A Guide to Lakshadweep: Permits, Stays, and the Full Experience
Would you believe me if I said I wasn’t thrilled about our Lakshadweep trip – even though it had been on my wishlist for years? A bit frustrated with the police clearance certificate and other planning hassles, I told Sush, “Lakshadweep will have to try hard to impress me. Otherwise, all this trouble will be for nothing.”
But the moment we landed in Agatti, the ocean’s dazzling shades visible from the flight window, my doubts began to fade. A drive through palm-fringed paths with glimpses of the turquoise sea was just the beginning. That evening Lakshadweep sealed the deal with an almost unreal tangerine sunset.
In the days that followed, Lakshadweep swept me off my feet with its untouched beauty, vibrant marine life, and even the wonder of bioluminescence. What began as skepticism turned into a love story I didn’t see coming.
So here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to this blue paradise and experience it’s charm like we did.
Permits for Lakshadweep
First things first, a permit is mandatory for all visitors to Lakshadweep, including Indian nationals, regardless of the island you plan to visit. However, the process varies depending on the island, and in most cases, it’s not too complicated.
For Uninhabited Islands (e.g., Bangaram)
If you’re visiting uninhabited islands like Bangaram, the process is straightforward. Simply book your government-operated accommodation through the SPORTS website and upload your ID proof. The team handles the rest. Approximately 10-14 days before your trip, they will upload the permit to your account, which you can easily download.
For Agatti
The permit process for Agatti is a bit more tricky or let’s say involved. For this, you will first need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your local police station. Here’s how to get it:
- Apply for the PCC online on the official site of your respective state.
- In a few days, you will receive a call from your local police station to visit with the required documents.
- Once the verification is done and PCC is generated , you can download it from the same website.
Once you have the PCC, share it with your accommodation provider in Agatti. They’ll handle the permit application on your behalf. You’ll also need to provide them:
- Your travel dates
- Passport-size photograph
- Valid ID proof
Alternatively, if you’ve already booked a homestay or resort, you can apply for the permit directly through the official website. Permits are usually issued 7–10 days before your travel date. I recommend letting your accommodation take care of this, as permits are often included in their services. If you’re booking through a travel agent, they’ll assist with the process.
The entire PCC process can take up to 2-3 weeks, followed by an additional 7–10 days for the permit. So you can not just plan a Lakshadweep trip on a whim . To avoid hassles, start planning at least 2–3 months in advance.
As of November 2024, the permits to Agatti are temporarily stopped. While there is hope that they may reopen soon, no official update has been provided so far. If you’re planning to stay at Agatti, make sure to verify the status of permits before finalizing your trip plans.
For Kavaratti
Similarly, for Kavaratti, you can apply for the permit directly online or talk to your accommodation.
Key Tips
- Print out your permits and keep them handy, as the airline will check them at the airport. Without a valid permit, you won’t be allowed to board.
- Carry original ID proofs (like Voter ID, Passport, or Driver’s License) – ideally the same ID used for the permit application.
Reaching Lakshadweep
Agatti Airport (AGX) is the only airport in Lakshadweep, with regular flights from Kochi. Now there are direct flights to Agatti from Bangalore and Goa too. From any other place, you have to reach Kochi first before flying to Agatti.
Direct flights are operated by Indigo, Alliance Air and Fly91. So check and compare prices before booking the tickets.
Once you reach Agatti, ferry and boat services are available to reach the other islands. Helicopter services are also available between the islands. But only during Monsoon season (June to September) as sea travel becomes difficult.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from late October to February, when the weather is pleasant, the sea is calm, and underwater visibility is excellent. March can also be a good time if you don’t mind warmer temperatures.
October to December is ideal for spotting bioluminescence on the beaches, though its occurrence depends on various environmental factors.
Which Islands can you visit in Lakshadweep
Currently you can only visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti islands individually by obtaining permits. For other islands like Kalpeni and Minicoy, you can only visit via Samudram package.
Kadmat: You cannot stay in Kadmat as the government-operated accommodation is no longer operational. As per recent updates, it has been handed over to the Taj Group for further development.
Thinnakara: You can visit Thinnakara from Bangaram Island. But currently no stay option is available there. The previous non ac tents have been discontinued after Covid. However, new tents are being built by the Government which are expected to be operational from late December or early January 2025. Please check before planning your trip.
Choosing the Perfect Lakshadweep Island for Your Trip
If you are still thinking about which islands would be suitable for your trip, let me break it down for you.
For a Romantic Getaway or Honeymoon
If you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, Bangaram is the ideal choice. Once you book your accommodation, you can leave everything else to the resort and simply enjoy your time on this serene island. Wake up to the shimmering sea, spend your evenings soaking in breathtaking sunsets, or sit by the shore under a starry sky with a glass of wine in hand. Sounds magical, doesn’t it? If you have a few extra days, consider adding Agatti to your itinerary.
Traveling with Elderly Parents or Kids
Both Bangaram and Agatti are excellent options for family trips. Agatti is the most convenient, with direct flight access, while Bangaram is just an hour’s boat ride away. Kavaratti may not be ideal with the boat ride being quite long, approximately 2.5 hours.
On a Budget?
For a more budget-friendly Lakshadweep experience, Agatti and Kavaratti are your best bets. These islands offer relatively cheaper accommodations compared to Bangaram. We especially loved Agatti—it’s just as stunning as the other islands and provides excellent value for money.
We visited Agatti and Bangaram and loved our experience at both islands.
Accommodation on the islands and Booking process
Agatti
Agatti does not have any Government operated accommodation. But there are many private resorts and home stays to choose from. Here are few things to keep in mind while booking accommodation in Agatti.
- Location Matters: Your experience will vary a lot depending on the accommodation you choose. So try booking resorts closer to the airport and away from the Jetty area, where the sea was a bit smelly and beach not too clean.
- Cost Expectations: Accommodation in Agatti is comparatively cheaper, but not very cheap. The average price per night varies from 10-15K INR including stay and food. So keep your expectations right.
- All-inclusive packages: Many resorts provide all-inclusive packages with food, permit, airport pick up and drop and some activities as part of it.
- Booking Process: Most of the accommodations don’t provide online booking. It is either via travel agents or booking through the contact numbers you see online.
We stayed at White Pearls Beach Resort in Agatti and absolutely loved our stay. They have beautiful rooms with balconies overlooking the sea, the private beach was well kept and the staff really nice and helpful. On our last evening at the resort, the staff arranged a very simple yet beautiful candlelight dinner for us on the beach which was really sweet.
The surrounding area of the resort is perfect for taking long walks and watching stars at night. We spent our time watching incredible sunsets, relaxing on the beach swing and swimming in the crystal clear water.
We found their prices for water sports a bit more on the expensive side.
Bangaram
Bangaram is an uninhabited island with one Government operated resort. It’s a bit pricey, but also offers a very unique stay experience. Here are a few things to know about this stay and the booking process.
- Accommodation: They have different categories of accommodations starting from deluxe double cottages to family rooms and premium suites. Additionally, dome-style tents are under construction and expected to be ready by December 2024.
- All-inclusive Pricing: The stay includes all three meals, served buffet-style with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Transfers: An additional fee of INR 5200 is applicable per person for the boat transfer from/to Agatti. The resort arranges transfers based on your flight schedule.
- Facilities: They have a bar onsite serving alcohol, juices and mocktails.
- Booking: You can book the stay through SPORTS site or via an authorized travel agent. While online booking is straightforward, some travel agents do offer discounted rates on negotiating , so it’s worth checking once before booking.
- Booking Pointer: If you see an unavailability message while booking online, it may mean either bookings haven’t opened yet or the resort is full. For instance, when I tried booking for November in mid-July, I received this message repeatedly as booking for that period was not open yet. If you experience this, email laksports.reservation@gmail.com for clarification. They are highly responsive and typically reply within a day. In the meantime, keep checking the portal regularly, as the resort sells out fast due to Lakshadweep’s rising popularity.
Things Not To Miss
Kayaking: Kayaks are available for rent at every resort on hourly basis. Grab one after breakfast and enjoy your time rowing in the crystal clear water.
Glass bottom boat ride: You can spot vivid sea anemones, diverse corals, and a variety of fish from the glass-bottom boat. Despite snorkeling and experiencing incredible marine life, we absolutely enjoyed this activity. In fact, it was way better than what we had seen in the Andaman Islands a couple of years ago.
Kalpitti Island Trip: Kalpitti Island is just a short boat ride from Agatti and feels like a place from the Jurassic world era. The island is covered in dense, untamed vegetation that opens up to beaches adorned with small cliffs and intricately designed coral deposits. You can also spot a lot of turtles on the way to the island.
Snorkeling: Opt for one or more snorkeling excursions to explore the magical underwater world of Lakshadweep, teeming with vibrant fish and diverse corals. Lakshadweep’s marine life is among the best we’ve encountered, even surpassing some international destinations. The best part is that you can still enjoy this incredible experience on a guided tour, even if you’re not a swimmer.
Scuba Diving: Try the 6 meter guided dive at Bangaram to have a taste of how it feels underwater and also to meet Nemo in his home. Some operators in Agatti also provide 12 meter dive. We tried it and it was a very unique experience.
Sandbank visit: A sandbank lies just off the Helipad Beach in Bangaram. You can take a boat to reach it or wait for low tide and walk through the shallow waters to access it for free.
Dolphin and Turtle Watching: Both Agatti and Bangaram offer separate boat trips for dolphin and turtle watching. However, if you’re visiting Bangaram, you’re likely to spot dolphins and plenty of turtles on the way. Similarly, a trip to Kalpitti Island from Agatti often includes sightings of large turtles. So separate boat trips for these experiences may not be necessary.
Watching Sunrise and Sunsets: Sunsets in Lakshadweep are truly out of this world and no matter how many times we watched it, we were spellbound every single time. If you are an early riser, do not miss the sunrise too.
Stargazing: On clear days, the sky in Lakshadweep literally comes alive studded with a million stars. Take a little walk after dinner and you will be surprised how beautiful the sky looks away from the pollution and city lights.
Bioluminescence: From October to December, there’s a chance to witness bioluminescence at Bangaram and occasionally at Agatti. Under favorable weather conditions, the waves shimmer with a blue glow, and the shoreline lights up magically. The experience is even more spectacular around a new moon. We were lucky to witness this incredible phenomenon twice at Bangaram.
Swimming and beach bumming: Beach vacations are all about embracing a laid-back vibe and unwinding by the sea. Also, the crystal-clear, shallow waters of Lakshadweep’s beaches make them ideal for swimming and simply relaxing in the water.
The ship wreck snorkeling has now been discontinued from Bangaram for unknown reasons.
Other things to know
Network Connectivity
Airtel and BSNL networks work well across the islands. In Agatti, some resorts offer Wi-Fi, but Airtel mobile data was reliable too. On Bangaram, Wi-Fi is limited to the clubhouse, so you’ll need to rely on mobile data everywhere else.
Payment Options
UPI and card payments are widely accepted, so carrying large amounts of cash isn’t necessary.
Safety
Agatti felt extremely safe, even late at night. The locals are friendly and helpful. Interestingly, we heard that theft is so rare on the island that people don’t even lock their bikes.
Packing List
Swim Wear: Pack a few swimsuits, as you’ll likely spend most of your time swimming or enjoying water activities.
Sarongs or cover-ups: Throw in some vibrant sarongs or chic cover-ups – they’re perfect for those picture-perfect moments with the stunning ocean blues! Plus, the sarongs can double up as beach towels or wrap skirts.
Other Clothing: Given Lakshadweep’s hot and humid climate, I recommend packing lightweight linen and cotton clothes. Skip jeans, polyester, or anything too tight. Opt for loose trousers, oversized shirts, breathable t-shirts, and comfy shorts. Ladies, don’t forget to pack a couple of dresses for those relaxed evenings and photoshoots.
Hat and Sunglass: A wide-brimmed hat and sunglass for sun protection
Flip flops: A pair of good and comfortable flip flops for all the walking around and beach time.
Junk boho jewellery: To elevate your beach look.
Lots of good sunscreen: Carry a good sunscreen with SPF 50 or above. Trust me, the sun in Lakshadweep doesn’t mess around.
Toiletries (and Personal Hygiene Items): Dental kit, shaving kit, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. Some of these items are provided by the accommodations, but not all, especially if you are staying in Agatti.
Room slippers: Our accommodation at Agatti provided room slippers, but most do not, like the resort in Bangaram. Bring a pair since the room floor tends to get sticky being close to the sea.
Waterproof Pouch or Bag: For keeping your valuables safe during water activities.
Snacks: The accommodations provide food at scheduled times and snacks usually are cookies or something light. So pack some snacks and protein bars for odd hour cravings. With all the walking and water activities, you’re bound to work up an appetite!
Torch: For late evening strolls or walk to the beach
Medicines: Make sure to carry all your daily and emergency medications, along with a basic first-aid kit. Medicine shops are not readily available in Agatti.
Mosquito Repellent: Don’t forget to pack your trusty mosquito repellent for a bite-free beach time after sunset 😉
Snorkeling gears: Rental gear is available for a charge. But bring your own if you plan to snorkel at the shore and explore independently.
Refillable water bottle: To carry around on the excursions and avoid plastic usage.
Required Documents: Do not forget your original id proofs and printed copies of permits. This should be in your handbag.
Things we did not like
Yes, we absolutely loved Lakshadweep and would love to return one day. However, there were aspects of the experience that I couldn’t quite come to terms with – issues that, in my opinion, need more thoughtful handling in order to provide a better experience for future visitors.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
The most frustrating part of planning a trip to Agatti was dealing with the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). While the idea behind it seems to be controlling tourist influx, which is understandable given Lakshadweep’s capacity, I believe there are better ways to manage this.
Applying for a PCC is unnecessarily complicated due to lack of clear information. There’s no specific option for ‘travel to Lakshadweep’ when applying online, which creates confusion. On top of that, dealing with the police can be a hassle. Unsure of the process, we ended up using an agent recommended by the local police station, paying four times more than necessary and facing endless follow-ups. To help others avoid this, I plan to write a detailed guide on how to apply for a PCC online without relying on agents.
Please note that even if you are taking a package to Lakshadweep through a travel agent, they will not be able to help you with the PCC. You will have to apply and obtain it on your own.
Uncertainty around the permit
Another not-so-good part in the whole planning process is the uncertainty around the permit issuance for Agatti. Having a PCC doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the permit, leaving travel plans uncertain until the last minute. There have been instances where permits were delayed for days or suddenly stopped being issued, with no clear information on when they might resume. A friend of mine even had to arrange alternate travel plans for her group due to a prolonged permit closure for Agatti in November.
So plan accordingly if you are keeping Agatti in your itinerary.
Too much construction at Bangaram
I had always heard of Bangaram as the perfect honeymoon destination in Lakshadweep – a haven of unparalleled solitude, and ideal for a quiet retreat. But when we arrived, my vision quickly shattered. The island was far from the seclusion I had imagined. The small restaurant area was packed with people, and there was a long queue for lunch. Grabbing a table or even getting a refill of our favorite dish was a struggle. While there were moments of calm during other times, it didn’t feel as untouched as I had hoped. Yes, it is still very beautiful, but it is no more the Bangaram it used to be.
What added to my concern was the sight of 50 new tents being constructed while we were there. The little island was already feeling crowded, and I couldn’t help but wonder how the addition of even more accommodations would affect its delicate balance.
Lack of effort by authorities
It was disheartening to see the Beach at Bangaram littered with chocolate wrappers, plastic bottles, and other waste. The most frustrating part? Not a single dustbin near the beach. So when I decided to clean up, I had to walk all the way to the restaurant to discard what I collected.
Considering the high per-night charges, it’s only fair for authorities to invest in basic upkeep. Simple steps like placing dustbins at regular intervals and assigning staff for daily cleaning could make a huge difference.
Same goes for Agatti, let the resort owners take responsibility to keep their part of the beach clean and may be start a drive to create awareness among the locals too. I could see broken glass, plastic wrappers and all sorts of things in the water, especially closer to the Jetty area.
Also, as travelers or tourists, we must remember that our responsibility extends beyond just enjoying the beauty of a place; it includes preserving it for our future generations. Please pick up your garbage and dispose of it properly.
Conclusion
Lakshadweep was not just another trip; it was an experience that brought us closer to nature in ways we hadn’t imagined. From our first scuba dive to witnessing the magic of bioluminescence, every moment felt extremely special. The late evening walks under the stars, breezy mornings by the shore, and quiet evenings on the swing listening to the sound of the sea created memories that will stay with us forever.
It was a journey of simple joys, deep connections, and stories that the sea, the stars, and the sunsets seemed to tell. And we know in our hearts that we would be back again long before these stories start to fade.
That’s it from our end about Lakshadweep.If you have liked this blog or have any queries, let us know in the comments below. And we will get back to you as soon as we can.
For more such interesting places in India, check our other blogs here.
