Political drama aside, dive into untouched waters, vibrant reefs, and authentic island life. Lakshadweep awaits! š But can you do it responsibly?
As the Maldives' political storm rages on, a new star has emerged: Lakshadweep, India's string of pristine coral islands š
Tourists are sending Google searches skyrocketing ā The interest in Lakshadweep is currently monumental at a 20-year high!
Prime Minister Modi's recent visit and the "vocal for local" sentiment have turned heads towards this beautiful paradise.
But before we unleash a stampede of tourists onto these fragile shores, let's pause.Ā
Lakshadweep isn't Goa's bustling beaches; (Btw we need to talk about maintaining Goa too but thatās for another blog) Lakshadweep has a delicate ecosystem with turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and a laid-back island life.
This paradise deserves to be explored with responsibility, not exploited.
No wonder why the government itself has always been limiting the number of tourists on this island to protect its ecosystem and one of a kind natural beauty!
About Lakshadweep
Early history of Lakshadweep is unwritten.
But what now passes for history is based on various legends.
According to local traditions, the first settlement on these islands dates back to the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last king of Kerala. š
The Union Territory was formed in 1956 and it was named Lakshadweep in 1973.
The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means āa hundred thousand islandsā. š
It has a population of 64,473 (Census 2011)
To read the complete history you can visit the official Lakshadweep website here.
The marine life of the sea is quite elaborate.
The most widely celebrated festivals are Independence Day and Republic Day, Milad ā Ul ā Nabi, Idulfitr, Bakrid, and Muharram in that order. Interestingly Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated for days with religious fervour.*
Peak season is December to May, when it is cooler and drier, making it the best time to visit Lakshadweep.
May to September is the main (southwest) monsoon season, but the OctoberāNovember northeast monsoon can also be rainy.
*Data taken from the official lakshadweep website of the Indian Governement.
Here are a few topics I would like to discuss and present my views on with you.
Please share in the comments what you think about it and share your own thoughts too.
Share this on your socials and start conversations with your friends and followers!
Simplifying Entry: Unlocking Paradise (With Security in Mind)
The current entry permit process, with its police clearance requirement, might feel like an extra hurdle. But remember, Lakshadweep's fragile ecosystem and unique culture need protection. And this rule should not be relaxed. Not even for the VIPs. What do you think about it?
Gradually, the possibility of exploring online applications or streamlined verification could make things smoother, while still ensuring responsible tourism. It would be interesting to see how the Lakshadweep tourism department and the government plan on handling this situation.
You can look at the entry permit process here https://lakshadweep.gov.in/tourism/entry-permit/
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Paradise (Without Overcrowding)
Reaching Lakshadweep island currently involves a scenic flight from Cochin (Kochi) or a longer sea voyage.
An adventure in itself, flights to the only airport, Agatti, are already sold out till March 2024! (Written on January 11, 2024)Ā
While the government's promise of an airport upgrade and better inter-island travel is promising, partnerships with airlines, exploring seaplane services, and even spreading the tourist influx across seasons could ease the pressure.
We need to do it all while being closely concerned about its effect on the ecosystem. This is not something to be rushed into (I feel) and requires elaborate plans and rules to be implemented and properly executed to maintain and protect our slice of paradise.
For more information, visit https://samudram.utl.gov.in/
Building Responsibly: Paradise with a Conscience (Not a Bulldozer)
Development is crucial, but not at the cost of paradise. ā
Public-private partnerships focused on eco-friendly resorts, like those envisioned for Kavaratti, Agatti, and Bangaram, are vital.
Imagine luxurious accommodations blending with local materials, minimizing environmental impact while celebrating the island's heritage. š
Water desalination plants, like the one PM Modi inaugurated in Kadmat, and responsible waste management are the other pillars of sustainable development.
All of it sounds promising but we will have to see how it actually gets implemented and maintained. We, as citizens of India, should also remember our duty - to keep our country clean! š®š³
Tourism with a Heart: Protecting Paradise for All (Tourists and the local Islanders)
Lakshadweep's charm lies not just in its beaches, but in its people and their way of life. Limiting tourist numbers, implementing strict regulations on littering and noise pollution, and educating visitors about local customs are crucial.
Itās always important to respect the locals and their culture for any tourist destination because we are visiting their home and itās our duty to not litter and be respectful.
Eco-tourism initiatives and cultural immersion programs can enrich the experience while protecting the environment.
If you're planning a trip to Lakshadweep, these travel tips might help!
Remember, Andaman Awaits!
While Lakshadweep is currently trending, let's not forget India's other island paradise ā Andaman. With pristine beaches, sparkling waters, and a unique ecosystem of its own, Andaman offers another slice of Indian island bliss.
Spreading the tourist love across both destinations can ensure a more sustainable future for both.
So, Pack Your Bags (Responsibly)!
Lakshadweep awaits, not as a mass-market destination, but as a treasure to be discovered with care.
Will we still follow the rules in our own land as we do when we visit international destinations?
Plan Your Responsible Lakshadweep Adventure:
Choose eco-friendly accommodations and transportation.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Minimize your waste and dispose of it responsibly.
Support local businesses and communities.
Educate yourself about Lakshadweep's fragile ecosystem.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that Lakshadweep remains a paradise for generations to come. Remember, responsible tourism is the key to unlocking the true beauty of this untouched gem.
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Travel safe and maintain cleanliness wherever you go.
Jai Hind! š®š³
Lakshadweep pictures taken from PM Modi's Twitter handle and official tourism website of Lakshadweep.
Andaman Pictures are my own and if you wish to use it, let me know in the comments and backlink it to this blog.
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