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Air is the fastest ways to reach Lakshadweep, there are no direct flights to the islands. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which receives flights from several cities in India and even abroad. Lakshadweep has just one airport which is in Agatti island. From Cochin, there are Air India flights that reach Agatti in one and a half hours and these operate six days a week. From Agatti, if you want to travel to Kavaratti island, there are helicopter services which run throughout the year. During monsoon, it’s possible to go to Bangaram from Agatti. If you want to visit Lakshadweep islands, you also need to take a tourism permit from Kochi.
This is the most common way to reach Lakshadweep as it is an island and water accessibility is excellent. There are seven passenger ships that take people to Lakshadweep. They are MV Arabian Sea, MV Dweep Setu, MV Kavaratti, MV Bharat Seema, MV Minicoy, MV Lakshadweep Sea and MV Amindivi Sea. The journey on these ships can be quite interesting and fun. There are different classes of accommodation here with a/c Deluxe Class, a/c First Class and Tourist Class.
The ships offer all forms of entertainment such as cafeteria, entertainment lounge, snack bars, walkway etc. Other amenities such as health services and doctors are also available on board. However, it’s best to take this journey if you are not in any big hurry to reach Lakshadweep. This journey takes anywhere between 14 to 20 hours.
For those who like the idea of cruises, there are some which come from Mumbai, Chennai, Vishakapatanam and Cochin.
As Lakshadweep is a group of islands, it’s not possible to travel from one to another by road. The only option is by boats and ferries or helicopter services. These are often used to travel from one island to another. On the islands itself, there’s not much by way of transportation although you can hire cycles or simply walk around and see. Also, the road connectivity on the islands is non-existent and hence there are no cabs or taxis available for transport.
Below table providing information on the best way to reach Lakshadweep, along with approximate travel time and distance:
| Best Way to Reach Lakshadweep | Approx. Time | Approx. Distance |
| By Air: | ||
| Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport (COK) | 1.5 - 2 hours (Flight) | 496 km |
| Connecting Flights: Available from major Indian cities to Agatti Airport (AGX) | ||
| By Sea: | ||
| Nearest Port: Kochi Port (also known as Cochin Port) | 14-20 hours (Ship) | 400-500 km |
The islands that you can visit here include Agatti Island which is the only island with an airstrip and thus considered to be the gateway to Lakshadweep. It is just 6km long and has some beautiful beaches which are great for swimming and scuba diving.
Kavaratti Island is the administrative capital of Lakshadweep and the most developed island. The other islands that you can visit include Kalpeni, Bangaram and Kadmat which are excellent tourist destinations.
Once you are here, there are sea and lagoon tours which you can enrol in to enjoy scuba diving and various other water sports for which Lakshadweep is quite famous.
Lakshadweep Tourism is absolutely amazing and there are many places to visit in Lakshadweep too. There are some amazing Lakshadweep Tour Packages available and check out the best time to visit in Lakshadweep.
What is the primary mode of transportation to reach Lakshadweep?
The most common mode of transportation to reach Lakshadweep is by air. Visitors typically take flights from major cities in India to Agatti, which is the only airport in Lakshadweep open to tourists.
Are there any permits required to visit Lakshadweep?
Yes, permits are required for non-residents to visit and stay in Lakshadweep. These permits are issued by the Lakshadweep Administration and are mandatory for tourists. Alternatively, visitors can also apply for the permit online through the official website of the Lakshadweep Administration.
Is there public transportation available within Lakshadweep islands?
Yes, once in Lakshadweep, you can use public transportation options like taxis and auto-rickshaws to move around on the islands. However, the availability may vary depending on the specific island you are on.
