Lakshadweep Islands
The smallest Union Territory of India. Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, three reefs, and five underwater banks. It covers an area of 32 sq. Km. It has 10 inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands. 4 newly formed islands and 5 underwater reefs. The inhabited islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. Bitra is the smallest of all having only a population of 225 persons. The main occupation of the people is fishing, coconut cultivation, and coir twisting.
Fast Facts :
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Area: 32 Sq. Km
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Capital: Kavaratti
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Languages: Malayalam and Mahl
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Religion: Christianity (major), Hinduism, and Islam
- Major Cities: Kavaratti, Amini, Kadmat, Minicoy
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Literacy rate: 88.49 %
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Best Time To Visit: All year round
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State Emblem: Emblem of Lakshadweep
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State Animal: Butterfly fish (Chaetodon falcula)
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State Bird: Noddy tern (Anous stolidus)
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State Flower: Strobilanthes kunthiana
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State Tree: Breadfruit (Artocarpus incisa)
- Culture and Tradition of Lakshadweep
Tourist Attractions :
Minicoy
Is the island closest to the Maldives. Minicoy has a very different culture from any of the other islands, dress, language, and food are all different. It is the southernmost island while the low-lying lagoons are on the western sides. It was formerly known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands. Its soils are generally sandy, derived from the coral.
Agatti Island
The Island is an elongated tiny piece of land along North-South directions with a maximum width of a kilometer. At places, it is just 30 m wide & one can see transparent Sea-Green color water on its west & blue color water on its eastern side in one sight. Beaches are neat & clean just pure white sand formed by the reworking of corals by the sea waves. The beauty of beaches can’t be described in words.
Bangaram
A beautiful island encircled by white sand. Bangaram is surrounded by a large and safe lagoon with calm water. It has amazing coral formations, including black coral and a large variety of coral fish. There is also a diving school here. Its crystal clear water, gold shining sand, the vast sea, natural beauty, and greenery. All these make this island very beautiful.
Diving
Popular dive spots off Bangaram include Manta Point and the wreck of Princess Royal which sunk 200 years ago. Manta rays, eagle rays, moray eels, and hawksbill turtles are common. Manta Rays are mostly seen from October to December when they come to feed at Manta Point.
Kavaratti Islands
Kavaratti Islands is the most developed island of all and it also serves as the administrative capital of Lakshadweep. It is known for its sandy white beaches with crystal blue waters and lagoons.
Kalpeni Islands
Kalpeni Island is known for its spectacular corals. The white sand beaches on the island are as scenic as it gets. The turquoise water in the surrounding Bays is so clear that you can view the fishes swim around in the transparent water.
Kadmat Island
The unique and quiet ambiance makes it one of the most exclusive islands in the world, which is in the shape of a teardrop. A favorite among honeymooners, Kadmat is a haven of solitude with its fine lagoon of even depth, a long stretch of shoreline ideal for swimming.
Getting There :
- By Air: Indian Airlines flies from Cochin to Agatti Island.
- By Sea: There is also a shipping service, that takes 20 hours to reach Lakshadweep from Kochi.
Suggested Read: Formation Dates of Indian States
