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Located in the Arabian Sea off the south-eastern coast of India, the charm of
Lakshadweep Islands (known as Lacadive Islands) lies in their remoteness. Far
from the chaos of civilization, as we know it, they represent a rather magical
realm of existence. Each island is densely covered with coconut palms, and
serenely set in a sea, the waters of which range from palest aquamarine and
turquoise, to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.
The Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands. The Lakshadweep chain
of islands are coral atolls. An atoll is a coral organism lying exactly at the
surface of the ocean where air and water meet; this being the only condition
under which coral can live. The coral here is shaped like a ring and encircles
a staggeringly beautiful emerald-blue lagoon. Each atoll is the topmost point
of a submarine pillar of limestone extending several thousand feet from an
extinct volcano. Tempting as it is to pick up a coral as a souvenir, it is
strictly illegal, being punishable with heavy fines. Non-availability of
drinking water accounts for a number of islands being uninhabited. Of the 36
islands covering a land area of 32 sq. km, only 10 are inhabited.
The people of Lakshadweep are often commended for their honesty. Lakshadweep
is spreading its wings in the way of tourism, by providing various facilities
for the tourists. Tourist facilities in Lakshadweep have been developed by way
of luxury cruises around the islands. All tourists need permission to visit
Lakshadweep, except those booked on a cruise, in which case permission is
automatic. Four of the inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy and
Kadmath) are open to Indian tourists and Bangaram, an uninhabited island, is
open to both domestic and foreign tourists. Bangaram has facilities for water
sports.Swimming, fishing, sailing in glass - bottomed boats which give
enchanting views of the coral below, and yachting are the main attractions.
Wood - carving in the Ujra Mosque at Kavaratti, the tomb of Hazrat Ubaidullah
at Andrott, the Buddhist archaeological remains at Andrott, and the famous
light house at Minicoy, are some of the places worth visiting. Lakshadweep has
a tropical climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 35 degrees
centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade, and winter temperature between 32 degres
to 20 degrees centigrade.
Though the resort is open round the year, 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. (All visitors to the Lakshwadeep Islands will
require an entry permit.) Agatti Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons
in Lakshadweep. This is where the airport is built. A virtual gateway to
Lakshadweep, a 20 bed tourist complex has been set up here.
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