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Lakshadweep · Islands

Lakshadweep

India’s coral atolls in the Arabian Sea: lagoons, coral reefs and very few visitors, because entry needs a permit.

Best timeOct-Apr
Ideal stay4-6 days
GatewayAgatti (AGX) · Kochi (COK)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril (good)
  5. MAy
  6. JUne
  7. JUly
  8. AUgust
  9. SEptember
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember (good)

Lakshadweep is 36 islands, only a few of them open to tourists. The lagoons are clear and shallow, and snorkelling, diving and kayaking are the main things to do. Tourism is controlled to protect the islands, so plan early and travel with a licensed operator or a government package.

Highlights

  • Snorkelling and diving in the Agatti and Bangaram lagoons
  • Kavaratti, the capital, and its mosques
  • Kayaking and glass-bottom boats
  • Minicoy lighthouse
  • Sunsets over the lagoon

What to eat

  • Tuna and coconut dishes
  • Fresh fish curry
  • Coconut sweets

Where to stay

Government resorts and a few licensed private resorts on Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat and Kavaratti.

Getting there

Fly from Kochi to Agatti, or take a ship from Kochi (about 14-20 hours). Permits must be approved before you travel.

Tips

  • Every visitor needs an entry permit from the Lakshadweep administration; see our permits page.
  • Dress modestly in the villages: the islands are conservative.

Best time to visit

Oct-Apr. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.

Places to see in and around Lakshadweep

3 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.

More places in Lakshadweep

Food to try in and around Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep favourites to look out for.

  • Coconut water
  • Dosa
  • Idli

The full food passport, state by state.

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