Lakshadweep Islands

Get set to rock this holiday to the fullest at the Lakshadweep Islands, the tiniest Union Territory of India. The entire archipelago of Lakshadweep consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks that make a rich treasure to visit the islands again and again. There are seventeen uninhabited or deserted islands at the heart of the small archipelago. Though most of the islands have remained isolated and uninhabited, yet they are bestowed with an extravagance of nature’s wonder and beauty to discover and explore at their best. Off the Kerala Coast in the Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep group of islands constitutes one of the best places to visit in the holidays.

Demographics

Though mostly uninhabited, yet Lakshadweep records an average population of 60595, as per the 2001 census. The people inhabiting the region live scattered in the many islands and speak different dialects. Some believe that those living in the northern part of the islands are descendents of traders who were found drenched during a tumulus tempest at the sea. These men speak the Malayalam dialect. On the other hand, the folks living on the southern islands, such as Minicoy speak Mahl as their vernacular language. As for their culture and traditional behaviors, they are quite similar to that of the coastal Malayali people. Almost 99% of the people here are, however, Muslims.

Geography

The Lakshadweep Islands is located at 8 º- 12 º 13″ North latitude and 71º -74º East longitude and at a 220 to 440 kilometers distance from the coastal city Kochi in Kerala. There are 36 islands with 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks making up the beautiful archipelago. There are two banks, Angria Bank and Adas Bank located in the northern part of the islands. Some of the major islands are Agatti, Kavaratti and Amini.

Climate

The climatic conditions of the islands are quite pleasant with the tropical type of temperature and humidity. However, the southern section of the islands has a more equatorial type of a climate. It is a pleasant weather throughout the year with no season to mention in particular. The southwest monsoon brings some shower during the months of May to October – little more in the northern part compared to the southern region. April and May can be termed as the hottest months and the temperature ranges between 35 degrees Celsius with the warm days and the cool nights. Cyclonic storms, during the month of October to December at times affect the islands with heavy storms and rains.

Flora and Fauna

The Lakshadweep Islands have a fertile soil for producing a wide range of fruits and vegetables, like, Banana, Vazha, (Musaparadisiaca), Colocassia, Chambu (Colocassia antiquarum) Drumstic Moringakkai (Moringa Oleifera), Bread Fruit, Chakka (Artocarpus incisa) wild almond (Terminalia Catappa). There are also certain wild shrubs and bushes found such as Kanni (Scaevolakeeningil), Punna, (Calaphylluminophyllum), Chavok(Casurina equisetifolia), Cheerani (Thespesia Populnea). Coconut plantation is the most important flora contributing to the economic purpose.

As for the fauna, the marine animals lie abundant in the islands and their proximity. The most commonly found vertebrates include the cattle and the poultry. Many oceanic birds fly over the islands in Lakshadweep. Tharathasi (Sterna fuscata) and Karifetu (Anous solidus) are the two most rare and special birds found in the islands.

Major Attractions

Kalpeni: The island contains one of the largest lagoons of the region. Kalpeni provides the tourists with an ideal location for practicing several water sports. The island has several beautiful islets like Tilakkam, Pitti and the Cheriyam, that remains barren and desolate for most part of the year. There are several bath huts and refreshing rooms where the tourists are allowed to take rest and change their clothing post water sports.

Minicoy: It is the southern-most island of Lakshadweep. The island is a blend of Maldivian and South Indian culture, and is a bit isolated compared to others. The island is often referred to as the Women’s Island – since the island is mostly dominated by women and their participation in every activity of the place.

Traditionally the inhabitants of the island were seamen, who worked for the international shipping companies.

The tourists are provided with good accommodation facilities in the island. There is a twenty-bedded tourist resort that includes all the amenities required for a stay at the island.

Besides these two significant islands, there is an excess of beautiful islands scattered throughout Lakshadweep. The picturesque vista from the island is truly remarkable to note and the appealing surrounding is truly outstanding. Some of the other islands include, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Bangaram, Agatti and many others.

Tips

- Corals are found in abundance in the islands. However, it is strictly prohibited to collect corals from the islands. It is an act punishable by law.
- Alcohol is a strict no-no for all visiting the islands of the Lakshadweep. Bangaram is the only island amongst all the others that permit the intake of alcohol.