Welcome to one of the world’s largest democracies of the world. Enriched with religious, cultural, social and political diversity, this place is simply a “tourist puller”. These coupled with ministry of tourism and culture’s initiative for promoting tourism in the country have helped India to attain the status of “a good and must visit tourist destination”. After the end of the colonial rule, this country has carved a niche for itself in the rest of the world. The country has a coastline of an approximate distance of 8000 kilometers surrounded by the Bay of Bengal form the south eastern side and the ever beautiful Arabian Sea from the south western side. Apart from that the country has islands in both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea namely Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshwadeep Islands respectively. The union territory of India, Lakshadweep, is an archipelago consisting altogether of twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks comprising of 10 inhabited islands 17 uninhabited islands, attached islets and 5 submerged reefs. The place is yet untouched by commercialism, and consequently one can enjoy the proximity which this place provides with Mother Nature. The activities that one can enjoy here includes snorkeling, scuba diving and island camping. As obvious, the most thrilling of them is the activity of scuba diving. Apart from this, Lakshadweep is embraced by a lagoon that stretches across its western shores and sweeps over the northern tip to the east. This natural formation offers the tourists to dive in the blood warm waters. Sparkling coral reefs unwound around turquoise blue lagoons, with calm waters and main attractions of the place.
This activity of scuba diving is practiced mostly in Bangaram, which is tear shaped island being the only licensed diving school present in India. The trainee divers can learn here the basics of scuba diving and be certified as scuba divers. Another scuba diving center is located at the island of Kadmat. Private scuba divers are also available for the same purpose providing necessary training and equipment.
Scuba diving presents itself as an amazing and thrilling experience in these islands. The crystal clear water, clean sand on the seabed, colorful coral and the vibrant tropical fish makes the underwater journey a magical one. The multicolored hues and the varied shapes of the coral formations along with the playful schools of the fish are simply a treat for the eyes. Another important feature of these islands is that they are untarnished and untouched by the human activity, occurring in there natural state and surroundings. The underwater life of Lakswadeep islands is unique and comprises of rich and diverse collection of colorful and patterned sea animals. The most abundant of them all are the corals. Rich in variety and color, there are various types of corals ranging from tall sea fans to small hydroids, from languidly waving sea anemones to glassy jelly fish. Apart from this, there are various colorful varieties of fishes to enthrall the diver.
Scuba Diving at Lakswaddep Islands
The connectivity of these Islands with the outside world is ensured by the 18 seater aircraft which runs everyday from Cochin. Only few of these islands are allowed to be visited by the foreigners for instance Bngaram, Minicoy, Agatti and Kadamat. A government run, simple, unpretentious yet comfortable accommodation is provided to the visitors. The climate is tropical with the water temperatures ranging from 22 – 30 C (71- 86 F). The visibility is generally high, ranging up to 10- 20 meters or 32 to 64 feet. Generally the water is crystal clear, making it a near perfect place for this activity. The sight of the smashing waves creates foaming breakers on the coral reef and the crystal clear waters is one of the few marvels of god’s creations left untouched by the encroaching hands of industrialization and progress.
The best season to visit the Lakshwadeep islands is from November to March as the resorts are closed from 1st May till 30th September during the Monsoon season. Diving around Bangaram is generally within 20-30 meters (65 -98 feet) range of these resorts.
On an all this place with all its eco- diversity and beauty calls for a visit. Any one interested?