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Lakshadweep
Just off the coast of Kerala are a widely scattered
group of coral islands – 36 of them – collectively known as
Lakshadweep. They form part of the Union of India and are
one of the country’s newest tourist destinations. Ten of the
islands are inhabited by simple, peace-loving folk whose
language is close to that spoken in Kerala. The islanders
have lifestyles and occupations that revolve around coconut
cultivation, coir matting and fishing. Even today, nothing
is actually produced in the islands themselves, and
everything comes from the ’mainland’, as India is somewhat
quaintly referred to there. Tourism’s major focus is on
water sports, as each of the islands are surrounded by a
coral reef providing large areas of crystal clear water for
everything from snorkeling to wind surfing. The five islands
which are open to tourists have simple accommodation in the
shape of beach cottages. Permits to visit Lakshadweep can be
obtained from the Lakshadweep tourist office in Cochin.
Regular flights operate from Cochin to one of the islands,
as well as modestly priced ship cruises which stop at all
the islands open to tourism. These cruises begin and end at
Cochin.
While equipment for water sports is available at the islands
themselves, not much in the way of shopping and
entertainment is possible as yet. Lakshadweep is the perfect
holiday for those who want to get away from the artifices of
the world and enjoy a few days in simple yet stunningly
beautiful surroundings.
Special
Feature: Welcome to hundred thousand islands (Lakshadweep)
Lakshadweep is located in the
Arabian Sea approx. 400 kilometres west of Kerala between 8
and 12 degrees north latitude and between 71 and 74 degrees
longitude. It has a tropical climate. (Summer: 22 to 35
Degree C and Winter: 32 to 22 degree C). Out of 36 islands
covering a land area of 32 Square Kilometres, only 10 are
inhabited. Out of the 10 inhabited islands only 4 islands
viz. Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy and Kadamat are open for
domestic tourists. Only 2 islands (Bangaram and Kadamat)
are open for foreign tourists. The procedure to be followed
to visit Bangaram and Kadamat islands is as follows:
Bangaram Island: For a visit to Bangaram, tourists have to
travel by air from Kochi to Agatti and are transferred from
Agatti to Bangaram by boat during fair weather and by
helicopter during the monsoon. At present the flights
operate on all days (except Sundays) from Kochi. It is
uninhabited and Casino group’s island resort is located
here. The Resort offers Scuba diving, Snorkelling, Deep Sea
fishing, kayaking and rides on Catamarans etc. The central
reservations of Casino group of hotels (P.B.No: 585,
Willingdon Island, Kochi-682003 Tel: 00 91 484-2668421. Fax:
00 91 484-2668001.
E-Mail: casino(at)vsnl.com Website: www.casinogroup.com) may
be contacted for reservation of accommodation and also for
obtaining entry permit to Bangaram.
Kadamat Island: Kadamat is 8 kilometres long and 550 m wide
at the broadest point, A particularly fine lagoon of even
depths and an endless shoreline, perfect for swimming, makes
Kadamat, a haven of solitude. It is the only island with
lagoons on both east and west sides. A full-fledged
watersports institute is functional at Kadamat. To visit
the Kadamat Island, foreign tourists have to avail of the 6
days package tour organised by SPORTS, a wing of Lakshadweep
Administration.
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