India’s only coral islands chain
With lagoon area of about 4,200 Sq. Kms, Territorial waters of 20,000 Sq. Km, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4,00,000 Sq. Kms and coastal line of about 132 Kms, Lakshadweep Islands have a high scope for the fisheries sector
The sea around Lakshadweep is rich in fishery resources and the main resource in the islands are Tuna. The estimated marine fishery potential resources in the sea around Lakshadweep is about one lack tones of tuna and tuna like fishes and about an equal quantity of Shark.
The Islands have a high presence of food products, beverage manufacturing, furniture and wood-based products manufacturing MSME units.
To accelerate digital connectivity to the islands, a submarine optical fiber cable has been laid between Kochi and 11 islands of Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep Islands are the first Union Territory to become 100% organic. Abundant production of coconuts also provides investment opportunities in coconut-based industries in Lakshadweep, such as coconut oil, coir yarn, etc. Small-scale service industries in Lakshadweep, such as engineering workshops, ITeS and auto-servicing, which do not pollute the lagoons, are best suited on the islands. Concurrently, the islands have a very small but significant presence of local handicrafts.
Lakshadweep Islands, lying in the Arabian Sea, are a group of 36 islands. The islands are well connected with 10 minor ports and an airport in Agatti. The varied flora, fauna and coral reefs along the islands, attracts domestic and international tourists. The islands also offer a great destination for water sports. Ministry of Shipping has identified 10 locations in the UT to be developed in phase-I of its Lighthouse Tourism initiative.
Tourism
Though the Lakshadweep archipelago may appear as a few insignificant dots on the map of India, it is, in fact, a sparkling diamond- and emerald-studded jewel adorning India’s southwestern frontier. It is one of the few marvels left untouched by the encroaching hands of industrialization and progress.
The white beaches, the lagoons that wash its shores with the coral reefs which enclose it, and finally the deep blue sea-all these are symbiotically linked with each other. And, when all these are added up, Lakshadweep is no longer the tiniest of India’s territories but the largest!
Location
While the total area of the 35 islands is a mere 32 sq km and the area of the lagoons enclosed by the coral reef about 700 sq km, the extended sea zone is more than 7,00,000 sq km! This almost makes it the size of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh put together!
Out of the 12 atolls with 35 islands, only one island in each of them is inhabited. All the islands are shaped like a boat with their backs resting on the reef in the east and lagoons washing their shores on the west side. The lagoons are shallow, never more than a couple of meters deep. Just as the sands on the beaches are pure white and sugary, the waters of the lagoons are crystal clear and clean.
Best Time to Visit
The white sandy coastlines, abundant scenic charm and tranquil surroundings make Lakshadweep a popular family as well as honeymooning destination. It is visited by tourists from all around the globe. The best time to visit Lakshadweep is between the months of September and May, when the weather is pleasant and conducive for water sports activities. The temperature remains between 22°C to 36°C and one can partake in adventures like surfing, swimming, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking and so on.
After the summer months, monsoon rains between June and August, make the place even greener. The peak season in Lakshadweep is from December to February.
visit https://lakshadweep.gov.in/ for more details.
About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, the group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’.
India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km. It is a uni-district Union Territory and is comprised of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands. The islands comprise of 32 sq km. The capital is Kavaratti and it is also the principal town of the UT. All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea. The natural landscapes, the sandy beaches, abundance of flora and fauna and the absence of a rushed lifestyle enhance the mystique of Lakshadweep.
The islands are well connected by regular flights from Kochi. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Kavaratti throughout the year. Lakshadweep has a tropical climate and it has an average temperature of 27° C – 32° C. April and May are the hottest with an average temperature of 32° C .Generally the climate is humid warm and pleasant. As the climate is equitable during monsoons, ship-based tourism is closed. October to March is the ideal time to be on the islands. From June to October the South West Monsoon is active with an average rainfall of 10-40 mm. The relative humidity is 70-75%. Annual rainfall decreases from South to North. On an average, 80-90 days a year are rainy. Winds are light to moderate from October to March.