THE ISLANDS OF LAKSHADWEEP- A place where the moon, the stars and the tide tell the time
‘We returned from our trip yesterday. It was a memorable trip. I am indeed thankful to you and all those who helped us reach Bangaram Island. The place was something out of the ordinary. Something that we expected and yet what we saw surpassed our expectation. The time we spent was a bit too less considering the journey we made. But I'm sure we will do it again. Had it not been for the Wanderers, I would probably have spent a lot of money in Singapore or some other such place, and not have enjoyed even half of what I (and my family) did at Bangaram. Che just can't get over the flight in the Dornier aircraft and the helicopter ride was simply great. Mahrukh has collected hundreds of seashells, which she plans to use to decorate our home. I cherished every moment (of the trip)"- Mayank Bhatt, Sr. Commercial Specialist, United States Commercial Service, Mumbai.
LAKSHADWEEP, the "one hundred thousand islands", lies between 200 and 400 km offshore, in the deep blue of the Arabian Sea. Belief has it that shipwrecked sailors discovered the islands during the reign of Cheraman Perumal, the legendary King of Kerala, around 345 AD. The smallest Union territory in India consists of lagoons, reefs, sand banks and 36 tiny coral islands. Only ten are inhabited, with a total population of just over 50,000. The main sources of income are fishing, coconuts and related products.
The Portuguese controlled Lakshadweep till the end of eighteenth century after which the British moved in and remained until Independence, when Lakshadweep became a Union Territory. Bangaram is the only island with a luxury resort. This jewel shaped uninhabited islet welcomes a limited number of tourists as it has accommodation only for 30 couples. Bangaram is a lovely tropical paradise, edged with pristine white sands and sitting in a calm lagoon. Beyond the lagoon lies coral reef and a techni-colour world of the ocean, home to sea turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, lionfish, parrotfish, octopus and predators like barracudas and sharks.
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Africa
