Untouched Islands - Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 breathtaking atolls.

A place which shows the true meaning of serenity, A place blessed with snowy white sands, crystal clear water, rich marine life and warm weather. A place which is not included in the travel list of many, A place which is not to be missed.

Booked our flight tickets (3 months before) to Agatti Island from kochi, it costed Rs 4500 to & fro per person.

Tip : Take the window seat on the right side to see the Agatti airstrip.

All our accommodation and transport was booked through SPORTS (Agency established by gvt for Lakshadweep Tourism). Booked 5 days in Kadmat and one day in Thinnakara island. We were greeted by the staff of tourism board at the agatti airport and were informed that due to high tides the ships to kadmat were cancelled and have to stay in Bangaram island. Our lunch was arranged in agatti island and we had some time to explore the agatti beach.

Agatti Beach

Later at 3pm we headed to jetty to continue for journey to bangaram island. It took nearly 90 min to reach the island. The entire journey was mesmerising with picturesque views.

View from the speed boat - Agatti Island

BANGARAM ISLAND -

An alluring island with astounding views. Bangaram is an uninhabitable island and only place to stay is in non ac cottages of Banagaram Island Resort, which are just in front of the beach. They do have 4 AC cottages but are reserved only for VIP government officials. Resort offers quite some activities.

Activities offered by the resort:

1. Snorkelling

2. Scuba Diving

3. Kayaking

4. Glass bottom boat rides

5. Turtle watching

6. Jet skiing

Snorkeling:

Bangaram island has some good snorkelling sites one of which is on the other side of the island....

Snorkelling Point which is just 5 min from the island

Another site is just 10min away, it's a beautiful ship wreck where you can find schools of fishes, eels, clamp fish and my favourite NEMO fish. Just love staring at this beautiful fish which keeps hiding itself in the sea anemone and occasionally peeps out.

Shipwreck snorkelling

Nemo fish

Another beauty of this island is that there is sand bank which just 10 min away. During low tide one can approach it by walk. We spent our evenings enjoying the sunset by just lying on the bank. Such a blissful experience.

Sand Bank

Scuba Diving:

There are fair amount of astounding diving sites around bangaram island, choosing one was a tough choice to make but after quite some research and discussion with dive master we have decide to dive Manta Point. Schools of fishes, turtles, amazing coral formations made Diving in manta point an exquisite moment of pure wonder. Another beautiful moment was when hundreds of bat fishes started gyrating around us.

Thinnakara Island:

After spending 4 days in Bangaram island island, we have decided to move to thinnakara which is just opposite to bangaram island. Another tiny enchanting island with magnificent lagoons, sun kissed sands, picturesque sun sets and enchantment of swaging palms.

Tent accommodation in Thinnakara

Sun setting over Bangaram Island

Thinnakara island over looking Parali islands

Island hopping in Kayak:

Thinnakara shares its lagoon with parali 1 & parali 2 islands. One of our favourite activity was kayaking , so we have decided to kayak from thinnakara to parali but it can be dangerous as other side of parali is open ocean. After one failed attempt due to high currents we made it to the island the second day. Rowing our way through the lagoon with sight of hundreds of turtles, flying fishes and a sting ray. Parali is also a uninhabitable island, we had the whole island only to ourselves. This was our best experience.

Parali Island

Basic Information about Permissions:

Tourism is restricted in these islands to protect the interests of local people and also due to very low carrying capacity of the islands and fragile nature of the marine wealth. One needs to obtain entry permit to explore these islands from Lakshadweep Administration, Kochi.

There are two ways one can visit lakshadweep:

1. On your own: Economical & Long process-

Documents required for entry permit:

• Application form (http://www.holidayrentals.co.in/images/news_pdf/application-Lakshadweep-Entry-Permit-copy-holidayrentals.pdf)

• Police Clearance Certificate obtained from the Commissioner of Police of the residing District

• Self attested photocopy of ID card

• 3 Passport size photographs

• Your nearest Police station address and telephone number

You need start the process at least one month before travel. Obtaining Police verification certificate itself will take 10 - 14 days.

2. SPORTS authorised travel agents:

Everything will be taken care by them including permits, no need of any police verification certificate.

GOOD TO KNOW:

1. Try to avoid revelling cloths in inhabitable islands

2. Have enough cash if you are planning for any activities as there are no ATM's in Bangaram and Thinnakara

3. Alcohol is prohibited in all islands

Budget:

Flights - Rs 4500

Accommodation including 3 course meal - Rs 7000 per day

Boat charges from agatti to bangaram island - Rs 2500 per person

Boat charges from bangaram to thinnakara - Rs 2000 per person

Boat charges from thinnakara to agatti - Rs 2500 per person

Scuba Diving - Rs 3000 per dive

Snorkelling Equipment rent - Rs 150 per day