India’s Remote Coral Haven Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep, an archipelago situated in the Arabian Sea approximately 490km west of Kochi, India, offers a breathtaking vista of azure hues as you approach its shores. The landscape transitions from light blue near the pristine white beaches, adorned with coconut trees, to turquoise waters further out, and finally to deep emerald blue in the vast expanse of the sea.
“It’s truly mesmerizing,” remarks Shradha Menon, a geologist from the Indian Institute of Technology, who has visited the islands multiple times in recent years to study carbon sedimentation. Despite being among just a handful of outsiders on the 36-seat plane journeying from Kochi to Lakshadweep, she finds herself captivated by the islands’ allure each time.
In recent months, Lakshadweep has garnered heightened interest among Indian travelers, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in January 2024. His picturesque images strolling along the pristine beaches and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, shared on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, have sparked a surge in curiosity. Modi’s endorsement of Lakshadweep’s beauty has resonated widely, prompting a significant uptick in Google searches for “Lakshadweep” and a surge in travel-related queries on platforms like MakeMyTrip.
Abdul Samad, one of the water sports instructors at Lakshadweep’s Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), notes a dramatic increase in tourist inquiries since Modi’s visit. Similarly, Cordelia Cruises, operating routes from Mumbai, Kochi, and Goa to Lakshadweep, has experienced a staggering surge in booking queries. Responding to the heightened interest, plans for new beach and water villas on islands like Suheli and Kadmat are already underway, indicating a burgeoning tourism industry in the region.
Despite the allure of Lakshadweep’s 36 islands, which include 12 atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks, concerns loom over the fragile environment’s ability to sustain increased tourism. Vardhan Patankar, conservation director of GVI, emphasizes the uniqueness of Lakshadweep’s atolls, which sit just above sea level and are protected by coral reefs formed from ancient volcanic activity.
However, like many islands worldwide, Lakshadweep faces the impacts of climate change, with coastal erosion and coral bleaching threatening its delicate ecosystem. Patankar warns of the archipelago’s potential submergence by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices to mitigate further damage.
To address these concerns, SPORTS plans to regulate tourist numbers through a permit system and encourages cruise ships and yachts to visit, thereby minimizing overnight stays and reducing waste generation. However, concerns persist regarding the potential damage to coral reefs from large ships and the environmental impact of new construction projects.
Despite these challenges, Lakshadweep offers travelers a range of low-impact activities to experience its natural wonders responsibly. Snorkeling and scuba diving in the atolls’ shallow waters reveal a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life, while night fishing expeditions provide a glimpse into traditional fishing practices. With its pristine beaches, clear skies, and abundant marine biodiversity, Lakshadweep remains a haven for travelers seeking serenity amidst nature’s splendor.
