About Lakshadweep
Imagine yourself lazing on a divine beach, soaking the sun, with the crashing waves in the background? Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking, para sailing? Feasting your senses on the awesome marine flora and fauna that surrounds you? Welcome to Lakshadweep!!! Scattered off the west Kerala coast, the islands of Lakshadweep are an archipelago of 36 coral islands and a northern extension of the Maldives chain. Of these, only ten are inhabited and are the only coral islands of the country.
HISTORY
It is believed that Cheraman Perumal, the last king of Kerala, made the first settlement. But historical records shows that, a Muslim saint was shipwrecked on the island of Amini who converted the inhabitants to Islam, despite initial opposition. Although the soverignty remained in the hands of the Raja of Chirakkal, it eventually passed to the Ali Raja of Cannanore (Kannur) in the 16th century and later, in 1783 to Tipu Sultan. Following the defeat of Tipu Sultan by the British, at Sriranga pattanam in 1799, the East India Company annexed them. It was made a union territory of the Indian Union in 1956.
CULTURE
Lakshadweep has a precious heritage in its ecology and culture. Ethnically, the people of the islands are very similar to the people of Kerala even in their language except in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach. Local men perform traditional folk dances of the islands. No other form of entertainment exists except TV and Radio.
General Information of Lakshadweep
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.
How to Reach
By Air
Air and water connect Lakshadweep. There are flights from Cochin to Agatti Island from where passengers are transported to Bangaram by fast boat. A helicopter service links Agatti to other islands.
By Sea
There is a regular ship service between Cochin and the islands, according to a scheduled programme. They have air-conditioned cabins and an air-conditioned Lounge hall with push back seats. Package prices are inclusive of ship fare, meals on the ship and island, ferrying charges between ship and island, transport charges in the islands, sightseeing charges, lagoon cruising and accommodation on the islands.
CLIMATE
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 35 degrees centigrated to 22 degrees centigrade and winter temperature between 32 degrees centigrade to 20 degrees centigrade.
Heritage
Culture 
