Laccadive Islands

The Laccadive Islands (now commonly referred to as Lakshadweep) are a chain of coral atolls and islets in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. The territory is India’s smallest union territory by land area and comprises dozens of islands configured as lagoons, reefs and atolls.

Clear lagoons, fringing reefs and sandy islands attract diving, snorkeling and beach tourism, with resort and homestay options concentrated on a few inhabited islands. Transport between islands is by ferry and by limited air services to islands with aerodromes.

The islands have long histories of seafaring, trade and local cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean; successive periods of local rule and later administration under the Indian state shaped contemporary settlement patterns. The islands’ coral environments have supported fishing and copra production for generations.

The island chain sits in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala, India, scattered roughly along a north-south axis with the capital at Kavaratti and other inhabited islands such as Agatti and Minicoy.

• Composition and population distribution: The island group comprises a chain of coral atolls and reefs; approximately 36 islands in total, of which around 10 are inhabited.
• Marine environment: Coral lagoons, fringing reefs and clear waters make the islands a notable destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

What to See #

• Kavaratti: Kavaratti serves as the administrative capital and home to the union territory's government offices and main population centre.
• Agatti: Agatti hosts the territory's main airstrip and is a common arrival point for visitors, with beaches and lagoon access close to the runway.
• Minicoy: Minicoy lies at the southern end of the island chain and has a distinct local culture and dialect influenced by its historical links across the Indian Ocean.