Below are excerpts from a free-flowing conversation with a much-travelled armed forces officer, Mihir Bhattacharjee, who is also one of Bharat’s “Star Sewak” or “Viksit Bharat Ambassador” with Subhasish Chakraborty.
Q: In the tourism circle, there has always been a perception that Lakshwadeep Islands is one of India’s precious gems, but it was never brought to the limelight. How do you perceive the emergence of this stunningly beautiful Island in South Asia’s tourism landscape?
A: Lakshadweep – one of Bharat’s precious tourism treasures is on the brink of global tourism recognition as a hideaway island with mesmerizing tropical ambience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharat’s all-time-great “Brand Ambassador”, visited the emerald Island in the first week of January 2024 and was swept by its beauty. In his own words – “Visiting Lakshadweep was an enriching journey of learning and growing”.
The Central Government, through its nodal agency, the Ministry of Tourism, has devised an ambitious tourism and infrastructure upgradation plan worth a whopping Rs 3,600 crore aimed at transforming the Island into a tourist hub. The ports, road connectivity, and beachside amenities will be at par with international tropical destination standards.
Most tourists from mainland India do not even know where the emerald Island of Lakshadweep is located. It is ideally located at 8° and 12° North Latitude and 71° and 74° East Longitude. The word Lakshadweep means “One Lakh Islands,” but it is a cluster of 36 islands covering an area of 32 sq. kilometres.
Apart from air travel, one of the most enchanting ways to the Island of Lakshadweep is by cruise ships departing from the port city of Kochi in Kerala. The sea voyage is unique; embarking on a sea cruise to the Island is an other-worldly experience.
Q: You have visited Lakshadweep personally. Can you share your route map while traversing through this beautiful speck of paradise?
A: The picturesque capital Kavaratti is your point of entry. Theadweep and the impeccably maintained Kavaratti Tourist Complex are replete with abutments that are every boffernic and offer all the same modern-day a modern-day traveller would ask for. The “Taratashi Holiday Package” offers many island holiday options ranging from exciting water sports to visits to the spectacular Marine Aquarium. You will be startled by the sheer richness of marine life as viewed from the see-through glass-bottomed boats.
It is also the smallest Union Territory of India, comprising just 12 atolls, three exclusive reefs, and five in only ten banks. Amongst them are inhabited Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kav, Arati, Kiltan, and Minicoy.
With Kavaratti as your base, you can easily explore the various islands at a first feel of the exceptionally fragile ecosystem and cuts to rather delicate ecosystem; the Island of Lakshadweep has not been promoted as actively as the other beach destinations like Goa and Kovalam.
Q: What, according to you, is the USP of Lakshadweep?
A: Although the government encourages tourism, it is kept under control from the harmful effects of mass tourism. To protect the sensitive ecological balance of the islands, Eco-Tourism is promoted, and that too with all the proper checks and balances to be consistent in terms of the ecological situation of the Island.
What is so appealing is the sheer synchronization of the tourist product, “LAKSHADWEEP,” into a truly exotic Island hideaway. At times, it feels rather difficult to assimilate that you are holidaying on beaches that are integral parts of the Indian Republic!
Visitors from the Western world, particularly those from affluent countries in Europe, North America, and Australia who have a penchant for visiting tropical destinations like Bali and the Maldives, are now showing greater interest in Lakshadweep due to its “Restricted Tourism Policy,” which ensures one fact—no overcrowding, any time of the year.
On my recent trip to Lakshadweep, I met a couple from far away, Oslo (Norway), who brought out in the open their utter amazement about their one-week rendezvous in Lakshadweep. Thus – “As a couple, we have travelled to exotic places like Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bali in Indonesia. However, in terms of Sustainable Island Tourism, Lakshadweep is a fine example of what an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable tourist destination should be all about – bio-toilets, rainwater harvesting, minimal use of pump sets, stress on the use of biodegradable items, plantation of trees, maintaining the carrying capacity of the islands etc…which are being meticulously observed by the resorts, hotels and tourist lodges”.
Q: Lakshadweep is remotely located from mainland India. What is the connectivity like?
A: Well, what is impressive is that since most of the islands are isolated and small, some constraints on their physical growth are inevitable. Yet, despite the constraints, the government has successfully managed to promote high-quality tourism. Visiting Lakshadweep is like an eye-opener regarding “low volume and high-value tourism.”
Lakshwadeep’s tourism module can be a great learning process for other beach tourism destinations of Bharat.
By far, the best way to explore the varied charms of the Lakshadweep islands is by embarking on an island-hopping spree. Apart from the administrative headquarters of Kavaratti, island-hopping tours to Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Minicoy, and Kalpeni can be very rewarding.
Q: Can you describe the unique socio-cultural milieu of the Islands you visited? The world is eager to know Lakshadweep’s historical past.
A: From the picture-perfect setting of Kavaratti as you venture to the fascinating Island of Kalpeni, renowned for being home to the largest lagoon of Lakshadweep Island, the unusual atoll, which is conspicuous by its exclusive “storm bank” that is a repository of coral wreckages is simply awe-inspiring.
An impromptu talk with a local guide revealed that the Island came under the influence of Islam in the 7th century. According to legends, small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti, Andrott, and Kalpeni first, and later, people from these islands moved to the islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat, and Kadmat.
Apart from its unique charm, Kalpeni is the educational hub of Lakshadweep, and in terms of “Education of the Girl Child,” Kalpeni has played a pioneering role. Other places worth visiting on Kalpeni Island are the picturesque islets of Pitti and Thilakkam and the gorgeous lagoon at Cheriyam Isle.
Many visitors decide to halt for a day or two at Kalpana’s exclusive Tourist Complex at Koomel. This spectacular curved bay has facilities for a plethora of exciting water sports, from Kayaks to Sailboats.
Q: Many visitors to Lakshadweep find many similarities with the Maldives. Is there a whiff of Maldives as well?
A: I recommend visiting the isolated Minicoy Island, strategically located at the southernmost tip of Lakshadweep. Anyone who takes the trouble of reaching Minicoy can rest assured of a slice of the Maldives, that fascinating island nation of South Asia. Here, the inhabitants speak the “Mahl” dialect, which is spoken on the Island of Maldives.
The numerous villages dotting the Island landscape of Minicoy were exposed to democratic ways of life from times immemorial! A visit to neighbouring villages can be enriching, where the well-organized village administration system with the lion’s share of responsibilities bestowed upon the – “Bodukaka”.
In terms of culture and heritage, the Minicoy Island villages are also very elevated, and it was simply fascinating to watch the rhythmic “Lava” dance performed by the village folks.
While the women of Minicoy Island live dignified lives, the men are mostly involved in maritime trade, and many of them work in foreign merchant shipping companies. They are also expert carpenters and have carved a niche for themselves in the competitive world of carpentry.
Q: What is the water sports infrastructure like in Lakshadweep? Is it up to the global benchmarks?
A: In terms of foreign tourist traffic to Lakshadweep, the Island of Kadmat is a hot favourite and believe me, the Island can cater to just 48 tourists at a time, which might sound funny and even incredible, but such is the stringent tourism rules set forth by the Island’s tourism mandarins; perhaps in the best interest of preserving the Island’s fragile ecosystem. One of Bharat’s finest diving spots is here, and there is also an exclusive Water Sports Institute that offers Diving lessons for a fee.
The bewitchingly beautiful Islands of Agatti and Bangaram, each possessing unique tourism attributes to lure the discerning world traveller and very exciting to explore – Agatti, with its only airport in the whole of Lakshadweep and a gorgeous lagoon that never ceases to amaze you with its sheer beauty; and, Bangaram is the stuff of “Romance in the High Seas” – the kind eulogized in James Hadley Chase Thrillers.
Bangaram is the Mecca of Scuba Diving and is renowned for its scenic charm, exclusive coral formations, and diverse tropical flora and fauna. Here, you can have a date with creatures as diverse as Sharks and rare varieties of Sea Turtles, all of which have already catapulted Bangaram into the big league of international Scuba Diving sites.
Needless to say, the immaculately maintained Bangaram Island Resort is the hub of all tourist activity on this secluded Island. Apart from high-quality accommodation, the resort also offers an array of first-rate water sports equipment.
Given that Lakshadweep has emerged as a top-end water sports destination, an exclusive Department of Water Sports caters to the exacting needs of water sports enthusiasts from all over the world who converge on the city.
Q: The Coral Reefs of Lakshadweep are rated among the best in the world. Is the government ready with the infrastructure?
A: No other island destination offers the variety of coral reefs that Lakshadweep does. For Coral Reef fans, the government has launched an exclusive cruise package onboard covering the enchanting Islands of Minicoy, Kavaratti, and Kalpeni. Visitors board the vessel M.V. Tipusultan from Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala and are taken along the trail of the three Islands in the all-inclusive 5-Day Coral Reef Package Tour.
Apart from the Coral Reef Tour, there is also an exclusive Marine Wealth Awareness Programme for those interested in exploring the myriad charms of underwater sea life. An all-inclusive voyage by ship (6-Day Package) starts from the city of Kochi in Kerala and halts at Kadmat Beach Resort, where the ship is anchored for three days to enable guests to explore the stunning array of marine life in and around Kadmat. Activities include Snorkeling, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Diving, etc.
Traveller’s Fact File
Getting There
Lakshadweep is accessible by air and ship from Kerala’s port cities of Cochin or Kochi. Indian Airlines operates regular flights from Kochi to Lakshadweep and vice versa.
As far as sea voyages are concerned, ships like the M.V. Tipu Sultan, M.V. Bharat Seema, M.V. Amindivi, and M.V. Minicoy, etc.operate regular shipping services from Kochi to Lakshadweep and vice versa. Depending on the weather conditions, the sea voyage lasts 15-20 hours.
Visitors have the option to choose from a range of options, such as A/C Deluxe, A/C First Class, and Tourist Class. Students travelling in groups of 15 pax or above are given discounted tickets for the Tourist Class.
Accommodation
A range of accommodations is available for discerning tourists visiting Lakshadweep. Quality accommodations are available at courtesy resorts and eco-friendly ethnic hutments at key island destinations like Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat, and Bangaram. Apart from being guests of resorts, one unique way of seeking shelter in Lakshadweep is on board shipping vessels like M.V. Tipu Sultan offers all the modern amenities that a discerning traveler would ask for, ranging from spacious cabins, cafeteria, snack bar, video shows, entertainment lounge, exclusive Upper Deck as well as doctor on call.
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