Table of Contents
The Union Territory
Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a stunning archipelago located in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. It consists of 36 islands, scattered like emerald gems amidst clear blue waters. Out of these, only 10 islands are inhabited, with Kavaratti serving as the administrative capital.
The islands are known for their pristine white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life, making them a haven for tourists and nature enthusiasts. Each island has its own unique charm, from the serene beaches of Agatti to the traditional charm of Minicoy with its rich Maldivian culture.
Lakshadweep is home to various species of flora and fauna, including several endemic species. The local population engages in fishing, coconut cultivation, and tourism-related activities for their livelihood.
Important Points about Lakshadweep
- Lakshadweep is an archipelago* of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea.
- Lakshadweep comprises of 12 atolls, 3 reefs, 6 submerged banks, and 10 inhabited islands.
- It covers an area of 32 sq km.
- It is a uni-district Union Territory.
- The nearest island to the mainland is 220 km away from Kochi in Kerala.
- Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular folk art forms.
- The entire indigenous population has been classified as Scheduled Tribes because of their economic and social backwardness. There are no Scheduled Castes in this Union Territory.
| population (2011) | 64 Thousands |
| Sex ratio (2011 Census) | 946 |
| Population Density (2011 Census) | 2013 |
| Total Lagoon Area | 4200 km2 |
| Fauna | Hermit crab, Parrot fish, Butterfly fish, Surgeon fish |
List of Islands of Lakshadweep
| Main Islands | |
|---|---|
| Agatti | It covers an area of 3.84 sq km maximum length – 6 km |
| Amini | |
| Andrott | the nearest island to the mainland east-west orientation unlike other islands lying in the north-south orientation Tomb of Saint Ubaidullah |
| Bangaram | It is uninhabited, famous for tourism Fauna: porcupines, parrots, pufferfishes, hermit crabs |
| Thinnakara | famous for tourism |
| Chetlat | It is the northern most inhabited island. |
| Kadmat | Kadmat is 8 km long and only 550 meters wide at its broadest point. The island has become one of India’s most beautiful dive centers. |
| Kalpeni | |
| Kavaratti | Kavaratti is the capital and administrative headquarters of the Lakshadweep. |
| Kiltan | |
| Pitti | A bird sanctuary |
| Minicoy | The second largest and the southern-most island of Lakshadweep This island lies near the 9-degree Channel It is about 130 km from the northern-most island of Maldives Mahal people are a linguistic minority native to Minicoy Island. They speak Mahl language which is written in Divehi script. LAVA is the most popular dance form of Minicoy. |
| Bitra | Island with smallest number of population (271 persons – Census 2011) |