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Welcome to a tropical paradise! Scattered on the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea off the western coast of India is a group of
coral islands of unparalleled beauty known as Lakshadweep. "Lakshadweep" meaning "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. Perhaps Lakshadweep is the only coral island chain in India.

These islands were formed by the accumulation of coral on the volcanic tops of the Indian Ocean ridge, which sank below the surface millions of years ago presumably due to a rise in sea levels. Only ten of the islands of the Lakshadweep group are populated. 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 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 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 (Sterna fuscate) and Karifetu (Anous solidus piletus). 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 (Chaetodon auriga), Parrot fish (Callyedon sordidus), Surgeon fish (Acanthurus lineotus) 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.The vast expanses of the shallow lagoons provide an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts.

All the islands included in the various tourist packages offer kayaks, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, glass -bottomed boats
and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports in the unpolluted lagoons. Kadmat, Kavaratti and Bangaram
have facilities for scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish & Yellow Fin Tuna are abundant in the seas around the islands. Local boats with experienced crew can be hired. Kayaks, canoes, surf modules, snorkels and other water sports are also available

PLACES TO VISIT
Wood - carving in the Ujra Mosque at Kavaratti The tomb of Hazrat Ubaidullah at Andrott Buddhist archaeological remains at Andrott
The famous light house at Minicoy. The coral islands of Agatti, Thinnakara & Parali
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate. In summer, temperatures range from 35 degrees centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade. During winter they
vary between 32 degres to 20 degrees centigrade. May to September is the ideal time to be on the islands. Not only is the weather pleasant,
you can also have the islands almost to yourself. The rush of tourists is mainly concentrated from November to March, and August.
ENTRY PERMITS
All tourists require to obtain a entry permit to get in the island which will be arranged by us and the following details is needed at the time of booking.
NON RESIDENTS : Name / Nationality / Address/ Date of Birth /Place of Birth/ Passport Number / Date of issue / Place of issue / Date of expiry / Work Permit copy (If he/she having a work permit for India) and Meal Preference. RESIDENTS: Name / Address / Date of Birth / Place of birth / Meal Preference.
TRAVEL & TRANSIT ARRANGEMENTS
Kochi International airport links Lakshadweep islands with the mainland. Both on your arrival and at the time of departure, the resort staff would receive you and see you off at the airport besides assisting you with arrival and departure formalities. While planning your travel itinerary please provide a day at Kochi, both one way to the Resort and on the way back. While you are at Kochi we would be glad to arrange your accommodation on request and organize local sightseeing and backwater cruise.

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. 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 thirty minutes. Flights operate six days a week. Four passenger ships MV Tippu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The passage takes between 18 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 in MV Tipu Sultan and MV Bharat Seema.. A doctor is available on call on board these ships. MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy also offers comfortable A/C accommodation. The ship services
DO NOT OPERATE during Moonsoons between 15th May to 15th September

BY AIR

Closest airport is Agatti and flight is operational 6 days a week except Sunday. Air Schedule Presently applicable - Cochin - Agatti > 0915 -1050 hrs & Agatti - Cochin > 1115 - 1215 hrs Fares Presently applicable Cochin - Agtti Resident Indians INRs 6445 Foreigners & NRI's USD180

BY SHIP

Cochin to Agatti Island takes 18 to 22 hrs one way. Presently applicable Fares are
Cochin - Agtti Tourist class chair carResidents INRs 1500 Foreigners USD 40
Cochin - Agtti Cabin classResidents INRs 6000 Foreigners USD 100
Above charges are inclusive of Food & transfer by boat to Agatti resort.
Passage rates are subject to additional 10% towards administrative cost
Ship sailing schedule subject to revision.

Kadmat is 8 km long and only 550 metres wide at its broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west, which is ideal for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The main attractions are the long sandy beaches and sand banks on the southern tip for sun bathing. Tourist huts built amidst palm groves facing the lagoon allow you to soak in the pristine beauty of the coral eco - system. Kayaks, sailing boats, pedal boats, skiing boats and glass bottomed boats are available on hire. A Water Sports Institute functions on the island. Marine Wealth Awareness Package allows you to spend 2-4 days on the island enjoying the rich bounty of nature. 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. M/s Lacadives, Mumbai operates a full-fledged scuba diving center
at Kadmat. Non Indians are also permitted to visit this island.

Minicoy is isolated from the main group of islands and lies about 200 kms south of the northern group.
It's 10.6 kms long & is the second largest island after Andrott. Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons with
a small uninhabited islet Viringili on its southern side. Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands
in its culture. It has a cluster of 11 villages, which are called "Avah" each presided over by an elected village elder called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully maintained and decorated. Minicoy is renowned for its tradition dance - the Lava performed on festive occasions. Colourful race boats called "Jahadhoni" are a feast to the eye of any tourist. A large number of men from this island are employed as seamen in ships all over the world. Mahi is the spoken language. Minicoy is an important center for tuna fishing and a tuna-canning factory on the island processes the catch. A 300-foot tall lighthouse built in 1885 by the British is a majestic landmark.

Kavaratti is the Headquarters of the Administration and the most developed island. Fifty-two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. Water from a well near the mosque is believed to have curative powers.The beautiful and calm lagoon offers an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and snorkeling. Marine life enthusiasts can visit the marine aquarium, which has an excellent collection of aquatic specimens. The multicoloured underwater life in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats. Kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats are available on hire.The Dolphin Dive Centre is an attraction for those who love scuba dive.

Kalpeni along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north form a single atoll. A peculiar 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. It is a socially progressive island and it was here that girls first went to school when women's education was considered taboo. You can swim, snorkel or reef- walk in the vast lagoon and indulge in water sports on kayaks, sailboats and pedal boats.

Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island. From the aircraft, as you approach for landing, you get a breath-taking view of the airstrip on the island. Agatti is the virtual gateway to the islands. A 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities has been set up here. Indian Airlines operates daily (except Sunday) flights to Agatti making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep. Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island.

Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. The tourist resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchanting. Guests to this resort can either avail of the boat transfer or helicopter transfer from Agatti. Being the only uninhabited island resort in Lakshadweep it has got its own charm. An ideal destination for discerning exclusive tourists, Bangaram has carved its presence in the international tourist map

DO's & DONT's
DO Make sure your reservation of tour in advance before leaving your station

Carry your special brand of medicines, cosmetics, cigarettes etc. as only ordinary varieties will be available on the islands.
DONT Litter the land or the water- It pollutes

Pick up corals as souvenirs is a punishable offence.

There is prohibition on all islands except Bangaram

Carry narcotics or drugs. It is a punishable offence.

Swim or sunbathe nude. It is prohibited

Go out of your island lagoon without permission of the concerned authorities
and without a proper escort. It can be risky