Lakshadweep

1. Kavaratti Island: The island with white sand beaches is such a beautiful place to visit. It is the most developed island among all and hence, is the capital island. You can go for swimming in the clear turquoise water and also try out some really exciting water sports like kayaking, yachting, etc. You can dive and see the marine ecosystem down there and play with beautifully coloured fishes. In case you don’t want to get wet or don’t know to swim, glass bottomed boats are there for your rescue. The capital island has a number of beautifully constructed mosques. The best one among them is Ujra mosque. You will see beautifully decorated ceilings there. Unfortunately, foreign tourists are not allowed in this island.

2. Kadmat Island: This island is perfects for scuba diving and a lot of water sports. The island has lagoons on both the sides which make it much attractive for the tourists, as this is the only island with lagoons on both the sides. The one in the east is narrow and the one in the west is shallow. You will love how the coconut and palm trees there have bend down to provide you shade. A diving institute is set up there to provide you guidelines by the well trained instructors. Foreign tourists are permitted to visit this island.

3. Bangaram Island: This island is not inhabited by the tribes of Lakshadweep keeping it untouched and unspoilt. It makes a perfect honeymoon destination with picturesque views wherever you look. This island is also a diver’s paradise. The diving institute, which is the first diving institute in the archipelago, will train you so that you can enjoy the bewitching sights of the world under Indian Ocean. The coral reefs are a treat to watch. You will also encounters a lot of colourful fishes and harmless sharks. Foreigners are allowed in this island.

4. Kalpeni Island: In this island, you will find locals to have a chat about the entire location and their lifestyle. The lagoon in this island is the largest among all and is perfect for thrilling water sports like kayaking and canoeing. The huts made near the beach by the islanders for tourist accommodation will provide you with sail boats, kayaks, and other requirements for water sports. You can visit the small islets there named Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tilakkam which offers great scenic views. The islands are truly a treat for your eyes. Sadly, no foreigners are allowed to visit this island.

5. Agatti Island: The best thing about this island is that you can see how the colourful fishes are prepared for keeping them in the aquariums at our home far in the city. These fish hatcheries should be one among your ‘to-do’ list. Apart from this, you can see the beautiful lagoons there. The islets of Parali-I and Parali-II are very close to the Agatti Island. You can spend as much time as you want and enjoy the bewitching beauty of the place. A really interesting thing about this island is that you will see glowing worms in the beach at night. They are a special worm that glows at night due to the chemical present on their skin. Foreign tourists are allowed in this island.

6. Minicoy Island: Cheer up ladies, you are in the ‘Women’s Island”! The southern- most, crescent –shaped island in the archipelago, Minicoy Island is called Women’s Island as the women of this island are given much importance. They hold a prime position in their society. Talking about the things to see there, you must visit the lighthouse built by the British. This is a 300 ft. high lighthouse, well maintained for the tourists. Foreigners are not allowed in this island.

Water sports

1. Scuba diving: The most tourist-attracting activity in Lakshadweep is scuba diving. Well trained instructors are there to help you out in this thrilling underwater activity. Almost all the islands facilitate diving classes for you. The coral reefs and the magnificent fishes are worth seeing down there.

2. Snorkelling: Snorkelling is another exciting thing to do to see the world under water. The colourful fishes, the turtles, and a lot of other peculiar creatures, all will be swimming next to you. Doesn’t that sound a great fun

3. Kayaking: Kayaking on the turquoise water of Lakshadweep is a must do. The kayaks will be provided to you by the hotel staffs or the water sport institutes.

4. Canoeing: You will love canoeing on the waters of the Minicoy Island as the water is very clear there. Few fishes may follow your canoe which is really funny. Don’t worry about drowning as the water is shallow.

5. Yachting: Yachts are special boats made for recreational purposes. You will get to hire them on the beaches.

6. Wind surfing: This is an exciting water sport which needs a lot of practice. You might fall in the water every time you try to balance, though it is a great fun. Kite surfing in Kadamat Island is a must do.

7. Natural beauty: The natural beauty of the archipelago is breath-taking. Clear blue sky with turquoise water and white sandy beaches, you will simply fall in love with the alluring sights of the islands. The palm trees create a natural canopy as you lie on the beach to soak up sunlight.

8. Locals: The locals of Lakshadweep are simple tribal people with fishing as their prime occupation. They are shy and down to earth which makes it easy for the tourists to enjoy their holidays freely. The tourism industry also serves as one of their prime sources of income, which has built a tourist culture among the natives. You will love seeing the tribal dance of Lakshadweep. Each island has its unique dance form. Ulakkamuttuj, Attom, Kolkakli, Parichakali, etc. are some famous tribal dance forms.

9. Local cuisine: The local cuisine is mouth- watering with a touch of Kerala flavours. For the non-vegetarians, Lakshadweep is nothing less than the paradise. Abundance of sea-foods like octopuses, squids, a variety of sea fishes and a lot more options make Lakshadweep a foodie’s place. For the vegetarians, you must try the coconut dishes, bondas and appams.

10. Doing photography: Lakshadweep, being rich in natural beauty, is a photographer’s dream come true. The blue lagoons are really picturesque. You might be tired clicking pictures but you won’t run out of locations. Underwater photography while scuba diving is truly tempting for the professional photographers.

11. Government’s initiative: Indian government is constantly working to improve Lakshadweep’s tourism and you will clearly see that. New water sports, like parasailing, are introduced and new diving training institutes are opened.