Lakshadweep Travel Information

Visa & Immigration
Indian Visa for travel to India must be obtained before departing your home.  In addition to the visa, everybody, Indian or otherwise, also require a special permit to visit Lakshadweep. This is arranged by us or your local tour operator. Accommodation booked in advance is one of the precondition for being allowed to visit Lakshadweep. Foreigners are restricted to the islands of Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat, plus transit only (max. 12 hours) in Kavaratti. Indians may visit the other islands as well, but accommodation is very limited.

Things to do in Lakshadweep:
There are basic leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours. There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, Marine museum, Lighthouse and a few local industries.

How to reach Lakshadweep:
Lakshadweep Island can be reached by ships and flights, that operate from Kochi. For all tourist purposes Kochi is the gate way to Lakshadweep.

Flights to Lakshadweep:
Indian Airlines and Kingfisher airlines operate flights from Kochi to Agatti. Airstrip is in Agatti island only. From Agatti, boats are available to Kavaratti and Kadmat during good season October to May. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Bangaram Island Resort during monsoon and to Kavaratti through-out the year. The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.

By Ship to Lakshadweep:
Four passenger ships - MV Tipusultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on island chosen for journey. The ships offer different classes of accommodation: A/C Deluxe Class with two berth cabins, A/C First Class with four berth cabins and Tourist Class with A/C seating. MV Tipu Sultan has a cafeteria, snack bar, entertainment lounge and upper deck promenade for the tourists. A doctor is available on call on board MV Tipusultan & MV Bharath Seema. MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy also offer comfortable A/C seating ideal for a night’s journey.
Occasional cruises may operate from Mumbai.
Beware that all published sailing schedules are subject to sudden changes; not only can they be delayed, but it's not unheard of for a boat to arrive and leave a day early!

Getting around Lakshadweep:
Both boat and helicopter transfers are available from Agatti to Bangaram and Kadmat. The helicopter is usually the only option in monsoon season from May to September.
Boats/ferries are used for getting around from one island to the other.  Once on an island, there aren't too many options. You can travel by foot or hire a bicycle or use local transport.

Food:
There are few if any uniquely Lakshadweep dishes. Local cuisine is similar to Kerala for most part. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands, except Bangaram                     

Climate  & Best time to visit Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep enjoys a pleasant tropical climate with summer temperatures ranging from 22° C to 33° C and winter temperatures from 20° C to 32° C. Southwest monsoons from June to September bring rainfall to the islands. Months from October to May are pleasant with rising temperature from March. Light cotton tropical clothes are ideal throughout the year. A rain coat will come in handy during the monsoons. Cool sea breeze and abundant shade provided by the canopy of coconut palms make the climate pleasant even during peak summer.
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to mid May. From mid May to September it is rainy.
Nevertheless the rainy season presents a breathtaking experience when the vegetation looks greener than ever and the veil of rain adds a different hue to the beauty of lagoons and the blue seas beyond

Languages:
Malyalam, Mahl and English.