LAKSHADWEEP - COUNTRY STUDY-10 JUSTICE

(the presentation is self-timed, changing slides manually is not needed)

COMMENCING OUR JOURNEY WITH CANDESCENT COCHIN (Kulothungan)

From Coimbatore to Cochin the flight charges would be from 6,700 to 8,500 Rupees
and the train fares from 780 to 1,140 Rupees. Time taken from Coimbatore to Cochin
by train would be 4 hours and by flight would be 2 hours 25 minutes without a
layover.

On day 1 at Cochin, let’s first visit Fort Kochi beach There, You’ll be amazed to see a
fishing net looking alien to that of the Indian subcontinent. These are the Chinese
fishing nets. These nets were believed to have been introduced in Kochi by Chinese
explorer Zheng, between 1350 and 1450 AD.

Next, we’ll visit the Jewish town 5km from the beach. You’d feel transported to some
other country in West Asia. Here you can witness the culture of the Jews and see
various Jewish artifacts, buildings, and products. It has been claimed that following
the destruction of the first Jewish temple in the Siege of Jerusalem, some Jewish
exiles came to India. After the destruction of the second temple, many Jewish settlers
arrived at Cranganore, an ancient port near Cochin. Products that could be bought
here are sculptures, handmade toys, and floral oils. After some shopping, we can go
to visit the Paradesi synagogue. Synagogues are temples of Jewish worship built by
the Jewish community of Cochin.

Now let's hustle to the Mattancherry palace known as the Dutch palace which
features Kerala Murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. This
palace was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Next, Our visit is to the Folklore Museum of Kerala, an example of traditional Kerala
architecture. Looks like an authentic Malayali house, right? This is made of wood,
Laterite stone, and clay tiles. It’s like a shop selling textiles, traditional gold ornaments,
local handicrafts, face masks, and spices. The face art gallery is the center of
attraction because of its quirky paintings.

It’s time to hit the sack at DREAMS PARADISE AIRPORT RESIDENCY. the hotel fare
would cost around 2000 rupees for the night. Let’s board the flight to Lakshadweep
the next morning which would land on Agatti airport known as India’s most
dangerous runway because of its extreme location between the seas. Get ready to
submerge yourselves in the pools of happiness and exotic sunshine.

EXPLORING THE TRANQUIL THINNAKARA (Dhyana)

The flight from Cochin to Agatti is like a sneak peek at our thrilling holiday! The flight
fares range from 5,000 rupees to 7,000 rupees. The landing is spectacular with tiny
islands surrounded by azure blue sea for miles.

After a short ferry ride, we reach Thinnakara, an uninhabited island popular with
tourists. Floored by the different colors of blue, ranging from light blue to bright teal,
turquoise to a deep, royal blue in the water, The boat ride will be comfortable, the
breeze soothing, salt in the air, and sand in your hair.

Upon setting foot in Lakshadweep we will spend a delightful day exploring this
beautiful haven taking strolls along pristine white beaches, soaking in the scenic
views of crystal-blue waters.

Saifullah's wife runs the only restaurant on Thinnakara island. The liquid they boil is
the lifeline for about 10 others staying on this island. The liquid is the sap of the
coconut tree extracted carefully by them. This liquid is processed naturally using coral
stones to extract sweet jaggery, an exclusive product of the Lakshadweep islanders.

The Lakshadweep halwa, which according to the islanders helps sailors to sail for long
hours without food, is made using coconut jaggery. The islanders say this product has
a 'very long shelf life'.

We can skip taking the island hopping by boat and walk to the neighboring island,
Parali II, the hard coral island only when the tide is low.

The Thinnakara island provides us with a real Robinson Crusoe experience. we can
spot numerous marine life along the way. The island is home to abundant coral reefs,
making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration and discovering the wonders of
the Indian Ocean. Check on the time and tides, and return to Thinnakara before the
high tide sets in! As romantic as it sounds, we don't want to be stuck on a deserted
island!

It will be wise for us to stay at the Bangaram Island Resort while exploring Thinnakara
Island and Bangaram Island because of the very short distance

BUSTLING AROUND THE BEAMING BANGARAM.(Harini)

Our third day’s visit is to Bangaram Island, a jewel in the crown of Lakshadweep with
crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life, let’s take
the 10 minute Ferry from Thinnakara to Bangaram Island.

Helicopter services are available at Bangaram during monsoon. The Bangaram island
is a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Lakshadweep scuba diving
costs around 4k-5k and you get 30-45 minutes to enjoy your sport. Explore the
tranquil lagoons and hidden coves of Bangaram at your own pace with kayaking and
paddleboarding excursions.

There’s the best resort Bangaram Island Resort to refresh ourselves.

When walking around the island, we could find fishermen up the tree, tapping and
collecting Mira, a local brew made from coconut flowers. Mira is a milky and sweet
local brew made from coconut flowers.

Apart from this, let’s taste a local variant of peanut butter, made with jaggery and
happily pack two bottles to take back home! There are no souvenir shops on both the
islands – shopping enthusiasts I understand it will be difficult for you

There are a lot of stores to shop in like the

1. China Bazar Kavaratti

2. Fiber Factory

4. Co-operative Society Supermarket

5. Thavakkal Clothing Store

6. Thele Fole Tea Shop

It’s time to end the gleeful day with a revisit to the fond memories we made. Lie on
the beach and gaze at the sky! Life is felt in silence, what you see before you can no
longer be conveyed with words…Once the sun sets, the sky is lit by a million stars who
listen and dreamy clouds that answer our dreams.

LET’S CATCH “THE SUN” AT KADMAT (Ananya.T)

We are on our way to Kadmat island which takes 3-hour long speed boat ride
of 60 km
This picturesque coral island has sun-kissed beaches, an azure lagoon, and
colorful coral reefs. Kadmat Beach sprawls over 100 meters and is one of the
most spectacular beaches of Kadmat Island,

Some nice resorts on this island include white pearl resorts, Turtle Nest
Resorts, and Coraline Beach Resorts. After breakfast at the resort, the day is
free for fun-filled activities.
We can plan for fishing a thrilling and fascinating activity amongst locals and
tourists. Kadmat Island resort itself can arrange for angling in shallow lagoons
and you can also sail on a boat to enjoy deep-sea fishing.

A fascinating trip to see fishes, marine turtles, and other aquatic organisms
sailing in the sea is done best through sailing in glass-bottom boats. This place
is adorned with colorful coral reefs and one can discover this diverse marine
life while indulging in swimming and deep-sea diving

watching the sunset or kayaking in the sea is an absolute delight. During the
sunset, we can try to spot some astonishing corals by the beach, or simply relax and
enjoy the marvelous landscapes mother nature has to offer. We can end this tiring
and adventurous day by relishing all the meals served at the resort restaurant with a
scenic view. This day ends with an Overnight stay in huts.

Next day: DAY 5

After breakfast, We can laze by the beach or opt for a scenic Pitti Island tour. Pitti is
an uninhabited coral islet that plays a perfect host to several exotic marine birds. A
prominent nesting place for pelagic birds, like the greater crested tern, the sooty tern,
and the brown noddy.

IT’S THE END OF AN EXOTIC ODYSSEY. LET’S TAKE IT EASY LEAVING THE ALLURING
ISLANDS THAT CAPTIVATED OUR HEARTS WITH THEIR SCENIC BEAUTY WITH
PLEASANT MEMORIES TO REMINISCE.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LAKSHADWEEP (ABHINAV)

Some of the folk dances like Kolkali, Parichakali, and lava resemble those in North
Eastern India.
After a Kolathiri princess married a Muslim convert, a separate kingdom (including
the islands that eventually formed Lakshadweep) was set up in the Kannur area of
Kerala to protect the Keralan tradition of matrilineal descent. Successive Bibis (female
rulers) and their husbands ruled the islands until control of the northern group of
islands, the Amindivis, passed to Tippu Sultan.

Lakshadweep may be used as a base for the smuggling of arms and narcotics into
the country. The area needs to be secured for internal security

Things You Must Remember When Planning To Visit Lakshadweep:

Carry enough cash if you wish to indulge in water activities as there are no ATMs in
Bangaram.

Internet connectivity is limited/poor so making online payments is practically

impossible.

Package tours are your only way to reach these islands so opt for a reliable agency
only.

Do not pick up corals as souvenirs. It is a punishable offence

There is only one AIR INDIA flight from Cochin to Agatti that operates six days a week,
Monday to Saturday.

You need a special permit to visit these islands to protect the Scheduled Tribes. and it
is convenient to do it through an agency.