How to go to Lakshadweep?

Getting to Lakshadweep Islands seems like kind of mission! It was not something which we thought of before deciding on the holiday destination.

We have looked at the accommodation options an made our choice and even finalised the itinerary, now all that is needed is to make the bookings.

Not knowing how to go to Lakshadweep Islands, is the reason I joined the forum, so I would find out how to get there in the most easiest possible way.

I don't know if there is a direct way of reaching Lakshadweep Islands, but I am hoping there is.

Please give as many details about the getting to Lakshadweep Islands, mentioning any specific carriers we should go with.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum!

So first of all, anybody visiting the Lakshadweep Islands needs a permit, whether you're an Indian national or a foreigner. There are some exceptions though like:

• Government Officials and Armed Forces members working/visiting these islands and their family members are exempted from this requirement.

• Foreign Nationals permitted by the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs for official purposes can also visit these islands.

For all other tourists, you need to obtain a permit to visit the islands. You can obtain this entry permit from two offices:

• Administrative Office (Director of tourism) Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep Address -Directorate of Tourism Development, UT of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti Island.

• Cochin Office of the Administrative Officer Address - Secretary to the Administrator, UT of Lakshadweep, Indira Gandhi Road, Wellington Island, Cochin, Kerala.

This permit is valid for up to five months. You must present the permit to the Registration Officer (Station House Officer) in Lakshadweep as soon as you arrive in the islands. Or your other option would be to allow a tour agency or a hotel to arrange the permit requirements and process for you. Foreigners are only allowed on three islands, namely: Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat. On the other hand, Indians can visit all the islands in Lakshadweep.

Now, that all information about the permit is settled, we can discuss your transportation options to reach the Lakshadweep Islands:

1. By Air - Currently, there is no airplane directly going to the Lakshadweep Islands. Unless you're from Cochin/Kochi, from which all airplanes going to the islands come from. But since you're from Delhi, you need to go to Kochi first and from there, ride an airplane to reach the islands. There is only one flight per day from Kochi to Lakshadweep/Agatti:

• Air India AI 9505 - This is a non-stop flight, departing from Delhi at 10:05 and arriving at Agatti at 11:25. Flight duration is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Fare is at Rs. 4,842 per passenger.

In the past, there were flights from Goa to Lakshadweep as well but they got cancelled. I tried searching for them again right now, but it seems like they are still not available.

2. By Sea - There are several passenger ships for tourists to reach the Lakshadweep Islands. These are the following:

• MV Amindivi - This ship doesn't have its timings shown on the Lakshadweep Tourism website. A tourist class ticket here costs Rs. 2,000 per person.

• MV Arabian Sea - This one usually has schedules about two times a week or less. Timings also vary but on average it departs at 13:00 from Kochi. It arrives on Minicoy at 14:30 or 15:00. Fare is not mentioned at the website.

• MV Bharat Seema - This one also didn't mention its schedules on the website. Fare here is Rs. 2,000 for both tourist class ticket and first class 2/4 berth cabin.

• MV Kavaratti - This ship has several schedules in a week. It departs from Kochi during Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. But these schedules are not fixed. Timings are usually 15:00, 9:00 and 16:30, respectively. Ticket rates are higher at Rs. 5,000 for a 2 berth first class cabin while it's at Rs. 2,200 for a 4 berth second class cabin.

• MV Lakshadweep Sea - This ship usually has two schedules in a week. It departs from Kochi during Tuesdays and Fridays. Schedules are not fixed as well. Timings are usually at 13:00 for both days. Fares are not mentioned though.

• MV Minicoy - There is no mention for the timings for this one. Fare is at Rs. 2,000 per person for a one-way ride to Agatti.

All rates include all meals, documentation fees, passenger handling charges, fuel surcharge, boat transfer and other taxes. Remember that these rates are only for one-way tickets to Agatti. There are different rates for going to the other islands or for a ticket on the way back to Kochi. Journey time is about 14 to 20 hours from Kochi to Agatti.

There are also cruise ships from Mumbai and Goa. From Mumbai, there's the Super Star Libra and from Goa, there's the MS Ocean Odyssey Ship. But since you're asking for direct ways to reach Lakshadweep, I think this isn't a good option for you.

I hope this helps.

 

Reaching Lakshadweep Islands involves a combination of air and sea travel, as there are no direct international flights to the islands. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get to Lakshadweep:

Step 1: Travel to Kochi (Cochin), Kerala
By Air:

• The nearest major airport to Lakshadweep is Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, Kerala.
• You can book a flight from your departure location to Kochi. Several domestic and international airlines operate flights to Kochi.

Step 2: Transfer to Lakshadweep by Sea or Air
Option 1: Ship Service from Kochi to Lakshadweep
By Sea:

• Lakshadweep Administration operates passenger ships from Kochi to different islands in Lakshadweep.
• The journey by ship takes approximately 14-20 hours, depending on the specific island you choose to visit.
• Advance booking for ship tickets is recommended as seats are limited.
• Ships usually operate from the Cochin Port.

Option 2: Flight from Kochi to Agatti Island
By Air:

• The quickest way to reach Lakshadweep is to take a direct flight from Kochi to Agatti Island.
• Agatti is one of the inhabited islands in Lakshadweep and has an airport.
• Flights to Agatti are limited and are usually operated by Air India or other carriers under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
• After reaching Agatti, you can explore other islands through additional boat or helicopter services.

Step 3: Inter-Island Transportation

• Once you reach your chosen island in Lakshadweep, you can use local transportation services like boats to explore nearby islands.

Important Tips:

1. Entry Permits:
   
   • Visitors to Lakshadweep need an entry permit, which can be obtained through authorized tour operators. Ensure you have the required permits before traveling.
2. Weather Considerations:
   
   • Check the weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season (May to September), as sea travel can be affected.
3. Book Accommodations in Advance:
   
   • Accommodations on the islands are limited, so it's advisable to book your stay well in advance.
4. Authorized Tour Operators:
   
   • Consider booking your trip through authorized tour operators who can assist with permits, transportation, and accommodations.
5. COVID-19 Guidelines:
   
   • Check for any travel restrictions, COVID-19 guidelines, and entry requirements imposed by the Lakshadweep Administration and the Indian government.

Lakshadweep is a beautiful destination, and the effort to reach there is rewarded with stunning landscapes and pristine beaches. Ensure that you plan and book your travel well in advance, especially considering the limited transportation options to the islands.