Lakshadweep

The union territory of Lakshadweep is a collection of 36 islands that are known for their excellent beaches and lush-green landscapes. The name Lakshadweep is believed to have been originated from Malayalam/Sanskrit "a hundred thousand island." This archipelago spreads over an area of 32 sq km and consists of 36 islands out of which only 10 are inhibited. Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep. All the islands are located at a distance of about 220 to 440 km away from the mainland, Kochi, of India. Water sports, scooba diving, coral reefs, and beach activities are the major attractions of Lakshadweep. The main islands are AGATTI, AMINI, ANDROTH, BANGARAM, BITRA, CHETLAT, KADMAT, KALPENI, KAVARATTI, KILTAN, and MINICOY. With the development of infrastructure, tourism has had a very big boom here and is one of the most sought-after destinations of domestic as well as international tourists.