Exploring the Lakshadweep Islands, a True Paradise on Earth

Imagine a dream vacation on some remote atoll in the ocean, and your thoughts might drift to the Maldives, one of the most sought-after exotic destinations for tourists. Did you know that not far away, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, there are other truly wonderful tropical islands? We are talking about the Lakshadweep archipelago, located off the Indian coast: let's discover them together.

This archipelago, almost unknown to mass tourism, has recently returned to the center of attention due to some controversies. The Lakshadweep Islands have always been considered "rivals" of the nearby Maldives: earlier this year, some newly appointed Maldivian ministers expressed harsh words towards the Indian Prime Minister, who was "guilty" of making an official visit to Lakshadweep. This sparked a real political campaign called "India out", promoted by the political leaders in Malé. The response was swift: the main Indian tour operators suspended the possibility of booking a trip to the Maldives, a boycott reaction that found numerous supporters among celebrities.

India is thus pushing for local tourism, encouraging vacations within its national borders. For the Maldives, this could be a significant problem, considering the importance of the Indian market on its tourist economy. The tensions do not seem to be easing at the moment. And if we've already talked extensively about the Maldives, why not take a peek at the neighboring Lakshadweep? Here are their beauties, all waiting to be discovered.

The archipelago is located in the Arabian Sea, about 200-300 km from the Indian coast of Kerala. It is the smallest territory of the Indian Union, consisting of 12 coral atolls and numerous small islets, most of which are uninhabited and covered with dense vegetation. The main islands are Karavatti, where the capital is located, Agatti (home to a small local airport), Minicoy, and Amini. Despite their incredible beauty and breathtaking landscapes, the Lakshadweep are not heavily frequented by tourists.

The main reason? The archipelago is a protected area, regulated by a long series of strict rules that allow access (only to certain specific islands) to foreigners. Indeed, not all islands are visitable, and those open to tourism can only be reached after obtaining a special visa. No independent travel is allowed: you must rely on one of the few accredited tour operators to correctly fill out the entry application and obtain the necessary documents for landing. Let's see how to do it.

While it may be a bit easier for Indian tourists, traveling to the Lakshadweep can be considerably more complex for foreigners. As we have seen, only a few islands are accessible to tourists, and only if you have a special visa. Are you considering going to the Lakshadweep for your next vacation? You'll need to act in advance: the first thing to do is find an accredited travel agency that can organize your trip and help you obtain the necessary documents to reach the archipelago. Your options will be somewhat limited, as not all islands are open to tourism.

You can opt for magnificent places like Karavatti, Agatti, Maliku, and Bangaram, which can be reached by air, or the more distant islands of Kalpeni and Minicoy if you plan to treat yourself to a cruise in the Arabian Sea. After choosing your intended island, you'll need to book the accommodation package that best fits your needs. Each package includes the flight, hotel accommodation, transfers between the islands, and the entry permit, and can only be booked through accredited tour operators. They will take care of everything once you decide which package to purchase.

As we have seen, to reach the Lakshadweep, you must have a special visa. Once the permit is obtained, you can start dreaming about your vacation. But how do you get to your destination island? First, you must reach the Indian city of Kochi, from which all connections to the Lakshadweep depart: it is located along the Kerala coast, and it has a large international airport with flights to/from numerous cities in India and various foreign capitals. There are no direct flights from Italy; however, with a bit of luck, you may find one with just one stop.

Once in Kochi, you have two options: reach the Lakshadweep by air or by sea. If you choose to fly (the most selected option), know that there is only one daily connection between Kochi and Agatti, the only island with a small airport. The flight departs every morning at 10:00 AM, so plan to be in the city at least the night before. From Agatti, there is a fast boat service that allows for internal transfers between islands: it takes between one to two hours, depending on the destination you wish to reach.

Finally, it is possible to book a cruise in the Arabian Sea for those who want to experience something different. This also departs from Kochi and allows you to reach the islands of Kalpeni and Minicoy. Typically lasting 4 or 5 days, they offer a shore excursion, and in some cases, it is possible to stay overnight on the island of Minicoy. The cruise is a truly special adventure that allows you to admire the beautiful scenery of the Lakshadweep.

The best time to visit the Lakshadweep Islands is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, as the archipelago has a tropical climate, you can plan a trip practically any time of the year. The rainiest months are from June to August, when the area is hit by monsoons: the climate becomes particularly humid and temperatures rise to around 32°-35°C.

The Lakshadweep Islands are still pristine paradises, where you can immerse yourself in nature and relax on the beach, or engage in some outdoor sports. You can visit inland villages, where time seems to have stood still, or go on guided excursions and diving activities - here you will find some of the most stunning underwater landscapes in the world. The boat tours to explore the nearby islets, all accessible to tourists, are also very fascinating. Lastly, make sure to leave some time to lounge around, simply lying in the sun or taking a few dives in the stunning crystal-clear waters of the archipelago.