Lakshadweep
-99% fun and 1% land
Lakshadweep is one of the Union territories of India which consists of 36 islands which is famous for its sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape.
Lakshadweep covered a total area of 32sq km which includes 12 atolls, 5 submerged banks,10 inhabited islands, and 3 reefs. It is situated 200-440km off the Kerala coast in the Arabian sea.
This territory comprises only one district. Its total population is 64,473 according to the 2011 census. Lakshadweep literally means one lakh island.
History of Lakshadweep
There is no particular history of Lakshadweep, it’s history was based on different legends. According to one legend, Cheraman Perumal is the first ruler who ruled over Lakshadweep.
They also find mention in Sangam Patirruppattu, that Cheras controlled this island. Amini, Andrott, Kavaratti, and KALPENI are the oldest inhabited islands. Ubaidulla brings Islam to Lakshadweep in 661CE.
In 1498, the Portuguese took control over Lakshadweep. Later, Tipu Sultan ruled the Amindivi group island. And later it was passed it to Britishers and was attached to South Canara.
Later Britishers came up with Lakshadweep regulations in 1912 which impose some restrictions. It also stopped the entry of outsiders.
In 1947 Lakshadweep became part of Independent India and later in 1956, it was recognized as Union territory of India. And in 1973 it was named Lakshadweep.
Capital of Lakshadweep
The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti which is a developed island. It is famous for its clam lagoons, adventurous water activities, and white sand beaches.
Chief Minister of Lakshadweep
Shri Dineshwar Sharma is the Chief Minister of Lakshadweep. He is a retired IPS officer from Kerala cadre.
Popular languages of Lakshadweep
The official languages of Lakshadweep are Malayalam and English whereas the most spoken or popular languages of Lakshadweep are Jeseri, Malayalam, Mahl.
In the northern islands of Lakshadweep people speak Malayalam dialect which is similar to Arwi.
High Court of Lakshadweep
The Kerala High Court is situated at Kochi having jurisdiction over Lakshadweep as well as Kerala. There are also two Munsiff Court one is in Andrott and another one in Amini which have jurisdiction over different islands.
Lakshadweep Tourism
The smallest union territory is known for beaches, water sports, and exotic islands. The islands offer pristine leisure spots, coral reefs, ecology, and culture whereas lagoons offer various water sports such as swimming, diving, kayaking, and surfing.
Adventurous gigs can experience parasailing and many more activities. Lakshadweep tourism promotes Nature tourism so that the beauty of the islands last long and attract as many tourists as possible.
Shallow calm lagoons, a huge expanse of blue sea, crystal clear water, rich marine life all these things leave you spellbound.
Best Time To Visit Lakshadweep
The best time to visit Lakshadweep islands in the month of October and May. Usually,
Lakshadweep offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. Monsoon season is not good to visit Lakshadweep because of heavy rains most of the sports activities are shut down and the climate is also not so pleasant.
Summer: Summer months, March-May months are good to experience the breeze, welcoming beaches, and water sports. 22°-33° Celcius is the usual temperature during these months.
Winter: September – February months is perfect to plan a holiday and one can also enjoy all the water activities. During these months the temperature doesn’t rise above 36°, which makes this ideal time to enjoy the beauty of Lakshadweep.
Top 9 Places To Visit In Lakshadweep:
1.Agatti Island
It is a 7.6 km long island which is situated at Agatti atoll. This is a perfect place to have a long walk besides beautiful beaches and to enjoy the white sand with crystal clear water under clear blue skies.
The locals mostly follow Islam religion and speak Malayalam and English language. This place is blissful for beach lovers and travelers.
2.Minicoy Island
This island is locally called Maliku, which is situated 200 km away on Maliku atoll in the South.
It is one the second largest island among all islands of Lakshadweep which is famous for luxury beach resorts, natural beauty, clean beaches, and beautiful ocean.
This counts in one of the popular tourist destinations in Lakshadweep which offers varied activities such as tuna fishing.
3.Bangaram Island
This tiny island is known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant colors. It is one of the largest atolls of Laccadive Island. Thinnakara and Parali are the two small islands in close proximity to Bangaram island which is enclosed by the same lagoon.
There is the presence of phosphorescent planktons that glow at night and make the beach ashore enchanting.
It is a breathtakingly beautiful island with it’s calm, unimaginable blue-green waters which offer memorable moments with beloved ones. This is a perfect palace to relax from the pressure and tension of the city.
4. Marine Museum
This beautiful museum is situated at Kavaratti which showcases plenty of marine antiques and many more advanced marine items and its preservation. The other most interesting thing is its aquarium which has colorful fishes and other marine species. One can gather information related to marine life and artifacts.
5. Kadmat Island
It is also known as Cardmon island which is a subgroup of Amindivi group islands and it is situated 8 km away from Amini island.
This amazing island welcomes foreigners with open arms to enjoy the colorful coral reefs, sandy beaches, serene beach with rows of the coconut palm. It is also the ideal destination to experience underwater life.
6.Andrott Island
It is also called Androth island which is 119 km away from Kavaratti. It is one of the largest islands in an area and having a very small lagoon area. Thick coconut groves enhance the beauty of the island.
Lighthouse and Jumaat Mosque are other places to visit. It was the first island to embrace Islam. This place has a rich historical past, religious legacy, and famous for its splendid architectural monuments.
7.Kavaratti Island
Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep which is situated on Kavaratti atoll. It is one of the popular tourist destinations which is k own for white-sand beaches, blue sky, calm beaches, and astounding coral reefs.
Here mostly Malabar cuisines ate served such as tuna fish, sweet potato, etc. It consists of the maximum number of Mosque among all Jamnath Mohidden and Ujra are the most popular. Pure air and unpolluted nature make you feel the tranquility.
8.Lighthouse
It is 300 feet tall which is situated at Minicoy island and it is the most visited place in Lakshadweep. The view from the top leaves you awestruck and mesmerized. Lighthouse of Lakshadweep and Kavaratti lighthouse are other lighthouses as tourist spots.
9. Pitti Bird Sanctuary
It is a small reef that is located on Pitti island or Pakshipitti. It is the more tourist attractions and one of the islands protect under the Indian Wildlife Act 1972.
This place is best for bird lovers which provide shelter to pelagic(birds of open ocean and coastal waters) birds—greater crested tern, the sooty tern, and the brown noddy.
Lakshadweep Is Famous For:
1.Food
A staple diet such as fish, rice, coconut is eaten by most of the population. Lakshadweep cuisine is influenced by Kerala cuisine. Coconut is the main hero among all Lakshadweep cuisine.
Here Non-veg lovers can experience a variety of seafood. Its been a most visited tourist destination due to this variety of cuisines are served such Continental, Chinese, Thai, etc.
One can have a great time with several exotic dishes in Lakshadweep.
2.Dress
Lakshadweep’s traditional outfits have a unique pattern, design, and styles. White lungi and silk cotton drapery are usually worn by men and most of the time they don’t cover their upper body.
While women wear a long silk piece of cloth also known as Kanchi. Thattan which is a colorful scarf used as a headdress.
Females are always fond of jewelry and ornaments, so here females can be seen with beautiful ornaments such as Alikkath and Koodu(necklace), Kodakam, or Vola(ear and wrists), Vala(Bengal).
3.Dance & Music
The vibrant culture can be seen in their traditional tribal dance and music. Lava dance, Kolkali, Dando, Parichakali, Fuli are some of the folk dance which is performed by the people of Lakshadweep on different occasions.
Similar to Kerala Muslim dance form, Oppana Muslim dance is performed in the marriage celebration.
4. Art & Craft
As this place comprises several beaches so, it’s a treasure house of shells. Shell craft is the most important craft of this state.
Craftsmen use these shells to make Decorative items such as ornaments etc. Apart from this, coconut and tortoiseshell items are available for home decoration.
Coconut handicrafts can be seen in the markets of Lakshadweep. People of Lakshadweep showcase their culture by painting houses, boats, furniture which reflect every walk of their life.
Fairs & Festivals of Lakshadweep:
1.Bakri-Eid
This festival is celebrated showing gratitude to Prophet Ibrahim for sacrificing his son to Almighty as his devotion towards God.
On this festive occasion, people sacrifice a goat as a religious routine and later it was distributed among devotees. This festival also signifies about an end to the journey of Mecca, a holy place of Muslims.
2. Eid-ul-Fitr
It is one of the most important festivals of the Muslim community, which is celebrated when the moon is visible at the end of Ramadan. This day is celebrated with great gusto.
On this day people go to the Mosque for prayer and then greet or hug and exchange various gifts and dishes with relatives and friends as a symbol of love.
3.Muharram
This festival marks the martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Husain. On this day people beat themselves and chant ‘Ya Husain’ as a tribute to Imam Husain.
On this day people apologize for their sins. It is a 10 days festival which starts at the beginning of Muharram month.
4.Milad-Ul-Nabi
This festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated by Muslims all over India with great zeal and enthusiasm. On this occasion, various traditional cuisine is prepared and distributed among relatives.
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