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Famous Islands of India
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Lakshadweep
The islands look like emeralds in the vast expanse of blue sea. Varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. Coral atolls, the matchless marine environment with myriad colours resulting in complex interaction of animate and inanimate things. Built on ancient volcanic formations are the Lakshadweep (meaning a hundred thousand islands), the tiniest Union Territory of India. It consists of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The atolls poised on submarine banks, harbour 36 islands having an area of 32 Sq.Km. Of these, 10 islands are inhabited namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. The islands lie about 220-440 Kms from the Malabar coast between 8° and 12° 13' North Latitude and 71° & 74° East Longitude. Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarter of the Union Territory.
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Each island is fringed by snowwhite coral sands, are marked by a huge, shallow, calm lagoon on one side which separate it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals. The only coral islands of our country, are the result of gradual assimilation of calcium from the water by corals and their turning into reefs. |
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Kavaratti
It is the headquarters of the U.T Administration since 1964. You have enough time to explore the island. The beautiful calm lagoon forms an ideal spot for water sport swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches. Marine life exhibits can be seen at the marine aquarium which has excellent collection of specimens. Do not bother if you are not a good swimmer, we have made viewing the exotic underwater world easier for you through our glass bottomed boats. We provide on hire kayaks & sailing yachts. The Dolphin Drive Centre is another attraction for water sports enthusiasts. Tourist availing "Taratashi" package to Kavaratti stay in the tourist huts at the tourist complex. One can visit Kavaratti in Coral Reef and Taratashi packages. |
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It is known for its scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and south-eastern shorelines. It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. It is a progressive island; it was in this island that girls first went to school, when women's education was considered a taboo. You can swim, reef-walk or water-sport on kayaks, sail boats & pedal boats. Water sports crafts are given on hire; 2 bathing huts with change-rooms are available, at Koomel Beach Resort. A visit to the baniyan factory and the light house is also included in the day's program. 4 tourist cottages are also available for staying tourists. Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef and Coconut Grove Packages. |
DO's and DON'TS
DO:
Make sure your reservation of tour before leaving your station. Carry your special brand cigarettes, cosmetics etc. for use as only ordinary varieties will be available on the islands. While in the ship, a representative of SPORTS has been specially designated to assist you. In case of any difficulty, please avail of his services.
DONT'S
- Litter the land or the water
- Pick any coral - it is a punishable offence.
- There is prohibition on all islands except Bangaram
- Take drugs or narcotics - it is a punishable offence.
- Swim or sunbathe nude-it is prohibited
- Go out of your island lagoon without permission of the SPORTS authorities and a proper escort - it can be risky
- Pluck tender coconuts yourself. A fall can prove dangerous. The trees are privately owned and unauthorised plucking of coconut is a theft.
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