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Tourism Promotion
Lakshadweep has a precious heritage in its ecology and culture. The local
Administration always keeps the carrying capacity of the islands in mind.
Similarly, in some islands the water-able is not sufficient to provide
increased drinking water in significant quantities and so these islands
have not been earmarked for tourism.
Government 'accommodation is available at Kavaratti, Kadmath and Agatti.
At Kalpeni and Minicoy private entrepreneurs have taken up the task.
Extensive use has been made of tiling roofs and coconut palm matting for
external walls, and the effect is remarkable in the way the constructions
blend with their surroundings.
Water Sports
High
quality equipment of international standards has been imported for the
Kadmath Institute of Water Sports. This includes snorkels, glass- bottomed
boats, rowing and motor boats, equipment for wind surfing, scuba diving,
Para sailing and water skiing.
Water sports facilities like kayaking, sailing, paddle boats, inflatable
motor boats, glass - bottom boats and water skiing are available in the
islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmath and Minicoy.
Traditional folk dances of the islands are performed by local men.
Performances are available on request. No other form of entertainment
exists except TV and Radio.
One interesting consequence of the Administration's concern for ecology
is the promotion of the concept of day tourism. A passenger liner
anchoring near an island provides both transport and accommodation.
Tourists therefore have the best of both worlds- comfortable accommodation
and service on board the ship, combined with the beauty of the island and
water sports facilities during the day.
There is a regular ship service between Cochin and the islands according
to a scheduled programme.
Location and General Information
In the Arabian sea, approximately 400 kms west of the coast of Kerala
between 8 degrees and 12 degrees North latitude, and 71 degrees and 74
degrees East longitude, Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of India - its
tiniest - and has the country's only coral islands. Of its 36 islands
covering a land area of 32 so. km, 10 are inhabited.
Climate
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate, with summer temperatures ranging from
35 degrees centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade and winter temperature
between 32 degrees centigrade to 20 degrees centigrade. During monsoons,
ship - based tourism is closed but a helicopter service is available. Some
effect of the northeast monsoon is felt in October-November in the form of
light transitory showers which cool the place.
It is important to see Lakshadweep in the light of what it is - a group
of islands, far from each other and from the mainland. Most items of food
supplies, rice, vegetables, tinned food etc. as well as a whole range of
consumer goods have to be transported, at some pains, from Kerala. Hence
the few shops that do exist cater very specifically to the everyday needs
of the locals. Good brands of toiletries and cigarettes are available on
major islands.. Books and periodicals in any language other than Malayalam
are difficult to find but inhabited islands have excellent libraries.
Biscuits, tinned milk and similar provisions are not difficult to find.
However, Bangaram, having no local population, has no shops at all.
Tropical clothes throughout the year are sufficient. A waterproof coat
during October- November will be useful.
There is prohibition on all the islands except in uninhabited islands
such as Bangaram.
Language
The language spoken in the islands is Malayalam except in Minicoy where
it is Mahl, written in the Divehi script. The local population are all
Sunni Muslims of the Shafi sect. Tourist guides and those people who come
into contact with tourists as part of their job, speak English. Very
little Hindi is spoken or understood except in Minicoy.
BY AIR
NEPC has started operating flights from Cochin to Agatti island for
Bangarani. From Agatti, passengers are transported to Bangaram by fast
boat and brought back to Agatti in time for their departure. A helicopter
service links Agatti to other islands.
BY SHIP
Vessels ply between Cochin and Lakshadweep. They have air-conditioned
cabins for first class tourists and an air-conditioned Lounge hall with
push back seats for tourist class accommodation. Rates vary according to
the type of accommodation as well as the package chosen. Domestic package
prices are inclusive of ship fare, meals on the ship and islands, ferrying
charges between ship and island (the ship anchors 30-45 minutes away from
each island), transport charges in the islands, sightseeing charges,
lagoon cruising and accommodation on the islands. Every journey of the·
ship-between Cochin and an island as well as between one island and
another takes anything from 3 to 20 hours. Indian meals are served on
board. Some cabins are fitted with a wash basin and have common bathrooms.
First class AC cabins have attached toilets. Bed-linen and towels are
provided. From October to April, Catamaran speed vessels operate as per
monthly schedule between major islands in the northern group.
Board and Lodging
The tourist huts in each island are situated on the beach in ideal
locations, Each hut has one or two twin-bedded bedrooms, overhead fans,
and attached baths, Meals are served out on the beach, An extra bed can be
provided in each room. (The tourist huts along with the entire island
receives its electric supply from diesel generating sets.)
Tips For Travellers
Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands formed from coral
rock, and beautiful formations can be seen all over the lagoons. Tempting
as it is to pick one piece up as a souvenir, it is strictly Illegal, being
punishable with heavy fines. This is because in doing so you are seriously
endangering the environment. Local cuisine resembles food from Kerala for
the spices it uses, and for the extensive use of coconut. Breakfast could
consist or idlis or poorie subji and lunch and dinner of rice with a dry
vegetable, sambhar and fish, chicken or mutton in a gravy. Tuna fish,
curried, fried or barbecued is generally available from October to March,
Vegetarian meals are available.
Facilities
Telephone services are available on STD/ISD on major islands. Doctors and
medical assistance are available on the islands and on the ship.