Feb 28, 2009 07:02 PM
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I traveled to Lakshadweep in the third week of Feb 09 along with my wife. I had booked the Coral Reef tour from the SPORTS (A Lakshadweep Tourism undertaking) which is a 3 nights /4 days tour covering the islands of Kavaratti & Minicoy.The journey is through Tipu Sultan.
Which docks at islands during the day & sails at the next island in the evening. It offers two types of accommodation i.e. First class cabins (2/4 persons per cabin with attached bathrooms) & tourist class –reclining chairs.
The first class has 36 seats and the charges are Rs 11, 000 per person & the tourist class has 120 seats and the charges are Rs 7, 500.00.Food & all sports activities except scuba diving are included in the above charges. We had booked first class cabins We boarded the ship at around 10.00 clock & the ship was scheduled for departure at 12.00 co*k.
At around 12.30 our Tour assistant Mr.Firoz called us on the deck as the ship was about to depart. However the vessel developed a technical snag & could depart only on 4.30.Well gradually the ship sailed away from Cochin port & within about an hour all that we could see is only blue sea on four sides & sky above.
The ship was moving at a steady pace & few of our tour members even experienced motion sickness. I was told by Firoz that the ship was very old almost 25 years hence the speed was less. We reached Kavaratti Island the next day at around 11.30.We were transferred to a small ship that took us tourists to Kavaratti while the vessel sailed to Agatti Island.
As soon as we neared Kavaratti island the color of the water changed from green to light blue & then to turquoise blue. The water was crystal clear & we could clearly see the bottom. The white sands & the swaying coconut trees left us awestruck. We truly had too pinch ourselves that we have such lovely sun kissed beaches in India which till date we have seen only in foreign locales in Bollywood movies.
We had a quick lunch & then we went on Coral sight seeing through a glass bottom boat. Everybody screamed in joy at the sight of colorful fishes & corals. Post this we took to Kayaking. Believe me it’s a very simple sport & the life jackets ensured that even non swimmers can enjoy the sport.
After this Mr. Bashir, our Sports Contact in Kavaratti took us for snorkelling.We was thrilled to see the colourful fishes, corals & fauna. They live their own sweet tiny little world. We saw fishes of all colours, shapes & sizes zooming past us. Then we took turns in Speed boat & were allowed to drive the same. It was great fun. We returned to our vessel by around 7.30 pm & enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.
We reached Minicoy on the third day where we were looking forward to Scuba dive. On reaching Minicoy we first visited the lighthouse which gives a breath taking view of the entire island. After filling a simple form we were taken to the scuba spot where we were taught a few breathing techniques & sign languages to communicate in water.
Scuba diving was one of the best experiences I have ever had wherein I not only touched the corals but also could see the fish so closely. The rest of time in Minicoy was spent in Kayaking, folk dance & village visit.
We reached Cochin port on the 4 day with very special memories. I would like to make a special mention of another couple; Sagar & Keerti whom we met on board and thoroughly enjoyed their company. Also all the staff whether on board & on the island was very co-operative & helpful.
Overall the Lakshadweep tour was a very good experience something unique & different from the run-of the mill hill stations & sightseeing.Lakshadweep is a must for all adventure sports enthusiasts The best part is except for scuba diving which is charged @ 500 per person all the sports are included in the package.
Even the food is good & served on time. In true sense of the word Lakshadweep is Paradise on Earth.In case you are planning for Lakshadweep & need any information pls M2M me; I will be happy to help you
Thanks Bijal Gandhi
