Laccadive-Islands.com

The Laccadive Islands, also referred to as Lakshadweep, consist of 36 islands, reefs, and atolls in the Arabian Sea, near the Indian state of Kerala. This union territory of India spans around 32 square kilometers. The majority of Lakshadweep's population traces its roots back to migrants from southwest India's Malabar Coast, who settled there prior to the 7th century and later adopted Islam. Islam is now the primary religion, but traces of the initial Hindu migrants' religious and social practices remain, such as a matrilineal kinship system and caste-like groups. Jasari, an oral language without a script, is spoken on most islands, while Minicoy's inhabitants speak Mahi. Hindi, Malayalam, and other languages are also spoken. The population is mainly found on Andrott, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Amini islands.

The Laccadive cluster comprises Agatti island, featuring the sole airport in Lakshadweep, and Bangaram Atoll, known for its resort. This group is divided into two subdivisions: Androth with a population of approximately 15,048 and Kavaratti having around 17,193 inhabitants. The islands of Agatti, Androth, Kavaratti, and Kalpeni are inhabited, with Islam being the predominant religion. The Laccadive subgroup is mostly made up of atolls and a portion of a submerged bank. It shares a submerged connection with the Amindivi subgroup via Pitti Bank, a largely sunken atoll.

Coconut palms serve as the agricultural backbone of Lakshadweep, with copra being produced and exported to the mainland. In certain areas, the underlying coral has been removed and replaced with organic matter, facilitating the growth of bananas, vegetables, edible root crops, and millet. Additionally, fishing plays a significant role in the territory's economy, with tuna being the primary catch. Numerous fishermen carry on the ancient tradition of skilled navigation, some even sailing between the islands and the Indian mainland in distinctive vessels known as odam.

The Lakshadweep government encourages tourism, but keeps it regulated to prevent harm to the environment. A permit is required to access the territory, and the government offers organized tour options.

Kavaratti is a town and island serving as the capital of the Lakshadweep union territory in India. It is located in the Arabian Sea, approximately 345 km west-southwest of Kozhikode and the Malabar Coast of southern India. The island spans 5.6 km in length, narrowing down to a point from a maximum width of 1.2 km. A shallow lagoon graces the western side, while coconut palms flourish on the northern side. Kavaratti town is known for its ornately carved wooden pillars and roofs in mosques, and the engraved stones in graveyards. The town offers administrative buildings, a bank, several mosques, and an aquarium. Tourism plays an increasingly significant role in the local economy.