Welcome to our next sporting destination - Lakshadweep Island. As per the Sanskrit literature, Lakshadweep means one hundred thousand Islands. Lakshadweep is one of most scenic and beautiful islands of India. Lakshadweep Islands is a group of small islands scattered in the Laccadive Sea. The islands are around 300 kms off the coast of Kerala (South West State of India). These tiny islands make up the smallest Union territory of India and cover a total area of 32 square Km. These tiny islands are actually the tops of an enormous undersea mountain range in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The islands offer a precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the Islands is its coral reef which makes up a pristine spot of leisure for travel enthusiast. The lagoons are rich in marine wealth, is spread over 36 islands in an area of 32 sq. kms. The underwater view at Lakshadweep is kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. The lagoon offers excellent potential for water sports like swimming, wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Each island is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life enhance the beauty of these islands. That is the reason why there is no wonder that Lakshadweep is fast becoming India's one of its kind “Adventure sport - Nature Tourism” location.
The Tourism sector is one of the fastly developing sector in Lakshadweep. From 1956 to 1962 there was no ship nor any mechanized vessels operating between the Islands and mainland to carry even the local passengers. Tourism is one of the few key areas in Lakshadweep which can play a vital role in generating income, employment and over all development of islands. Recognizing vast tourism potential, a humble beginning was made in 1974 and one of the uninhabited island Bangaram was opened for International Tourism. The Hotel Corporation of India was looking after the affairs of Bangaram island resort up to 1982. But in the absence of a permanent set up, the flow of tourists were not encouraging. Encouraged by the Bangaram experiment, the Lakshadweep administration has gone ahead with Tourism promotion in the Islands of Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Minicoy were opened for domestic tourists in 1983.
Against the vast expanse of the blue sea, the island look like emeralds. The huge shallow calm lagoon on one side with wall like reef made of marine live coral boulders blocks the incoming swells of the outer sea. The islands are linked to the mainland by:- ship, helicopter, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines and mechanized sailing wooden vessels. The islands like Agatti and Bangaram can be reached by ship and air from Cochin. From Agatti, Kadmat and Kavaratti are linked by speed ferry. In all the islands, elaborate infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of tourists.
More Information, Check out these links :-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshadweep
The Tourism sector is one of the fastly developing sector in Lakshadweep. From 1956 to 1962 there was no ship nor any mechanized vessels operating between the Islands and mainland to carry even the local passengers. Tourism is one of the few key areas in Lakshadweep which can play a vital role in generating income, employment and over all development of islands. Recognizing vast tourism potential, a humble beginning was made in 1974 and one of the uninhabited island Bangaram was opened for International Tourism. The Hotel Corporation of India was looking after the affairs of Bangaram island resort up to 1982. But in the absence of a permanent set up, the flow of tourists were not encouraging. Encouraged by the Bangaram experiment, the Lakshadweep administration has gone ahead with Tourism promotion in the Islands of Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Minicoy were opened for domestic tourists in 1983.
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| Sports Tourism Destination - Lakshadweep Islands |
Lakshadweep with its vast lagoon around all the islands has emerged as a water sport destination in the country. Understanding the potential of water sports, Tourism Department has been striving to make these islands a prime water sports destination not only within the country but through out the world. As such, the Department has been concentrating on developing the water sports facilities. While developing these facilities fragile ecology of these islands have been taken into consideration and only non intrusive water sports are encouraged.
Therefore, rather than going for the water sports like water scooters, etc which can hamper the ecology of corals. Here, we can go inside the waters and enjoy water sports like scuba diving and para sailing, etc which are also high yielding adventure for Lakshadweep. The island tourism department has set up a full-fledged waters sports Institute at Kadmat island. This Institute offers facilities for Kayaking, canoeing, yachting, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing and last but not least scuba diving. A full fledged scuba diving centres are operational at Kavaratti and Kadmat islands and these have emerged as a prime scuba diving destinations to the well heeled and adventurous tourists.
Therefore, rather than going for the water sports like water scooters, etc which can hamper the ecology of corals. Here, we can go inside the waters and enjoy water sports like scuba diving and para sailing, etc which are also high yielding adventure for Lakshadweep. The island tourism department has set up a full-fledged waters sports Institute at Kadmat island. This Institute offers facilities for Kayaking, canoeing, yachting, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing and last but not least scuba diving. A full fledged scuba diving centres are operational at Kavaratti and Kadmat islands and these have emerged as a prime scuba diving destinations to the well heeled and adventurous tourists.
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| Water Sports at Lakshadweep Islands |
Water sports enthusiast will have a blast with an array of water sports and a beautiful surrounding; these virgin islands provide a perfect setting for experiencing the best of it. You could rent yourself a Kayak or a canoe and sail in the open sea. The glass bottomed boats give you the pleasure to see the best the sea has to offer. Deep sea fishing is also one of the highly recommended water sport even more because of the gifted sea water which breeds fishes like Sail fish, Triveli, yellow fin-tuna and the Baracuda.
More Information, Check out these links :-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshadweep
http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/
http://www.lakshadweeptourism.com/tourpackages.html
