Media around the world actively discuss the “Indian Maldives” Lakshadweep Islands. In this article, we will explore what Lakshadweep is like, whether it can really replace the Maldives and whether tourism can be actively developed there.
Media around the world actively discuss the “Indian Maldives” Lakshadweep Islands. Indian government urges citizens to vacation there, boycott real Maldives. In this article, we will explore what Lakshadweep is like, whether it can really replace the Maldives and whether tourism can be actively developed there.
In early January, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted photos he took in Lakshadweep on social networks. The publication's mission is to attract domestic tourists to an island promoted as the “Indian Maldives.” The Maldivian government reacted strongly to the prime minister's remarks; some government representatives made offensive remarks about Modi. The conflict led to a boycott of the Maldives by Indian tourists.
Local media reported that thousands of Indian tourists canceled their trips to the Maldives, and Ease My Trip, a well-known Indian booking platform, announced that it would stop booking air tickets from India to the Maldives. According to the Indian Express, some travel agencies in India said they canceled bookings to the Maldives, removed photos from their websites and advised tourists to travel to the Indian islands of Lakshadweep, the Andaman Islands, the Nicobar Islands or Sri Lanka.
What does Lakshadweep look like?
This situation was widely reported by the media and attracted the attention not only of the people of India, but also of the world. Many people first heard of “Indian Maldives” because of the conflict between India and the Maldives. As the travel agency said, this place is really beautiful and the nature is really reminiscent of the natural scenery of the Maldives.
In the Arabian Sea, 300 kilometers off the coast of Kerala, there is an archipelago of 36 coral islands with snow-white beaches and coconut groves. The majestic scenery of Lakshadweep is a virtually uninhabited tropical paradise. Only 11 of the 36 islands are inhabited, and only some of them are accessible to foreigners. But the main attraction of Lakshadweep is the archipelago's 4,200 square kilometers of pristine lagoons, coral reefs and warm waters.
The ecosystem of the archipelago is famous for its diversity: there are living corals, a wide variety of fish, many species of sharks, turtles, barracudas, rays, sea urchins and leopard moray eels. Here one can dive, fish, sail and surf. Those who wish to feel like diving archaeologists can explore a galleon that sank near one of the islands 200 years ago.
Lakshadweep's coral origins are similar to those of the Maldives, hence its iconic white sand beaches and bounty-like landscapes. Seasonality is expressed in the same way: monsoon summers and cozy winters. These islands are quite large, so there are not so many small atolls where secluded resorts can be set up in the form of “one island, one hotel”. In this format, Lakshadweep is more similar to the Seychelles than the Maldives.
How is tourism in Lakshadweep?
However, as experts point out, all this beauty is hard to come by. It is almost impossible to visit the islands alone; it is only possible if you book accommodation in advance and obtain special permission. The main tourist islands in Lakshadweep are Kadmat Island, Bangaram Island, Agati Island and Kavarati Island. Don't expect any Maldivian luxury when you get there. Almost all hotels are located on Agati Island; however, these are just a few guesthouses and bungalows.
There are independent hotels on several nearby inhabited islands. Still, that's not what visitors see in the Maldives, where resorts occupy entire uninhabited islands. These are indeed small objects on inhabited islands.
How to get to Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep Islands can be reached by boat or plane. Flights fly from Mumbai and Cochin during the peak season, as well as from Kolkata. It takes approximately 18 to 20 hours by boat from Kochi. Agati Island has a small airport that can only take off and land narrow-body aircraft.
Now, there is only one flight from Kochi to here every day. The runway is not long enough for large aircraft to land here, so the runway length can only be expanded by acquiring additional territory.
Who vacations in Lakshadweep Islands
Most of the holidaymakers on the island are tourists from mainland India. The relatively small existing tourism infrastructure in these islands is tailor-made for the internal Indian market. Mass tourism, let alone foreign tourism, is not currently possible. Local hotels have not yet completed reservation arrangements. Many hotels do not publish public prices and instead accept reservations through WhatsApp and other communication tools. However, Indians are ready to organize tourist reception in this picturesque place.
Developing tourism in Lakshadweep requires time and resources
This destination has promise, albeit long-term. Lakshadweep is a blank slate when it comes to international tourism. In order to realize the full potential of this undoubtedly interesting destination, many land works must be completed: expanding the airport, building new hotels and improving logistics between hotels. Today, hotels are only connected by ferry, and only 10 of the 36 islands have no piers. There is a need to develop a seaplane or speedboat network like in the Maldives. In short, as experts conclude, the goal of taking Lakshadweep to an international level is realistic but will require years of work and billions of dollars of investment. Today, the archipelago's main source of income is not tourism but coconut cultivation and processing. The manufacture of local crafts and wooden handicrafts can be a good basis for souvenir manufacturing.
As long as there were only a few accommodation options in Lakshadweep and international travel was just a matter of time, even today you can easily find hotels in mainland India. This country really has all kinds of fascinating attractions! Visit hotelin.com, a hotel price aggregator, to find hotels in every state in India, or keep an eye out for new openings in Lakshadweep. Whichever destination you choose, hotelin.com Helping you search quickly and easily. Use filters designed for every occasion and suitable for any demanding traveler; compare prices collected from multiple booking platforms. Don't waste time browsing dozens of websites – find it all on hotelin.com!
