About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. However there are only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometers. It is the tiniest Union Territory of India with 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. Ten Islands are inhabited. They are Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.
Theories about coral atoll formation is inconclusive. However the most prominent and perhaps most accepted one is given by the Sir Charles Darwin in 1842. According to him the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs, which transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base.
According to legends, small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.
The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th century. St. Ubaidulla of Mecca dreamt that prophet Mohammed wanted him to go to Jeddah, take a ship from there and go to distant places. While he was sailing near these small islands, a storm wrecked his ship. Floating on a plank he was swept ashore on the island of Amini. Ubaidulla started propagating Islam in the islands.
Still 93% of the inhabitants of Lakshadweep are Muslims.
People are mostly engaged in fishing and coconut cultivation. The islands are virtually crime-free
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Itinerary
Day 01:
Board the ship for your five-days cruise to visit the islands of kavaratti, kalpeni and Minicoy in Lakshadweep, the only coral islands in India to showcase the richness and beauty of marine life, enjoying sea breeze, the sun and the moonlit beaches. A Union Territory of India, Lakshadweep is a group of some two dozen islands with a total land area of 32 square kilometres scattered over 30,000 square miles of the Arabian Sea. Thease islands from the smallest of the Union Territories of India. You are at sea today at leisure, away from the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule.
Day 02:
Today you arrive at Lakshadweep in the morning at 0730Hrs. Kavaratti is the most developed island with fifty-two mosques spread out over the island. The beautiful and calm lagoon offers an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and snorkeling. Marine life enthusiasts can visit the marine aquarium. The multicoloured underwater life in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats. Kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats are available of hire. The Dolphin Dive Centre is an attraction for those who love scuba dive. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner aboard the vessel.
Day 03:
Kalpeni along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north form a single atoll. A peculiear feature of kalpeni is a huge storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines. It is believed that a violent storm in 1847 threw up huge coral boulders along these shores. You can swim, snorkel or reef-walk in the vast logoon and indulge in water sports on kayaks, saiboats and pedal boats. Two bathing huts with change rooms are available at Koomel Beach Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner aboard the vessel.
Day 04:
Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons with a small uninhabited islet Viringili on its southern side. Crescent shaped, it has one of the larges lagoons Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture, Minicoy is an important center for tuna fishing and tuna-canning factory on the island processes the catch. A 300-foot tall ilighthouse built in 1885 by the British is a majestic landmark. The beaches have bathing huts with change rooms and facilities for water sports are available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the vessel.
Day 05:
This morning spend your time at leisure. For those who want to do nothing more than soak up the sun, take a wall along the endless sandy beach. The lagoon is vast and shallow near the shore, allowing you to swim in safety or to walk out to one of the seductive sandbanks. There are no treacherous currents, just a cooling sea breeze and tropical fish for company. Get ready for your cruise back to Cochin after your tour to the islands in Lakshadeep. This evening get ready for your departure on board your ship to Cochin. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner aboard the Vessel.
Day 06:
Enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere aboard the vessel and soak in the cool and splendid environment as you cruise back. The opportunity to lay back and relax will wurely give your mind the much wanted pleasure before you begin your routine life with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Arrive Cochin in the morning after your splendid holoday at Lakshadweep.
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| Delhi – Lakshadweep - Delhi |
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