I lived the first 17 years of my life in Kavaratti, the capital of
Lakshadweep the smallest union territory of India. It is an
island of area 3.6 square kilometres and sometimes I wonder how I
could be content living within such a small geographic boundary.
But I had a wonderful time and I wish you also get a glimpse of the
virgin islands with its pristine natural beauty.
It is an island in the true sense of the word since it is completely
cut off from the rest of the world.In fact back then before technology
started touching our lives , we were completely isolated from the
goings on in the rest of the world.
Life there is real communion with nature as the sea was 100 yards
behind my home and 300 yards in front my home. Behind my home was the
lagoon where I used to go to swim regularly and in front was the deep
sea with roaring waves.
I would say Lakshadweep is a complete experience instead of just a
tourist destination. You will find a lot of difference between that
place and the rest of the world. Money has no value there. I really
mean it. Go there, you will know why.
There are several fine points that will never cease to amaze you but let me keep you in suspense. :-)
Let us get to what it has to offer as a tourist spot. The beaches
are made of powdered coral and hence they are sparkling white in color.
Every island has a lagoon that is shallow and calm and quiet. Ideal for
swimming.There are tourist huts there where you can relax all you want. These are very close to the sea far away from the bustle of busy life.
Virtually everyday there will be a wonderful breeze blowing and you can revel in its refreshing ozone content.
The vernacular language there is a dialect of the Malayalam language.
Many of the local folk understand Hindi and English as well. You will
not find more than a handful of multi stored buildings or cars or buses.Two wheelers are most popular. In fact the island is so small you can go round it in 3 hours on foot!
Other than coconut trees and breadfruit trees you will not find any
other form of vegetation.There are also no monkeys, crows,snakes or
dogs there.
What you will find astonishing is that the land is just a mere 3 feet
above sea level and still there has not been a single Tsunami or
disaster.You can enjoy beautiful sunrise,sunset and moonrise.
The weather is of moderate type, mostly tropical but never hot. The sky is sparklingly clear and always dark owing to the total lack of
pollution.City dwellers will find it interesting.
I think you see the maximum number of stars there since even
villages can't afford a total lack of pollution like the islands.
The islands are not too far from each other. There are 10 in total
but due to the spherical shape of the earth, you can't see them. You can see a star light years away, but you can't see the island few kilometres away.
There are several package tours available. The only way to get there is thro' the Kochi port in Kerala.
Bear in mind that it is a restricted area and that you can't go
whenever you want and stay as long as you want. You have to take a
permit to go there like taking a visa to visit a foreign nation.
It is not humanly possible to explain what all is different there but I am sure you get the idea.
Ship travel takes around a day and it is thoroughly enjoyable. Sitting
on the terrace looking at the moon and the stars when the wind is blowing hard and the ship slightly rolling is a heavenly experience you should never miss.
Sea is not very rough most of the time and the rolling will be like someone rocking the cradle while you are sleeping.Very rarely I haveseen the sort of rough weather that makes the plates run across the dining table.
Should you have any queries please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. I am always there to guide you.
Enjoy!
