enchantingly swaying palms, sun-drenched sand, sylvan sea shores and magnificent lagoons.

Above all, you can engage in watersports on this island as well. even, glass-bottomed boats are available on this island to help you see underwater life. Also, you can play beach volleyball with fellow tourists on this island.

So, you have an entire day of activities with food on this island. Enjoy the entire day and go to sleep in your tent house with lots of memories to take to your home.

Check-out my post on 11-day Madhya Pradesh itinerary

Day 7: Departure

On the final day of this 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary, start based on your flight time to Kochi from Agatti. You might have booked train tickets or flight tickets for your hometown from Kochi as well. Finish a refreshing breakfast at Thinnakara before you catch a ferry to reach Agatti.

On your return journey, you will have a lot of wonderful memories. Indeed, you will have a lot of digital photos in your tab and phone to cherish your memories about this 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary for several decades to come. Happy memories!

Also, check out my posts on the 10-day Maharashtra itinerary and the 10-day Andhra Pradesh itinerary.

July 31, 2024 0 comment