Lakshadweep Map

About Lakshadweep Map

This is Lakshadweep map showing a group of islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of southwestern India. It shows the 3 groups of islands (Amindivi, Laccadive, and Minicoy Island), the inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Agatti, Andrott, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kiltan, and Chetlat), the capital (Kavaratti) and airport (Agatti), and the channels and coral reefs (Nine Degree Channel, Eight Degree Channel, Suheli Reef, and Perumul Par Reef). An inset map shows where Lakshadweep is in relation to the Indian mainland, with a compass rose in the upper right corner of the main map of Lakshadweep.

Districts of Lakshadweep

Islands of Lakshadweep

About Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep – India’s smallest Union Territory by both land and population area – is made up of a chain of magnificent coral islands, lagoons, reefs and atolls in the most remote of which are submerged in the Arabian Sea. The islands of Lakshadweep are situated some 220 to 440 kilometers (137 to 273 miles) off the coast of southwestern India in the state of Kerala. While the Union Territory consists of a miniscule land area of 32.62 square kilometers (12.59 square miles), it encompasses a total of 36 islands or islets, coral atolls, reefs and even submerged sandbanks, of which only 10 islands are inhabited by the local population. Because of its small land mass, Lakshadweep is not only of huge ecological value for India but also of great cultural significance. It is even of strategic importance to the country. And in terms of holidays, Lakshadweep is simply ideal – a world of stunning natural beauty and extraordinary marine activities surrounded by crystal-clear, turquoise-colored waters, white sandy beaches and an incredibly diverse array of coral and sea life, all set in the midst of traditional island life.

Where is Lakshadweep Located?

Lakshadweep is a Union Territory in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of northern Kerala, southern India. The territory covers about 78,000 km² of Arabian Sea, around its islands and lagoons, and extends about 420 km (261 miles) in the north south direction. It is strategically located in the middle of major shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep is a part of the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos Ridge, formed from the remnants of a chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls that had once risen from the bottom of the Indian Ocean.

History of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep has a rich history dating back several centuries. Evidence of the Indian connection to the Middle East and the East African coast through maritime trade in ancient times abound. The Arabs who visited these islands of India introduced Islam which is the dominant religion in Lakshadweep. In the past, Lakshadweep was under the rule of several powers. The islands were first ruled by the Chera Kingdom. It was then under the Kolathiri rulers. Subsequently, the islands were under the Arakkal Kingdom of Kannur. The great Tipu Sultan of Mysore also ruled over the islands. The British East India Company later took over the control of the islands. With India gaining independence in 1947, Lakshadweep became a part of the Indian Union. It was constituted as a Union Territory in 1973. This was when the name Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands was officially changed to Lakshadweep.

Geography of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is India’s only coral atoll archipelago. It is a group of islands that are largely volcanic in origin, yet largely under water. Over millions of years, coral grew around these underwater volcanoes to form island of coral deposits. The islands of Lakshadweep are shallow lagoons with coral reefs surrounding them; these are lined with coconut groves, sandy beaches and tropical vegetation.

Geographically the islands of Lakshadweep are groupd into three Island groups, namely the Amindivi group of islands in the North, the Laccadive group of islands in the middle and the Minicoy group of islands in the South, separated from the northern island groups by the Eight Degree Channel. Minicoy is further separated from the central island groups by the famous Nine Degree Channel.

Administrative Divisions

Lakshadweep consists of 36 islands and coral reefs, but there are only 10 islands that are inhabited. These islands are: Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kiltan and Minicoy.

Lakshadweep is a single administrative district and the capital is Kavaratti. The Union Territory is governed by an Administrator appointed by the President of India.

Capital of Lakshadweep

Kavaratti is the administrative capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The administrative offices of the Union Territory, educational institutions, health centers, and offices of various government departments are located in Kavaratti. The place is also famous for its lagoons, aquarium, beautiful beaches and several mosques including the historic Ujra Mosque.

Population and Demographics

Lakshadweep has a population of 64,473 as of the 2011 Census of India, and is the least populous of the 7 Union Territories of India. It has one of the highest literacy rates in the country with over 91% able to read and write.

The inhabitants are the indigenous island communities following a distinct culture linked to Kerala in the Indian mainland and the Maldives in the north. While for most of Lakshadweep the language spoken is Malayalam, on the island of Minicoy the language is Mahl (related to Dhivehi spoken in the Maldives).

Climate of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep has a Tropical Maritime Climate. The weather is warm to hot all year around and it is humid. Most of the rain falls during the Southwest Monsoon which extends from June to September. The best time for tourism is from October to March when the seas are calm, the weather is generally sunny and the temperatures pleasant.

Economy of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep economy is based on fisheries, coconut plantation, coir processing and tourism. Tuna fishery is the main fishery resource exploited by local fishermen using traditional methods which are eco-friendly and sustainable. In terms of land use, majority of the islands are covered with coconut palms and the copra, coconut oil, coconut fibers and coir and coir products derived from coconut cocoon form the basis of the economy of the local inhabitants.

Now with growing numbers of tourists visiting the islands, tourism has become an important sector of the Lakshadweep economy. The focus is on sustainable eco-tourism in order to protect the very fragile marine ecosystems of the islands and to support their economic development.

Tourism in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, a group of islands in the south of India, is known for having some of the best and unspoiled tropical beaches in India, and is visited by Nature Lovers, Scuba Divers, Snorkelers, and Adventure Travelers from all over the globe.

Among these islands, Agatti, famous for its Airport and the Blue Lagoon is one of the most favorite destination for tourists. The island of Bangaram is a Mecca for Luxury Island Tourism, Kadmat is famous for Diving & water sports of all kinds, while Minicoy is a haven with its famous Lighthouse and unique Culture of the people who live here. The island of Kalpeni is famous for its shallow Lagoon which allows tourists to kayak in its crystal clear waters. The Administrative Center of Lakshadweep – Kavaratti too boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches & marine life.

Flora and Fauna

Lakshadweep supports a rich variety of tropical marine and terrestrial habitats despite its small land area. Coconut and other non-recreational crops such as breadfruit, pandanus, banana, papaya and several tropical shrub species dominate the flora.

The coral reefs surrounding the islands are home to a vast array of marine life including colorful reef fish, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Tuna, Rays, Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Octopus, Reef Sharks and Giant Clams, as well as hundreds of species of hard and soft corals. The islands are also a vital breeding ground for several species of Sea Turtles.

Marine Biodiversity and Coral Reefs

Lakshadweep is home to India’s healthiest coral reef systems, spread over thousands of square kilometers of reef habitat. These coral reefs protect the islands from the fury of the sea, support the island’s fisheries and support large amounts of marine biodiversity. Coral conservation is crucial in today’s times as corals face threats from climate change, coral bleaching, high sea temperatures and human interference. Ecological conservation of reef systems can be taken forward through sustainable tourism and creation of marine protected areas to protect these valuable resources for future generations.

Culture and Traditions

Lakshadweep's culture is an intriguing blend of Indian, Arab and Sea Shore culture. The religion followed in Lakshadweep is predominantly Islam and the locals are very warm and hospitable. They have rich community life and the island’s history of being a maritime haven can be very well seen in the current culture of the place. Music, dances, colorful festivals, various handcrafted coir products and mainly sea food-based cuisine to name a few things that form the backdrop of the locals’ daily lives.

The seafood based cuisine of the islands feature all types of fish and other seafood and are mostly made with the help of coconut. Some of the very well known dishes of the islands include tuna curry, tuna smoked in coconut leaves, grilled fish etc along with coconut flavored rice and other dishes inspired from the rest of the Kerala coast.

Transportation

Traveling to Lakshadweep is possible by air to Agatti Airport, the only airport that services commercial flights in the territory. Most flights connect to Kochi in the Indian state of Kerala. Additionally, passenger ships travel from Kochi to many of the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep. The local islands are connected by ferries, boats as well as by helicopter services for the residents as well as for travelers to the area.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep

The best time to visit Lakshadweep is between October and March. The weather is pleasant, the humidity is low, the sea is calm and it is ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and other water activities. Monsoon season in Lakshadweep is in southwest direction and the rough seas caused by this season may hinder water travel and other activities.

Why Lakshadweep is Important

Lakshadweep has more than just scenic beaches to offer. The islands are of immense ecological and strategic importance to the country. India’s maritime security, its fisheries and conservation of marine biodiversity, as well as scientific research into coral reef ecosystems can all be linked to the islands. Lakshadweep’s vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) greatly adds to India’s overall marine resources and increases its strategic influence in the Arabian Sea. It is essential to develop the islands in a sustainable manner and protect the environment to preserve this unique coral island ecosystem for future generations.