LAKSHADWEEP

Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam, the local language. Lakshadweep is the tiniest Union Territory of India and is its only coral island chain. This archipelago consists of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The islands have a total area of 32 sq. Kms and the lagoons enclosed by the atolls cover an area of 4200 sq. Kms. Its territorial waters extend to 20,000 sq.kms and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to 4,00,000 sq.kms. Only 10 of these islands namely, Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy are inhabited.

Theories about coral atoll formation is inconclusive. However the most prominent and perhaps most accepted one is given by the Sir Charles Darwin in 1842. According to him the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation over which corals settled and built fringing reefs, which transformed to barrier reefs and finally to atolls due to geological submergence of volcanic base. 

TOURIST SEASON

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to mid May. From mid May to September it is rainy. Though all the resorts in Lakshadweep are open throughout the year, reaching there by ship is difficult during monsoon. Islands like Agatti and Bangaram are pleasant even during the monsoon and can be reached by flight form Kochi. Reaching resort like Kadmat, Minicoy and Kavaratti is difficult as they are not connected by flight or helicopter. During monsoons, transport from Agatti to Bangaram is only by helicopter. Nevertheless the rainy season presents a breathtaking experience when the vegetation looks greener than ever and the veil of rain adds a different hue to the beauty of lagoons and the blue seas beyond. Although flights operate through out the year for the tourists, ships operates for local passengers only and are not available for tourist transport during monsoon.

LANGUAGES & POPULATION

A dialect of Malayalam is spoken in all the islands except Minicoy. In Minicoy, ‘Mahl’ is the language used. There is very little difference in the customs and the manners of the people despite a few cultural differences . Marriages are arranged by parents except in Minicoy where courting is prevalent. Arranged marriages are common and the negotiations originate from the bride’s family. 
While in Minicoy, the groom is selected from the same social and economic strata, maternal uncle’s son is the first choice in all the other islands. The ‘Nikah’ takes place in the Mosque or at the bride’s residence. In Minicoy the marriage ceremony is relatively simple. The expenses for the functions are borne by the bridegroom’s family. An interesting feature of Minicoy is the absence of the parents from certain functions related to the marriage. The average household has 3 - 4 rooms. Minimum furniture is used in homes. A swinging cot is a very common feature. Rice is the staple food of the people. As a rule the people are non - vegetarians. Coconut is widely used. The manner of dressing of the people is simple and similar to the Muslims of Malabar coast. The dress code of Minicoyans are distinct from the other islanders. Jeans and trousers are popular. The territory has a closely - knit community life. In Minicoy, community life is centered around village institution known as - Avah.People are mostly engaged in fishing and coconut cultivation. The islands are virtually crime-free .
The population is only 60595 as per 2001 census, of which 95% are Muslims. Ethnically they are similar to the people of Kerala. They speak a dialect of Malayalam except in Minicoy where “Mahl” a form of Divehi is spoken. 

Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular folk art forms in the Territory. They are an integral part of the cultural milieu except in Minicoy where “LAVA” is the most popular dance form. Some of the folk dances have a resemblance with those in North Eastern India. For marriages “OPPANA” is a common feature, a song sung by a lead singer and followed by a group of women. Picnics are a common leisure activity in Minicoy. The most widely celebrated festivals are Independence Day and Republic Day, Milad - Ul – Nabi, Idulfitr, Bakrid, and Muharram in that order. Interestingly Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated for days with religious fervor. 


Things to do:

These are basically leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours.There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, Marine museum, LightHouse and a few local industries
Things not to do:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands except Bangaram. Picking up Corals is a punishable crime.