Let’s Plan a Trip to Lakshadweep with Kids
Hi guys, I am doing a Travel Series on Lakshadweep on my Blog, growingwithnemit.com and YouTube channel, @GrowingWithNemit. And, this is the 3rd post of the series. Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands, out of which only 10 are inhabited and tourists can stay only on 5 of these islands. But entry to Lakshadweep is restricted and entry permit is compulsory to visit these islands even for the Indians. No doubt, people have so many questions about visiting Lakshadweep. So, is it really difficult to visit these islands? How to get the entry permit? Can we take kids to Lakshadweep? How to do the bookings? Which island should we visit? I will take up all these questions and do this post in 2-3 parts. In today’s post (Part-1), I will discuss about which island to visit in Lakshadweep. So, let’s plan a trip to Lakshadweep with kids!
The planning for Lakshadweep trip can be a little tricky and may get tiresome if you decide to do everything on your own. This is what we did because we like to plan things on our own. And, this is also the reason I am in a position to share my experience and learnings with you all. Hopefully, I will be able to help you in clearing all your doubts regarding Lakshadweep Travel.
Before moving forward, if you are still in the process of deciding which beach destination to visit, then do check out the first post of this series.
Andaman or Lakshadweep? How to Choose the Perfect Beach Destination?
Let’s talk about what all islands are open for tourists and which island to visit.
Which Island to Visit in Lakshadweep with Kids?
As I mentioned earlier, there are only 5 islands which are open for tourists with stay options. To apply for Entry Permit, first you need to decide which island/s you want to visit.
- Agatti (No Govt. authorized hotel/resort)
- Kadmat
- Kavaratti
- Minicoy
- Bangaram
I have also made a video on the same topic, you may check it out here-
Let’s talk about each of these islands one by one so that you will get an idea about what to expect.
1. Agatti Island
Agattti island is quite famous as it’s the only island with the airstrip and an airport in Lakshadweep. So, anyone coming to Lakshadweep by flight, will be getting down at Agatti only. Also, the island has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep full of fascinating corals and multicolored alluring fishes.
As I mentioned in one of my previous posts of this series that tourism in Lakshadweep is managed by the Govt. authority, SPORTS. They also provide well maintained accommodation on the islands. However, Agatti is the only island that doesn’t have any govt. authorized hotel or resort facility for the tourists.
When we were in Agatti, we saw a few private resorts on the Airport road that are open for tourists. Upon enquiring, we got to know that one can book these resorts directly or through travel agents.
Here are a few resorts (with their contact numbers) that you may want to check out-
- Seashells Resort – 094477 57006 (They have their own website too)
- White Pearl Beach Resort – 085477 03595
- Kasims Beach Villa – 011 3467 9515
- R Guest House – 081389 77917
These private stay options are comparatively cheaper than the Govt. run resorts. Since we were visiting Lakshadweep for the first time, we didn’t want to take any risks hence we chose the Govt. authorized resort for our stay on a different island.
But we are quite sure now that for our next visit we are definitely going to explore the private stay options as well. I feel if you are traveling with very young kids and you are not very sure about traveling by boat then simply choose to stay at Agatti.
All the other 4 islands have Govt. run resorts for stay. And, to reach those islands, one has to take a boat from Agatti island.
2. Kadmat Island
Kadmat is about 76 kms from Agatti. One can reach Kadmat by boat (2-3 hour ride) which operates only on Monday/Wednesday/Friday.
There are no private resorts on the island. Only one Govt. authorized property, Kadmat Island Beach Resort for which pre booking is mandatory.
Only BSNL network works on the island and there’s no internet connectivity. Also, consumption of alcohol is not allowed on any of the islands except Bangaram. Don’t even think about carrying your own booze with you!
I feel the boat ride to Kadmat from Agatti would be too tiring and a bit boring for kids.
3. Kavaratti Island
Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep and the headquarters of the Administration. It is also the most developed island in Lakshadweep and offers many exciting activities and places to explore. The island has 52 mosques, an aquarium, a museum and a of course a light house as well. Kavaratti offers a lot more to the visitors than just the pristine beaches.
So, if you want to get the local experience, learn more about the people of Lakshadweep and explore the local cuisine then Kavaratti is where you should go. So, if you want to plan a trip to Lakshadweep and want to explore the other side of Lakshadweep then, you may consider Kavaratti Island.
There are 2 ways to reach Kavaratti –
- By ship (Samudram Cruise) where you get to spend 1 day on the island, no night stay option available on the island with this package.
I have shared all the details for Samudram Cruise here – What is the Best Way to Reach Lakshadweep with Kids?
Do check it out.
- Take a boat (2.5 hours ride) from Agatti. You need a confirmed booking at one of the resorts on the island.
For stay, you can either book a private accommodation (many options, please check on Google) or book the Govt. authorized resort (Kavaratti Beach Resort/Paradise Hut Resort).
Here are the charges for the Govt. resort at Kavaratti-
You may get better network and internet connectivity on Kavaratti. Again reaching Kavaratti could be a bit tiresome but considering that you get to explore a lot more of Lakshadweep here as compared to any other island, the journey seems like doable.
Still, it’s your decision so plan wisely as per your family’s interest!
4. Minicoy Island
Minicoy is the second largest and one of the few inhabited islands in Lakshadweep. It is known for the unspoiled and untouched beaches. And, it’s famous for having remarkable resemblance to the beaches of Maldives and Mauritius.
There is only one way to reach Minicoy Island and that’s by Ship from Kochi.
As this island is quite far from Agatti, no tourist ships/boats operate from there.
So, you can either book the Samudram package where you get to enjoy the cruise as well you get to spend a day at Minicoy and other 2 islands. No night stay.
Or, you can book the Swaying Palm Package which is a 6 or 7 days, cruise + island stay package where you get to spend 2 nights on the ship and 3 or 4 nights on the island.
Minicoy has a different language (Mahi), culture and traditions as compared to the other islands. Again, Minicoy is your go to destination if you want something more than just the beaches and the water sports.
This island is also famous for its Lava folk dance, colorful race boats (Jahadhoni) and a 300 foot tall lighthouse which was built in 1885 by the Britishers.
Visiting Minicoy is definitely on our bucket list now but I am not sure if it’s a good idea to visit this island with small kids (younger than 10 years old) under Swaying palm package. So, plan wisely!
5. Bangaram Island
Bangaram is the most famous island among the tourists and it’s also the least explored part of Lakshadweep. It has also been ranked among the best getaways of the world. It’s the uninhabited island and has only one Govt. run beach resort for the tourists.
It is located 12 kms from Agatti and it takes about 30-45 mins to reach Bangaram island by boat.
Since no local people are living here except for the workers, laborers and staff of the resort, you may not find anything else on the island. But I can vouch for the most beautiful and pristine beaches lined with soft white sand and the mesmerizing views of the surrounding which you may not find anywhere else. And, you can indulge in a range of water sport activities!
We stayed at Bangaram Island for 4 nights in AC Cottages and it has been our best beach experience in India so far.
Now, you can also book newly built Wooden Huts on Bangaram Island.
If you want to plan a trip to Lakshadweep with kids, you can choose Bangaram Island without any doubts. I will share all about our stay and the activities we did at Bangaram in my upcoming posts. So, keep following this series.
Here’s an informative video for you, where I have talked about the different ways to reach Lakshadweep. Do check it out-
Conclusion
I feel visiting Agatti Island in Lakshadweep would be the easiest if you are traveling with kids. You just need to catch a flight from Kochi to Agatti. You can spend as many days as you like in Agatti, just pre-book a private resort on the island. Meet the local people and try the local cuisine as well.
In case you are interested in exploring the local side of the Lakshadweep and also visit the other islands apart from Agatti then you may choose to visit Kadmat or Kavaratti or Minicoy Island.
And, in case you want to experience the untouched and unspoiled beauty of Lakshadweep and also want to stay on an uninhabited island with not many people around, then Bangaram is where you should go.
Lastly, if you want to visit 2-3 islands in budget then you can choose the Samudram Package. And, if you want to experience the ship as well as stay on the island then visit the Minicoy Island through Swaying Palm Package.
I hope this covers up the question which island to visit in Lakshadweep.
Now we come to the next question.
How to do the bookings? And, How to get the Entry Permit?
I will take up these questions in the next part of this post. So, stay tuned and keep following the Lakshadweep Travel Series. You may also check out the Lakshadweep Playlist on our YouTube channel.
Which Island would you choose to visit if you plan a trip to Lakshadweep? Tell me in the comments below. And, if you have any specific questions feel free to ask in the comments below. I will try to answer your queries to the best of my knowledge.
If you liked the post or found it helpful, then do share it further with your friends and family! Till then, Bye Bye and Take Care.
You transported me to Lakshadweep, Neha. It is on my bucket list and will soon plan a trip. My friends don’t like the beach and water sports so I have to forego always.
Lakshadweep islands have been in my bucket list for so long ..I have always dreamt of going for Scuba diving. however I dint know about the speciality of different islands. this is a valuable information
Wow thanks for the detailed informative blog along with the prices. Makes it easier for people like us to visit and have fun too! Looks really blue and clean.
Your travelogues are so detailed and informative that I look forward to reading them and getting new ideas for my own travels. Lakshwadweep is on my wish list… hopefully soon…
Hi! Just now came across your blog.Its informative and useful.
Thank you.
I Loved your travel vlog and travel posts both neha. you explained everything so well and cover each aspect which can help others for their visit. I had heard a lot about Lakshdeep before but never get a chance to visit it. will try to visit this beautiful place, when come India next time. thanks for sharing all details.
Lakshadweep looks so beautiful and clean. the blog was greatly helpful, especially knowing govt staycations are expensive than private. very contrary and helpful news to know
Lakshadweep is a beautiful place and is on my travel list for long. Thank you for sharing the detailed itinerary of the trip and the lovely pictures.
I have been discussing with my family and here your are with this post. thanks a lot now trip will be really easy for us to plan. beaches are so clean. loved them.
That was such an informative post about which islands to visit in Lakshadweep as there are so many! But you have made the task easy by explaining which are reachable, and their attractions etc.
Thanku so much for the detailed information & suggestions .. can’t thank enough .. esp for the first time travellers .. Happy travelling and looking for many such blogs ..
I am so happy to read this, thank you so much. Happy Travelling!
Any feedback on the Bangaram Wooden Huts? Are they AC?
Hi, the wooden huts are available to book now. I have shared the same in the post. Yes, these are AC huts.
Nice blog author. Thank you. Keep it up.
HOW TO COVER BANGARAM & MINICOY BEING THE MOST INTOUCHED BEACHES.
WHICH PACKAGE? HOW AMNY NIGHTS & DAYS REQUIRED? ANY COST IDEA?
WHICH GOVT AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENT IS BEST FOR THIS. THANK YOU
For Bangaram & Minicoy, you need to book separate tours.
I am in USA need some information about swaying Palm package for two . Website does not have enough info. We are planning to travel in the last week of February or first week of March. Can someone please help !
Hello! Thank you for reaching out. I understand it can be tricky to find detailed information on the “Swaying Palm” package on the government website. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, it’s best to connect with a Govt. authorized travel agent for Lakshadweep. They’ll be able to guide you through the package options and assist with planning for your trip. Safe travels, and I hope you have an incredible time on the islands!