Info required on Lakshadweep Islands

sus4827

We are planning for a trip to Lakshadweep islands in the next month.
I checked on the net for accommodation, but it shows only the 2 resorts (Agatti resort and the Bangaram resort) which are expensive.
If anybody has visited this place and know of a less expensvie accommodation, please do inform.
Also we are not sure about the number of days we can spend there.
It would be of great help if anybody can furnish me with some details.

Bhaswaran

I have heard of conducted tours from Cochin (by ship) . You may choose larger to smaller packages. I think it will be cost effective.

Tapestry

Those two resorts are the only accommodations on the islands, so there are no cheaper options. But your only expenses will be your flight, lodging and any snorkeling or diving excursions you take. Food is included the the cost of the lodging. The islands are beautiful and well worth the trip, if you can get past the inability to decrease the cost beyond a certain point.

matt_the_hat_82

Please think of your impact when travelling to Lakshadweep. Have a great time

CliveG

There are actually 3 islands that accept Non Indian Tourists - Agatti, Bangaram and Khadmat. Khadmat is remote and usually of only interest to divers. Yes it isn't cheap but certainly on Bangaram you get excellent food, great staff and good diving. Normally people fly from Kochi to Agatti and then are collected by boat to Bangaram (or Khadmat). Alternatively you can get the island ferry boat to Agatti but depending on which islands it is calling on it can take several days to reach Agatti and the ship is pretty basic. On the plus side the cost is much cheaper than the flights. I think the ship is called the MV Minicoy -try and Google it for rates. There are 2 airlines that fly to Agatti - Kingfisher and Indian Airlines - the latter is currently the cheaper option although you are limited to 10kg of luggage.
Finally as has been said the islands and lagoons are beautiful -you are paying for exclusivity (Bangaram accepts only 60 max guests at any one time) but if you want to get off this mad planet for a while this is the place to go. No entertainment (except Xmas) no communication with the outside world just peace and quiet and likeminded people - Oh and a beach bar with great cocktails!

theshutterbug

Hi,
Chk my Lakshadweep trip report and follow the thread for lots of info ... remember that if you are not an indian citizen you can only travel to 1 island ... also if ur an indian citizen and plan your own trip you need certain permissions and approvals from govt of India ...

Apart from that lots of info in addition to info given by Clive ..
Lakshadweep trip report

__________________
------
Never give up
My India Travel Pics

kaushaldesai

err, what about budget travellers? are there any off-beat guesthouses or small hotels? i am planning to go for a week in nov. also, if i carry my own tent and sleeping bag, would I require permits to camp out?

CliveG

As a non Indian you can only visit Bangaram or Khadmat. Neither islands have facilities for tents or have any guesthouses. Bangaram is managed by the Casino hotel Group and you have to stay in their accommodation. Khadmat is primarily for divers and watersport enthusiasts and again the only available accommodation is provided by the company that manages the resort.
Even if you could get a boat to take you to the islands you would not have the required permit to allow you to stay there.

kaushaldesai

well, i am an indian... so that should take care of visiting the other islands. do you have any idea of any other places to stay other than the big resorts?

CliveG

There are 3 islands that allow Indian visitors - Kalpeni, Minicoy and Kavaratti but I do not know much about them. There is a thread from an Imer who visited these islands this year and wrote about his experience. Do a search and you will find his thread and photos.

divingdog5

hi guys what is the cost of staying on khadmat island per night or per week also as per tranfers to lashdweep whats the cheepest way to do it .kingfisher or indian airlines ,
one last question whats the cost of diving in this paradise!!!
thanks

CliveG

Hi,

Best thing is to got to www.lacadives.com and get the latest info. Roughly Khadmat accommodation is about Rs2000 per night based on 2 people sharing. Dives - a 6 dive package is about
Rs10500.
Transport - you can fly to Agatti amd then boat to Khadmat. Prices seem to have changed regularly this year. I think Indian Airlines is cheaper but have less flights and luggage is limited to 10kg. Kingfisher have just quoted me Rs20000 to fly there over Christmas which is a hell of a lot to pay. If time is no problem then you can get a ferry for about Rs4500. The time it takes depends on which island route it takes. Can take a few days. I would say the diving is overall slightly better at Khadmat compared to Bangaram but remember 2 things 1) it is a dry island so no bars or alcohol on display. 2) The food on Khadmat is pretty basic - the cook is employed by the Indian Government and he needs a few lessons.
Lacadives can book it all for you and get you the permit you will need to travel to the islands.

theshutterbug

Nice info clive ... What clive has suggested is completely planning the trip by yourself. The trouble is you need to do paperwork and get permissions and its too costly. What i suggested was the govt managed trips.

See which suits you best

Ashish Agrawal

GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT ON VISITNG LAKSHADWEEP

Foriegners are permitted to vists Bangaram, Kadmat & Agati.
While Indian's can visit all other Islands which are "habitted & permitted to visit".

Each Island in Lakshadweep has its own charm & beauty.

Except Bangaram & Agati, you will have visit other islands thru "SPORTS" i.e lakshadweep tourism.

Bangaram & Agati are very expensive.

Agati is connected by Air thru cochin.
Visiting Banagram is thru a boat that takes you from Agati.

Pls remember, one can't visit lak'p like a backpacking trip or choose your own hotel.

Visit http://www.lakshadweeptourism.com/
Call them on 0484 - 2668387, 2666789

There are various packages to suit individual requirements & taste.

In Coral reef - its takes you to three different islands, while you stay overboard on the ship in the night.
You just get down in the morning at the new island & come to ship by evening, ready to leave for another island.
As a beach enthusiast & adventure traveller, I personally don't endorse this package. This package is very economic.

In MWAP - you visit Kadmat island. To & Fro ship fare costs 3500 while sitting, while cabin's cost Rs 6000 & 7000 per head.
Staying on island @ 3000 non A/c , Rs 4000 A/c per couple per day including food & excursions all inclusive.
Fixed packages for 6 days & 7 days are offered. You have to either choose 6 days or 7 days. This package is for people who want to stay back on the island, & not travel everyday in the night to another island like the "coral reef package". It is expensive as well.

Other packages include Swaying palms - visit to Minicoy
Tarattashi - visit to kavarati
Weekend tour - Kalpeni

When you visit thru "SPORTS" they do all the needful with permisssions required to visit Lak'p. You need not worry.

If you visit thru, Laccadives, they will charge you more than the published rates by Govt of Lak'p.

I have been twice to Lak'p, & rarring to go again.

__________________
Visit my photogallery http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...ppuser =13574

CliveG

I am assuming from Divingdogs blog that they are non-Indian so Minicoy, Kavarati and Kalpeni will not be available to them.
Visitng Khadmat or Bangaram can be booked through Lacadives or Casino hotels in Kochi. Both will sort out modes of transport to Agatti (they could take the ferry there rather than the flights which would be much cheaper). Lacadives and Casino Hotel will also sort out the permit so no paperwork to be done.