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Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India.
India is a group of coral islands of unparalleled beauty known as
Lakshadweep. "Lakshadweep" which means 'A Hundred Thousand Islands' is an
archipelago consisting of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged
banks in the Arabian Sea. These emerald islands, rich in greenery and
fringed by silvery beaches overwhelm you with their natural beauty. Visitors
to these islands take back an unforgettable experience of enjoying nature in
all her splendor.
History :- The first westerner on the islands was Vasco da Gama but
the British were the first to explore the islands. They are also mentioned
in great detail in the stories of the Arab traveller Ibn Batuta. The
Portuguese established a fort on the islands in May 1498, but the
inhabitants soon rose up and expelled them. The Amindivi group of islands
came under the rule of Tipu Sultan in 1787. They passed on to British
control after the Third Anglo-Mysore War and were attached to the South
Canara district. The rest of the islands became a suzerainty of the
Chirakkal family of Cannanore in return for a payment of annual tribute.
After a while, the British took over the administration of those islands for
non-payment of arrears. These islands were attached to the Malabar district
of the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the States Reorganization Act separated
these islands from the mainland administrative units forming a new union
territory by combining all the islands.
People :-
Only ten of the islands of the Lakshadweep group are populated. More than
93% of the indigenous population is Muslims and majority of them belong to
the Shafi School of the Sunni sect. The islands of Minicoy and Andrott have
the largest populations while Bitra Island has the smallest population of
only 225 persons. Malayalam is spoken in all the islands except Minicoy
where Mahl is the spoken language and the script used is Divehi. The society
follows matriarchal traditions where women enjoy a prominent role in social
affairs.
The economy of the islands is primarily agrarian and establishment of
polluting industries is prohibited considering the ecological importance of
the island chain. The main occupations of the people are fishing, coconut
farming, poultry rearing, coir twisting and sea faring. Tourism and tourism
related industries have emerged as a viable option for employment of the
local population.
Flora & Fauna :- Tall green coconut palms which grow abundantly in
the islands transform the archipelago into a tropical paradise. Deep green
shrubs known locally as Kino , Chavok , Punna , Cheerani characteristically
border the base of coconut palms.
The local people rear cows, goats, chickens and ducks for farm produce.
There are no dogs and snakes on the islands. Crows are seen only in a few
islands. Common sea birds are Tharathasi and Karifetu . Pitti Island where
most of these birds nest has been declared a bird sanctuary.
The placid waters of the lagoons are home for an exotic and kaleidoscopic
underwater marine life. Colourful Butterfly fish , Parrot fish , Surgeon
fish dazzle viewers with a play of colours and underwater antics.
Damselfish, Porcupine fish, Puffer fish, Sea anemones, and different types
of eels are some of the other varieties of fish which abound in the lagoons.
Out in the open sea Dolphins, Turtles, Tuna, Rays and Flying fish can be
sighted.
How To Reach Lakshadweep
By Air :- Cochin International Airport links Lakshadweep with the
mainland. Onward flights from Cochin are available to most of the airports
in India and to selected foreign destinations. Agatti is the only airport in
Lakshadweep.
By Ship :- Four passenger ships- MV Tippu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV
Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The passage
takes between 14 to 20 hours. 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. The ships have
cafeteria and snack bars, entertainment lounge, video shows and upper-deck
promenade etc.
Major Travel Destinations
Agatti
:: Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep.
Agatti is the only island with an airport. The sea around the island offers
excellent scope for water sports and fishing. Coral growths and multi
coloured coral fishes are abound in its lagoons.
Bangaram
:: Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island which lies very close
to Agatti and Kavaratti. Bangaram is encircled by a continuous halo of
creamy sand. This island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to
unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life.
Kadmat :: Kadmat has emerged as one of the most
beautiful dive centers in India. Variety of fishes like rays, sharks, and
clear water with 20-50 meter visibility makes it an unparalleled dive
destination for scuba divers.
Kalpeni
:: Kalpeni is known for its scenic beauty and the small
islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called
Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of
Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and
south-eastern shorelines.
Kavaratti
:: Kavaratti is the administrative capital of the smallest union
territory Lakshadweep. Kavaratti is the most developed and inhabited of 36
islands that are present in the Lakshadweep. Kavaratti is famous for
providing one of the most famous water sports facilities in India. Various
facilities available in Kavaratti are swimming, kayaking, water-skiing,
snorkeling and sailing.
Minicoy
:: Minicoy Island or Maliku is the only inhabited island of Maliku
Atoll. It is the second largest and the southern-most among the islands of
the Lakshadweep. Minicoy has a culture very different from that of any other
island in Lakshadweep.
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