Lakshadweep Islands | Maldives

Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of India, not a part of the Maldives. While it is geologically part of the same underwater mountain range (the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge), it is politically and administratively separate. It is located in the Arabian Sea, approximately 200 to 440 km off the southwestern coast of India.

Historical Timeline

Historically known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands, the archipelago has been a crossroads for Arab, Indian, and African mariners. The islands were influenced by the Buddhist and Hindu faiths before converting to Islam in the 14th century. After centuries of rule by local chieftains and the Kingdom of Cannanore, they came under British control in the late 18th century. Upon Indian independence in 1947, the islands became part of India and were renamed Lakshadweep (meaning "one hundred thousand islands") in 1973.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 65,000. The residents are predominantly Sunni Muslim and are classified as Scheduled Tribes.

Language: Malayalam is spoken on most islands.

Mahl: On Minicoy, the southernmost island, the residents speak Mahl, which is a dialect of Dhivehi (the national language of the Maldives).

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Lakshadweep is India's smallest Union Territory, consisting of 36 islands (only 10 are inhabited) with a total land area of just 32 sq. km.

Kavaratti: The administrative capital and the most developed island.

Agatti: The gateway island, hosting the territory's only airport.

Minicoy: The second-largest island, culturally and linguistically similar to the Maldives.

Bangaram: An uninhabited tourist island known for its exclusive resort and lagoon.

Kadmat: A long, narrow island popular for its marine wealth and diving schools.

Top Landmarks

Ujra Mosque (Kavaratti): An 18th-century mosque famous for its intricate wood carvings and a well believed to have medicinal properties.

Minicoy Lighthouse: Built by the British in 1885, offering panoramic views of the atoll.

Marine Museum (Kavaratti): Showcases the archipelago’s diverse aquatic life and conservation efforts.

Agatti Lagoon: Considered one of the most beautiful turquoise lagoons in the world.

Transportation Network

Air: Agatti Airport (AGX) is the only airfield. Regular flights connect to Kochi (Cochin) on the Indian mainland.

Sea: Seven passenger ships (such as MV Kavaratti) operate between Kochi and the islands, with journeys taking 14–18 hours.

Inter-Island: Speedboats and helicopters (primarily for emergencies or high-end transfers) move passengers between atolls.

Local: Bicycles and motorbikes are the primary transport on the tiny islands.

Safety & Regulations

Entry Permits: All visitors (including Indian citizens) require a government-issued entry permit to visit Lakshadweep.

Foreigners: Restricted to specific islands (Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat) and require additional clearances.

Environmental Safety: The ecosystem is extremely fragile. Damaging coral or picking up shells is a punishable offense.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Connectivity is significantly more limited than in the Maldives. BSNL and Airtel provide 4G in major centers, but speeds are often slow. ATMs are available on Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy (State Bank of India). The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Climate & Air Quality

Climate: Tropical. The Southwest Monsoon (June–September) is severe, often suspending ship and boat movements. The best time to visit is October to mid-May.

Air Quality: Pristine. There is virtually no industrial pollution.

Culture & Social Norms

Matrilineal Society: Unlike much of the mainland, many islanders follow a matrilineal system where property is inherited through the female line.

Alcohol: Strictly prohibited on all inhabited islands. Bangaram is the only island where alcohol consumption is permitted for tourists.

Traditional Arts: Famous for Lava Dance (Minicoy) and intricate coir (coconut fiber) weaving.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso (Kavaratti): ~100 INR ($1.20)

1 Thali Meal: ~200–400 INR ($2.40–$4.80)

1 Scuba Dive: ~3,500–5,000 INR ($42–$60)

Nearby Day Trips

Pittie Island: An uninhabited bird sanctuary and a critical nesting site for terns.

Thinnakara: A tiny, uninhabited island near Bangaram, ideal for private beach experiences.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that Minicoy was part of the Maldives until 1752, which explains the shared language and culture. Local legend attributes the conversion of the islands to Islam to a man named Ubeidullah, who allegedly dreamt the Prophet Muhammad commanded him to travel to the islands and spread the faith after his ship was wrecked in the 7th century.