The
Laccadive Islands, renamed Lakshadweep in
1973, are located in the Arabian Sea off
the coast of Kerala, some 200 to 300 kms
away and consists of 36 coral islands covering
a land area of 32 sq. kms. Only ten of these
islands are inhabited. They are in descending
order of size - Minicoy, Andrott, Kavaratti,
Kadmat, Agatti, Amini, Kalpeni, Kiltan,
Chetlat and Bitra. The main islands are
Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Amini. The total
population is about 51,000. The historical
record shows that around the 7th century
a Muslim saint was shipwrecked on the island
of Amini. The inhabitants were converted
to Islam despite initial opposition. Although
the sovereignty remained in the hands of
the Hindu Raja of Chirakkal, it eventually
passed to the Ali Raja of Cannanore (Kannur)
in the 16th century - the only Muslim royal
family of Kerala, and later in 1783 to Tipu
Sultan. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan
at the battle of Srirangapatnam in 1799
to the British, the Lakshadweep was annexed
by the East India Company. The islands form
the smallest of Indian Union Territories
and was constituted in 1956.
Sightseeing
There are about 10 islands, which are open
for tourists. Lakshdweep offers sightseeing
of beach including Agatti - which has one
of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep.
Bangaram - Tear-drop shaped, this island
is encircled by a continuous halo of creamy
sand. Kavaratti - is the most developed
of the islands with the highest percentage
of non-islanders as residents. Kalpeni -
has three uninhabited satellite islands,
all surrounded by an immense lagoon of spectacular
beauty.
Excursions
In excursion visit to Kadhmath is must.
Kadhmath is the only island with lagoons
on both eastern and western sides. Minicoy
Island which is 200 kms away to the South
is near to the Maldives. This Island has
a cluster of 10 villages.
Getting There:
By Air: The
nearest airport is Agatti, which is connected
by Indian Airlines flight (Dornier D 28
- 16 seater) from Cochin & Goa. From Agatti
one has to take an Helicopter during the
Monson period 15 May to 15th September and
a boat during rest of the year.
ITINERARY |
