'Lakshadweep Islands' mean 'Hundred Thousand
Islands'. However, this archipelago consists of only 10 inhabited and 17
uninhabited islands along with 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks.
Shining like emeralds in the sea, the coral atolls, the multihued marine
environment and underwater world built on ancient volcanic formations,
the clear blue waters and snow-white coral sands surrounding Lakshadweep
seduce the tourists to visit the place. A huge, shallow and calm lagoon
has been built naturally along with the wonderful reef formations
consisting of massive coral boulders and live corals. The only coral
islands of India, Kavaratti is the headquarters of uni-district Union
Territory since 1964. The main islands of this archipelago are:Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, and Kadmath
Kavaratti:
The splendid calm and serene lagoon formed by coral reef wall is an ideal spot for water sport swimming and sunbathing on warm sandy beaches. The marine aquarium here exhibits some of the most beautiful specimens. You can also see the beauties of the underwater world through the glass-bottomed boats. One can hire kayaks and sailing yachts here too. One of the unique features of this place is the Dolphin Drive Centre, which will be loved by water sports enthusiasts. Visiting the coral reef is obvious attraction of the place.
Kalpeni:
Known for its panoramic islands and the small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam enclosed by a huge shallow lagoon, one of the atypical feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and southeastern shorelines that are worth seeing. It is believed that in 1847 huge boulders were thrown up during a storm to this place. The water-sport attractions of this island are kayaking and cruising on sailboats and pedal boats. Koomel Beach Resort, the baniyan factory and the light house are some other places to see here.
Minicoy:
10.6 km long island of Minicoy is second only to Andrott in size within this archipelago. The southernmost island of Lakshadweep, it is crescent-shaped and has one of the largest lagoons. To its south is Viringle, a small islet. Its culture sets it apart from the Northern group of islands by its culture where the islanders are employed as seamen in international ships and vessels. The typical systematically arranged village system known as 'Athiris'. It is an important centre of tuna fishing. The light house of the island constructed in 1885, is one of the oldest here and one can visit it along with the villages and tuna canning factory and go on a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. The beaches offer bathing huts and change rooms facilities along with water-sport opportunities and facilities such as swimming, beach walking, kayaking and cruising on sail and pedal boats.
Kadmath:
8 km long, the narrow Kadmath Island offers a beautiful shallow lagoon on the west and is an ideal spot for water sports. The long sandy beaches tempt one for sunbathing and tourist huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon are just suberb. The quiet serene island offers a crash course in the Marine Wealth Awareness Programme tour. Sea breeze, moonlit beach and water sports such as kayaking, yachting, water-skiing and cruising in the glass-bottomed boats make it a desired tourist destination. The scuba diving centre in loved by both the novices and the experienced divers.
