Island Hopping in Lakshadweep on cruise - Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy

Island Hopping in Lakshadweep - Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy

​Lakshadweep, a union territory of India, is one of the world’s most breathtaking tropical islands. Home to stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, it has earned the title of “Coral Paradise of India”. Nestled in the Laccadive Sea, Lakshadweep comprises a group of islands, with some islands submerged beneath the ocean’s depths. The majority of these islands remain uninhabited, leaving only 10 of them as inhabited. To preserve the corals and marine life of the islands, the government has implemented regulations governing tourism in Lakshadweep Islands. Entry permits are strictly limited, allowing only a controlled influx of travelers at specific intervals. Consequently, only a select few islands, such as Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinkarra, Agatti, are open to tourists. 

Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

​Traveling to Lakshadweep is only possible through packages designed by the SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports). I opted for the Samudram package, which allowed me to visit three distinct islands in Lakshadweep by the ship M.V. Kavaratti. I found it to be the most economical way to reach Lakshadweep. The M.V. Kavaratti departs from Willingdon Island, Kochi, and visits three different islands in five days, concluding its journey at Kochi. During the voyage, passengers spend their nights on the ship as it sails to a new island each morning, while the days are spent exploring the islands.

Island Hopping in Lakshadweep on cruise M.V. Kavaratti

​My trip to Lakshadweep was primarily driven by my curiosity about the marine life. I immersed myself in snorkeling and scuba diving in each island I visited, and I must admit, I became an aquaddict for the rest of my life. For the first time in my life, I took a dip in the ocean and discovered a whole new universe underwater.

Underwater life in Lakshadweep

​Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep

Kalpeni Island, a breathtaking gem, boasts a vast lagoon encircled by three other islets. It was the first time I had the privilege of witnessing the emerald island against the vast expanse of the blue sea. The water was so clear that I could see the sand bed beneath the surface! I stood there in awe, captivated by the beauty of this part of India for an entire hour.

Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep

​After a refreshing swim in the lagoon, I set out in search of a dive instructor to guide me into the world of underwater exploration. My first dive was an exhilarating experience, reaching a depth of 6 meters and encountering a powerful current. The instructor had to hold me steady as I swayed in the current’s embrace. Of course, diving is not an easy feat; it demands rigorous technical training and expertise.

Scuba Diving in ​Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep

​I then embarked on a kayaking adventure in the middle of the lagoons, where I spent an hour snorkeling. It was an exhilarating experience, and I couldn’t help but feel like a kid discovering a new sport for myself. 

Kayaking in ​Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep

​After a long and tiring day, I had a wonderful sleep on the cruise.

​Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

I woke up the next morning on Minicoy Island, a crescent-shaped island with one of the largest lagoons. I was in awe when I saw the myriad shades of blue in the sea from the lighthouse of Minicoy. It looked like a magical place.

​Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

​No wonder Minicoy, just 100 kilometers away from the Maldives, was only 100 kilometers away from the Maldives! The residents of Minicoy speak Mahl, the official language of the Maldives. I realized that Lakshadweep Islands are geologically part of the same chain as the Maldives. Maldives is my dream destination, and I’ve kept it aside for my honeymoon (shhh…).

​Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

​I eagerly anticipated the underwater experience, but fate had another near-death encounter in store. I found myself alone in the vast sea, snorkeling without a life jacket in a powerful current. After a leisurely hour on the hammock after lunch, I embarked on my diving adventure. The water’s clarity was so striking that I felt like I was swimming in a vast aquarium.

Scuba Diving in ​Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

​Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep

Kavaratti, the last island I visited on this trip, initially disappointed me. I noticed more urbanization here compared to the other islands I had visited. Kavaratti serves as the administrative capital of the Lakshadweep Islands.

Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep

​Next, I went on a dive adventure! The dive master showed me a dive spot right at the reef, at a depth of 12 meters. It was my deepest dive in Lakshadweep, and I saw a clear line between the lagoon and the deep blue sea. I just stood there for a while, feeling so happy and peaceful. It was like I was in a dream!

Scuba Diving in Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep

​I spent the rest of the day snorkeling, swimming for two hours until the sun began to set and my stamina gave out. The corals here were the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, with vibrant colors like yellow, orange, purple, blue, and pink. I wish I had an underwater camera then to capture the most stunning corals I’ve ever laid eyes on. Kavaratti truly turned out to be my best underwater experience!

Snorkeling in Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep

​I thoroughly enjoyed my last evening at Lakshadweep, with its breathtaking sunset at Kavaratti. It was bittersweet to leave Lakshadweep, but I can’t help but feel a strong desire to return.

Sunset at Kavaratti

​After my trip to Lakshadweep, I was super excited to take my scuba diving skills to the next level. I got my Open Water Scuba Diver certification in the Gili Islands, Indonesia, and then I went on to become an Advanced Open Water Diver in the Andaman Islands. I’ve also been lucky enough to dive in Vietnam and Cambodia, but the marine life and corals in Lakshadweep are still my absolute favorite. As an advanced certified Scuba Diver, I can’t wait to go back to Lakshadweep and explore even more of its underwater wonders!

​Best time to travel to Lakshadweep

October to May is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep, as cruises and boats are not operational during the monsoon season.