Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent scuba diving expedition in Lakshadweep has brought attention to this hidden gem. This high-profile visit could be a catalyst for positive change, urging the government to simplify permit processes, enhance air and sea connectivity, and invest in sustainable tourism infrastructure. Let have a look why Lakshadweep is out of radar of most of the indian tourists.
1/10 of Indian visits Lakshadweep than Sri Lanka
Despite its allure, Lakshadweep remains underexplored by Indian tourists, in stark contrast to popular Southeast Asian destinations like Sri Lanka and Thailand. In 2022, only 22,800 Indians visited Lakshadweep. However, Sri Lankan has got 2,58,871 till November 2023, which amounts to 20 % of total foreign tourists visit in the country.
While Thailand has received more than 16.65 lakh Indian Tourists in the year 2023. India tourists are 4th largest contributor in number of tourists in the country.
The Cost Factor- Foreign Travel is relatively Cheaper
So what keeps Indian tourists from embracing this island paradise? Primarily Cost plays a significant role. A 4-night Lakshadweep package starts Rs. 28,000. There is no direct flight to form most of the Indian Metros. One has to take a regular flight to Kochi Airport and then another one to Agatti Island thorough smaller airlines (ATR-70). It weigh heavily on time and experience of tourist. Lowest possible cost for Lakshadweep tours comes to Rs 54000.
If someone wants to travel through sea route then, one has to board to Kochi from on M V Kavaratti. Four Night Cruise travel sails through islands of Kavratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy from Kochi. The sea trip costs around Rs 53,000, excluding the Airfares to Kochi Airport.
IndiaInFact team Googled through some Tour portals to find lowest possible cost of Phuket (Thailand) and Sri Lanka.
Five night Phuket tour cost Rs 18000, while Air travel to will cost around Rs 34000. Total cost will be around 52000. Similarly a five night tour(Rs 32000) to Sri Lanka is available in Rs 56000 including airfares.
So one can see the vacation aboard means a lot as status symbol and availing it the same cost of an Indian destination has been a easy choice.
What are Entry Barriers for Lakshadweep
Thailand and Sri Lanka has allowed visa free entry for tourists till May 30,24. The recent surge in Indian tourists to these destination is also a factor.
While in Lakshadweep there is inner line permit system. Indians travelers needs permit issued by Lakshadweep Administration, based in Kochi. For the permit visitor has to download a clearance certificate and get it cleared from your local police station (attach identification documents and three passport-size photos).
Once you got the clearance certificate, you can now download the entry permit or get it in person from the Lakshadweep Administration office, located in Willingdon Island, Kochi.
Once tourists reach Lakshadweep they have to submit this entry permit to the station house officer in Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep – Tourist Destination
Lakshadweep has cluster of 36 emerald islands, situated in the Arabian Sea near Kerala. It is a sanctuary of untouched beauty, featuring pristine coral reefs and turquoise waters. Out of 36 islands, 10 are inhabited. Most popular destinations are Minicoy Island, Kalpeni Islands, Kadmat Islands, Bangaram Island, and Thinnakara Island.
How to reach Lakshadweep?
Tourist can reach Lakshadweep only via Kochi. There are flights and ships to Lakshadweep from Kochi, Kerala. Air India operates flights to Lakshadweep six days a week.