16 Most Important Points to Remember Before Planning Holiday Tour Packages to Lakshadweep
Believe me; Lakshadweep is one among the paradise on earth maintained in its natural charm. From my travel experience, I could see that most of them wishes to visit Lakshadweep, but unable to get correct and adequate information regarding proper planning for Lakshadweep trip or a correct idea for a tour Package to Lakshadweep.
So I thought of sharing some pre requisite Knowledge about – how to plan a trip to Lakshadweep. Also there is no agency or website giving the correct information or non-confusing information for tourist visit to Lakshadweep islands.
Read the following 16 points before planning a holiday trip to Lakshadweep.
1) Lakshadweep islands can be reached from main land (Kochi/ Kozhikode- Beypore/ Mangalore) by Ship as well as by Flight from Kochi.
2) The entire tourism activities are controlled and regulated by The Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS) – society formed by the Lakshadweep Administration.
3) First of All Select Any of the One Available Tour Options in Lakshadweep
- a) Ship Tour Packages to Lakshadweep conducted by SPORTS Authority namely
SAMUDRAM package (4 Nights 5 Days by transport and stay in Ship) &
SWAYING PALM Package – (5or 6nights package with transport in Ship and stay in resort)
How to reach island: By Ship
How to book: Check availability and book through SPORTS or Authorized Private agents.
3.b) Flight Tour Packages Lakshadweep conducted by SPORTS Authority namely
THARATASHI Package (4 to 5 days package to Kavaratti with stay in Resort) &
MARINE WEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAM – (4 to 7 days package to Kadmat with stay in Resort)
How to reach island: By Flight to Agatti from Kochi and then by boat to respective islands.
How to book: Check availability and book through SPORTS.
3.c) RESORT Packages associated with SPORTS ( Arrival and departure by Ship/ flight)
SPORTS authorities have at various islands namely Kavaratti, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Kadmat and Minicoy.
How to reach island: By Flight or Ship
How to book: Check availability and book through SPORTS or Authorised private agents.
Best Tailor made Lakshadweep Resort Packages with Entry tickets: Click Here
3.d) Private Guest House or Home Stay Packages ( Arrival and departure by Ship/ flight)
There are private guest houses and home stays at Agatti and Kavaratti islands. Customers can stay at this guest houses or home stays and visit other islands (many restrictions are there)
How to reach island: By Flight or Ship
How to book: Check availability and book through Authorized private agents.
Best Tailor made Lakshadweep Private Packages with Entry tickets: Click Here
4) HOW TO GET ENTRY PERMIT FOR LAKSHADWEEP FOR FLIGHT & SHIP PACKAGES
For entering into Lakshadweep a Special Entry Permit has to be obtained from SPORTS Authority Kochi.
4.a) For Ship and flight packages mentioned in 3.a, 3.b and 3.c, you need not apply for permit separately. It comes along with package. For applying permit in this category you need to submit a copy of valid ID card and passport size photo for Indians and passport and visa copy for foreigners.
4.b) For flight or ship package mentioned in 3.d , you need to apply for Lakshadweep Entry permit separately and get it well before you travel. For applying the permit under this category, you need to submit a copy of valid ID card, passport size photo and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your nearest police station where you reside. Usually it will take 7-10 working days to get the entry permit in this case. Only Indians are allowed under this category.
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5) FLIGHT DETAILS to LAKSHADWEEP
Many websites talk about flight to Lakshadweep from Bangalore, Goa etc.. to Agatti island – which is the only island having air port in Lakshadweep. But now ONLY 1 FLIGHT operates to Lakshadweep and its from KOCHI. No flight available from any other cities other than Kochi.
Even though seating capacity of the only one flight is 72, only maximum 55 passengers are allowed to book the ticket. rest of the seats are kept for luggage and emergency purposes.
In short,
Number of Flight Available: Only 01. | Operator: Air India from Kochi to Agatti | 72 Seater Flight with 55 Seats for booking.
Flights to Lakshadweep are NOT available on Sundays.
Since only 01 flight is available with very limited seats, book your seats well in advance at least 30 days prior. Agatti is the only air strip available in Lakshadweep.
Kochi (COK): 10.05 am. | Flying time: 1 hr. 20 minutes. | Agatti (AGX): 11.25 am
Agatti (AGX): 11.55am. | Flying time: 1 hr. 15 minutes. | Kochi (COK): 1.30 pm
For best Flight Package to Lakshadweep: Click Here
6) Boat/ Ferry / High Speed Catamaran Service Inside LAKSHADWEEP for Tourists
Many people end in trouble without knowing the idea about boat service between islands especially from Agatti the only airport island to other islands where SPORTS resorts are situated. Agatti is connected with Boat service to Kadmat, Kavaratti, Bangaram and Thinnakara.
Full Details of Speed Boat Between Agatti and Other Islands
| Route | One Way Cost/ Person | Time Taken | Available on |
| Agatti- Kadmat | Rs. 4000 | 2.5 hours | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Agatti- Kavaratti | Rs. 4000 | 2.5 hours | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Agatti- Bangaram | Rs. 2000 | 30 minutes | All days |
| Agatti- Thinnakara | Rs. 2500 | 45 minutes | All days |
| Kadmat-Agatti | Rs. 4000 | 2.5 hours | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Kavaratti- Agatti | Rs. 4000 | 2.5 hours | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Bangaram- Agatti | Rs. 2000 | 30 minutes | All days |
| Thinnakara- Agatti | Rs. 2500 | 45 minutes | All days |
So book your number of nights stay at various islands and to and fro flight tickets considering the boat service connecting Agatti with other islands.
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7) Start planning your holiday at least 60 days prior to get the best option smoothly
8) SPORTS is a government authority. So expect a delay in all communication.
9) First finalize a package from the given options and check the availability with SPORTS or authorised agents. Then only book your flight or ship tickets.
10) Practically it’s very difficult to get ship tickets if not opting for Samudram or Swaying palm package. So advice is to book Air tickets for all other packages except mentioned in 3.a)
11) Booking through good private agents make your task easier and can even plan a holiday within 20 days if all relevant documents are available.
12) Private package mentioned in 3.d is comparatively cheap and easy to get ( only through private parties) if customer can submit Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) on time
13) No alcohol available at Lakshadweep except at Bangaram Island resorts. Carrying alcohol while travelling to Lakshadweep is a punishable offence.
14) Do not expect any Luxury at Lakshadweep islands. Cost of the package to Lakshadweep is generally high due to high material costs as all things except fish, coconut and coir are brought from main land. Even drinking water is purified with an extra cost.
15) Even after reaching an island, we cannot move freely to other islands when ever we thinks. Inter island transport facility is limited. Please make sure of a practically feasible itinerary by consulting with good travel agent or SPORTS authorities before taking the ship or Flight ticket.
16) For a normal passenger, its very difficult to get a normal passenger ship ticket as seats are limited. Also ticket is issued with entry permit only which are valid for next 15 days. Administration announces the ship schedules only before 15 days too. So for ship trips, highly advised to Samudram Package.
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