“Essential Lakshadweep Getaway: A Comprehensive 5-Day Itinerary for Sun, Sand, and Fun”

As soon as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep surfaced on social media, the Google search interest in this destination skyrocketed. Lakshadweep, a tropical archipelago consisting of 36 islands (one has been lost to sea erosion), is located in the Laccadive Sea, off the Malabar coast in India. While the picturesque islands of Lakshadweep are being promoted as a pocket-friendly alternative to the Maldives, the ongoing tension between India and the Maldives has also taken center stage.

So, as the world, especially India, focuses on Lakshadweep as the next getaway, it’s essential to understand how exactly one can reach this pristine destination.

How to Reach Lakshadweep:

1. By Air:

• Lakshadweep can be accessed by flights operated from Kochi (Cochin), Kerala.
• Air tickets from cities like Delhi or Mumbai to Kochi may cost around Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 per person (one way).
• Only Agatti island in Lakshadweep has an airstrip, and the flight from Kochi to Agatti takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
• As of now, Alliance Air is the primary operator between Kochi and Agatti.
• Flight tickets from Bengaluru to Lakshadweep via Kochi may cost between Rs 7,000 to Rs 25,000 for one person (one way).

2. By Bus and Ferry:

• Alternatively, one can take a bus to Ernakulam in Kochi from Bengaluru.
• From Ernakulam, reach the Willingdon Island jetty via taxi and take a ferry to Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep.

3. By Ship:

• Seven passenger ships operate between Kochi and Lakshadweep islands. These include MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi, and MV Minicoy.
• The journey by ship may take around 14 to 18 hours, depending on the chosen island.
• Ship tickets can be booked online through the official website, and there’s also the option to book the Lakshadweep Samudram package.
• Luxury travel enthusiasts can opt for Cordelia Cruises, offering a Mumbai to Lakshadweep package via Kochi.

Where to Stay in Lakshadweep:

Accommodation options can be booked through the official Lakshadweep tourism website, with various room types available on islands like Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, and Thinnakkara. However, booking is subject to availability. Here are some options and their per-night costs:

• Bangaram Island Resort:
  • Air-conditioned cottage: Rs 18,000 per night (single or double occupancy).
  • Wooden hut: Rs 24,000 per night (single and double occupancy).
• Kadmat Island Resort:
  • Non-AC room: Rs 5,000 (double occupancy) and Rs 3,000 (single occupancy).
  • Super deluxe AC room: Up to Rs 11,000 (double occupancy) and Rs 8,000 (single occupancy).
• Kavaratti Island Resort:
  • Air-conditioned suite: Rs 11,000 per night (single and double occupancy).
• Thinnakkara Island Resort:
  • Non-AC tent: Rs 10,000 (double occupancy) and Rs 8,000 (single occupancy) per night.

Cost of the Trip:

The cost of visiting Lakshadweep varies based on the budget. It can range from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,50,000 per person for a five-day trip, including airfare. Travel packages available on different online portals may cost between Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,00,000.

What to Do in Lakshadweep:

Lakshadweep offers various water activities and experiences, including:

• Snorkeling at Agatti island
• Scuba diving at Kalpeni island
• Exploring architectural wonders at Kalpeni island
• Canoeing at Minicoy island
• Fishing at Kadmat island

It’s important to note that costs for these activities may vary, with snorkeling trips starting at Rs 1,000, scuba diving at Rs 3,500, fishing tours at Rs 1,000, and island tours ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per person.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to mid-May. While resorts are open throughout the year, commuting via ship can be challenging during the monsoon season (mid-May to September).

Itinerary for a 5-Day Trip:

Day 1-2:

• Arrive in Kochi.
• Fly to Agatti and reach Bangaram via boat.
• Settle in at the hotel and enjoy water activities in Bangaram.

Day 3-4:

• Travel to Kavaratti and experience water activities.
• Head to Kadmat island, known for marine turtles, and enjoy the island.

Day 5:

• Return to Agatti from Kadmat.
• Fly back to Kochi and then to your destination.

Important Information:

• Visitors require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Lakshadweep, which can be obtained through the e-permit portal of the Lakshadweep Administration.
• The permit is valid for 30 days, and the fee is Rs 300 per person.
• Non-Indians must obtain a mandatory Rs 300 entry permit.
• A Green Tax of Rs 300 per person is charged upon arrival at Agatti airport.
• ATM and credit card facilities are limited, so carrying enough cash is advisable.
• Given Lakshadweep’s ecological fragility, responsible travel is crucial.

In conclusion, Lakshadweep offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tropical paradise.