Lakshadweep, India’s smallest union territory, is a tropical paradise of 36 islands scattered across the Arabian Sea. This archipelago offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, rich marine life, and vibrant local culture. From the gateway island of Agatti to the secluded shores of Thinnakara, Lakshadweep presents diverse experiences for every traveller. These places are a hub for tourists for unwinding a perfect vacation in the beautiful landscape of Lakshadweep.
Best Places To Visit In Lakshadweep
Here are the best places to visit in Lakshadweep for a perfect coastal getaway which attracts tourists in this heaven:
1. Agatti Islands
Photo: Asssagar / Wikimedia Commons
Agatti, one of the best places for Lakshadweep trip, is home to the archipelago’s primary airport and the gateway to Lakshadweep. This picturesque island boasts pristine beaches with soft, powdery white sand that contrasts beautifully with the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. The calm, clear waters provide excellent conditions for snorkelling. This lets you explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful fish and intricate coral formations. For those seeking more adventure, scuba diving opportunities abound, offering a chance to delve deeper into the marine ecosystem. Kayaking is another popular activity, allowing you to peacefully glide across the lagoon’s surface.
Timings: 12 AM – 11 PM
Entry Fees: Free
2. Bangaram Island
Photo: The.chhayachitrakar / Wikimedia Commons
Bangaram Island, with its distinctive tear-drop shape, is an uninhabited gem in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Renowned for its unspoiled beauty, Bangaram offers visitors a chance to experience a truly secluded tropical paradise. The island’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a haven for beach enthusiasts and water sports lovers. The island is surrounded by the Bangaram Atoll, a rich marine ecosystem that offers world-class opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The underwater landscape is a kaleidoscope of colours, with vibrant coral reefs home to a diverse array of tropical fish. Bangaram does offer eco-friendly accommodation options for overnight stays, being one of the best tourist attractions in Lakshadweep.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
3. Kavaratti Island
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep, provides visitors with a glimpse into the daily life of the Lakshadweep people besides maintaining the stunning tropical scenery. A must-visit site in Kavaratti is the Ujra Mosque. This beautiful mosque is famous for its intricate wood carvings and ornate mirrored ceilings. For those interested in marine life, the Marine Aquarium on Kavaratti is a fascinating attraction. It showcases the rich underwater biodiversity of the region, displaying various species of fish and other marine creatures. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem and an amazing option among Lakshadweep tourist places.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
4. Minicoy Island
Photo: Anand.himani18 / Wikimedia Commons
Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, bears more resemblance to the Maldives than to mainland India. One of the island’s most prominent features is its lighthouse with a height of 300 feet. Visitors can climb to the top for spectacular panoramic views of the island and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. The lighthouse also houses a small museum showcasing the maritime history of the region. Whether you’re interested in swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the beach, the calm, clear waters of Minicoy’s lagoon provide an ideal setting. This island is one of the popular tourist places in Lakshadweep, making it a great spot for underwater exploration.
Timings: 3:30 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Lighthouse entry requires ₹10 for Indians and ₹20 for foreigners
5. Kadmat Island
Photo: Salahpoomalika / Wikimedia Commons
Kadmat, also known as Cardamom Island, is particularly popular among water sports enthusiasts, offering scuba diving and snorkelling in Lakshadweep. The resort organises scuba diving expeditions, allowing visitors to explore the rich underwater world of the surrounding waters. The coral reefs around Kadmat are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark.The clear, shallow waters of the lagoon offer perfect visibility to observe the underwater ecosystem without the need for diving equipment. Kayaking allows visitors to explore the lagoon at their own pace at one of the best options in Lakshadweep tourist places list.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
6. Kalpeni Island
Photo: SijiR / Wikimedia Commons
Kalpeni is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich coral life. The island, together with two smaller islets Tilakkam and Pitti, forms a single atoll, creating a unique geographical feature in the Lakshadweep archipelago. One of the highlights of Kalpeni is the Tip Beach, offering stunning views of the surrounding waters and is an excellent location for photography. The contrast between the white sand, turquoise waters, and blue sky creates postcard-perfect scenes that capture the essence of tropical beauty. Kalpeni is also known for its traditional folk dance, Kolkali. This involves dancers moving in a circle while striking sticks in rhythmic patterns.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
7. Andrott Island
Photo: The.chhayachitrakar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Andrott holds the distinction of being the largest island in Lakshadweep and is one of the few with significant historical monuments. One of the key attractions on Andrott is the tomb of Hazrat Ubaidullah, a revered Muslim saint. This site provides insight into the Islamic heritage of the islands. Visitors can observe the reverence with which locals treat this sacred site. Interestingly, Andrott also boasts Buddhist archaeological remains, hinting at the diverse religious history of the archipelago. These ancient ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Islamic period of Lakshadweep’s history. Like other islands in Lakshadweep, Andrott offers beautiful beaches and opportunities for water activities.
Timings: Historical sites usually open from 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
8. Thinnakara Island
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thinnakara is a small, uninhabited island that offers visitors a chance to experience an unspoiled tropical paradise. Part of the Bangaram Atoll, Thinnakara is the epitome of secluded beauty, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. The island is surrounded by a stunning lagoon with crystal-clear waters that range from deep blues to turquoise. Activities in Thinnakara are centred around enjoying its natural environment. Sunbathing on the quiet beaches, swimming in the calm lagoon waters, and snorkelling to observe marine life are the primary pursuits here. The snorkelling is particularly rewarding, with the waters around the island home to a variety of colourful fish and coral formations.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
9. Suheli Par
Photo: Thejas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Suheli Par consists of two uninhabited islands, Valiyakara and Cheriyakara, surrounded by a large and beautiful lagoon. This area is a true off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travellers. The area is particularly known for its rich marine life, making it a popular spot for experienced divers. The waters around Suheli Par are home to a diverse array of fish species, as well as larger marine animals like manta rays and sea turtles. The coral reefs here are some of the most pristine in the archipelago, offering spectacular underwater vistas. Access to Suheli Par is restricted and requires special permits, which helps in preserving its natural state.
Timings: Restricted access, special permits required
Entry Fees: Free
10. Marine Museum
Photo: Eric Polk / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While not an island itself, the Marine Museum in Kavaratti is a valuable addition to any Lakshadweep itinerary. It offers visitors a chance to learn about the diverse marine ecosystem that makes these islands so special. The museum showcases a wide variety of marine life found in the waters around Lakshadweep. Exhibits include preserved specimens of various fish species, corals, and other marine organisms. These displays help visitors understand the biodiversity of the region and the importance of marine conservation. Interactive displays and informational panels provide educational content about the unique ecosystem of Lakshadweep.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 5:30 PM, closed on Fridays
Entry Fees: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
Places to visit in Lakshadweep offer an unparalleled escape into nature’s beauty and rich cultural heritage. As you plan your visit, remember to respect the delicate ecosystem and local customs. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep promises an unforgettable tropical adventure. As you plan your next trip to lakshadweep, let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings and the best deals
Cover Photo: Amog / Wikimedia Commons