About the Place
Lakshadweep, meaning destination, is an archipelago of 12 atolls, 3 reefs
and 6 submerged banks. Tucked away at 220- 240 km, these islands comprise of
4200 sq km of lagoon and 36 islands that cover an area of 32 sq km. The most
attractive features of the islands are the crystal clear water and the
exotic varieties of marine flora and fauna.
The first sight that meets the eye is the lush green grove of tall coconut
trees. Here, coconut is the only commercial crop. Bordering the coconut
palms are some beautiful deep green shrubs like Kanni, Cholam, Chavok, Punna
and Cheerani.
Climate
Check
The climate of Lakshadweep is humid, warm and pleasant. No distinct seasons
are experienced. An increase in temperature can be noticed moving from south
to north. April and May are the hottest months with temperature reaching 32
degrees centigrade. The southwest monsoon arrives in June and continues till
October. Average rainfall records 10-40 mm.
Attractions Around
Flora & Fauna
The abundant number of tall green coconut trees is truly a spectacle. The
flora of this union territory include bread-fruit, jack fruit, wild almond,
banana, colocasia and drumstick. Coconut is the only crop that is
economically significant. There are a number of deep green shrubs to be
seen.
Lakshadweep is blessed with a rich, elaborate and exotic marine life. Money
cowries(Cyprea Monita) can be found in abundance in the shallow lagoons and
reefs. Cyprea Talpa and Cyprea Maculifera can also be found here. Hermit
crab is a common sight. To be enjoyed are some beautiful coral fish like
parrot fish (Callyedon Sordidus), butterfly fish (Chacetodon Suriga), and
surgeon fish (Acanthurus Lineotus).
Islands
some of the chief islands that are worth visiting are Agatti (459 km from
Cochin), Bangaram (459 km from Cochin), Kadmat (407 km from Cochin), Kalpeni
(287 km from Cochin), Kavaratti (404 km from Cochin) and Minicoy (398 km
from Cochin).
Folk Arts
The
union territory of Lakshadweep can provide you some unforgettable moments of
your lives, for the islands are no less rich and vibrant in terms of art and
dance forms. Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular art forms. Lava is
a fascinating dance form, with some of the movements resembling the
northeastern folk dance forms.
People & Culture
Dresses of women are no less colourful than the colours of the Lakshadweep
sunsets. They wear a Kachi, made of silk and usually red with a black boder.
A body hugging embroidered jackets forms the upper part of the dress. A
beautiful scarf Thattam with silver and gold threads can be seen hanging
loosely over the head. Men can be seen dressed in lungis. In the Minicoy
island, however, the young like to wear jeans.
Reaching Options
The Lakshadweep islands are well-limked to the mainland by ship and air.
Agatti and Bangaram islands can be easily reached by ship from Kochi. The
ships offer a number of accommodation options. There are facilities like
video shows, cafeteria, snack bar, lounge, doctor on call etc.
