Located
in the Arabian Sea off the south eastern coast of India, the charm of this
emerald island are its vast stretch of creamy sand, palm fringed and silvery
beaches and vast expanses of lagoons which are home for an exotic and
kaleidoscopic underwater marine life. Agatti boasts of being the only island
in Lakshadweep with an airport. Thus, Agatti is rightly described as the ‘Gateway
to Lakshadweep islands’.
Best Time & Climate :
Agatti has a tropical climate. In summer, temperatures range from 35
degrees centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade. During winter they vary between
32 degrees to 20 degrees centigrade. May to September is the ideal time to
be on the islands. Generally the weather is cool and pleasant during this
time.
How to reach there ?
Permits to visit Lakshadweep have to be obtained from the Lakshadweep
tourist office in Cochin.
» By Air - Agatti has an airport and regular flights
operate from Cochin.
» By Ship - Modestly priced ship cruises which stop
at all the islands are open to tourism. These cruises begin and end at
Cochin
Must Visit :
» Coral Reef & Lagoon - The Agatti island boasts
of one of the most beautiful and crystal clear lagoon as well as coral reefs
well known for their unspoiled natural beauty. Inside the same lagoon lies
Kalpitty, a serene tree covered uninhabited island which has been developed
into a beach. Fibre glass boats and also country canoes cruise to the near
by islands are available at regular intervals throughout the day.
» Kavaratti - Kavaratti, the administrative capital,
is the most developed of the islands with the highest percentage of
non-islanders as residents. Fifty-two mosques are spread all over the
island, the most amazing being the Ujra mosque. The baroque ceiling of the
mosque has been carved out from a single piece of driftwood. The other must
see at Kavaratti is the Aquarium that will charm every tourist with the
variety of colorful fish and corals. There are glass-bottomed boats for
viewing marine life and a spectrum of exceptional coral formations that
provide a background to the lagoon. Water Sports like kayaking canoeing and
snorkelling are available for tourists, who keep interest in water sports.
There is the Lakshadweep Museum that is home to several artifacts
» Miniocoy Island - The furthest of all the
Lakshadweep Islands, Miniocoy Island is well known for its lighthouse built
by the British in 1885. The incredible size of the lagoon, one of the
largest in Lakshadweep, the green of coconut trees, and the crystal-clear
surface of an inland lake as it snuggles in one corner of the island cannot
be described in words.
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