Lakshdweep
As you make it to any one of the 36 coral islands of Lakshadweep, the term
literally translating as "hundred thousand islands", you might
find yourself in a pop-up fairy tale. One of the most relaxed places in
India, the archipelago has retained the laid-back attitude that has traditionally
set it apart from the rest of India.
History
Lakshadweep archipelago finds mention in the accounts of the Arab traveller
Ibn Batuta. The Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama set his foot on the
islands. Though the Portuguese set up a fort on the islands, they fell
foul of the inhabitants who rose in rebellion and expelled European colonizers.
. In 1787, the South Indian ruler Tipu Sultan brought under his rule of
the Amindivi group of islands which comprised Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat
and Bitra. They were ceded to the British control after the Third Anglo
Mysore War in 1792 and were attached to the South Canara district. The
rest of the islands were given to the Arakkal family of Cannanore in return
for a promise of annual tribute. However non payment of arrears gave the
British to take control of the administration of those islands which were
then attached to the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency. After
Independence the States Reorganization Act separated these islands from
the mainland administrative units. A new union territory was formed by
combining all the islands
Places of Interest
One of the fast emerging travel destination, Lakshadweep attracts tourists
for its luxury cruises around the islands. Permission is needed for all
travellers to visit the union territory.
Indians can visit four of the inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Kalpeni,
Minicoy and Kadmath) while Bangaram, an uninhabited island, is open to
both domestic and foreign tourists. In Bangaram you can indulge in water
sports such as fishing, swimming, yachting and sailing in glass - bottomed
boats that give incredible views of the coral below.
Kavaratti
The Administrative headquarter of the Union territory of Lakshadweep,
Kavaratti is known for water sports. Basking on warm sandy beaches can
be a pleasant experience. The mosques of Ajara and Jamnath boast excellent
wood carving. On the mosque premises is a well which is believed to contain
medicinal water. Kalpeni is celebrated for its picturesque beauty with
the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island
on the north called Cheriyam.
Minicoy
The crescent shaped Minicoy is the southernmost island in Lakshadweep.
Home to large lagoons, the island contains Maldivian character that makes
it all the more fascinating. While visiting Kadamat your worries take
a backseat, where you can stay in the huts specially biuilt for the tourists
in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon.
Kalpeni
It is known for its scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam
& Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A
huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni
atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and south-eastern
shorelines. It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a
storm in 1847. It is a progressive island; it was in this island that
girls first went to school, when women's education was considered a taboo.
You can swim, reef-walk or water-sport on kayaks, sail boats & pedal
boats. Water sports crafts are given on hire; 2 bathing huts with change-rooms
are available, at Koomel Beach Resort. A visit to the baniyan factory
and the light house is also included in the day's program. 4 tourist cottages
are also available for staying tourists. Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef
and Coconut Grove Packages.
Bangaram
The uninhabited island of Bangaram is the only one open to tourists from
foreign countries. The teardrop-shaped island has splendid beaches and
stunning lagoons. You can indulge in scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling,
parasailing and water skiing. Tourist can enjoy deep sea fishing on local
boats with crew.
Agatti
The virtual gateway to the islands, Agatti is one of the most stunning
lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport on this island makes it one of the
most accessible islands in the union territory. Tourist can enjoy the
modern amenities that equip the 20-bed tourist complex set up on the island.
Tourism
With a population of 60,595 and density of 1,894/km, the union territory
of Lakshadweep is fast emerging as a major travel destination. The government
is also promoting tourism as it is the mainstay of economy of the archipelago.
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Lakshdweep
Culture of lakshdweep
lakshdweep Architecture
lakshdweep Tourist Attractions
Hotels and Resorts lakshdweep India
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