Scattered on the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea off the western coast of India is a group of coral islands of unparalleled beauty known as Lakshadweep. "Lakshadweep" which means 'A Hundred Thousand Islands' is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks in the Arabian Sea.

These emerald islands, rich in greenery and fringed by silvery beaches overwhelm you with their natural beauty. Visitors to these islands take back an unforgettable experience of enjoying nature in all her splendor.

Kavaratti Island: Kavaratti is the Headquarters of the Administration and the most developed island. Fifty-two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. Water from a well near the mosque is believed to have curative powers. The beautiful and calm lagoon offers an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and snorkeling. Sunbathing or just lazing around on the beach can be a heady experience.

Marine life enthusiasts can visit the marine aquarium, which has an excellent collection of aquatic specimens. The multicolored underwater life in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats. Kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats are available on hire. The Dolphin Dive Centre is an attraction for those who love scuba dive.

Kalpeni Island: Kalpeni along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north form a single atoll. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni is a huge storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines. It is believed that a violent storm in 1847 threw up huge coral boulders along these shores.

It is a socially progressive island and it was here that girls first went to school when women's education was considered taboo. You can swim, snorkel or reef-walk in the vast lagoon and indulge in water sports on kayaks, sailboats and pedal boats.

Minicoy Island: Minicoy is, in a sense, isolated from the main group of islands and lies about 200 kms south of the northern group. It is 10.6 kms long and is the second largest island after Andrott. Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons with a small uninhabited islet Viringili on its southern side.

Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture. It has a cluster of 11 villages, which are called "Ava'h" each presided over by an elected village elder called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully maintained and decorated. Minicoy is renowned for its tradition dance - the Lava performed on festive occasions.

Colorful race boats called "Jahadhoni" are a feast to the eye of any tourist. A large number of men from this island are employed as seamen in ships all over the world. Mahl is the spoken language. Minicoy is an important center for tuna fishing and a tuna-canning factory on the island processes the catch. A 300-foot tall lighthouse built in 1885 by the British is a majestic landmark. The beaches have bathing huts with change rooms and facilities for water sports are available.

Kadmat Island: Kadmat is 8 km long and only 550 meters wide at its broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west, which is ideal for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The main attractions are the long sandy beaches and sand banks on the southern tip for sun bathing.

Tourist huts built amidst palm groves facing the lagoon allow you to soak in the pristine beauty of the coral ecosystem. Kayaks, sailing boats, pedal boats, skiing boats and glass-bottomed boats are available on hire. A Water Sports Institute functions on the island. Kadmat has emerged as one of the most beautiful dive centers in India. Variety of fishes like rays, sharks, and clear water with 20-50 meter visibility makes it an unparalleled dive destination for scuba divers.

Agatti Island Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island. From the aircraft, as you approach for a landing, you get a breath-taking view of the airstrip on the island. Agatti is the virtual gateway to the islands.

Water sports The vast expanses of the shallow lagoons provide an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts. There are provisions for kayaks, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, glass-bottomed boats and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports in the unpolluted lagoons. Kadmat, Kavaratti and Bangaram have facilities for scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Travelly and Wahoo are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep.

Local boats with experienced crew can be hired. Kayaks, canoes, surf modules, snorkels and other water sports are also available in all the islands open for tourists.Lakshadweep is an extremely adventurous place to visit. So, think no more and get ready for the most wonderful adventure.