Hello lovely people! Do you ever find yourselves in a tangle when planning vacations with your partner? Just the other day, my husband and I couldn’t agree on our next travel destination. He suggested travelling to some hill station in North during the summer vacation. Exploring the hills always excite me but there is something about the beaches that I’m constantly drawn to them. My heart’s set on Lakshadweep, so I suggested another island adventure there. Long story short, we ended up in a stalemate, but hey, that’s part of the journey, right? Now we have to wait until next week to go through that discussion again. But now I’ll not keep you waiting for Part 3 of 15 Things To Do in Bangaram Island with Kids. So, here I’m sharing another 5 must try activities in Bangaram Island.

5 Must Try Activities in Bangaram Island

1. Glass Bottom Boat Tour:

In the first post of this series, I shared the Top 5 things to do in Bangaram island for thrill seekers. Among these, the top 2 activities were scuba diving and snorkeling. Since Lakshadweep is famous for its pristine and diverse marine ecosystem, these 2 activities are a must-try in Bangaram. However, I understand that not everyone is a thrill-seeker and some may not feel comfortable going underwater. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore the underwater marine life and vibrant corals.

You may consider taking a Glass Bottom Boat Tour to experience the magical marine world without getting wet. As the name suggests, a glass-bottom boat has a section of the bottom replaced with glass, allowing you to glimpse the beautiful coral reefs and exotic marine life from the comfort of the boat. It’s one of the best and must try activities in Bangaram Island for those who can’t or prefer not to do scuba or snorkeling.

During your stay in Bangaram island, simply inform the staff if you’re interested in a glass-bottom boat tour and they will arrange it for you.

These tours typically last around 30 minutes and are charged on a per-person basis.

2. Island Hopping:

No beach vacation is complete without a bit of island hopping! Surprisingly, Bangaram offers this exciting option, which may seem unbelievable given Lakshadweep’s restrictive and strict travel policies. You can choose to visit Thinnakara island, Parali island or both. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss!

In Part 2 of this series, I shared 5 Easy Yet Fun Activities To Do in Bangaram Island!

Exploring the neighboring islands around Bangaram is a delightful adventure, each offering its own unique charm. Whether it’s the untouched beauty of Thinnakara or the tranquil vibes of Parali, you’re in for a treat. Both these islands are uninhabited so you may not find anyone there except for a few locals gathering coconuts or performing other tasks.

Since you’re staying in Bangaram island and don’t have permits to visit other inhabited islands like Kavaratti or Agatti, your island hopping options are limited. However, Thinnakara and Parali are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Both these islands are near to Bangaram and the complete trip covering both the islands takes around 2 hours.

The charges for island hopping typically range from 1000 INR to 1500 INR.

3. Turtle Watching:

Turtle watching is an activity I’ve always wanted to experience; in fact, I’ve dreamt of swimming with these majestic creatures. However, swimming with turtles isn’t permitted here in Bangaram and I’m glad for that. Instead, they take you on a boat around Parali Island, near the end of the Bangaram lagoon. There you can see many small and large turtles swimming leisurely. During our excursion, we spent around 30 minutes watching the turtles in their natural habitat.

Our turtle watching trip got a bit wild when our guide became overly excited to show us how turtles come out of the water to breathe. In his eagerness, he started chasing a few turtles. At first, it all looked fun and harmless but we soon realized the distress it caused the turtles. We had to request our guide to stop doing that and take us back to the island.

So, here’s a gentle reminder: when visiting islands and engaging in activities involving marine life, try not to disturb them. It’s better to observe these majestic creatures from a respectable distance. Refrain from touching or attempting to remove them from the water. Let’s all strive to be responsible travellers and protect the natural environment we’re fortunate to explore.

You may also combine this guided turtle watching tour with an island hopping tour.

4. Fishing:

If you’re keen to try your hand at fishing, you can book a fishing excursion. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, the bountiful waters surrounding Bangaram Island offer a perfect chance to catch your dinner. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll find Bangaram Island to be a paradise.

Although we didn’t try this activity personally, we saw others enjoying it immensely. We also saw locals in Bangaram engaging in night fishing. It looked like an extreme sport but they were just catching a good fish for their dinner.

5. Sunset Cruise:

This is a must try activity in Bangaram if you love catching the sunsets. This activity may not be listed on their list of activities but if you check with the staff, they may arrange a cruise for you. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in some serene relaxation, a sunset cruise is the answer for an unforgettable evening.

So, that’s it for this post. Thank you for joining me on this journey and I hope you enjoyed this 3-part series on ’15 Things to do in Bangaram Island’ and you found it helpful. Safe travels and until next time!

This post is part of Lakshadweep Travel Series. You may also check out the Lakshadweep Playlist on our YouTube channel.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.

The post 5 Must Try Activities in Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep | Part 3 appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello lovely people! What makes Bangaram Island truly special is that you get the entire island to yourself, as it’s a private island with just one resort. You can enjoy the whole range of activities the island offers at your own pace. Whether you’re gazing at the horizon, trying exciting water activities, or savoring the calm lagoon, the whole island becomes your own little world. This is Part 2 of “15 Things To Do in Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep.“ In the previous post, I shared the top 5 activities to do in Bangaram for thrill-seekers, including kids. But not everyone is an adventure enthusiast. So, in today’s post, I’ll share 5 easy yet fun activities to do on Bangaram Island.

5 Easy Yet Fun Activities To Do in Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep

1- Walk around the Island 

Walking around the island might not sound like a fun activity, but it offers insights into the local way of life on Bangaram. You can meet the locals, including the families of those working here. You can learn about their daily lives like how they harvest rain water to use for drinking and other activities as there’s no fresh water source on the island. And, find out how they use every part of the coconut tree for various purposes, a great example of sustainable living.

Despite its small size, the island lacks a permanent source for generating electricity. They rely on large generators to power the Bangaram Resort, the only resort on the island. It makes you ponder how much fuel they need to keep everything running.

Have you ever thought about how much you could discover about island living? Give it a try! A walk around the island can turn out to be an excellent learning experience for kids and adults alike.

You may also read: Day 1 on Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep!

2- Watch Sunrise and Sunset

One cannot truly experience the soul-stirring beauty of Bangaram Island without witnessing both sunrise and sunset. Each dawn and dusk paints the sky in hues of pink, orange and gold, casting a spell that leaves you in awe of nature’s canvas.

What makes it even more magical is the unique geography of Bangaram; with its compact 2.30 square kilometers of land area, you can witness the sunrise on one side of the island and in the evening, marvel at the breathtaking sunset on the opposite side.

Sunset in Bangaram

Experiencing the sunrise and sunset at the beach is truly mesmerizing and utterly magical, surpassing the charm of any other location. You can not miss this amazing experience when in Bangaram.

You may also read: Is It Safe to Travel to Lakshadweep with Kids?

3- Try Fresh Taadi/Tadi/Toddy

Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep, is a private island with only one resort. There are no local shops and eateries on the island, limiting options to try local food. You get to eat whatever is served at the restaurant according to a fixed menu.

We really wanted to try something different, something new, a gastronomic experience we could take home with us. That’s when we saw a man climbing up the coconut trees, collecting something in a bottle. Later, we understood that he was collecting the sap of coconut palm & date palm trees to make it into a local alcoholic drink.

 

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We were ecstatic when we got to try this new drink on the island. We tried the raw, non-alcoholic version which was freshly collected; it was sweet, more like coconut water but a bit different in taste. It needs distillation & a few hours’ time to ferment and turn into an alcoholic beverage.

If you also like to savor the local flavors, I highly recommend trying this traditional & famous drink of Bangaram.

4- Enjoy Candle Light Dinner

It was our first day in Bangaram and by night time, we were exhausted with all the travelling and exploring the island. At dinner time, we just wanted a quick meal and to hit the bed. The walk from our cottage to the restaurant felt like an eternity; we wished the food could come to us. However, as we neared the restaurant, we saw the beach decorated with dim lights, tables laid out with candlelight and a buffet dinner being served.

The whole set up looked magical with the moonlight reflecting on the calm waters. It swept away all our tiredness and like kids in a wonderland, we ran towards the dining area to check it out.

You may also read: Meghalaya Trip Itinerary!

Every night, dinner is served under the stars. Tables are set up on the beach with candlelight and a buffet dinner is served, all included in the stay package. And the best part? You can also celebrate any special occasion privately by decorating the bamboo sitting hut right on the beach and have a cozy little party of your own.

5- Witness Bioluminescence

When we were planning our trip to Lakshadweep, we had no idea we could witness bioluminescence there. On our first night in Bangaram Island, while enjoying a candle light dinner on the beach, we noticed numerous little blue lights twinkling in the waves crashing on the shore.

Initially, it felt like a reflection from the light bulbs. Upon closer inspection, we were stunned to see the magical display of bioluminescence right in front of our eyes.

Upon inquiring, we got to know that they switch off all the lights on the island for 5 minutes around 10 pm; allowing guests to see this mystical glow more clearly. We took a stroll along the shore and observed how the algae got washed up with the waves, creating an otherworldly ambiance that felt like walking through a starlit dreamscape.

You may also read: 80 Things to Do in Andaman Islands with Family!

You may also request a guided walk to the other part of the island for a better view of the bioluminescence. I can never forget that magical experience. Despite being dead tired, we spent hours on the beach, captivated by the mesmerizing bioluminescence.

It’s a one of a kind experience, not to be missed when visiting Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep.

That’s it for this post. Stay tuned for the last part of this post, coming soon!

This post is part of the Lakshadweep Travel Series. You may also check out the Lakshadweep Playlist on our YouTube channel.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.

The post What To Do on Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep? Part 2 appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello, lovely people! I’m back with another post on Lakshadweep. While I believed I had covered all the important questions in my previous posts of #LakshadweepTravelSeries, I’m getting a new set of queries, mainly focusing on Bangaram and Agatti Islands. Among these, the most frequently asked question revolves around the things to do in Bangaram Island, especially activities suitable for kids. We stayed in Bangaram for 5 days/4 nights and explored numerous activities that our son thoroughly enjoyed. So, here I am, sharing all the things and activities we loved during our time in Bangaram Island.

This is Part 1 of this post, where I am sharing the Top 5 things to do in Bangaram island for the thrill seekers.

Top 5 Things To Do in Bangaram Island

1- Scuba Diving

Lakshadweep is famous for its pristine and diverse marine ecosystem making it an underwater paradise for divers and snorkelers. Bangaram island is surrounded with vibrant coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish, turtles, rays and various other species. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island offers excellent visibility which enhances the overall diving experience.

If you want to explore the magical world underwater up close then you must try scuba diving in Bangaram Island. Here, you get 2 options for scuba diving: near the shore and near the coral garden (in the middle of the sea).

Photo by Richard Segal (Pexels)

If you are a beginner or someone who is not very sure about going in the deep waters, then you may go for diving near the shore. The best part is that you can see corals and variety of colorful fish even when you are only a few meters away from the shore. And, if you are enthusiastic enough to dive deep into the unknown, then go for diving in the middle of the sea.

Kids aged 12+ years can try scuba diving in Bangaram Island.

You needn’t know swimming to go scuba diving.

It’s a must try activity for all thrill seekers!

Pro Tip: Make sure to book your slot early because they fill up fast!

You may also read: Which Island to Visit in Lakshadweep?

2- Snorkeling

Bangaram offers you an opportunity to explore marine life without going under the water. You can effortlessly spot schools of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and the mesmerizing dance of coral formations. Whether you’re new to snorkeling or a pro; Bangaram’s shallow lagoons and thriving reefs provide an unforgettable encounter with the amazing biodiversity of the island.

Similar to scuba diving, you have 2 options for snorkeling: shore snorkeling and coral garden snorkeling.

My 7-year-old son and 67-year-old mother chose shore snorkeling and they were left speechless by the extraordinary experience. My son, captivated by the beauty of underwater marine life, spent his entire afternoon and the next morning snorkeling near the shore.

Snorkeling in Bangaram Island

Thankfully, we were carrying his snorkel mask so we didn’t have to pay the mask rental fee.

What I loved most about snorkeling was that you don’t need to hire an instructor if you know how to swim. The waves are calm near the shore making it safe for such water activities.

It’s a must try activity for all age groups!

Pro Tip: Ask for the best time to go scuba diving and snorkeling when the underwater visibility is crystal clear (it depends on the direction of the Sun rays).

You may also read: What is the Best Way to Reach Lakshadweep with Kids?

3- Swim in the Lagoon

The lagoon surrounding the Bangaram Island beckons with its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. If you are a water baby just like my family, you will not be able to stop yourself from taking a dip in the sea. The lagoon on the back side of the island is ideal for families with small kids. The water is shallow, reaching only up to your knees during high tide, making it safe for children and those who don’t know how to swim.

Lagoon in Bangaram

We spent hours soaking in the warm embrace of the lagoon, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature. It’s an experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul; a love affair with the therapeutic power of the sea.

Pro Tip: The morning is the best to enjoy your time in the lagoon at the back side of the island.

You may also read: Is It Safe to Travel to Lakshadweep with Kids?

4- Visit the Sand Bank

During low tide, a natural sandbar emerges on one side of the island. Walking on this slender strip of pristine sand, with the sea on either side, is a surreal experience. We went to check out the sand bank during low tide when the water had completely moved back. It felt like we were walking in a desert of wet white sand surrounded with turquoise water in the distance.

Sand bank in Bangaram

You can visit sand bank at any time of the day. Even during the high tide, water level goes only up to 4 ft so you can still walk to the sand bank.

Pro Tip: Book a boat to take you to the extreme end of the sand bank, ask for the best time to visit!

Did you know there’s another place in India where, during the low tide, you can simply walk on a sandbar and reach the neighboring island? Yes, I’m talking about the Ross & Smith islands in North Andaman. We visited these islands in 2017 and it was such a delightful adventure.

Ross & Smith Islands

You may also read: Ross & Smith Islands in Andaman!

5- Kayaking

Trying out kayaking in Bangaram felt like turning a dream into reality for me. It all began with our kayaking adventures in the calm backwaters of Goa a couple of years ago and later in a serene lake near Bengaluru. Those experiences made me fall in love with kayaking.

When I got to know that we could go kayaking in Bangaram, I was super excited and so was my son. We went for it and it was simply amazing. Even my mom and husband joined in on the fun. You can choose a single or double kayak and paddle as far into the sea as you like for 30 minutes.

Kayaking in Bangaram Island

Note: They stop the kayaking activity around 5 pm, so don’t wait too long to book your spot. Trust me, it’s an adventure worth taking!

Pro Tip: For first-timers, start by kayaking parallel to the shore. Even without paddling, the kayak will move. Once you feel comfortable, gradually venture a bit farther into the sea.

You may also check: 7-Day South Goa Itinerary!

That’s it for this post! In Part 2, I’ve shared 5 easy yet fun activities to do in Bangaram Island with family.

“This post is a part of Remembering Love Blog Hop hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed“

Do check out our YouTube channel!

The post 15 Things To Do in Bangaram Island with Kids | Lakshadweep | Part 1 appeared first on Growing With Nemit.