Lakshadweep is one of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. The only coral islands of our country, built on ancient volcanic formations are the Lakshadweep (meaning a hundred thousand islands), the tiniest Union Territory of India. Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarter of the Union Territory.

Onboard the ship a film is shown to the tourist giving a brief history of Lakshadweep, its environment, the coral reefs and its management, the ban on picking up of corals, using plastics and ways to keep the islands clean and enjoy the beauty without disturbing or destroying it.

Lakshadweep consists of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The atolls poised on submarine banks, harbour 36 islands having an area of 32 Sq.Km. Of these, 10 islands are inhabited namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. The islands lie about 220-440 Kms from the Malabar coast between 8° and 12° 13' North Latitude and 71° & 74° East Longitude.

Each island is fringed by snow-white coral sands, are marked by a huge, shallow, calm lagoon on one side which separate it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals. The coral atolls, the matchless marine environment with myriad colours resulting in complex interaction of animate and inanimate things.

The Administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns. As an effective strategy to avoid pressure on ecological environment, Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. (CORAL REEF / CORAL ISLANDS)

The islands group are well connected both by Air and Sea. While Islands like Agatti & Bangaram can be reached by Air, the other islands can be reached by ship from Kochi. Top

Climate: Lakshadweep has a tropical climate. From 27 to 32 degree Celsius during September to March. From 30 to 33 degree Celsius in April and May. Water temperature in the lagoon is normally around 25 - 27 degree centigrade.

The temperature during monsoon is between 27 - 30 degrees and water temperature remains at 25 degrees. Though the sea remains rough during monsoon, the reef which encircles the island, keeps the lagoon calm. However, due to rough sea, boats do not ply outside the lagoon.

Some effect of the northeast monsoon is felt in October-November in the form of light transitory showers which cool the place.

Clothing: Light cotton tropical clothes are sufficient throughout the year. If you are wading in shallow water or reef-walking, then it is advisable to wear thick canvas shoes.

DO's and DON'Ts

DO:

Make sure your reservation of tour before leaving your station.
It is advisable to carry your basic medication or cosmetics that you may require, as this may not be available on the island.

DON'Ts

Litter the land or the water
Pick any coral - it is a punishable offence
sunbathe in the nude is prohibited
Possession and Consumption of liquor is prohibited.
(As per the section 3 of the Regulation, transportation, possession and consumption of liquor is prohibited in all the Islands except Bangaram).

It is prohibited to go out of your island lagoon without permission of the concerned authorities and without a proper escort.

It is prohibited to pluck tender coconuts yourself. The trees are privately owned and unauthorised plucking of coconut is a theft.
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Please Note:
1. All the Water Sports activities are at their own risk and the organizers will not be responsible in any manner. View 'Safety Measures'

2. Tour Programme / Schedule of ship is liable to be changed or cancelled without prior notice, ships are operated by Lakshadweep Administration. In case of a change in the ship schedule liability of Sports/Agent is restricted to transporting the tourists by immediate available conveyance of the ship only.

3. Tourists availing LTC may collect LTC certificate from Tour Manager on board at the time of return journey or from 'Sports' office on return. Transport and tour change bifurcation is given in the tariff chart.

4. The package is valid for Indian nationals only.

(Onboard Tour Manager: There has been a 'Tour Manager' of 'Sports', specially designated for your assistance. In case of any difficulty, please avail of his services).