Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi recently visited Lakshadweep, a cluster of islands in the Arabian Sea. In a series of posts on X.com, he promoted tourism in the region, asking people to visit the region for its beauty and water sport activities. PM Modi’s visit and promotion of Lakshadweep has sparked an online debate. Few social media users compared Lakshadweep to Maldives and asked people to not visit Maldives.
Also read: PM Modi Goes Snorkelling In Lakshadweep, Shares His ‘Tranquil’ Experience
Some high seating government officials from the Maldivian government decided to hit back against the campaign to promote Lakshadweep as the next big beach destination. This hasn’t gone well with Netizens, and there’s a lot of heated argument comparing Lakshadweep and Maldives.
Prima Facie, visiting Maldives is much easier and economical as compared to Lakshadweep due to direct flight connectivity, luxury properties among other things. However, with PM Modi visiting Lakshadweep, many are anticipating govt to open tourism in the region, doing away with the entry permit system.
Further, reports of Tata Group planning to establish two luxury properties in Lakshadweep is making the rounds of internet. Here’s a detailed explainer on Lakshadweep, about the Entry Permit and how to reach there?
In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep's tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/VeQi6gmjIM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
About Lakshadweep
As per the information shared on the official website of Lakshadweep, the region is situated in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala, some 300 km away from Kochi. The archipelago is situated in a total area of 32 sq km, comprising a group of 36 islands known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape.
The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’. It is the India’s smallest Union Territory comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands. The capital is Kavaratti and it is also the principal town of the UT.
Can Indians Visit Lakshadweep
The major concern of many planning to visit the island is the restricted entry to Lakshadweep, despite being part of India. As per the official website, one requires an entry permit issued by Lakshadweep Administration to visit these islands. The permit can be applied online on the Entry Permit Portal : http://epermit.utl.gov.in
How To Reach Lakshadweep
Another main concern about visiting the Lakshadweep Island is the accessebility to the region from the mainland cities in India. The Island can be reached by ships and flights operated from Kochi, Kerala only. For all tourist purposes Kochi is the gate way to Lakshadweep.
Flights are operated to Agatti Island, the only island with an airstrip from Kochi International Airport. Currently, only Alliance Air operate flights from Kochi and it takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes in flight. From Agatti, boats are available to Kavaratti and Kadmat during fair season October to May.
Helicopter transfer is also available from Agatti to Kavaratti during monsoon season subjected to availability of helicopter. There’s also ships operating from Kochi and Lakshadweep islands as the distance is very less, between 200-400 km depending on the island.
Seven passenger ships – MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy operate between Cochin and Lakshadweep islands. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours depending on the island chosen. These ships offer different classes of accommodation: A/C First Class with two berth cabins, A/C Secound Class with four berth cabins and push back/Bunk Class with A/C seating.
Read all details about Lakshadweep here
Is There Mobile Network In Lakshadweep
Only two network providers, BSNL and Airtel provides telecommunication services to Lakshadweep Islands. BSNL provides connectivity in all 10 inhabited islands where as Airtel provides connectivity to Kavaratti and Agatti islands.
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