10 Things To Do In Lakshadweep: A Refreshing Exploration

An uninhabited but spectacular island in Lakshadweep.

Lakshadweep is a pretty archipelago located on the southwestern coast of India. This archipelago is known for its beautiful islands with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. There are a total of 36 islands with only a few being inhabited. With multiple things to do in Lakshadweep, from relaxing on the sandy shores to indulging in savouring cuisine, it renders peace and calmness. The place promises a unique experience and awaits its visitors.

10 Surreal Things To Do In Lakshadweep

These are the exciting things to do in Lakshadweep ranging from adventurous water sports to island hopping with diverse and unforgettable experiences:

1. Enjoy Water Sports At Agatti Island

One of the best things to do in Lakshadweep, explore water sports.

Photo: Tim Sheerman-Chase / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the most exotic islands in the Lakshadweep Archipelago is Agatti Island. This island is renowned for scuba diving and snorkelling activities. The watersports let the experiencers explore the coral reefs under the water and come across a few of the amazing marine species. The corals are vibrant and colourful being home to sea turtles, exotic fish and rarely, dolphins. Visitors are given prior training before they proceed with this watersports activity which is one of the best things to do in Lakshadweep. Visit the island during the drier months for snorkelling and scuba diving as there is utmost clarity of the water.

Time Required: 5-6 hours
Highlights: Diverse marine life, scuba diving, snorkelling, coral reefs

2. Do Island Hopping In Lakshadweep Archipelago

Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep.

Photo: The.chhayachitrakar / Wikimedia Commons

Island Hopping is one of the most energetic things to do in Lakshadweep. The archipelago has a total of 36 islands with only a few which are inhabited. The islands are diverse and offer multiple activities to be performed, each promising a unique experience. A few of the charming islands of the archipelago are Bangaram Island, Kalpeni Island, Thinnakara Island, Parali Island and more. Some of the islands have untouched natural beauty and are worth exploring. There are a few lagoons on the island along with historic sites which keep them unique and attractive.

Time Required: 2-3 days
Highlights: Diverse marine life, diverse islands, scenic beauty

3. Discover Hidden Lagoons

Blue Lagoons In Kalpeni, Lakshadweep.

Photo: Vaikoovery / Wikimedia Commons

Lagoons in Lakshadweep are shallow and have even more clear waters. One of the famous lagoons is the one on Kavaratti Island. The lagoon has water of a bluish-green colour and is surrounded by coral reefs and coral gardens. Some of the other lagoons are found on Kalpeni Island too. The water here is typically blue in colour and has the clearest water. Other lagoons include Minicoy Lagoon, Kadmat Lagoon and Bangaram Lagoon.

Time Required: 1-2 Days
Highlights: Blue-watered lagoon, coral reefs, marine species

4. Experience Glass Boat Rides

Panoramic bottom glass of the boat.

Photo: ElizabethZa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

When you wonder what to do in Lakshadweep, try glass-bottom boat rides. They are a fantastic way to explore the underwater world of Lakshadweep. This is an alternative for those who don’t prefer scuba diving or snorkelling as a means to explore. The bottoms of these specially-designed boats are transparent which take visitors through the waters of the ocean. The best spot for glass-bottom boat rides is Agatti Island. Other spots include Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island and Kavaratti Island. Take the glass boat ride between the morning to late afternoon as sunlight enhances clarity and is ideal for amazing visibility.

Time Required: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Coral reefs, marine species, scenic views

5. Explore Canoeing And Kayaking

Kayaking around the Islands in Lakshadweep.

Photo: Jesse Burgle Johnson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Canoeing and kayaking are two of the exciting sports to explore the archipelago. Three of the chosen spots for canoeing and kayaking are Kadmat, Bangaram and Agatti Island. No prior experience is required to perform this activity. Paddle your boat swiftly through the water and spot species like sea turtles, schools of fish and colourful coral reefs. If lucky enough, visitors shall spot dolphins too. There are multiple operators for watersports which also provide guided sessions for the same. Whether individuals prefer solo outings or group sessions, options are made available to all from beginners to experiencers.

Time Required: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Coral reefs, marine species, scenic views

6. Witness Coral Debris At Kalpeni Island

One of the best things to do in Lakshadweep, get amazed by the coral debris.

Photo: National Marine Sanctuaries / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kalpeni Island or Koefaini Island, is very popular among the native residents and visitors for the enormous bay of coral debris which lies under the water. The island is typically visited to explore this coral debris which is believed to have been deposited by a violent storm which hit the island in 1847. The debris is home to numerous underwater species which can be discovered too. Other coral reefs are found across Kalpeni Island’s eastern and southeastern shoreline. Witnessing the sight of these coral debris is indeed an interesting activity to do.

Time Required: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Coral reefs, marine species

7. Visit Glowing Beaches On Islands

One of the best things to do in Lakshadweep, witness the glowing beach on the islands.

Photo: Doricono / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A few of the beaches of the island of Lakshadweep Archipelago tend to glow at night because of the bioluminescent element. It is a natural phenomenon which takes place at night and is caused by bioluminescent microorganisms, particularly, a type of phytoplankton. It is said that when these microorganisms are disturbed by the waves of the sea, they glow which results in emitting a blue or bluish-green light. Hence, the beach glows blue and the sea waves appear magical. The phenomenon occurs on the islands of Agatti and Bangaram. The sight becomes ideal for photography too and is one of the best things to see in Lakshadweep.

Time Required: 1-2 hours at night
Highlights: Bright blue beach, romantic escape, photography

8. Indulge In Local Cuisine Of Lakshadweep

One of the best things to do in Lakshadweep, try the local cuisine here.

Photo: EvelinaRibarova / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Try meals at multiple local eateries or beachfront shacks. Lakshadweep Islands offer a variety of dishes which are a must-try when in the region. A few of the recommended dishes are kilanji, mus kavaab, octopus fry and batla appam. These dishes are served to visitors and cooked in the traditional Lakshadweep cuisine technique which holds the essence and taste of the region. Restaurants which are renowned for serving the best dishes are Heaven’s Treat Beach Resort, Taste One Restaurant, Moula’s Beach Restaurant, Andhaan Beach Restaurant, Sea Land Beach Resort and Reef Beach Cafe. There are many pure veg restaurants catering to the tastes of vegetarian visitors.

Time Required: 1-2 hours at night
Highlights: Seafood dishes, local cuisine

9. Dive Into Culture Through Museums

One of the best things to do in Lakshadweep, explore the statues of the museum.

Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

There are numerous museums in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, each showcasing its own elements. Golden Jubilee Museum is located at Agatti Island and has gained fame as it has one of the largest collections of antique species. A few of the worth noticing species are a collection of ancient jars, wooden chests, gold coins and multiple Buddha statues. This museum is two-storeyed. The ground floor is used for the display of Lord Buddha’s busts. The upper floor has a unique antique collection. The Marine Museum is located on Kavaratti Island and displays artefacts related to sea creatures. This museum is an aquarium too and preserves and promotes various marine products.

Time Required: 2-3 hours
Highlights: Cultural insights, antique collection

10. Observe The Lighthouses At Agatti And Minicoy

Scenic landscape of lighthouse at Agatti.

Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

There are beautiful lighthouses at Agatti Island and Minicoy. These lighthouses are not only functional for maritime aid but also reflect the rich maritime history in trade and beyond. Agatti Island Lighthouse was built in 1976 and is one of the lesser-known places on the island. This place holds historical importance as it was a common path for ships to know how far the land was. Other lighthouses are found at Minicoy Island and Kavaratti Island. Minicoy Lighthouse has a unique architecture as it was made in brick masonry. Kavaratti Lighthouse primarily guides maritime traffic and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Time Required: 1-2 hours
Highlights: Natural beauty, photography

Lakshadweep is a mixture of natural beauty, peace and adventure. The place reflects cultural richness too. Whether individuals are lounging on the seashores or indulging in some exciting watersports, there are many things to do in Lakshadweep for every individual. With these, Lakshadweep is a chosen destination for nature lovers and travellers. Book a trip to Lakshadweep Islands with TripXL and indulge in these surreal things to do in the traveller’s paradise.

Cover Photo: Amog / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions:

To explore all islands of the Lakshadweep Archipelago ideally 5 days are enough. Visitors shall visit different islands, admire their beauty and indulge in some exciting water sports at the beaches of these islands.
Lakshadweep has gained fame as there are a total of 36 islands in the archipelago. The islands have exotic resorts and white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. This is India’s smallest union territory with an area of 32 square kilometres.
Lakshadweep Islands offer a variety of dishes which are a must-try when in the region. A few of the recommended dishes are kilanji, mus kavaab, octopus fry and batla appam.
Yes, Indian citizens and Foreign Citizens need a visa to enter these islands. Only the native residents of the islands and government officials shall not need a permit.
Visitors shall take a flight or a ship from Kochi to Agatti. The only airports in the entire Lakshadweep are at Agatti and Bangaram Island. Kochi is almost 459 kilometres away from Agatti Island.

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