Laccadives gained prominence among the seafarers only after arrival of the Portuguese in India. It was known for its finely spun coir, which resulted in attacks on vessels and the islands for the coir but the aborigines fought off these invaders with poisoned weapons and succeeded in ending the Portuguese invasion. Hindu Rajah of Chirakkal ruled the islands. The administration fell into the Muslim house of Arakkal of Cannanore in the mid-16th century. However, the oppressive and unbearable rule soon led the islands to seek help from Tipu Sultan in 1783.

After the battle of Seringapattom in 1799, the islands were annexed to the British East India Company who administered it from Mangalore. In 1847, a severe cyclone hit the island of Andrott and Raja of Chirakkal needed funds to help the people. Sir William Robinson of the East India Company offered a loan to the Rajah, which he readily accepted. However, after four years, the interest on the loan reached such a high that the Rajah could not pay the loan back and in 1854 all the remaining islands were handed over to the East India Company for administration. It was much after indepen

The biggest of all tourist attractions in Lakshadweep lies in its pristine charm and its laidback life. Faraway from the urban clamor and clutter, the only sound you can hear is the waves crashing against the beaches and scream of seabirds. Laze around and soak in the sun while hermit crabs dance their way. Time stands still here.

Or if you want an adventure, Lakshadweep offers you a whole lot of activities. Facilities for Scuba diving, Snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, yachting - add variety to the tourist attractions in Lakshadweep. Glass bottom boats are on the cards and soon going be a big hit among the tourists. Crystal clear water and wealth of marine life ranks the island very high for water sports.

Situated in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a group of enchanting islands and the smallest union territory in India. Out of the 36 islands forming the tiny union territory, only 10 are inhabited with Bitra being the smallest of them. The speciality of the islands is in their location. Their is a unique charm about Lakshadweep that draws thousands of tourists and adventure seekers to this magical place, each year.

The first glimpse of the island is about one and half hours flight from Cochin airport to the mainland Agatti. Everything you expect of a tropical paradise is here: Deserted sandy beaches, stretches of coconut palm trees, endless sunshine and above al the clear blue waters of the coral lagoons.

he Lakshadweep Island are simply beautiful, untouched and unspoilt. By now the tourists all over the world know quite little about them. This serene and peaceful environ of Lakshadweep makes it really special. Whether you take a holiday package to Lakshadweep or Adventure tour to Lakshadweep, you are going to enjoy it all and all.

As your flight from the mainland of India reaches to the Lakshadweep archipelago, you get the most picturesque scene of your life ever. Just fly over limitless sea and sandy landscape to see the beauty unfolding before you. Everything that you expect out of a tropical paradise-vast beaches, silver sand, palm stretches, peace and sunshine-it has it all. Above all the attractions of Lakshadweep on land lies the blue sky. Under the sea are the rich coral lagoons.

The enchanting group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea form the smallest Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This archipelago consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. Of its 36 islands covering an area of 32Sq.Km only 10 are inhabited. They are Adroit, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti (Headquarters), Kiltan and Minicoy. Bitra is the smallest of all. These islands earlier known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi islands are irregularly scattered between 8o and 12o30' North latitude and between 71o and 74o east longitude.

Lakshadweep lies about 220 to 440 Km from the coastal city of Cochin in Kerala. These islands and Cochin are linked by ship which takes about 18 to 20 hours and by air. The islands which were administered at various places were grouped into a Union Territory in 1956 and the name of this Union Territory was changed to Lakshadweep with effect from November 1, 1973. In 1964 the administration had shifted to Kavaratti island.

Though smallest in area, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep has extensive lagoon area of about 4,200Sq.Km, 20000Sq Km of territorial waters and about four lakh Sq Km of economic zone. The territory has tremendous economic potentialities because of extensive economic zone.

Attractions
Kavaratti :
Kavaratti is famous for its mosques. The Ujra Mosque houses a well that is believed to contain water with magical powers that can cure diseases. The small town is very popular with tourists. Other attractions of the place include the lake, aquarium with tropical fish and corals and other historical monuments.

Kalpeni :
Kalpeni is a charming little place situated at a distance of 287 km from Cochin. The place is known for its scenic splendour and immense natural beauty. The storm bank located along the eastern shoreline is one of the main features where tourists can enjoy swimming and water sports like kayaking, sail boat and pedal boat.

Agatti :
Agatti is a small place, just 6 km long and 1000 m wide. Situated at a distance of 459 km from Cochin, the town is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, serene beaches and swaying palm trees. One can enjoy a number of water sports including kayaking, scuba diving, sail boats etc.

Kadmat :
Kadmat Sandy BeacheKadmat is situated at a distance of about 407 km from Cochin. It is a paradise for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities. Among the main attractions of the place are the sandy beaches lined with beautiful palm trees and the adventure sports that the island sets forth.

Bangaram :
Bangaram is a very popular tourist attraction in Lakshadweep and one of the islands open to foreign tourists. The breathtaking beauty of the beaches and lagoons attract many foreign and domestic tourists to this beautiful place. The tourists have the option of sun bathing on the beach or enjoying one of the numerous water sports.

Getting There
By Air :
Lakshadweep is well connected by Air. Indian Airlines operates regular flights to Lakshadweep from Cochin.

By Sea :
The island of Lakshadweep are also linked to the mainland by ship and mechanised sailing wooden vessels plying from Kochi.