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Location and General
Information: In the Arabian sea, approximately 400 kms west of
the coast of Kerala between 8 degrees and 12 degrees North latitude,
and 71 degrees and 74 degrees East longitude, Lakshadweep is
a Union Territory of India - its tiniest - and has the country's
only coral islands. Of its 36 islands covering a land area of
32 so. km, 10 are inhabited.
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Climate:
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate, with summer temperatures
ranging from 35 degrees centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade
and winter temperature between 32 degrees centigrade to
20 degrees centigrade. During monsoons, ship - based tourism
is closed but a helicopter service is available. Some effect
of the northeast monsoon is felt in October-November in
the form of light transitory showers which cool the place.
It is important to see Lakshadweep in the light of what
it is - a group of islands, far from each other and from
the mainland. Most items of food supplies, rice, vegetables,
tinned food etc. as well as a whole range of consumer goods
have to be transported, at some pains, from Kerala. Hence
the few shops that do exist cater very specifically to
the everyday needs of the locals. Good brands of toiletries
and cigarettes are available on major islands.. Books and
periodicals in any language other than Malayalam are difficult
to find but inhabited islands have excellent libraries.
Biscuits, tinned milk and similar provisions are not difficult
to find. |
However, Bangaram, having
no local population, has no shops at all. Tropical clothes throughout
the year are sufficient. A waterproof coat during October- November
will be useful. There is prohibition on all the islands except
in uninhabited islands such as Bangaram.
Language: The language spoken in the islands is Malayalam except
in Minicoy where it is Mahl, written in the Divehi script. The
local population are all Sunni Muslims of the Shafi sect. Tourist
guides and those people who come into contact with tourists as
part of their job, speak English. Very little Hindi is spoken or
understood except in Minicoy.
Water Sports: High quality equipment of international standards
has been imported for the Kadmath Institute of Water Sports. This
includes snorkels, glass- bottomed boats, rowing and motor boats,
equipment for wind surfing, scuba diving, Para sailing and water
skiing. Water sports facilities like kayaking, sailing, paddle
boats, inflatable motor boats, glass - bottom boats and water skiing
are available in the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmath and
Minicoy. Traditional folk dances of the islands are performed by
local men. Performances are available on request. No other form
of entertainment exists except TV and Radio. One interesting consequence
of the Administration's concern for ecology is the promotion of
the concept of day tourism. A passenger liner anchoring near an
island provides both transport and accommodation. Tourists therefore
have the best of both worlds- comfortable accommodation and service
on board the ship, combined with the beauty of the island and water
sports facilities during the day.
There is a regular ship service between Cochin and the islands
according to a scheduled Programme.
The Bangaram Island Resort is fast becoming a by - word among the
island hoppers of the world. Opened only recently to foreign tourists
the resort with its simple, but attractive housing has already
become a circled spot in the brochures of tour operators and travel
agencies all over. There are attractive package terms for the domestic
tourists too.
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