Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of 36 coral islands and islets scattered 220 to 440 km off the Kerala coast. Only ten are inhabited, and the land is tiny, about 32 sq km in all, set inside lagoons that cover many times that. The people are overwhelmingly Muslim, speak mostly Malayalam or the Jeseri dialect, and in Minicoy a dialect of Dhivehi called Mahl. Tourism began in 1974 on Bangaram, and it is still managed rather than mass-market.
The first thing to understand is the permit. Everyone who is not a native of the islands, Indian citizens included, needs an entry permit under the territory's entry and residence rules. You apply online through the official e-permit portal, list the exact islands you will visit, including any transit island, and should allow at least 14 days. The sponsor and police clearance requirements for tourists have recently been removed, but the permit remains mandatory. Foreign visitors also need a valid passport and Indian visa.
The second is that you cannot visit every island. Tourist travel centres on a handful: Kavaratti, Agatti, Kadmat, Minicoy and Kalpeni, with the uninhabited Bangaram and Thinnakara reached through resorts from Agatti. Published lists differ, so name only islands your operator confirms. Agatti has the territory's only airport; the alternative is a passenger ship from Kochi of roughly 14 to 20 hours.
The trip is best for people who like water, quiet and simple stays. Lagoons are calm, snorkelling is easy, and glass-bottom boats suit older travellers. Facilities are basic, alcohol is largely unavailable, dress is modest, and the monsoon shuts down much of the sea travel. Plan with a buffer for weather.
Before you plan
Lakshadweep at a glance
- Best months
- October to MarchOctober to March; November to February is the calmest and driest. May to September is the monsoon, with rough seas outside the lagoons.
- Ideal trip length
- 4 to 7 days4 to 7 days; official packages run from 4 to 7 days, and the Samudram ship cruise takes 5 days
- Airport
- Agatti AirportAgatti Airport (AGX), the only airport in Lakshadweep, with flights from Kochi of about 1.5 hours; onward to other islands by boat or helicopter
- Railway station
- None on the islandsNone on the islands. The nearest railheads are in Kochi: Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN), near the ship terminal and airport.
- Getting around
- Boats and helicopters between islandsBoats and helicopters between islands, bicycles and walking on them; there is little road traffic. Ships from Kochi take roughly 14 to 20 hours.
- Daily budget
- Varies widelyVaries widely; most stays are sold as packages. Budget separately for the permit, green tax, transfers and activities, and check current rates with the operator.
- Senior comfort
- Fair with planning: islands are flat…Fair with planning: islands are flat and calm, but boat transfers, heat, humidity and basic medical services need care
- Language
- Malayalam and Jeseri on most…Malayalam and Jeseri on most islands, Mahl on Minicoy; English is the official language and widely used with visitors
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Lakshadweep: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Lakshadweep itinerary
One good day
1 day in Lakshadweep
One day is only a taste, and is realistic mainly if your flight lands in the morning. After arriving at Agatti with an approved permit, go to your resort and spend the middle of the day in the lagoon, on a glass-bottom boat or snorkelling. Take a short walk through the settlement in the late afternoon, dressed modestly. Do not plan a same-day return unless your operator confirms flight timing, since transfers depend on weather.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Lakshadweep
Fly into Agatti and transfer to your resort or to Kavaratti by boat. Settle in, then take a glass-bottom boat ride or gentle snorkelling in the lagoon.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Lakshadweep
Arrive at Agatti, clear any checks and take the boat to your island base, either Kavaratti or the resort on Thinnakara. Use the afternoon for a lagoon swim.
Day-by-day plan →
