Lakshadweep Tour Packages

October to December is the best time to visit the Lakshadweep islands. January and February are also good, though slightly hotter.

Tourist Offices

Arial view of a Lakshadweep island
A cottage in Lakshadweep

SPORTS (Lakshadweep Tourism)

IG Rd
Willingdon Island
Kochi
Tel: 0484 2668387, 2666789

New Delhi Liaison Office

Union Territory of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep House
Plot No. 16
State Guest House Rd
Chanakaypuri
New Delhi
Tel: 011 24101170

Kavartti Tourism Huts

Tel: 04869 2622289

Tourist counter also at the Minicoy, Kadamt and Kalpeni resorts.

Travel Restrictions

Indians may travel to Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy. Foreign nationals may travel to Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat. Only a limited number of tourists are permitted on the islands at a time. It is imperative to book in advance.

Entry Permits

All visitors, Indian and foreign nationals, must have an entry permit to travel to the Lakshadweep Islands. The permit is availed by providing basic information including, name, address, date and place of birth, and passport and visa details in case of foreign nationals to your resort or to the Lakshadweep Tourism and SPORTS office in Kochi.

Getting There

By Air

Kingfisher Airlines and Air India fly Lakshadweep's Agatti Airport five days a week from Kochi.

By Ship

Shipping Corporation of India's MV Tipu Sultan, MV Bharat Seema, MV Minicoy and MV Amindivi link Kochi to Agatti (18-22hrs), all sips depart from Kochi at 11.30am. Services can be just one a week or four, depending on traffic and weather. Contact 'SPORTS' office in Kochi for booking.

No ship services during the monsoon, May 15-September 15.

Activities and Tours

Tourism is still in its infancy and facilities on the islands are limited. Package tours (the only way to visit) are relatively expensive. Tours operate Oct-May; most are late Jan to mid-May. Schedules may change, so allow for extra days when booking onward travel.

Tourists in Lakshadweep

Bangaram Island Resort offers Kayaks, catamarans and sailing boats are free. For an extra charge each time: scuba diving for beginners and the experienced; deep- sea big-game fishing 1 Oct-15 May; excursion to 3 neighbouring islands or snorkelling at shipwreck; glass- bottomed boat. Snorkelling in the lagoon can be disappointing due to poor visibility and dead corals.

SPORTS offer packages (student discounts) to Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy Islands including transport from Kochi.

Coral Reef Package

A cruise to the capital Kavaratti, to Kalpeni and to Minicoy islands on MV Tipu Sultan. Days are spent on the island, with swimming, snorkelling and other water sports, lunch and refreshments ashore. Nights are spent on board.

Swaying Palam Package to Minicoy

A 6 day tour to Minicoy Island. Stay in Minicoy Resort.

Taratashi Package to Kavaratti

Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, lagoon cruises and other water sports are on offer. Stay is in the tourist huts.

Marine Wealth Awareness Programme

6-day Marine Wealth Awareness Programme at Kadmat includes four days on the island, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and many other water sports. Lakshadweep Tourism also offers specials scuba diving packages.

Kadmat Water Sports

6 days (including 2-day sailing, stay in Kadmat Cottages or hostel), Paradise Island Huts: 6 days to Kavaratti.

Scuba diving in Lakshadweep

Waters sports in Lakshadweep

Watersports

Activities include windsurfing, scuba-diving (Poseidon Neptune School), parasailing, waterskiing and snorkelling. Deep-sea fishing (barracuda, sailfish, yellow-fin and travelly) is possible on local boats with crew; serious anglers should bring their own equipment no diving or deep-sea fishing Apr-Sep.