Minicoy Islands

Minicoy The Minicoy Island is the southern-most island of Lakshadweep, situated at a distance of 398 km (215 nautical miles) south-west of Kochi between 8° 15′ and 8° 20′ N latitude and 73° 01′ and 73° OS’ E longitude, having an area of 4.80 sq km. This island lies near the 9 0 Channel, which is one of the busiest shipping routes and is about 130 km from the northern-most island of Maldives. It has a very large lagoon on the western side, measuring about 6 km across the two entrances, one on the west and the other on the northern-most point. The lagoon area is 30.60 sq km. The island is about 2 m above the mean sea level on the western side and about 3 to 4 m on the eastern side, and is 11 km long. The Light house of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. You will be taken to the villages, tuna canning factory, the light house and for a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms; so swim and beach walk , Pedal boat, Kayak and Sail . We provide these on hire. Three tourist cottages and one 20 bedded tourist home have been constructed for the staying tourists. This island is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages . Culture It is the second largest and southern most island in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped and has one of the largest lagoons. Viringli is the small islet that you see on the south. Minicoy is set apart from the Northern group of islands by its culture. The closest land to Minicoy is Thuraakunu Island in the Republic of the Maldives about 100 km to the south across the Vangaaru Channel. The main attraction of the island is its carefully arranged villages, known as ‘Avah’. Each Avah has its own internal organization headed by a Moopan, around which the life of the community rests. Every Village has its own village house. In total there are 10 villages in the island, and are named as Bada, Aoumagu, Boduathiri, Rammedu, Sedivalu, Aloodi, Funhilol, Kudehi, Falessery and Kendiparty (from south to north). Each village is headed by a Bodukaka and a Bodudatha assisted by a 2nd Bodukaka and a 2nd bodudatha. First Bodukaka looks after the internal matters of the village and 2nd Bodukaka the external affairs. Village house is the place where ‘Baemedu’ (Assemblage of villagers) is held. As source of income a village has fishing boats, country crafts and coconut trees. Common feasts are conducted at the village house during the celebrations of Eid and other festive occasions. The houses, which stand in their own private enclosures, are arranged in streets. They are kept neat and tidy and reflect the urge of the people for order and colour. All the houses have a swing cot made of wood which is beautifully furnished and painted in different hues. The inhabitants love a profusion of colors, be it on the beautifully engraved tabletops that decorate their houses or on fishing boats or racing dhonis. One of the handicrafts of the people is boat modeling which is a piece of art painted in different colours. The folk dances of Minicoy are ‘Lava’, Thaara’, ‘Dandi’, ‘Fuli’ and ‘Bandiya’. Colourful and elegant race boat known as ‘Jahadhoni’ are used for race, reception of dignitaries and for annual picnic to Viringili/Raggan. Language The language spoken are Hindi,English,Malayalam and Mahal. Minicoy being the only people in India speaking Mahal as a linguistic minority. Climate The climate of Minicoy is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. March to May is the hottest period of the year. The temperature ranges from 25oC to 35oC and humidity ranging from 70 -76 per cent for most of the year. The average rainfall received is 1600 mm a year. Monsoon prevails here from 15th May to 15th September. The monsoon period raises temperature to the mercury level between 27- 30 degrees. During the monsoon time, boats are not allowed outside the lagoon because of the violent sea. The presence of the reef maintains calm at the lagoon. Minicoy is, in a sense, isolated from the main group of islands and lies about 200 kms south of the northern group. It is 10.6 kms long and is the second largest island after Andrott. Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons with a small uninhabited islet Viringili on its southern side. Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture, language dress etc. It has a cluster of 11 villages, which are called “Ava’h” each presided over by an elected village elder called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully maintained and decorated. Minicoy is renowned for its tradition dance – the Lava performed on festive occasions. Colourful race boats called “Jahadhoni” are a feast to the eye of any tourist. A large number of men from this island are employed as seamen in ships all over the world. Mahl is the spoken language. Minicoy is an important center for tuna fishing and a tuna-canning factory on the island processes the catch. A 300-foot tall lighthouse built in 1885 by the British is a majestic landmark. The beaches have bathing huts with change rooms and facilities for water sports are available. 3 tourist cottages and one 20-bedded tourist home have been constructed for staying tourists. Visit to Minicoy is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages.

Bangaram Islands

A bewitchingly beautiful and breath taking island in Lakshadweep. BANGARAM is uninhabited. It is surrounded by a shallow lagoon enclosed by coral reef.It has been ranked among the best gateways of the world. Here the sun, sand and surf in harmony casting a spell on the visitor. It offers utmost privacy unpolluted comfort with crystal clear water. Sparkling coral reef and blue lagoon perform magic on the soul searching traveller. It’s a place where Hemingway would create a classic or a Van Gough would paint a masterpiece. And who knows the muse may inspire one to create too. A matchless sense of wellbeing takes over and one begins to discover the graceful fishes, porcupines, parrots, pufferfishes, hermit crabs and sea birds on the vast 120 acres of lush coconut groves in BANGARAM. There are numerous adventures like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkelling and deep sea fishing. The resort has 60 bedded beach cottages with a multi cuisine restaurant serving myriad delicacies. A well-stocked bar is also available. AGATTI is the gate way to BANGARAM and is linked to Cochin for onward flights to metros. The climate of the island is warm round the year. Rainfall is limited and the temperature during the monsoon is 25-27° C. Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. The tourist resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchanting. Guests to this resort can either avail of the boat transfer or helicopter transfer from Agatti. Being the only uninhabited island resort in Lakshadweep it has got its own charm. An ideal destination for discerning exclusive tourists, Bangaram has carved its presence in the international tourist map.