Route : Bangalore - Cochin - Agatti - Bangaram
Mode of transport : Flight
Best time to visit : Oct to April
No. of days visited : 5 nights 6 days
Speciality : India's only coral atoll
Bangaram, Courtesy Google earth
Lakshadweep islands considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the world located to the south west coast in India is a must visit. As the name says lakshadweep means one lakh islands have reduced to only 35 islands now. Famous for the coral reefs , the turquoise waters and the white silver sands the island is beyond imagination.
Kingfisher and Indian are the two airlines having flights to Agatti. We boarded Kingfisher airlines from Bangalore to Agatti island with a 20 minute stop in Cochin. It takes 1 hr 20 mns journey from Cochin to Agatti. Agatti is the gateway to Lakshadweep.This island is the contact point or destination for airlines or ships in Lakshadweep. You can also stop for a day or two in Agatti as it is also a tourist destination. All the tourists Indians and non Indians entering lakshadweep requires special permit letter provided by the resort. You have to carry the letter before boarding the flight.
The main attraction of Lakshadweep is Bangaram island. It takes another 1 hr 40 mns boat journey from Agatti to Bangaram all round the year except in monsoon. One can enjoy Helicopter services from Agatti to Bangaram available only during monsoon when water levels are rough, high and do not permit the usual boat transfer.
Bangaram is a family destination and too good of a place for honeymooners. The place is very decent.
Once you reach Bangaram forget about the worldly chaos. The peace and joy cannot be described. As the name tells Bangaram means Gold is indeed a precious island. Bangaram island resort is a CGH Earth Group Enterprise which maintains the island excellently with basic amenities to tourists apart from food with a sole purpose of not to commercialize.
There are 30 huts on the whole with single and 2 bed room cottages apart from staff quarters.
So, anytime in the year you will find limited tourists. The single room rent is Rs8500 per day in off season and Rs17500 for On season.The family room rent is Rs17500 per day in off season and Rs35000 for On season.We stayed for 6 days 5 nights and still wanted more time to relax. There is a restaurant available for breakfast, lunch and dinner at specified timings. Tea, coffee is served 24x7. Both veg and non-veg food is served for lunch and dinner. So, no worries for vegetarians.
It takes approximately 1 hour to walk around the whole island. Early morning is the best time to walk around as there will be low tide. If interested you can take the Yoga classes conducted in the mornings at the helipad zone. There is a man made lake which holds wide variety of bird species in the premises.
The water sports available are glass bottom boat for coral watching , kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, lagoon fishing and ocean fishing. Please make sure you are a swimmer before visiting the island. Else, you need to adjust with only a few water sports. A swimmer can take the joy of swimming along the lagoon currents for a long time to watch the fascinating marine life and beautiful corals of the lagoon.Being non swimmers we had to adjust with kayaking, fishing and glass bottom boating to watch corals. We went for scuba diving for starters with a professional trainer accompanying us for a 10 to 15 meter dive. The experience was exhilarating and breath taking for non swimmers like us. One activity we thoroughly enjoyed and mastered was kayaking. While kayaking we also could take some under water snaps of the corals.
Apart from Bangaram and Agatti islands there are other tiny islands named Parali I & II, Tinakara which can be visited by the boat arranged by the staff. Pick and drop facility to these tiny islands is also available.
For more rejuvenation and relaxation Ayurveda massage center is available with different variety of therapies. Don’t be worried if you forgot your sunscreens and swim wear because the island has a shop which sells all this stuff. There is also a library where you can borrow or lend your books. No need to carry the cash as your each activity is billed to your room no. which has to be paid on the last day.
Last thing but important, corals are strictly not permitted to be taken along once you leave the islands.
