Minicoy is the second-largest island in Lakshadweep and the southernmost, about 400 km south-west of Kochi and only a short sail from the Maldives. It is called Maliku by its people, who are known as Mahls and speak Mahl, a dialect of Dhivehi. That language, along with their houses, boats and dances, sets the island apart from the Malayalam-speaking islands to the north.
The island is shaped like a crescent, about 10 km long, wide enough to hold villages in its southern half and reduced to a narrow sandspit in the north. Nothing rises more than a couple of metres above the sea, so the coconut palms and the 1885 lighthouse define the skyline. On one side lies a very large lagoon, protected by a reef, which is where fishing boats, racing boats and visitors all go.
What you do here is slow. Walk the villages, climb the lighthouse if it is open, take a boat to the small islet of Viringili, swim in the shallows at Thundi Beach and, if the dates fall right, watch the painted racing boats and the Lava dance at the annual Minicoy fest. The island is conservative, nearly all residents are Muslim, alcohol is not available and modest dress is expected.
Getting here takes planning. Everyone who is not a native of the islands needs an entry permit for Lakshadweep, applied for online with the islands named. Flights from Kochi land at Agatti, from where a helicopter or boat reaches Minicoy, or you can take a passenger ship from Kochi. It suits patient travellers who like water and quiet, and it is less suited to anyone who needs easy access to hospitals.
Before you plan
Minicoy at a glance
- Best months
- November to MarchNovember to March; December to February are driest and calmest. The monsoon, roughly mid-May to mid-September, brings rough seas and heavy rain.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days on the island itself2 to 3 days on the island itself; longer if combined with other Lakshadweep islands, given the travel time
- Airport
- Agatti AirportAgatti Airport (AGX) is the nearest airport, with onward helicopter or boat to Minicoy. A civilian airport at Minicoy has been proposed; check its current status.
- Railway station
- None on the islandsNone on the islands. The nearest railheads are Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN) in Kochi, near the ship terminal.
- Getting around
- Walking and cyclingWalking and cycling; bicycles can be rented. Taxis and autos are few. Boats are hired for the lagoon and islets.
- Daily budget
- Mostly package-led and varies widelyMostly package-led and varies widely; confirm permit, transfer and stay costs with your operator
- Senior comfort
- Fair with planning: the island is flatFair with planning: the island is flat, but travel is long, boat and helicopter transfers need care, and medical facilities are basic
- Language
- MahlMahl (a Dhivehi dialect) locally; Hindi, English and Malayalam are also used
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Minicoy: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Minicoy itinerary
One good day
1 day in Minicoy
Start early at the lighthouse near Bada and climb to the gallery if access is open, taking it slowly. Walk through the nearby village lanes with a local guide, then rest through midday. In the late afternoon, take a short lagoon boat ride or walk the shore at Thundi Beach and finish with a fish dinner at your stay.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Minicoy
Climb the lighthouse in the morning if it is open, then walk or cycle through Bada and the neighbouring villages, stopping to see the painted houses and village gathering houses from outside. Rest after lunch and visit the Juma Masjid area outside prayer times, dressing modestly. Spend the evening on a quiet shore walk.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Minicoy
Climb the lighthouse early if access is open, then walk through Bada and Aoumagu. Have a long lunch and rest, then spend the late afternoon on the shore at the southern end of the island.
Day-by-day plan →
