LAKSHADWEEP: A LA LA LAND KISSED BY THE WAVES

Scattered like pearls that fell from the necklace of a celestial damsel, Lakshadweep comprising 36 coral islands in turquoise waters holds the key to nirvana for folks from the mainland with its best-kept secrets

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As the summer vacation has kicked in, are you looking for an exotic seaside destination to relax on beaches with sugary white sand, tall palms gently swaying in the breeze, choicest seafood delicacies and oodles of tranquility to melt your blues away? No need to surf for overseas island destinations when there is a slice of paradise nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea just 360 km off the coast of India. Scattered like pearls that fell from the necklace of a celestial damsel, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep comprising 36 coral islands in turquoise waters holds the key to nirvana for folks from the mainland with its best-kept secrets. From ancient times, the islets have maintained religious, linguistic and cultural ties with Kerala and the advent of an Arab mystic Ubaidullah in the seventh century resulted in the entire population embracing Islam, which continues to influence the socio-cultural fabric.

A 90-minute flight from Kochi will bring you to Agatti Island, which has the lone aerodrome serving the entire archipelago. As the plane hovers over the island, what meets the eye are the placid waters, rows of verdant coconut trees swaying in the breeze. The place boasts good places to stay and so do the other islands such as Bangaram, Kadamat and Kavaratti, the headquarters. Being home to the airport, it is ideal to choose either a hotel or a homestay in Agatti for your accommodation. One of the main tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, this island is known for its adventure tourism avenues. One of the must-dos here is scuba diving, where you can unlock the secrets of the ocean floor that is dotted with colourful coral formations, sea turtles and amazing shoals of fish.