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Turquoise Tranquility: Discovering the Pristine Isles of Lakshadweep
- Sai Venkatesh Vemuri
- Oct 27, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 11, 2024
With pristine shores and clear blue waters, Lakshadweep is a dream for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The island's limited tourism ensures a peaceful escape, perfect for relaxing beach days.
Table of Contents
Securing a Permit for Lakshadweep 🔗
Essential Travel Information 🔗
Note: I embarked on this adventure with On His Own Trip (OHOT), an amazing team that organizes group trips to exciting destinations both within and beyond India. Be sure to check them out! Just a heads-up, I'm not getting any monetary benefit or perks for mentioning them—I just genuinely love their trips.
Situated off the southwestern coast of India in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory. The word "Lakshadweep" translates to "a hundred thousand islands" in Sanskrit. While the name might suggest an endless stretch of islands, the Lakshadweep archipelago actually consists of 36 islands. Agatti, the capital, is also the only island with an airport, serving as the primary entry point for visitors to this remote paradise. Previously, the islands were accessible only by flights from Kochi, but now there are flights from Bengaluru and Goa, making the journey even more convenient for travelers. For those who prefer to travel by sea, there are ships operating from Kochi, and recently, a ferry service from Mangaluru has also been introduced.
Touch Down at Agatti Airport
One of the most thrilling parts of the Lakshadweep adventure is the flight landing at Agatti Airport. Imagine this: as the plane begins its descent, you spot a slender strip of land surrounded by endless blue, with the airport nestled right at one end of the island. This first glimpse of Lakshadweep is pure magic and sets the tone for the entire trip, making you feel like you’re about to step into a whole new world of tropical beauty.
Agatti airport is delightfully small, welcoming only compact aircraft like AT7s and ATRs due to its limited runway and facilities. There’s no need for a shuttle bus—passengers simply walk from the plane to the terminal, where they complete the permit verification process. Instead of baggage belts, luggage is laid out in a hall for passengers to find and collect themselves. This no-fuss, tech-free experience adds to the charm, offering a refreshingly unique start to the Lakshadweep adventure.
Securing a Permit for Lakshadweep
Under current regulations, anyone who is not a native of Lakshadweep must obtain a permit to enter and stay on these islands. A key requirement for this permit is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or a Certificate of Non-Involvement in Criminal Offences. However, many are unaware of this requirement, often facing challenges in obtaining the certificate. Each state has its own process: some allow local police stations to issue it, while others have dedicated offices or online procedures. In Telangana, for instance, applicants must apply for a Police Verification Certificate (PVC) via the MeeSeva Portal and wait for local police verification, which typically takes around three days. Processing times vary widely across states, ranging from two days to two weeks.
The requirement for a Police Clearance Certificate is something that should be simplified or even removed altogether. It feels quite unusual to need one just to visit a destination within the country. This process is undoubtedly a significant barrier to promoting tourism in Lakshadweep.
Additionally, an invitation from a local resident is required for entry permit. Our tour agency handled the permit process, securing it after we submitted the necessary documents.
History and Geography of the islands
Located approximately 300 km off Kerala’s coastline, the Lakshadweep archipelago consists of 36 islands, covering around 32 square kilometers, making it small in size but incredibly rich in natural beauty. Out of these, only 10 islands are inhabited, while just a select few are open to tourists, ensuring the region’s pristine environment and unique ecosystems are preserved.
Historically, the islands of Lakshadweep were governed by the powerful Chola and Chera dynasties before briefly falling under Portuguese control. The region later came under the rule of the Kingdom of Mysore, before being annexed by the British in the 18th century. Originally known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands, the archipelago was collectively renamed Lakshadweep after India’s independence, reflecting its newfound identity as a Union Territory.
Our Stay at Agatti Island
We spent all our nights on Agatti, taking day trips to nearby islands whenever we wanted. The island is a stunningly narrow stretch of land, with just one primary road running from end to end. For much of the drive, you’ll see the ocean on both sides—a unique and magical sight that feels straight out of a dream.
We stayed at Sea Shells Resort, conveniently located just a five-minute drive from the airport. The charming cottage huts were cozy and simple, but they offered something truly spectacular—breathtaking views of the sea on both sides.
The morning ritual each day was a quiet walk down this road, soaking in the sea, gazing out over the endless waters, and feeling a profound calm settle both outside and within.
Some days, we would watch as a storm gathered on the horizon at one side, dark clouds swirling and inching closer, while the other side remained clear and untouched. It was surreal to stand between two worlds—the calm and the chaos.
Unforgettable Sunrises and Sunsets
As with any island, the sunrises and sunsets here are not to be missed. Each dawn and dusk paints the sky, casting a magical glow over the water and creating moments that feel timeless.
Trails of Kalpitty Island
Kalpitty Island, nestled within the Agatti atoll just south of the main island and near the airport, is uninhabited and covered in dense greenery. A rugged trail runs through it, and the rain and strong winds on the day of our visit only added to the wild excitement of the trek.
Enchanting Nights of Bioluminescence
The nights in Lakshadweep are just as captivating as the days. Each night, we were treated to the mesmerizing sight of bioluminescence, a phenomenon caused by phytoplankton, which release light when disturbed, creating the effect of shimmering stars in the waves. While it’s nearly impossible to capture the full beauty of this on camera, seeing it with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience
Cruise to Bangaram Atoll
During one of our trips, we went on a day trip to Bangaram Atoll. The journey was super fun, with a two-hour cruise under the sunny sky and a cool sea breeze all around.
We all gathered on the ship’s deck at the bow, leaning into the open sea, letting the vast horizon fill our view. With a perfect playlist setting the vibe, we found ourselves swaying to the music, laughter and wind mingling as we sailed forward. It was one of those carefree moments, with nothing but the ocean ahead and great company by our side.
Unwind on Thinakaran Island
Our first stop was Thinakaran Island, located to the east of Bangaram. The inviting lagoons were perfect for a refreshing dip, allowing us to dive in and enjoy the natural beauty around us.
Snorkeling Adventure at a Shipwreck
Our next stop was snorkeling at a shipwreck near Bangaram Island, where colorful corals had claimed the wreck, transforming it into a thriving underwater ecosystem full of fascinating marine life. After an awe-inspiring session, we simply floated on our backs, drifting in the vast ocean, carefree and at peace with the world around us.
Walk on the Sandbank
Our final stop of the day at Bangaram was the sandbank—a breathtaking geographical feature that felt absolutely magical. It was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the trip and quickly became my favorite spot.
Standing on a stretch of sand with the ocean encircling us, it was the closest I’d ever come to walking (or running!) on water, and I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement at this incredible experience.
After countless photo ops and sandball fights, we finally called it a day and began our journey back to Agatti.
Scuba Diving Adventure
Scuba diving is an absolute must-do in Lakshadweep, and we chose Ammathi Scuba Dive Center for the experience. They were incredibly professional and patient, ensuring everyone felt completely at ease before the dive.
We were taken by boat to a nearby reef, and our underwater adventure lasted around 15 minutes. The crystal-clear waters revealed countless corals and vibrant marine life, making the experience unforgettable. I felt perfectly comfortable the entire time—no issues with my ears or water entering my mask (maybe because it was my second time). If I ever go for a scuba certification, this place in Lakshadweep will be my top choice.
Sunset Kayaking Experience
Kayaking here is a fantastic adventure and definitely a workout! Paddling against the waves takes some effort, making it a great upper-body exercise, but the reward is worth every stroke. Gliding along the water as the sun dips below the horizon is an unforgettable way to catch the sunset.
Slow Down and Relax on the Island
Activities aside, Lakshadweep is also the perfect place to do absolutely nothing. Lying in a hammock with a good book, sitting by the shore for long conversations, or relaxing in the cottages with games—these slow, simple moments are just as ideal for soaking in the island vibe.
Conserving the Unique Island Ecosystem
Interestingly, we didn’t spot a single dog during our time in Lakshadweep. However, a friendly cat and her playful litter were regular visitors around our resort. These islands are ecologically sensitive and support a unique ecosystem that’s distinct from the mainland. This is why strict permits and regulations are in place—to limit tourism and protect the delicate environment.
It’s essential for all visitors to respect all guidelines to help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity that make Lakshadweep so special.
Savor Lakshadweep’s Cuisine and Hospitality
Since most produce are sourced from mainland India, each meal is simple and limited in variety, but deliciously prepared. The cuisine here closely resembles that of Kerala, thanks to both the islands’ proximity and the fresh produce coming directly from there.
Be mindful not to waste resources like electricity and food, as these are valuable commodities for the locals. Every bit counts on these remote islands, so a little care goes a long way in supporting sustainable tourism.
The resort staff deserve a special mention—their genuine hospitality made us feel right at home, with every request thoughtfully met. We couldn’t leave without a photo with the entire team, including the chef, who went above and beyond, even preparing separate Jain meals.
Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or with family, you can be sure you’ll be well looked after here.
And that wraps up this journey! Be sure to explore more stories on this blog. I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to connect through the contact section.
Essential Information
Who should visit?
Nature Lover
Thrill Chaser
When to visit?
Avoid monsoons
Recommended - September to May
Where to Stay?
Sea Shells Resort at Agatti
What to do?
Relax at the
Stroll along the Sandbank
Witness Nighttime Bioluminescence
Take a Cruise to a Nearby Island
Snorkel at a Shipwreck
Scuba Dive to see the corals
Kayak into the Open Ocean
How to travel?
Fly to Agatti from any major city in India, with connections via Kochi, Bengaluru, or Goa. Be sure to book flights well in advance, as prices can rise steeply.
Ships also operate from Kochi and Mangaluru.
Hire a Taxi / Auto for all internal travel
Ferry to travel to other Islands.
Recommended Trip Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights*
Estimated Trip Budget
~INR 45,000 per Person*
* 1. Excluding transportation costs via flight to Agatti.
2. INR 38,000 was charged by OHOT for this trip that included all transportation, accommodation and guided tour in Lakshadweep.