Are you looking for a serene and secluded destination to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you want to experience the pristine beauty of nature and the rich culture of a tropical island? If yes, then Andrott Island is the perfect place for you. Andrott Island, also known as Androth Island, is one of the 36 islands that make up the Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea. It is the largest island in terms of area and the closest island to the Indian mainland. It is also the only island in Lakshadweep that has a Buddhist past and a Muslim present. Andrott Island offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy water sports, explore historical sites, or simply relax on the beach, Andrott Island has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Andrott Island, including its things to do, places to visit, how to reach, history, and more. Read on to discover why Andrott Island is a hidden gem of Lakshadweep and how you can plan your trip with Tripoto.
Andrott Island Things to Do
One of the main reasons why Andrott Island is a popular destination among tourists is the plethora of things to do on the island. Andrott Island is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, as it offers a range of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, banana boat riding, and more. You can also indulge in snorkeling and diving, as Andrott Island has some of the best coral reefs and marine life in Lakshadweep. You can see colorful fishes, turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins in the clear blue water. If you are lucky, you might even spot a whale or a dugong. Andrott Island also has a fishing harbor, where you can try your hand at fishing or watch the local fishermen at work. You can also take a boat ride to the nearby islands, such as Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Kadmat, and enjoy their scenic beauty and attractions.
Andrott Island is not only about water sports, but also about culture and history. You can visit the tomb of Saint Ubaidullah, who is believed to have brought Islam to Lakshadweep in the 7th century. You can also see the Buddhist archaeological remains, which date back to the 9th century and are evidence of the island's ancient past. You can also visit the lighthouse, which was built by the British in 1864 and offers a panoramic view of the island and the sea. You can also explore the villages of Andrott Island, where you can interact with the friendly locals and learn about their customs and traditions. You can also shop for some souvenirs, such as coconut shell products, mats, and handicrafts, at the local markets.
Andrott Island is also a great place to relax and rejuvenate. You can spend some quality time with your loved ones on the white sandy beaches, which are clean and uncrowded. You can also enjoy the coconut groves, which provide shade and freshness. You can also witness the sunrise and sunset, which are spectacular and mesmerizing. You can also enjoy the night sky, which is full of stars and constellations. You can also pamper yourself with some Ayurvedic treatments or yoga sessions, which are offered by some resorts and hotels on the island.
Andrott Island Places to Visit
Andrott Island has many places to visit that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Some of the most popular places to visit on Andrott Island are:
Kalpeni Island: Kalpeni Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Lakshadweep, and is located about 20 km from Andrott Island. It is known for its lagoon, which is the largest in Lakshadweep and has a stunning turquoise color. Kalpeni Island also has some of the best beaches in Lakshadweep, such as Tip Beach, Thundi Beach, and Cheriyam Beach. You can also visit the Kalpeni Island Marine Aquarium, which has a collection of exotic marine creatures. You can also enjoy water sports, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, on Kalpeni Island.
Kavaratti Island: Kavaratti Island is the capital and the most developed island of Lakshadweep, and is located about 50 km from Andrott Island. It is known for its lagoon, which is the second largest in Lakshadweep and has a vibrant coral reef. Kavaratti Island also has some of the best attractions in Lakshadweep, such as the Ujra Mosque, which is a 17th century mosque with a carved wooden ceiling, the Marine Museum, which has a display of marine life and artifacts, and the Dolphin Dive Center, which offers diving courses and trips. You can also enjoy water sports, such as sailing, water skiing, and parasailing, on Kavaratti Island.
Kadmat Island: Kadmat Island is one of the most secluded and serene islands in Lakshadweep, and is located about 90 km from Andrott Island. It is known for its lagoon, which is the third largest in Lakshadweep and has a rich biodiversity. Kadmat Island also has some of the best beaches in Lakshadweep, such as the Golden Beach, the White Beach, and the Blue Beach. You can also visit the Kadmat Island Marine Sanctuary, which is a protected area for marine life and coral reefs. You can also enjoy water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing, on Kadmat Island.
Andrott Island How to Reach
Andrott Island is well-connected by air and by sea from different parts of India and other countries. You can choose the mode of transportation that suits your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the ways to reach Andrott Island:
By Air: The nearest airport to Andrott Island is the Agatti Airport, which is located on Agatti Island, about 70 km from Andrott Island. You can take a flight from Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi to Agatti Airport, which takes about an hour and a half. The flights are operated by Air India and Alliance Air, and are available on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the season. From Agatti Airport, you can take a helicopter or a boat to Andrott Island, which takes about 20 minutes or 2 hours, respectively. The helicopter and boat services are operated by the Lakshadweep Administration, and are subject to availability and weather conditions. You need to book your tickets in advance and carry your permits and identity proofs.
By Sea: The nearest seaport to Andrott Island is the Kochi Seaport, which is located in Kochi, Kerala, about 400 km from Andrott Island. You can take a ship from Kochi Seaport to Andrott Island, which takes about 18 to 20 hours. The ships are operated by the Lakshadweep Administration, and are available on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, depending on the season. The ships are equipped with cabins, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and medical facilities. You need to book your tickets in advance and carry your permits and identity proofs.
Andrott Island History
Andrott Island has a fascinating history that reflects its diverse and unique identity. Andrott Island is the only island in Lakshadweep that has a Buddhist past and a Muslim present. Here are some of the highlights of Andrott Island's history:
- Andrott Island is believed to be the first island to be inhabited by humans in Lakshadweep, as early as the 6th century BC. The island was part of the ancient Chera kingdom, which ruled over parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The island was also visited by traders and travelers from various countries, such as Greece, Rome, Arabia, Persia, and China.
- Andrott Island was one of the centers of Buddhism in Lakshadweep, as evidenced by the Buddhist archaeological remains that have been found on the island. The remains include stone pillars, sculptures, coins, pottery, and inscriptions, which date back to the 9th century AD. The remains are preserved in a museum on the island, and are of great historical and cultural value.
- Andrott Island was the first island to embrace Islam in Lakshadweep, thanks to the efforts of Saint Ubaidullah, who is considered to be the apostle of Islam in Lakshadweep. Saint Ubaidullah was a native of Mecca, who came to Lakshadweep in the 7th century AD, after having a vision of Prophet Muhammad. He preached Islam to the people of Andrott Island, and converted them to the new faith. He also built a mosque on the island, which is still standing today. He died on Andrott Island, and his tomb is a revered shrine for the Muslims of Lakshadweep.
- Andrott Island was also involved in the colonial history of Lakshadweep, as it was occupied by various foreign powers, such as the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French, and the British. The island witnessed several battles and conflicts, as the locals resisted the foreign domination. The island also saw the development of infrastructure and administration, as the colonial rulers built roads, bridges, schools.
- Andrott Island was also involved in the colonial history of Lakshadweep, as it was occupied by various foreign powers, such as the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French, and the British. The island witnessed several battles and conflicts, as the locals resisted the foreign domination. The island also saw the development of infrastructure and administration, as the colonial rulers built roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and lighthouses on the island. The island became part of the Indian Union in 1956, after India's independence from the British rule.
- Andrott Island is now a peaceful and prosperous island, with a population of about 10,000 people. The island has a mixed culture, with influences from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Middle East. The island has a literacy rate of 92%, and a sex ratio of 946 females per 1000 males. The island has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 27°C and an average rainfall of 1600 mm. The island has a rich flora and fauna, with coconut trees, banana plants, breadfruit trees, and mangroves, as well as birds, butterflies, crabs, and turtles.
Conclusion
Andrott Island is a hidden gem of Lakshadweep, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. Andrott Island has a blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance, that makes it a must-visit destination. Andrott Island has something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education. Andrott Island is a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, the ancient and the modern, the land and the sea, the east and the west.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Tripoto.com and book your trip to Andrott Island today. Andrott Island awaits you.