Lakshadweep, an Indian union territory consisting of 36 coral atolls, reefs, and islands, covers 32,000 square miles in the Arabian Sea off India’s south-western coast (Kerala). Through excellent natural cleanliness, environmentally-friendly structures, and areas unaffected by modernization, Lakshadweep is named “The most pristine island destination in India” because it is vastly different from all other overdeveloped tropical hot spots. This destination has become one of the hottest places that has attracted visitors across the globe. This has increased the hospitality industry here, as you can find a number of Resorts in Lakshadweep.
Restricted Visitor Access
While many popular destinations for Mass Tourists are found in the Maldives and Andaman Islands, Lakshadweep has a limit on the number of visitors they allow each year through a very structured permit system. This helps to keep Lakshadweep’s ecosystems safe from overcrowding, pollution, and commercialism.
Experience Island Life
Travellers will have the opportunity to see what living the Island Life is like in remote paradises that are only reached by Airplane (to Agatti) or Ship (from Kochi). The stunning natural landscapes offer a glimpse of what living on an island is like, with clear lagoons surrounded by white sandy beaches made from fine coral and shell particles, and clear waters that are home to beautiful marine life.
Natural Beauty and Serenity
Many of the island areas are also pictorial; Bangaram Island has never been eroded and has endless bright, white sand beaches that are edged by swaying coconuts, while Agatti’s 7-km-long stretch of beach can compete against any of the best-designed beaches in the world, despite how untouched it is. The atoll formations have developed over time through the accretion of coral polyps and provide habitats for many different kinds of lagoons that have developed, and where the brightness of sunlight allows seagrasses and colourful anemones to support a feeling of serenity that many feel to be out of this world!
Marine Life
This location has incredible fish species, with over 600 species of fish inhabiting these reefs, from the smallest of fish to coral reef fish, and where they can be viewed by snorkelling or scuba diving. The nesting sites for green sea turtles and Olive Ridley sea turtles are two important considerations, as they are both located in protected areas where there is minimal human interference with their nesting processes during breeding.
Unique Ecosystem and Vegetation
The two seasonal monsoons that occur from May through September keep the lush vegetation in an inland state and add to its diversity. The two rainy seasons support a high concentration of screw pines and rare types of pandanus plants, and the contrast between the vibrant colour of the abovementioned plants and the vivid, bright colour of the water represents well-coordinated colour schemes of nature.
Low-Impact Tourism Model
A significant feature that sets the Lakshadweep Islands apart from any other beach destination is that they follow a low-impact tourism model where the number of visitors per day is limited to 1,000 across all islands. This is to maintain an appropriate level of solitude and ecological balance on all of the islands in Lakshadweep.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Resorts located on islands like Kadmat and Kavaratti are designed to operate on a small scale, typically with 50 rooms or fewer, using locally available resources such as coconut palm leaves and driftwood, allowing them to harmonize with their environment.
Peaceful Atmosphere
As a result, guests will find fewer crowds at the beach and only meet other guests or curious locals; thus, guests will experience a much greater sense of peace than they would at busier resorts.
Cultural Experience
The local population is predominantly of Maldivian descent, a Muslim fishing population who live sustainably on the 10 inhabited islands, fishing for tuna and producing copra (coconuts) without the introduction of industrial waste. Guests may stroll through tranquil villages to view the architecture of mosques built in the traditional style established by early Arab traders, or join eco-walks to view endemic birds such as Saunders’ terns. Due to the absence of roads, cars, or neon signs, the atmosphere is entirely unspoiled, and guests will experience the excitement of traveling between islands on traditional slow-moving ferries or speedboats; this experience adds to the sense of adventure.
World-Class Marine Experiences
The coral reefs of Lakshadweep are considered some of the most environmentally rich coral reefs in the world. The coral reefs are part of the Lakshadweep-Maldives-Chagos Archipelago and provide PADI-certified diving locations that contain a number of species such as barracudas and moray eels, all in shark-free water up to 30 meters deep.
Snorkelling and Diving Opportunities
Within Kalpeni and Agatti (two of the Lakshadweep Islands) lie some of the oldest coral formations seen anywhere in the world, providing some of the best places for snorkelling. Kalpeni has a double atoll with reefs and pink sand beaches made up of broken red coral – things unique to this location. Agatti Island has lagoons and channels with beautiful coral reefs and turquoise waters where you can kayak amongst manta rays and octopus. If there is a dive centre available, consider doing a night dive to see the bioluminescent plankton creating beautiful light displays.