Introduction

The Lakshadweep islands are a beautiful tropical archipelago off the coast of Kerala in India. Often described as India’s Maldives, Lakshadweep is known for its sun-kissed beaches, turquoise lagoons, rich marine life, and serene natural beauty. The name Lakshadweep means “one hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, though the archipelago is actually made up of 36 islands.

These islands sit isolated in the Laccadive Sea, about 200-400km off the Malabar Coast. Lakshadweep has a predominantly Muslim population and was once ruled by Muslim kings. Today it’s a Union Territory of India. The unspoiled natural environment, slow pace of life, and Islamic culture make Lakshadweep feel distinct from mainland India. It’s a scenic paradise for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation or adventures like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and sport fishing. With swaying coconut palms, sparkling lagoons, and picturesque villages, Lakshadweep offers the quintessential tropical island experience.

Location

The Lakshadweep Islands, sometimes known as the Laccadive Islands, are a beautiful chain of 36 coral islands in the Laccadive Sea off the coast of Kerala in southwestern India. The islands span over 32 square miles and are located approximately 200 to 440km off the coast of Kerala.

The northernmost island is Bitra and the southernmost island is Minicoy. The capital is Kavaratti and some of the other major inhabited islands include Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Kadmat, and Kalpeni.

Though the islands are located in the Arabian Sea, they are still considered part of India’s Malabar Coast. Lakshadweep translates to “one hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, though there are only a couple dozen islands in the group. The islands are surrounded by reefs and have a number of smaller uninhabited islets around them. The reefs protect the islands from monsoon weather and provide excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving.

The Lakshadweep islands offer pristine tropical island beauty with swaying coconut palms, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and rich marine life. The remoteness and intentional lack of development on the islands makes them an unspoiled paradise.

How to Get There

The Lakshadweep Islands are an archipelago of 36 islands in the Laccadive Sea, off the coast of Kerala. The only way to reach the islands is by sea or air.

The main gateway to Lakshadweep is Kochi in Kerala. You can take a passenger ship from Kochi to reach the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep. The journey takes around 14-18 hours depending on your destination island. Some of the ships that operate between Kochi and Lakshadweep are MV Kavaratti, MV Amindivi, and MV Minicoy. Tickets can be booked in advance through the Lakshadweep Tourism office.

There are airports on the islands of Agatti and Minicoy with flights connecting to Kochi and Goa. Air India is the only airline that serves Lakshadweep. The flight from Kochi to Agatti takes around 1.5 hours. From Agatti or Minicoy, you can take a ferry or local boat to other islands.

You can also reach Lakshadweep by charter flight from Kochi directly to Kavaratti island. This is the fastest way to reach Lakshadweep but also the most expensive option. Private yacht charters are another possibility for those looking for a premium experience.

Make sure to book your onward travel well in advance as seats are limited on both flights and ships serving the islands. The best time to visit is between October to May. Avoid the monsoon season between June to September when transportation gets disrupted due to rough seas.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lakshadweep islands is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for water activities.

The summer months between March to May are hot and humid. However, this is still a good time to visit as the sea is calm during this season. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing etc can be enjoyed during these months.

The monsoon season between May to September sees strong winds and heavy rainfall. Most beach resorts and hotels remain closed during the monsoon months. Ferries and flights also face disruptions due to the rough weather.

The winter months from October to February are the peak tourist season in Lakshadweep when the weather is cooler and perfect for sightseeing. The sea is also calm and ideal for activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving etc.

So the best time to visit Lakshadweep is during the winter and summer months for a pleasant vacation full of water activities and sightseeing. Avoid the monsoon period due to transportation issues and closures.

Top Hotels

Lakshadweep has some excellent hotel options for travelers seeking a relaxing island getaway. Here are some of the top hotels in Lakshadweep:

Agatti Island Beach Resort

Located on the island of Agatti, this resort features beachfront cottages and villas overlooking the Arabian Sea. Highlights include:

Spacious, modern rooms with balconies
Outdoor pool with sundeck
Restaurant serving local seafood dishes
Water sports equipment rentals

Bangaram Island Resort

Situated on Bangaram Island, this eco-friendly resort blends beautifully into the natural surroundings. Highlights include:

Deluxe beach villas with private decks
Yoga classes and ayurvedic spa treatments
Glass-bottom boat tours of the lagoon
PADI-certified dive center

Kadmat Island Resort

Found on Kadmat Island, this resort has a mix of beach cottages and villas set amidst coconut groves. Highlights include:

Traditional cottages with thatched roofs
Open-air restaurant serving fresh grilled fish
Snorkeling and kayaking equipment rentals
Guided jungle trekking tours

Activities

Lakshadweep is full of fun activities for hotel guests to enjoy during their stay. Here are some of the top things to do near the hotels in Lakshadweep:

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

With crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs surrounding the islands, Lakshadweep is a snorkeler and scuba diver’s paradise. Many hotels offer snorkeling equipment rental and can arrange scuba diving trips to the best reefs nearby.

Cruises

Take a relaxing cruise around the islands to take in the beautiful scenery and spot dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Cruises are available daily from many hotels. Sunset and dinner cruises are especially popular.

Kayaking

Paddle a kayak through the lagoons to access remote beaches and uninhabited islands. Kayak rentals are available through most hotels. Guided kayak tours are also an option.

Sport Fishing

The waters around Lakshadweep are filled with trophy fish like tuna, barracuda, shark, and more. Book a sport fishing adventure through your hotel to try your hand at catching dinner.

Relaxing on the Beach

With so many stunning beaches, relaxing on the sand with a good book or going for a swim is a favorite Lakshadweep pastime. Most hotels are located right on the beach.

Island Excursions

Take a guided island-hopping tour to visit inhabited and uninhabited islands. This is a great way to see more of the natural beauty of Lakshadweep. Tours can be arranged by the hotels.

So whether you want an adventurous vacation or just some rest and relaxation, the top hotels in Lakshadweep offer easy access to an array of fantastic activities.

Food

Lakshadweep is known for its fresh and tasty seafood dishes like tuna, lobster, crab, and various local fish. Coconut is also used extensively in Lakshadweep cuisine, adding a touch of sweetness to curries and other dishes.

Some popular local dishes to try include:

Mas huni – Flaky tuna cooked with coconut, chillies, and spices. Often served with rice or appam bread.
Kalava – A coconut-based fish curry made with sardines, mackerel, or reef cod. Full of complex flavors from the use of curry leaves, ginger, garlic, chillies, and coconut milk.
Kalliappam – A type of rice noodles flavored with cumin seeds. Often served for breakfast with chicken or tuna curry.
Chatti pathiri – A sweet dish made of soft pancakes stuffed with a mixture of coconut, sugar, and spices.

The best places to try authentic Lakshadweep cuisine are small, family-run local restaurants. Some popular options include:

Dewan Café – Laidback restaurant serving coastal Indian and Lakshadweep specialties in a relaxed setting. Try the prawn ularthiyathu and kallummakaya curry.
Royal Lakshadweep Beach Resort – The restaurant at this upscale resort offers gourmet preparations of Lakshadweep dishes. Go for the coconut crab curry or the meen pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf).
Sams Lakshadweep Restaurant – Unpretentious local eatery known for excellent seafood such as fried calamari, fish tikka, and crab masala.

So be sure to sample the incredible fresh seafood and tantalizing coconut-infused dishes when visiting Lakshadweep. It offers a delightful culinary experience.

Nightlife

Lakshadweep is a quiet island destination and popular amongst those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. For that reason, nightlife as you’d expect in a big city, is limited. However, there are still a few options for evening entertainment:

Relax on the Beach: Take an evening stroll along the sandy shores and enjoy the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Many hotels have beachside bars where you can grab a drink and snack while watching the waves.
Cultural Performances: Lakshadweep has a fascinating mix of cultures. Hotels will often host local dance or music shows in the evenings. These performances offer a great way to experience the island’s art forms.
Dine at Resort Restaurants: Resorts feature excellent restaurants, with some having beach views or live music. Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner or check out themed buffet nights.
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, stargazing from the beaches is incredible. Look out for shooting stars or try to spot constellations. Hotels can arrange astronomy talks too.
Relax with a Spa Treatment: What better way to unwind in the evening than with a soothing spa therapy? Most hotels have excellent spas offering relaxing massages, facials, and Ayurvedic treatments.

While nightlife may be limited, Lakshadweep offers a serene evening ambiance. Visitors can take in the island’s natural beauty or cultural offerings before retiring early to rest up for the next day’s adventures.

Shopping

Behind the gentle waves and peaceful ambience, Lakshadweep has some of the most unique shopping experiences waiting for you. The islands are filled with locally made handicrafts and artifacts that make for great souvenirs.

The main marketplace in Kavaratti island is an excellent place to pick up some locally crafted goods. Look out for intricate wooden carvings, traditional grass mats, homemade pickles and preserves. The Agatti island bazaar also offers a good selection of handicrafts by local artisans.

If you’re staying at the Bangaram Island Resort, head over to the hotel’s souvenir shop. It has a fabulous collection of shell craft items, coral jewelery, coconut wood artifacts, sweet local tidbits and more. The Swaying Palm gift shop at the SPORTS hotel is another one-stop destination for Lakshadweep specialties.

Minicoy island is especially known for its mattress hook crafts, cute pufferfish-shaped purses and other local handicrafts. At the Tuna Beach Retreat hotel, you can browse these items at the in-house Majee Boutique.

So take some time out during your Lakshadweep holiday to explore these local shopping haunts. You’ll come away with the perfect mementos to remember your island vacation!

Travel Tips for Hotels in Lakshadweep

The Lakshadweep Islands are a unique tropical paradise, but traveling there does require some special considerations. Here are some tips to make the most of your hotel stay in Lakshadweep:

Pack light – there are weight limits for luggage on flights and ferries to the islands. Stick to casual lightweight clothes and essentials.
Be prepared for limited amenities – many of the smaller hotels and resorts rely on solar power and have limited WiFi. Enjoy going off-grid during your stay.
Respect local culture – cover up on beaches, avoid public displays of affection, and check if alcohol is permitted at your hotel.
Bring seasickness medicine if prone to motion sickness – the ferry crossings can be choppy.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile coral ecosystems.
Book activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and island tours in advance through your hotel.
Opt for all-inclusive meal plans at your hotel since dining options are minimal on most islands.
Carry cash for any extra expenses – ATMs are limited.
Check visa requirements – Indians don’t need a permit but international visitors will need a permit.
Travel with a printed copy of hotel confirmations in case of connectivity issues.
Respect check-in and check-out times due to limited rooms.

With some advance preparation, you’re sure to have a smooth and memorable hotels in Lakshadweep islands! Let the hotel staff know if you have any other questions during your visit.