Lakshadweep is a union territory of India, consisting of 35 islands in the Arabian Sea. It is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. In this blog post, I will tell you more about this beautiful destination, starting from the recent conflict between Maldives and India, to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep. I will also give you some tips on how to plan your trip, including the route guide, budget, and tour packages.
Maldives and India Conflict
Maldives and India have been close allies for decades, but their relations have been strained in recent years due to political and security issues. The main bone of contention is the presence of China in the Indian Ocean region, which India sees as a threat to its strategic interests. Maldives, on the other hand, has welcomed Chinese investments and projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
The tension escalated in February 2018, when Maldives declared a state of emergency and arrested several opposition leaders, including former president Mohamed Nasheed. India expressed its concern over the situation and urged Maldives to restore democracy and respect human rights. Maldives accused India of interfering in its internal affairs and asked it to withdraw its military helicopters and personnel from its territory.
The crisis was resolved in September 2018, when Maldives held a presidential election and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeated the incumbent Abdulla Yameen. Solih pledged to restore ties with India and reduce dependence on China. India welcomed the change of leadership and extended its support to Maldives. Since then, both countries have resumed their cooperation in various fields, such as defence, trade, tourism, health, and education.
Narendra Modi’s Visit to Lakshadweep
In December 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep for the first time since he assumed office in 2014. He inaugurated several development projects on the islands, such as a water desalination plant, a power plant, a solar power plant, a fisheries processing plant, and a coastal surveillance radar system. He also addressed a public rally in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep.
Modi praised the people of Lakshadweep for their resilience and contribution to the nation’s maritime security. He also highlighted the importance of Lakshadweep for India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). He said that Lakshadweep is not only a tourist destination but also a key link in India’s maritime strategy. He assured that his government will continue to work for the welfare and development of Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep: A Travel Guide
If you are planning to visit Lakshadweep, here are some things you need to know before you go:
- How to reach: The easiest way to reach Lakshadweep is by air. You can take a flight from Kochi or Bangalore to Agatti Island, which has the only airport in Lakshadweep. From Agatti, you can take a boat or a helicopter to other islands. Alternatively, you can take a ship from Kochi or Mangalore to Lakshadweep. The ship journey takes about 14 to 20 hours depending on the destination.
- Where to stay: There are limited accommodation options in Lakshadweep. You can choose from government-run guest houses, private resorts, or homestays. The most popular islands for tourists are Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy. You can book your stay online through the official website of Lakshadweep Tourism or through authorized travel agents.
- What to do: Lakshadweep offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, fishing, island hopping, bird watching, and cultural tours. You can explore the rich marine life and coral reefs of Lakshadweep in its pristine waters. You can also witness the unique culture and traditions of the local people who speak Jeseri (a dialect of Malayalam) and follow Islam.
- What to see: Lakshadweep has many attractions for sightseeing, such as lighthouses, mosques, museums, monuments, beaches, lagoons, and islands. Some of the must-see places are:
- Minicoy Island: The second largest island in Lakshadweep with a distinctive culture and history. It has a 300-feet tall lighthouse built by the British in 1885 that offers a panoramic view of the island. It also has a tuna canning factory that exports tuna fish to different countries.
- Kavaratti Island: The capital and administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep with a population of about 10,000 people. It has a beautiful lagoon that is ideal for water sports. It also has a marine aquarium that displays various species of fish and coral. It also has a museum that showcases the history and culture of Lakshadweep.
- Bangaram Island: The most famous island in Lakshadweep for its luxury resort and secluded beaches. It is a coral atoll that is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. It is a perfect place for relaxation and romance.
- Kadmat Island: The longest island in Lakshadweep with a length of 8 km and a width of 550 meters. It has a stunning lagoon that covers an area of 25 km sq. It is a hotspot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts who can enjoy the diverse marine life and coral reefs.
- Kalpeni Island: The island that was formed by the deposition of coral debris after a storm in 1847. It has a large bay that is ideal for swimming and boating. It also has a small island called Cheriyam that can be reached by a bridge.
- What to eat: Lakshadweep cuisine is influenced by Kerala and Maldivian cuisine. It mainly consists of rice, coconut, fish, and spices. Some of the dishes you can try are:
- Mas huni: A breakfast dish made of tuna, coconut, onion, chili, and lime juice.
- Bis keemiya: A snack made of pastry filled with tuna, onion, cabbage, and egg.
- Garudhiya: A clear fish soup flavored with curry leaves, onion, garlic, chili, and lime juice.
- Rihaakuru: A thick fish paste made by boiling fish with water and salt until the water evaporates.
- Bondi: A sweet made of rice flour, coconut, sugar, and cardamom.
- What to buy: Lakshadweep is not a shopping destination but you can buy some souvenirs such as:
- Coconut shell products: You can find various items made of coconut shell such as bowls, cups, spoons, lamps, and ornaments.
- Sea shell products: You can find various items made of sea shell such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and key chains.
- Tuna products: You can buy canned tuna or dried tuna from the local markets or factories.
- Lakshadweep T-shirts: You can buy T-shirts with Lakshadweep logo or slogans from the souvenir shops or resorts.
Lakshadweep Tour Packages for Couple
If you are looking for a romantic getaway in Lakshadweep, you can choose from various tour packages that suit your budget and preferences. Some of the tour packages are:
- Lakshadweep Honeymoon Package: This package includes a 5-day stay in Bangaram Island Resort with all meals, airport transfers, boat transfers, welcome drink, fruit basket, candle light dinner, cake, and flower decoration. The cost of this package is Rs. 1,25,000 per couple.
- Lakshadweep Adventure Package: This package includes a 4-day stay in Kadmat Island Resort with all meals, airport transfers, boat transfers, welcome drink, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, glass bottom boat ride, and island excursion. The cost of this package is Rs. 80,000 per couple.
- Lakshadweep Cultural Package: This package includes a 3-day stay in Kavaratti Island Resort with all meals, airport transfers, boat transfers, welcome drink, folk dance performance, museum visit, aquarium visit, and mosque visit. The cost of this package is Rs. 50,000 per couple.
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