Agatti and Lakshadweep

Photos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.

Best time to go

Sights and activities

Getting there

By bus

No road access. Passenger ships such as MV Kavaratti and MV Arabian Sea sail from Willingdon Island, Kochi, taking about 14 to 20 hours; tickets are sold on the Lakport website.

By train

There is no rail link to the islands. The nearest major railway stations are in Kochi on the mainland.

By air

Agatti Airport (AGX) is the only airport in Lakshadweep, about 2 km from the island centre. Alliance Air flies from Kochi in about 1.5 hours; seats are few and baggage is limited to about 10 kg.

Where to base yourself

Stay on Agatti near the airport and lagoon, or move on to a resort on Bangaram for part of the trip.

Getting around

• On Agatti itself transport is limited; most people walk or hire a cycle.
• Government ferries between the main islands cost about Rs 100 to 500.
• Hired speed boats for day trips cost more than Rs 2,000, and resort speedboat transfers to Bangaram, Kadmat or Kavaratti are quoted at about Rs 6,000 to 12,000 per person one way.
• Helicopter transfers from Agatti to Kavaratti run in the monsoon, subject to availability.

Often combined with

Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.

• Kochi: Flight, about 1.5 hours, or ship.

Where to stay

Food

Food is close to Kerala cooking, with fish at most lunches and dinners. Most travellers eat at their resort or homestay, which often include meals; a few seafood restaurants are listed on Agatti.

Try these

• Fresh fish and seafood (the island's main catch)
• Coconut curries (fish or vegetables cooked in coconut)
• Rice with sambar (lentil and vegetable stew)
• Dosa and idli (Kerala-style breakfast)
• Avial (mixed vegetables in coconut)

Vegetarian dishes are available at resorts.

Daily costs

Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.

Paid once for the visit

Permits and documents

An entry permit is mandatory for all Indian and foreign visitors. Apply on the Lakshadweep e-permit portal at least 14 days ahead; since April 2026 tourists no longer need a sponsor or police clearance certificate. Fees reported are Rs 50 per family plus a Rs 200 heritage fee per visitor, and a green tax is now mentioned. Foreigners need a tourist visa and some islands are closed to them.

Safety

By day

Generally calm. The main risks are sun and strong currents in the water, so follow local water-safety advice.

At night

Quiet island with little night activity; stay near your lodging after dark.

Solo women

Not specifically covered by sources; the island is small and conservative, so dress modestly away from the beach.

Roads

Few vehicles; most movement is on foot, by cycle or by boat. Boat trips depend on weather.

Emergency numbers

112 (all emergencies)

Practical

Mobile network

BSNL is reported as the only reliable network across the islands; resort Wi-Fi is slow.

ATMs and cash

ATMs are few, mainly on Agatti and Kavaratti. Carry enough cash.

Fuel

Fuel matters little for visitors as there is no need to drive.

Medical

The nearest hospital listed is Rajiv Gandhi Speciality Hospital, about 2 km from the centre. In an emergency dial 112, or 108 for an ambulance in most states. Carry your own medicines and a first aid kit.

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Accessibility

Seniors

Fine for fit seniors, but expect small aircraft, boat transfers and sandy paths.

Children

Shallow lagoons suit children; scuba diving needs a minimum age of 14.

Wheelchair users

Difficult. Boat transfers and sand make access hard. Check with your resort before booking.

Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.

Culture and responsible travel

• Do not touch or break coral; reef protection law carries penalties.
• Carry all waste back with you and do not litter beaches.
• Alcohol is served only at Bangaram; the other islands are dry and bringing alcohol in is an offence.
• Malayalam is widely spoken and English is understood in tourist areas.
• Respect local customs on this conservative island.

What to pack

• Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
• Printed copies of your permit, with a few passport-size photos
• Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and sandals
• Some cash in small notes for autos, stalls and tips
• Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts