I love visiting the many sea destinations of India and have visited most of them but none impressed me like the glittering emerald islands of Lakshadweep. With dazzling white sun-kissed sands, sapphire lagoons, blue warm seas studded with liberally colored corals, and the pervading serenity Lakshadweep completely bowled me with its charm.

Literally meaning “Hundred Thousand Islands”, Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India and situated in the Arabian Sea, 200 to 300 km away from the coast of Kerala. With 36-odd coral islands out of which 11-odd are inhabited the Lakshadweep Islands have a total area of just 28 sq km.

Lakshadweep Islands are caressed by the foaming waves of the vast blue sea and shaded by coconut palms. In fact, Lakshadweep has 100-odd coconut trees per acre.

Attractions

The Lakshadweep Islands have a rich marine flora and fauna. The area has not been explored much and hides rich tropical marine life that include--besides the turtles, sea weed and shells--the transparent jell fish that change its shape, and, of course, the deadly sharks.

Besides, the Coral Paradise Par Excellence, Lakshadweep is a haven for the lovers of the adventure sports--especially the many thrilling water sports--that include, among others, speed boating, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, wind surfing, kayaking, glass bottom boating, lagoon fishing, water scooter ride, and banana boating.

Cuisine

Courtesy its proximity to Kerala, the local cuisine largely reflects the influence of the Kerala cuisine with the food being spicy much like Kerala. Much like the cuisine of the coastal Kerala, coconut and fish constitute the chief ingredients of the Lakshadweep cuisine. Dried or smoked Tuna or Masumeen, marinated in crushed coconut, is a typical delicacy of Lakshadweep that delight the gourmet no end.

Accommodations

The many hotels and resorts of Lakshadweep provide good accommodation facilities in sylvan surroundings to their visitors. I enjoyed gazing at the unbroken line of the creamy sands that meet the charging waves of the azure sea that crash at the reef of the corals of Lakshadweep spraying water here and there--from the comfort of one of the many tiled roof beach huts with palm-thatched verandahs.

How to reach

Lakshadweep is connected to the mainland by air and water. Regular boats and ships ply between the islands and the mainland. Indian Airlines and Kingfisher have regular flights from Agatti and Bangarm, the two chief islands of Lakshadweep, to Kochi and Bangalore respectively.

When to visit

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to March. During this period the place attracts the maximum number of tourists who visit the place from all over the world to enjoy sun, sand and sea.

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