Are you looking for a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature in its purest form? If yes, then Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep is the perfect destination for you.
Kavaratti Island is the administrative capital and the most populous island of Lakshadweep, a union territory of India. It is located in the Arabian Sea, about 360 km from the mainland. The island has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C throughout the year. The island has a population of about 11,000 people, mostly Muslims, who speak Malayalam and Mahl languages. The island is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and rich marine life.
Kavaratti Island is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. Whether you want to relax on the white sand, swim in the clear water, explore the underwater world, or learn about the local history and culture, Kavaratti Island has something for everyone.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to visiting Kavaratti Island for a relaxing vacation, including how to reach, where to stay, what to do and see, and more.
How to Reach Kavaratti Island
There are two ways to reach Kavaratti Island: by air or by sea. The nearest airport to Kavaratti Island is Agatti Island, which is about 54 km away. You can take a flight from Kochi, the nearest mainland city, to Agatti Island, which takes about an hour and a half. The flights operate six days a week, except on Sundays. The fare ranges from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000 per person, depending on the season and availability.
From Agatti Island, you can take a water taxi to Kavaratti Island, which takes about an hour and a half. The water taxis operate daily, except on Fridays. The fare is Rs. 400 per person, which includes the permit and clearance fee. You can also book a private boat, which costs Rs. 2,000 per hour.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Kochi to Kavaratti Island, which takes about 14 to 20 hours, depending on the weather and the type of vessel. The ferry services operate twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. The fare ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 per person, depending on the class and the season. The ferry services also include the permit and clearance fee.
How to Get a Permit and Clearance Certificate for Kavaratti Island
As Kavaratti Island is a restricted area, you need to obtain a permit and clearance certificate from the Lakshadweep Tourism department before visiting the island. You can apply for the permit and clearance certificate online or offline.
To apply online, you need to visit the official website of Lakshadweep Tourism and fill up the application form with your personal details, travel details, and accommodation details. You also need to upload scanned copies of your identity proof, address proof, and passport size photo. You need to pay a fee of Rs. 200 per person, which can be done through net banking, credit card, or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your permit and clearance certificate, which you need to print and carry with you.
To apply offline, you need to visit the Lakshadweep Tourism office in Kochi or Agatti Island and fill up the application form with your personal details, travel details, and accommodation details. You also need to submit photocopies of your identity proof, address proof, and passport size photo. You need to pay a fee of Rs. 200 per person, which can be done through cash or demand draft. You will receive a hard copy of your permit and clearance certificate, which you need to carry with you.
The permit and clearance certificate is valid for seven days from the date of issue. You need to show it at the airport, ferry terminal, and water taxi terminal, as well as at your accommodation. You also need to keep it with you at all times while on the island.
Where to Stay on Kavaratti Island
There are various accommodation options available on Kavaratti Island, ranging from resorts, hotels, guest houses, and homestays. You can choose the one that suits your budget, preference, and availability. Here are some of the popular accommodation options on Kavaratti Island:
- Paradise Hut Resort: This is the most luxurious and expensive resort on the island, offering 10 cottages with sea-facing balconies, air-conditioning, television, and mini-fridge. The resort also has a swimming pool, a spa and massage center, a garden and terrace, and a restaurant and bar. The resort offers various water sports and activities, such as swimming, kayaking, wind surfing, canoeing, scuba diving, and snorkelling. The resort also has a marine aquarium, where you can see various fishes, corals, turtles, and sharks. The resort charges Rs. 10,000 per night for a double occupancy cottage, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and taxes. The resort also offers various packages, such as honeymoon package, family package, and adventure package, which include transportation, permit, clearance, and activities.
- Kavaratti Island Beach Resort: This is a budget-friendly and comfortable resort on the island, offering 20 rooms with air-conditioning, television, and attached bathroom. The resort also has a restaurant and a coffee shop, where you can enjoy delicious food and beverages. The resort offers various water sports and activities, such as swimming, kayaking, wind surfing, canoeing, scuba diving, and snorkelling. The resort charges Rs. 3,000 per night for a double occupancy room, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and taxes. The resort also offers various packages, such as honeymoon package, family package, and adventure package, which include transportation, permit, clearance, and activities.
- Kavaratti Island Guest House: This is a simple and affordable guest house on the island, offering 10 rooms with fan, television, and attached bathroom. The guest house also has a common dining area, where you can enjoy home-cooked food. The guest house offers basic water sports and activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling. The guest house charges Rs. 1,500 per night for a double occupancy room, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and taxes. The guest house also offers transportation, permit, and clearance services, which cost Rs. 2,000 per person.
- Kavaratti Island Homestay: This is a unique and authentic homestay on the island, offering 5 rooms with fan, television, and attached bathroom. The homestay also has a common living area, where you can interact with the host family and learn about their culture and lifestyle. The homestay offers home-cooked food, which is prepared with fresh and organic ingredients. The homestay offers no water sports or activities, but you can explore the island on your own or with the help of the host family. The homestay charges Rs. 1,000 per night for a double occupancy room, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and taxes. The homestay also offers transportation, permit, and clearance services, which cost Rs. 2,000 per person.
The best time to visit Kavaratti Island is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. The peak season is from December to January, when the island is crowded with tourists and the rates are high. The off-season is from April to September, when the weather is hot and humid and the sea is rough. The island is less crowded and the rates are low during this time.
What to Do and See on Kavaratti Island
There are plenty of things to do and see on Kavaratti Island, whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture. Here are some of the things to do and see on Kavaratti Island:
- Water sports: Kavaratti Island is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of water sports and activities, such as swimming, kayaking, wind surfing, canoeing, scuba diving, and snorkelling. You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of these water sports and activities, while witnessing the beauty and diversity of the marine life and coral reefs. You can also take a boat ride or a glass-bottom boat ride to see the underwater world without getting wet. You can book these water sports and activities at the resorts, hotels, guest houses, or homestays, or at the water sports center on the island. The charges vary depending on the type and duration of the water sports and activities, ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 per person.
- Marine aquarium: Kavaratti Island has a marine aquarium, which is one of the largest and oldest in India. The marine aquarium houses various fishes, corals, turtles, and sharks, which are collected from the surrounding waters. You can see these marine creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their names, features, and habits. You can also feed the fishes and touch the turtles and sharks, under the guidance of the staff. The marine aquarium is open from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays. The entry fee is Rs. 50
- Mosques: Kavaratti Island has several mosques, which are the places of worship for the Muslim community. The most famous and oldest mosque on the island is the Ujra Mosque, which was built in the 17th century by Sheikh Mohammad Kasim. The mosque has a beautiful architecture, with carved wooden pillars, ornamental ceilings, and a well. The mosque also has a museum, which displays various artifacts, such as swords, coins, and manuscripts, related to the history and culture of the island. The mosque is open from 9 am to 6 pm, except on Fridays. The entry is free, but you need to follow the dress code and etiquette of the mosque.
- Museums: Kavaratti Island has two museums, which are the sources of information and education for the visitors. The first museum is the Lakshadweep Museum, which is located inside the Lakshadweep Tourism office. The museum showcases various models, photographs, and exhibits, related to the geography, ecology, and history of the island. The museum also has a library, which has a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers, related to the island. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person. The second museum is the Marine Museum, which is located near the water sports center. The museum displays various specimens, skeletons, and models, related to the marine life and coral reefs of the island. The museum also has a video room, where you can watch documentaries and films, related to the island. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Conclusion
Kavaratti Island is one of the most beautiful and serene islands in Lakshadweep, where you can enjoy a relaxing vacation with your family, friends, or partner. The island offers a variety of attractions and activities, such as water sports, marine aquarium, mosques, and museums, that will make your stay memorable and enjoyable. The island also offers various accommodation options, transportation facilities, permit and clearance services, and package deals, that will make your trip convenient and affordable.
If you are looking for a destination that combines nature, adventure, and culture, then Kavaratti Island is the place for you. Book your package today and experience the ultimate relaxing vacation on Kavaratti Island.
