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Shopping Delights	City Name

Content

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		<title>Lakshadweep</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
			<url>http://www.travelguru.com/images/logo.gif</url>
			<width>145</width>
			<height>65</height>
			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
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<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
		
			<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
 	<tr>
 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/lakshadweep-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Lakshadweep" align="right" />This definitely is God's best secret. 36 coral islands that stretch their wings in the sea surpass all heights of your imagination. Lakshadweep is what it has been. Time and years have almost failed to take its true charm away - in the islands and in the villages that abound in people who, in places, still practice coir-making by hand. Lakshadweep might have been formed on their own, and the wind and rains must have rendered it the beauty as we see now. Religion here is almost entirely Islam-dominated and all Muslims and sailors definitely pay obeisance to the Mohiyudeen Mosque. Lakshadweep is as mysterious as its sea and each day unfolds a new chapter. Its islands abound with beautiful and colourful corals, deep-green grasses that render it a golden hue, a striking marine life and wonderful sessions of snorkeling, diving and swimming for adventure-enthusiasts. Life is simple here, beautiful too. It's as if the islands were meant to be alone, isolated and pristine - as the menfolk caught tuna and appal (octopus) and women play the curious game of Kuyppter. Go on, dive and discover...
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<item>
	<title>Fast Facts</title>
	<link></link>
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		<![CDATA[
			
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
 <tr>
 <td width="22%" valign="top" class="climate-head">Climate</td>
 <td width="78%"class="body-text"><table class="body-text" width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 <tr>
 <td width="12%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="74%" valign="middle">Summer 
 March-late June, Tropical & breezy Temperatures - 22.0°C-35.0°C.</td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td class="body-text" valign="middle">Monsoons 
 June-September, Heavy rainfall Annual Rainfall - 1640 cm</td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td class="body-text" valign="middle">Winter 
 October-March, Cool & pleasant Temperatures - 20.0°C-32.0°C</td>
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 <td width="26%" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td width="74%" class="body-text"> Malayalam, Mahl & English</td>
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 <td class="climate-head" valign=top>Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td class="body-text"> October-March is the best time, Agatti and Bangaram can be visited all year through.</td>
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 <td class="climate-head" valign=top>Clothing:</td>
 <td class="body-text"> Tropical clothes throughout the year will suffice; a waterproof coat during the monsoon will be useful.
</td>
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 <td class="climate-head" valign=top>Moving Around: </td>
 <td class="body-text"> While the islands are covered on foot, speedboats and helicopters are available to transfer you in between islands. </td>
 </tr>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Tourist Offices:</td>
 <td class="body-text"> Lakshadweep Tourism Huts 
Kavaratti 
Tel: 04869-263001</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Note:</td>
 <td class="body-text"> - Only a maximum number of tourists can visit Lakshadweep Islands at a time, so ensure that you book well in advance 
	- All visitors to Lakshadweep need entry permits, which can be obtained from the Lakshadweep Tourist Office is Cochin 
	- Foreign travelers can only visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands 
	- Indian travelers can visit Agatti, Kadmat, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kavaratti & Minicoy Islands 
	- Consumption of alcohol on all islands except Bangaram is prohibited 
	- Do not pick coral - it is a punishable offence 
	- Nudity is banned 
	- Don't pluck coconuts - trees are privately owned and unauthorized plucking of coconuts equals theft 
	
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<item>
	<title>What to See</title>
	<link></link>
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/lakshadweep-what-to-see.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Lakshadweep" align="right" />Agatti Island: This 7 km long beach island shimmers like a jewel. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands complete with white sands, blue waters, multi-hued fishes, brilliant corals and coconut and palm groves. Fishermen huts line one side of the beach and a mosque and museum let you explore its history and culture. The 2-storey Golden Jubilee Museum houses a traditional sailboat, old jars, utensils, busts of Buddha and wooden chests recovered during ship-wrecks. Also watch the two gold coins believed to date to 1560. Take out time to also visit the Mohiyudeen Mosque, which is surrounded by palm groves and old tombstones. The mosque lacks the typical Islamic minarets and is indeed simple. Watch the Arabic letters that beautify its front cornice. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and its waters abound in fishes, live coral, starfishes, turtles, manta rays and sea anemones. Discover all these and more in a thrilling session of snorkelling and glass-bottomed boat ride. Though it might appear challenging, the lagoon is quite shallow, so go ahead! 
		Open from: Museum - 10.00 am-5.00 pm

Bangaram Island: This is one of the uninhabited islands and the only faces you're likely to find here are those of the hotel and of eager tourists looking for a thrilling session of discovering the sea. The island is as quiet as it gets, which does seem unbelievable, since this is the only island that permits alcohol! Bangaram attracts deep-sea divers from all over and this is your best chance to discover a whole world of sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, eels, squirrel fish, parrot fish and groupers. You can obtain diving tips and certificates from the resort. Try your hand at some angling and snorkel in the relatively shallow lagoons. You'd find creatures like angelfish, butterfly fish, clown fish and surgeonfish. Also, if possible, explore the shipwreck that took place off Bangaram - some elements of the destroyed ship would still be visible. For those who would rather not snorkel, there are glass-bottom boats to help you see the spectacular world.

Kadmat Island: This stunning island is one of the most uninhabited islands and was relatively unexplored, till recently. Once used as a fishing spot during the monsoon, this island is best for spending a lazy outing swimming. The beach abounds in coral and the waters are a pristine blue surrounded almost totally by the deep-green sea grass. Occasionally you might come across a beautiful red coral and hermit crabs, so called because they are so shy that they almost never leave their shells! For adventure enthusiasts, enroll yourself in the Prahlad Kakkar's Lacadives Dive School, which offers packaged diving holidays complete with stay, equipments and dives. Also take out time to visit the Coconut Desiccating Plant, where you can watch the production of dry coconut powder, and the Coir Factory, where machine-made and hand-made coir are produced.

Kalpeni Island: Kalpeni must have once been one of the most beautiful islands, though today it lies rather forlorn. Made of three small isles, it was once a center for collecting turtle shells and today fisherman lay their nets to collect an all-time delicacy - octopus! Occasional bits of coral, fishes and turtles line the lagoons and deep-green sea grass abounds here. The sea is quite rich here and occasional catches of seer, skates and Bombay ducks are found. It is not advisable to go snorkeling here, since the corals beneath are often pointed and jutting. Alternately, take a kayak and explore the sea. If the tide is low, venture out to the Cheriyam Island, accessible by a walk over the coral debris. This island is favourite with fishermen looking for seer, tuna and octopus. Though avoidable, you might visit the Moinuddeen Mosque, whose Mangalore-tile covered roof is worth watching. You can also spend your time checking out the local handicraft shop, from where purchases of miniature boats and Lakshadweep Tourism t-shirts can be bought.

<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/lakshadweep-what-to-see-1.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Lakshadweep" align="right" />Kavaratti Island: This is one of the busiest islands here, since this is the administrative centre of Lakshadweep. The beach here is definitely not the cleanest though the lagoons abound in starfishes, anemones, sea cucumbers and other fishes. This island is one of the best places to try your skills at diving. If you're a first-timer, enroll yourself at the Dolphin Dive Centre, which offers quite a few interesting diving classes and sessions. Important visit in this island is the Ujra Mosque, which is a beautiful white structure and houses the tomb of Sheikh Kasim, who introduced the festival of Ratheeb. The mosque lacks minarets and its pillars and ceilings are intricately carved. Watch the ceiling of the mosque verandah, which is said to have been built out of a single driftwood. The Aquarium-cum-Museum in the Island houses a shark, anemones and octopuses and on display are the shells, which were used as money and specimens of coral. Inaccessible to public are the Suheli Par and Pitty Bird Sanctuary, whose waters abound in fish and crowies. 
Open from: Ujra Mosque - 10.00 am-6.00 pm 
Aquarium-cum-Museum - 10.00 am-5.00 pm, Entry fee - Rs 5
Minicoy Island: This is one of the most active and interesting islands divided into tiny and perfect villages. One of the busiest islands, it is credited to be the only island which has a set of mangroves. The lagoon is its almost secluded beach is perfect to snorkel in and the lake houses water crabs, turtles and tiny fishes. The Maliku (Minicoy) houses are brightly coloured and each village is manned by a unanimously chosen headman. Note that each village has a separate mosque. Since fishing is the most important industry here, a highlight of this island is the presence of several bobbing chests on the lagoons that are used for storage of fish.

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<item>
	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/lakshadweep-food.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Lakshadweep" align="right" />
	A whole range of the freshest seafood is what you'll get here, mixed with a generous helping of coconut. The food ranges from spicy non-veg to healthy veg and most often a certain Kerala-element is obvious here. Among all islands here, only Bangaram allows alcohol. The Bangaram Island Resort has an a la carte menu and the cuisine is mainly Keralite. Tuna fish is mostly available here so you can have it grilled, baked or fried. Maliku Resort offers a fair share of seafood including squid and octopus, but advance notice is required. Try the rayereha (red tuna curry), sannath (white coconut-based tuna), rice rotis and Malabar parotta. For sweet-tooth lovers, do ask the chef to prepare kadalakka (sugar coated sweets made of ground rice and pulses). Agatti Island Beach Resort at Agatti also offers a variety of tuna preparations, sambar, rice and avial. The Lakshadweep Tourism Resort at Kadmat served buffet meals, which are essential Kerala in nature. While sambar, rice and avial is easily available, curried and fried tuna fish, idli, puri and potato curry is popularly served too. Kavaratti Island serves Malabar-style food, so Malabar chicken and parotta is especially common. And while there's no alcohol, there always is the fresh coconut water available here in plenty.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Shopping Delights</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
	
	
	<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 		
 			<tr>
 		<td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/lakshadweep-shopping.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Lakshadweep" align="right" />The islands offer limited, but attractive shopping options. A range of handicrafts made of seashells and oyster-shells are available at the tiny roadside stalls. Other crafts include those made of coconut shells and tortoise shells. The chunky jewelry that these colorful people use can also be bought and carried home. Among all islands, one of the prime to pick up stuff from is Minicoy. It offers craft wood painted in several colours. An unusual buy would be the bridal trousseau, which essentially is a straw-woven floral decorated betel pouch, a silver ornament or chain, a casket for storing chuna and an areca-nut cracker. These quaint art-works are available at Hussian Dommuthege and Hassan Dombadge.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Festive Celebrations</title>
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Since Lakshadweep is inhabited largely by Muslims most festivals celebrated here are Islamic in nature. Popularly known as the fast-breaking festival, Id-Ul-Fitr is observed as soon as the new moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan or month of fasting. This day is marked by preparation of special food and delicacies and distributed to neighbours and friends. Bakri-Id is a festival of sacrifice of goats. Observed to pay homage to Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son for God's sake, on this auspicious day special prayers are recited by thousands of Muslims for peace and prosperity. Milad-Ul-Nabi celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and is marked by religious services and preparation of delicious food and delicacies for the day. Though not really abt joy and festivity, Muharram is the mourning of the Karbala tragedy when the grandson of Prophet Muhammad was martyred. To observe this day of mourning, luxuriously decorated taziyas, which are the replicas of the martyr's tomb are carried through city streets. People beat their chests and lament over the murder of Imam Husain. Celebrated mostly by the inhabitants of the islands, Moulood Festival is observed to obtain divine blessings. Earlier, the festivities used to be marked by the Dandi Dance performed by locals in a group before the village house. Ratheeb is another uncommon festival celebrated here. During this, locals visit the tomb of Sheikh Kasim to pray for his blessings. </td>
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<item>
	<title>Staying There</title>
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Almost every island has one resort like accommodation options, which are eco-friendly and have hut-like rooms. <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000234&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Agatti+Island+Beach+Resort&hotelClass=0&address1=Agatti&address2=&city=Lakshadweep&state=Andaman+and+Nicobar&pinCode=682553&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Agatti Island Beach Resort</a> is breathtaking spectacle of sparkling coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery beaches and lush green coconut palms. The resort is located in the most serene spot of the Island. The Resort offers some of the best swimming beaches in the world. The lagoon is huge, shallow, leaving a lot of space for a good swim. </td>
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<item>
	<title>Getting There</title>
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 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="climate-head">Air:</td>
 <td width="5%" valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-air.gif" alt="Air" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="75%" valign="top" class="body-text">The Union Territory has an airport in Agatti, which is regularly connected by flights from Kochi. From Agatti, you can book a helicopter service to reach Kavaratti round the year and Bangaram Island in the monsoons.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Sea: </td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icon-ship.gif" alt="Ship" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="top" class="body-text">Ship cruises are available as packages designed for the tourists. A number of passenger ships operate from Kochi to Lakshwadeep. The ships offer a range of accommodation and modern amenities. However, during the monsoons, the ship services remain closed.</td>
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