An Island Escape to the Coral World
Lakshadweep, India
- Location
Agatti Island, Lakshadweep
- Nearest Airports
Agatti Airport (AGX), Agatti Island
- Nearest Port:
Kochi Port (regular ship services to Lakshadweep)
- Highlight
Turquoise lagoons and coral reefs
- Duration
5D/4N
Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory, comprising thirty-six coral islands, atolls, and reefs scattered across the Arabian Sea, about 200-440 km off the southwestern coast of Kerala. Unlike the volcanic Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep is entirely coral in origin, meaning its islands are low-lying, flat, and fringed with vibrant lagoons and shallow reefs. An archipelago of 36 palm-fringed islands, only ten of which are inhabited, and the rest are protected for conservation.
In this Lakshadweep tour, you will wake up to the rhythm of sea breeze rustling through coconut palms and fall asleep to the lull of tides lapping the shore just outside your eco-cottage.
What to expect? Kayaking, snorkeling with vibrant parrotfish near the coral reefs, drinking fresh coconut water under the island sun, and witnessing the bioluminescence of the sea at night.
What to Know Before Visiting Lakshadweep
A valid passport and an Indian tourist visa are mandatory. Foreigners are generally allowed to visit Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat islands. They could be allowed to visit Minicoy and Thinnakara with permission from the Administrator.
All tourists visiting Lakshadweep shall have to obtain a special entry permit that can be applied online at https://epermit.utl.gov.in/. The permit usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to process and is valid for 30 days. A fee for the permit and an additional environment or heritage fee could be applied.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Lagoon kayaking & glass-bottom boats
- Snorkeling over coral gardens
- Local tuna-based cuisine
- Bioluminescent night beach walks
- Traditional coconut palm weaving workshops
A Five-Day Itinerary for Agatti Island, Lakshadweep
Day 1: Arrival in Agatti Island
Fly into Agatti and check into a locally run eco-stay, preferably by the pristine white sands. Spend the afternoon soaking in the warm sun on a hammock and exploring the quiet shoreline barefoot. Since this is your first day, take it slow and enjoy a traditional Malabari meal; grilled reef fish, coconut rice, and local breadfruit curry.
Day 2: Coral Reefs and Snorkeling
Kick off your day with a guided snorkeling tour in the lagoon. Swim alongside clownfish, butterflyfish, and swaying anemones as you explore the colorful coral gardens that fill the island.
Head to Bangaram Island, which is accessible only by boat, an uninhabited isle nearby. Surrounded by a shallow lagoon perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and diving, with visibility stretching up to 20 meters underwater, Bangaram is a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles, although up for seasonal sightings.
Additionally, for diving enthusiasts, Lakshadweep’s PADI-certified diving schools offer beginner and advanced dives into some of the best-preserved coral reef ecosystems in India.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Island Life
Spend the morning with the local fishing community learning about the traditional practice of pole-and-line tuna fishing, still used here for sustainable harvesting.
Participate in a traditional handicraft workshop where local women demonstrate the art of coconut leaf weaving.
One of Lakshadweep’s most magical and lesser-known phenomena is the seasonal appearance of bioluminescent plankton, where the shores gleam with glowing blue light at night. Caused by marine phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, these tiny organisms emit light when disturbed, a surreal spectacle, a phenomenon most visible on dark, moonless nights between November and February.
One of Lakshadweep’s most magical and lesser-known phenomena is the seasonal appearance of bioluminescent plankton, where the shores gleam with glowing blue light at night. Caused by marine phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, these tiny organisms emit light when disturbed, a surreal spectacle, a phenomenon most visible on dark, moonless nights between November and February.
Day 4: Kayaking
A glass-bottom kayak ride across the coral lagoon is the way to go on day 4. You can actually float over coral gardens, darting reef fish, sea cucumbers, and even baby sharks. Pause mid-lagoon for a floating tea break. You can have this unique kayaking experience in and around islands like Bangaram and Agatti.
Day 5: Kalpitti Island
Spend an extra night on Kalpitti Island for stargazing and sea turtle sightings. Kalpitti’s shores are strewn with unique coral fragments and shells. Since it is uninhabited, you will often have the entire beach to yourself. The shallow waters around Kalpitti have vibrant coral reefs and reef fish, which is perfect for snorkeling right from the shore.
How Ruhani Guides Your Trip
We at Ruhani provide self-guided packages, where you have the freedom to customize your tour according to your needs. Reach out to our team via the contact form below for more details.
Contact a Ruhani Travel Advisor Right Away
In case of any emergency, medical or otherwise, you can contact the Ruhani support team at any point in your travels. We are here to assist you throughout.
- (+1) 301-250-6943
- contact@ruhaniindia.com
100% Custom-Made
- Every itinerary can be further personalized according to your own personal needs and wants.
- Authentic slow travel experiences handpicked exclusively by our expert team.
- Prioritize your freedom and be responsible towards the environmental burdens of mainstream tourism.
- Select your preferred destination and choose for yourself how you want to experience that region.
Why Choose Ruhani?
Soulful Tour Packages
- We make India matter to women-only groups and intrepid travel-enthusiasts.
- Our tour packages portray a unique and broad perspective of India.
In-Depth Expertise & Support
- We believe in the power of soulful tourism with an all-encompassing need to gain knowledge.
- Under any emergency, medical, informational, or otherwise, our team will assist you in every way.