In middle of the Arabian Sea about 200 to 300 Kms from the coastline of the south Indian state of Kerala lies the Lakshdweep Islands, an archipelago of more than 30 islands. Beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters with flourishing marine life and a water sports destination, rivalled by few in India. Lakshdweep is an irresistible attraction for beach lovers, adventure lovers and eco-tourists alike.
So, here is our list of top things to do at Lakshdweep Islands:
Contents
- 1) Discover Marine Life With Scuba Diving
- 2) Take tour of a local island village
- 3) Go Snorkeling and Watch The Corals
- 4) Head To The West For The Sunset
- 5) Take a Boat Trip and Do Island Hopping
- 6) Visit Lighthouse At Minicoy Island
- 7) Go Canoeing Or Kayaking
- 8) Check Out Hermit Crab At Parelli Island
- 9) Savor The Local Delicacies
- 10) Attend A Folk Dance Event Like Kolkali And Parichakali
1) Discover Marine Life With Scuba Diving
Although more people head to Andamans in India for Scuba diving, we believe Lakshdweep Islands is a better spot to go scuba diving. Lakshdweeps offer dive locations that suit beginners as well as sites that treasure trove for advanced divers. Excellent under water visibility and abundance of marine life make Lakshdweep a Scuba Diving a diving destination as good as any in the world.
2) Take tour of a local island village
Take out time to go on a walking tour of one of the islands with old settlement where locals live a much simpler life. Kavaratti and Kadmat islands or any of the other 8 inhabited islands would give you the glimpse of typical island life as you stroll around the area. If you get-up early enough you could see how fishermen go about their business.
3) Go Snorkeling and Watch The Corals
Lakshdweep Islands offer beautiful shallow lagoons which are perfect to go snokerling and spot excotic marine life. You can easily spot sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and many other tropical fishes. The largest lagoon in Lakshadweep islands is at Kalpeni Island. Bangram island, which is uninhabited is also surrounded by a shallow lagoon and enclosed by coral reef.
4) Head To The West For The Sunset
Or get up early and head east to watch the sun rise. Infact on some of the beaches that run east-west, during right time of the year, you can sit on on your beach and watch sunrise and sunset without moving much. Waking-up early to catch the rising sun would not only give you a colorful treat but is also a great way start your day while on a holiday.
5) Take a Boat Trip and Do Island Hopping
Well you must have done pub hopping many times but island hopping is still not much heard of! Plus that would be the best way to see most of Lakshdweep in little time. Every island has something unique to offer, every beach is similar yet different here. Best way to do this would be to make one of the islands as your base (we suggest Minicoy or Kadmat )and then use 1-2 days to visit other islands in a day trip. But there is a catch here, only government run ferries could be used and you best option would be to take it as part of a sports package.
6) Visit Lighthouse At Minicoy Island
If you plan to visit Minicoy, which you must then a visit to Lighthouse on Minicoy Island is a must. Situated south of the island, it is 49 meter high lighthouse painted white and built in year 1885. The lightwower has a winding staircase consisting of 216 steps which lead to top giving you amazing view of White Sandy beaches, the coconut palms and Laccadive sea.
7) Go Canoeing Or Kayaking
Most people just decide to go for Scuba Diving or Snokerling and never give a try to canoeing or kayaking in the amazing lagoons and open seas around Lakshdweep Islands. Scuba diving is a much more demanding and expensive endevour which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Regardless, sea kayaking is something that every one should try. You can go on short romatic outing or with your kids in a 2 or 3 seater kayaks.
8) Check Out Hermit Crab At Parelli Island
Parelli island is an uninhabited Islands where Hermit crabs can easily be spotted. Hermit crabs depend on other creatures’ shells for protection. Adults and children get equally excited when encountering these little creatures.
9) Savor The Local Delicacies
Lakshdweep understandably are a great place for sea food. Locals predominantly eat rice with non-vegetarian dishes and vegetarian curries. Fried fresh fish is a must have on any of the islands. Coconut is an important ingredient in most dishes. Coconut bondas and Moah appam are famous local sweets.
10) Attend A Folk Dance Event Like Kolkali And Parichakali
Literally meaning, ‘the stick dance’ – Kolkali dance is performed with sticks. ‘Kol’ means stick and so the dance is known as Kolkali. Only men are allowed to do this dance. Another dance form of the locals is Parichakali which literally means ‘the Shield Dance’. The dance is done with shields and swords by men. These dances are usually performed on auspicious occasions such as marriages and festivals but you can get to see them at some of the events performed by different resorts from time to time
We hope you liked our post and it gave you that push to go outside and do something exciting. Subscribe to our blog so that you never miss on any of the exciting posts and tell your friends about Trodly. Cheers! #GetOutside
Last Updated on October 1, 2018 by Rohan