Lakshadweep trip report

theshutterbug · Feb 6th, 2006, 19:54

Hey IMers,
Am just back from Lakshadweep and ya it is absolute heaven. Green waters, not a piece of waste anywhere, clean white sand, unlimited water sports, narrow road of the islands with palm trees everywhere and anywhere u go there are signs of green water somewhere also a great travel for days on the ship.
The word lagoon, coral and reef just seem so beautiful now.

I will post in details about the trip later. The posts by kshastry are accurate about the coral reef package.
I would like to add to the things posted by kshastry

If you are opting for tourist class a sleeping bag is must. Its very hard to sleep in the tourist class seats. I would have preferred first class accomodation where they have sleepers and your own rooms and costs only 3500 extra.

Try to carry your own snorkelling kit. Snorkelling is ONLY available @ kalpeni.

Also snorkelling helps pick up scuba diving more easily. There are tons of beautiful corals @ kalpeni in knee deep lagoons. So old people, non swimmers can enjoy the beautiful corals, fishes and underwater life.
DO wear shoes whenever you enter water. The corals are too sharp and can cause proble till the end of the trip.

Scuba diving is ONLY availble at kavaratti. They teach the basics, make you fill up a form and an instructor is with you all the way underwater. Scuba diving is for around 20 - 25 mins and take you about 10 feet deep. NO need to know swimming for scuba diving too. Its a beautiful experience to watch fishes glide all around you. It costs 500 Rs for a single dive.

You can only get a fresh water bath on the islands.

These are the short falls of the package which can be improved

More changing rooms on the ship
Presence of guide all the time and coordinating daily activites.

On the first day the ship leaves the cochin/kochi @ anytime between 11 am and 5 pm. It is based on which island they take you first. Its useless sitting in the ship for hours without any information.

Proper arrangment of boats that carry you from the main ship to the island. There was confusion sometimes as this ship also carries locals to different islands of Lakshadweep.

But above all to arrange a trip 400 kms away from india mainland on a ship is a commendable job.
Very neatly done and the staff is very warm and helpful.
Ill give it a 8 out of 10.

aadil · Feb 7th, 2006, 01:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by theshutterbug

Hey IMers,
Am just back from Lakshadweep and ya it is absolute heaven. Green waters, not a piece of waste anywhere, clean white sand, unlimited water sports, narrow road of the islands with palm trees everywhere and anywhere u go there are signs of green water somewhere also a great travel for days on the ship.
The word lagoon, coral and reef just seem so beautiful now.

I will post in details about the trip later. The posts by kshastry are accurate about the coral reef package.
I would like to add to the things posted by kshastry

If you are opting for tourist class a sleeping bag is must. Its very hard to sleep in the tourist class seats. I would have preferred first class accomodation where they have sleepers and your own rooms and costs only 3500 extra.

Try to carry your own snorkelling kit. Snorkelling is ONLY available @ kalpeni.

Also snorkelling helps pick up scuba diving more easily. There are tons of beautiful corals @ kalpeni in knee deep lagoons. So old people, non swimmers can enjoy the beautiful corals, fishes and underwater life.
DO wear shoes whenever you enter water. The corals are too sharp and can cause proble till the end of the trip.

Scuba diving is ONLY availble at kavaratti. They teach the basics, make you fill up a form and an instructor is with you all the way underwater. Scuba diving is for around 20 - 25 mins and take you about 10 feet deep. NO need to know swimming for scuba diving too. Its a beautiful experience to watch fishes glide all around you. It costs 500 Rs for a single dive.

You can only get a fresh water bath on the islands.

These are the short falls of the package which can be improved

More changing rooms on the ship
Presence of guide all the time and coordinating daily activites.

On the first day the ship leaves the cochin/kochi @ anytime between 11 am and 5 pm. It is based on which island they take you first. Its useless sitting in the ship for hours without any information.

Proper arrangment of boats that carry you from the main ship to the island. There was confusion sometimes as this ship also carries locals to different islands of Lakshadweep.

But above all to arrange a trip 400 kms away from india mainland on a ship is a commendable job.
Very neatly done and the staff is very warm and helpful.
Ill give it a 8 out of 10.

Hi Amit,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip, now will await your pictures and other tips and views too!!! Thanks for sharing on IM!!!

Cheers,
Aadil.

theshutterbug · Feb 11th, 2006, 03:33

Hey i have added pics and some more info
Hope its useful

Enjoy Pics at http://amitkulkarni.info/pics/lakshadweep/?id=lak-im

venkat83 · Jul 31st, 2006, 17:51

Is it necessary to go via an organiser? Cant we organise on our own (bag-packing) and go around the islands?

theshutterbug · Aug 1st, 2006, 02:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by venkat83

Is it necessary to go via an organiser? Cant we organise on our own (bag-packing) and go around the islands?

You can ... but u gain nothing ... let me talk actuals here

if u urself go backpacking you need:
3500 rs return fare for the ship
cost of lunch and dinner for 5 days
transportation in the islands
but most important is that dont think lakshadweep is like a tourist place .... ur in middle of nowhere ... no hotels, shops ... just few thousand people living day to day life ... there are hardly schools or hospitals on most islands ... its a secluded place ... no more than 20 tourist allowed at a time to stay at night ... a beautiful colorful water desert .... ur at the mercy of the guide

if u go via the organisation u get everything in 8000 flat including breakfast, lunch, dinner, sight seeing, water gear, transport .... if ur a college group u can avail a concession ...
Also as there r no hotels you have to sleep on the ship at it chugs from 1 island to another .... its a memorable experience !!

pradeepnk · Mar 10th, 2007, 12:29

my desperation grows everyday somebody tells me about lakshadweep, i intend to go there with my girlfriend and i dont want to persuade her i want to impress her with some really good photos if you guys dont mind could you all share a little more photos looking forward for photos of lakshadweep in my mail box. my email address paddu_says@yahoo.com.

thanks a million in advance.

pradeep.

Ashish Agrawal · Apr 15th, 2007, 00:47

pls visit my below cited photogallery. They were taken during our recent trip to lakhadweep for 6 Days & 5 nights at the Kadmat island.

capt_mahajan · Apr 15th, 2007, 01:23

nice photos ashish.

Ashish Agrawal · Apr 15th, 2007, 11:23

thanks.

divingdog5 · Oct 23rd, 2007, 02:08

hi guys great posts and great pics one question about the seasons what is the best time to go ther and the worst
how long did the boat take . how much was the tourist pacagage

thanks

theshutterbug · Oct 23rd, 2007, 02:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by divingdog5

hi guys great posts and great pics one question about the seasons what is the best time to go ther and the worst
how long did the boat take . how much was the tourist pacagage

thanks

All info is on my lakshadweep gallery if you have read carefully ... but anyways to summarize....
best season i would say is between nov and jan as it will be relatively less hot

boat takes around 12 to 14 hrs to reach from india to lakshadweep ... all other nights you are on boat which travels another 8 hrs a night

tourist package varies from 9900 INR to 35000 INR depending on the 'theme'

Ashish Agrawal · Oct 23rd, 2007, 12:39

Yes, snorkeling is available at every single island, you are permiited to visit.

The ship takes about 20 hours rougly from cochin to various islands of lak'p, except Minicoy.

Most of the islands are almost 200 nauticals miles away from coachin coast.

Their "tipu sultan" runs at max 12 nautical miles.

There are absouletly no hasseles in acquiring permissions, as you do have to personnaly apply for it. Its the "sports" ppl who do it all for you.

Remember, the ship schedules are very haywire, & can get cancelled at the last minute. Keep a margin of one day, both the ways. The ship schedule can get pre-poned or postponed by a day.

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.

I have been twice to Lak'p, & rarring to go again.
__________________
Visit my photogallery http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...ppuser =13574

saikyo · Nov 5th, 2007, 07:32

I'm thinking of going to Bangaram in Feb. My main trip will be in Cochin, but Bangaram would be the relaxing stint of it.

Do you think that 2 days would be enough time to get some rest and relaxation at Bangaram? Or is that too quick?

Our entire vacation is 7 days, and I want to split it between Cochin and Bangaram.

Any opinions appreciated!

saikyo · Nov 5th, 2007, 08:03

Quote:

Dod not stay at Bangaram...but did visit there. Rooms again are basic since the islands are not self-sufficient in infrastructure. Amenities and all are the same. But the price is like twice or thice of that at Agatti. IMHO the price difference could be due to:
1. Bangaram is uninhabited so its just the guests and resort staff on the island
2. Bangarma is the ONLY island amon all in LD which can serve alcohol!! This is cos its uninhabited and no locals stay here
3. Bangaram is one of 4 islands encircled by the largest lagoon in Asia

Lakshadweep trip report

Given this...

Could one say that, for a foreigner, that Agatti would be the more culturally interesting of the two islands?

Are there any reasons anyone would recommend Agatti over Bangaram?

The Traveller · Nov 8th, 2007, 11:22

Hi all - i will be in Cochin in early December and have been frantically trying to find a company that will take me across to the Lakshadweep Islands - however - I either don't get a reply or I am told (SPORTS) that the boats are put in for maintainance and they are not running any more tours until January of 2008. This is killing me as I really want to see this beautiful paradise!! Any and all options/answers/suggestions to get there greatly appreciated...

Feb 6th, 2006, 19:54	#16
theshutterbug Wired For Sound Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 164	Hey IMers, Am just back from Lakshadweep and ya it is absolute heaven. Green waters, not a piece of waste anywhere, clean white sand, unlimited water sports, narrow road of the islands with palm trees everywhere and anywhere u go there are signs of green water somewhere also a great travel for days on the ship. The word lagoon, coral and reef just seem so beautiful now. I will post in details about the trip later. The posts by kshastry are accurate about the coral reef package. I would like to add to the things posted by kshastry If you are opting for tourist class a sleeping bag is must. Its very hard to sleep in the tourist class seats. I would have preferred first class accomodation where they have sleepers and your own rooms and costs only 3500 extra. Try to carry your own snorkelling kit. Snorkelling is ONLY available @ kalpeni. Also snorkelling helps pick up scuba diving more easily. There are tons of beautiful corals @ kalpeni in knee deep lagoons. So old people, non swimmers can enjoy the beautiful corals, fishes and underwater life. DO wear shoes whenever you enter water. The corals are too sharp and can cause proble till the end of the trip. Scuba diving is ONLY availble at kavaratti. They teach the basics, make you fill up a form and an instructor is with you all the way underwater. Scuba diving is for around 20 - 25 mins and take you about 10 feet deep. NO need to know swimming for scuba diving too. Its a beautiful experience to watch fishes glide all around you. It costs 500 Rs for a single dive. You can only get a fresh water bath on the islands. These are the short falls of the package which can be improved More changing rooms on the ship Presence of guide all the time and coordinating daily activites. On the first day the ship leaves the cochin/kochi @ anytime between 11 am and 5 pm. It is based on which island they take you first. Its useless sitting in the ship for hours without any information. Proper arrangment of boats that carry you from the main ship to the island. There was confusion sometimes as this ship also carries locals to different islands of Lakshadweep. But above all to arrange a trip 400 kms away from india mainland on a ship is a commendable job. Very neatly done and the staff is very warm and helpful. Ill give it a 8 out of 10. __________________ ------ Never give up My India Travel Pics

Jul 31st, 2006, 17:51	#19
venkat83 Provident Mithrandir Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: India Posts: 100	Is it necessary to go via an organiser? Cant we organise on our own (bag-packing) and go around the islands? __________________ Flickr \|\| Travel Pics \|\| Blog "May travellers upon the road find happiness no matter where they go, And may they gain , without the need of toll, the goals on which they set their hearts." - Quote found @ a stupa , Chitrey,Indo-Nepal Border

Mar 10th, 2007, 12:29	#21
pradeepnk Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1	Photos Needed my desperation grows everyday somebody tells me about lakshadweep, i intend to go there with my girlfriend and i dont want to persuade her i want to impress her with some really good photos if you guys dont mind could you all share a little more photos looking forward for photos of lakshadweep in my mail box. my email address paddu_says@yahoo.com. thanks a million in advance. pradeep.

Apr 15th, 2007, 00:47	#22
Ashish Agrawal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Surat Posts: 132	pls visit my below cited photogallery. They were taken during our recent trip to lakhadweep for 6 Days & 5 nights at the Kadmat island. __________________ Visit my photogallery http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...ppuser =13574

Nov 5th, 2007, 07:32	#28
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	I'm thinking of going to Bangaram in Feb. My main trip will be in Cochin, but Bangaram would be the relaxing stint of it. Do you think that 2 days would be enough time to get some rest and relaxation at Bangaram? Or is that too quick? Our entire vacation is 7 days, and I want to split it between Cochin and Bangaram. Any opinions appreciated! __________________ http://www.japannewbie.com

Feb 11th, 2006, 03:33	#18
theshutterbug Wired For Sound Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 164	Hey i have added pics and some more info Hope its useful Enjoy Pics at http://amitkulkarni.info/pics/lakshadweep/?id=lak-im

Apr 15th, 2007, 01:23	#23
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,575	nice photos ashish.

Apr 15th, 2007, 11:23	#24
Ashish Agrawal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Surat Posts: 132	thanks.

Oct 23rd, 2007, 02:08	#25
divingdog5 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: on the road Posts: 21	hi guys great posts and great pics one question about the seasons what is the best time to go ther and the worst how long did the boat take . how much was the tourist pacagage thanks

Oct 23rd, 2007, 12:39	#27
Ashish Agrawal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Surat Posts: 132	Yes, snorkeling is available at every single island, you are permiited to visit. The ship takes about 20 hours rougly from cochin to various islands of lak'p, except Minicoy. Most of the islands are almost 200 nauticals miles away from coachin coast. Their "tipu sultan" runs at max 12 nautical miles. There are absouletly no hasseles in acquiring permissions, as you do have to personnaly apply for it. Its the "sports" ppl who do it all for you. Remember, the ship schedules are very haywire, & can get cancelled at the last minute. Keep a margin of one day, both the ways. The ship schedule can get pre-poned or postponed by a day. 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. I have been twice to Lak'p, & rarring to go again. __________________ Visit my photogallery http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...ppuser =13574

Nov 8th, 2007, 11:22	#30
The Traveller Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 4	Lakshadweep PLEASE!!! Hi all - i will be in Cochin in early December and have been frantically trying to find a company that will take me across to the Lakshadweep Islands - however - I either don't get a reply or I am told (SPORTS) that the boats are put in for maintainance and they are not running any more tours until January of 2008. This is killing me as I really want to see this beautiful paradise!! Any and all options/answers/suggestions to get there greatly appreciated...

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