Lakshwadweep - A Jewel in the Seas. Review on Lakshadweep

The moment I think Lakshwadweep........a calm settles on me. The first image that flits across my eyes is when the airplane angled downward to land on the narrow airstrip at Agatti, and I saw the tiny white strip of land hugged on one side by a deep blue sea and on the other side by emerald green sparkling water, while the swaying palms rushed to greet us.

This is an unforgettable site which one gets to see repeatedly as one explores the narrow island by foot.

The first thing to do after you land is to rush out to the white chalk like sands, lie down as the placid lake like waves of the green lagoon, rush to lap up your feet again and again and again and you relax and enter a dream like stupor. Then again for variety one can try the view from a hammock and spend a lazy day with a good book for company. Lakshwadweep is an ideal destination for those seeking a complete break from the hectic montonous city life where you can just commune with nature and be far far away from all the crowds. Lakshwadweep does not attract hordes of holiday travellers and is an amazing break away destination.

The water in the lagoon is shallow and hold your breath - transparent and one can catch glimpses of the ocean floor. During low tide, one can actually walk across 200 metres to the uninhabited island nearby and the water would just come upto chest level. But dont try it unless you know how to swim or one may just get caught when the high tide comes in.

This also makes the spot ideal for snorkelling, though the boats take you further inshore to catch the octopuses and sea cucumbers and also the rainbow coloured fishes. Not to forget the colourful corals that are found in abundance in these waters. Best of all even non-swimmers can take in the pleasures of snorkelling as the experienced attendants take you into shallow waters so that you can take a guided walk as you enjoy the sights around you.

Also a must try is fishing and I really enjoyed myself as I caught 4 fishes of differnt hues even though it was my first attempt at angling. As this was inspite of all the images one has of frustrating attempts with the line and hook, my pleasure knew no bounds. Also one can opt for deep sea or night fishing which is popular with the foreign tourists. Scuba diving is also a

Lakshwadweep gets a major supply of its grains and food items from Cochin by boat/plane , so dont be surprised if you find that most of your dinner consists of fish fresh from the sea. Vegeterians like me need not despair, though variety may be limited. Also it is advisable to be prepared with basic medicines and another essential supplies to avoid being caught on the wrong foot.

Another aspect of Lakshwadweep is that Indian Nationals also need to take a permit to visit the islands and this has to be applied for before you land on their shores. As one would probably be checking into a resort in Lakshwadweep you can ask them to help you out with the requisite formalities, though that means that the bookings have to be done in advance.

Well if you want to just put away all your worries, relax and take in the awesome beauty of the islands ...... Lakshwadweep is just the place for you.