Formerly
Laccadive, renamed Lakshadweep in 1973,
the archipelago consist of 36 coral
islands in the Arabian Sea, about 185
miles (300 km) off the Kerala coast.
With a total land area of 12 square
miles (32 square km), the islands form
the smallest of the Union Territories of
India and the country's only coral
islands.
This charming isolated destination has
only 10 of its islands inhabited. They
are Minicoy, Andrott, Kavaratti, Kadmat,
Agatti, Amini, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Chetlat
and Bitra The spell bound expanse of
emerald isles, Lakshadweep, studded in
the blue water of the Arabian sea
unfolds another world in itself.
The panorama encompasses magnificent
lagoons, sylvan sea shores, miles of sun
drenched sand and the enchantment of
swaying palms, spectacular marine flora
and fauna, All these harmonise to form a
colourful kaleidoscope typical of an
archipelago paradise.Four of the
inhabited islands (Kavaratti, Kalpeni,
Minicoy and Kadmath) are open mostly to
Indian tourists and Bangaram, an
uninhabited island, is open to both
domestic and foreign tourists.
Water sports facilities like swimming,
Rafting, snorkeling, windsurfing,
parasailing, water skiing, catamaran
sailing, deep sea fishing and scuba
diving are available in the islands.
The
Maldives
The Maldives - a dream destination
famous for its beautiful white beaches
and breathtaking underwater scenery.
Consisting of 1190 islands spread across
the Indian Ocean and circled into 26
natural atolls boast rich cultural
traditions, a history of kings and
queens, pageants, feasts and festivals,
their own language and script.
The Maldive Islands, an archipelago in
the Indian Ocean, made up of 1200 small
coral Islands covers an area of 90,000
sq. km. The length of the country
extends to 820 km and width is 130 km.
It spreads across the equator from north
to south. Geographically it is divided
into 19 atolls but for administrative
purpose officially it is grouped into 20
atolls. Most of the islands are
uninhabited and people are living only
in 199 islands.
Total estimated population is 246
thousands. Geologically, the chain forms
part of Laccadive Chagos submarine
ridge, which extends into the Central
part of Indian Ocean from the south west
coast of India. India and Sri Lanka are
the countrys nearest neighbors.
The
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman & Nicobar, the Emerald
Islands, consisting of two island group
lies east of the mainland between the
Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Its
southernmost island is only 200 km (120
mi) from the northern tip of the
Indonesian island of Sumatra. The
archipelago of 572 emerald islands,
islets and rocks known as the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands.
The Andamans are separated from the
Nicobars to the south by the Ten Degree
Channel, which is 145 km (90mi) wide.
This Union Territory Of India is spread
over a distance nearly 800 Kms. from
North to South with 38 inhabited
islands.
A hill range extending from Burma
(Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating
islands are covered with dense forests
and an endless variety of exotic flora
& fauna. The untouched and pristine
marine life, corals, crystal clear
water, mangrove - forests and birds
offer a dream view of the rare gifts of
nature. The capital is Port Blair on
Andaman Islands.
Sri
Lanka
Sri Lanka, island of tropical beauty and
a thousand breathtaking views of the
lush foliage in the country side and the
verdant mountains full of tea gardens.
The multi-colored rice paddies. The laid
back village life. The never ending
stretches of coconut fringed beaches.
The exquisite underwater coral scapes,
cascading waterfalls, colorful festivals
and pageantry, magnificent ancient
cities, nearly half as old as time, and
the flowers in all their
glory...nature's bounty in such
abundance! Sri Lanka is one of most
spectacular surfing areas in the Indian
Ocean. Although it is not known for
surfing, you will see some of the most
perfect waves in the world.
Some of the most scenic beaches are
little known to tourism.Sri Lanka is a
feast for the eyes, full of friendly
people, and unusual religious shrines.
Elephants are frequently seen working in
the forests.There is fabulous scuba
diving in warm, clear waters around Sri
Lanka.
Sea shells are easy to find, and the
colorful marine life is abundant.If you
are looking for a terrific bargain on
gems like sapphires, ruby's, or a myriad
of other exotic stones Sri Lanka is the
best place in the world to find a great
deal.The romantic atmosphere of the Sri
Lanka makes it a favorite place for
honeymooners, weddings, and romantic
getaways. Its a lovers paradise!
Christmas
Island
Historically isolated, Captain William
Mynors of the East India Ship Company
vessel, the Royal Mary, named the island
when he arrived on Christmas Day, 25th
December, 1643.
Christmas Island has a rich and diverse
culture from her inhabitants who came to
settle here for its phosphate mining
industry. To have a glimpse of the
different South and South East Asian
festival, a visit to this Australian
administered Island would be ideal.
Christmas Island also has a well
developed Scuba Diving and Water Sports
Centers. The Islands are famed for its
warm clear water, untouched coral and
exotic marine life.
The
Cocos (Keeling Islands)
The Indian Ocean Island of Cocos
(keeling Island) an Island territory of
Australia is one of the last undeveloped
tropical islands in the world. Its fine
White sand beaches and exotic flora and
fauna have attracted tourists from all
over the world.
The Pulu Keeling National Park with its
Red footed Booby Bird has drawn animal
lovers to the Cocos. Water Sports and
Diving facilities is also a major
attraction for tourists here.
Chagos
Archipelago (Diego Garcia)
The
British Indian Ocean Territory lies to
the North East of Mauritius in the
central Indian Ocean. The islands, which
form the Chagos Archipelago, is now
administered by the Britian . The
southern most island - Diego Garcia is
known for its strategic importance since
it hosts a substantial Naval presence of
the United States. The Flora and fauna
of these Islands are on the verge of
being extinct as a result of the
construction and dredging activities.
Seychelles
Paradise on Earth is what they call the
Seychelles. Seychelles is an island
nation in the Indian Ocean off the east
coast of Africa. The principal island of
Mahe has a population of about 50,000.
The two other islands with significant
permanent populations are Praslin and La
Digue.
Facilities for tourism are generally
well developed. The Seychelles
archipelago of more than a hundred
islands stretches for hundreds of
miles.With no Cyclones and no dangerous
creatures to spoil your vacation - the
Seychelles are a true paradise!
Comoros
The Comoros Island has an exquisite
Arabian touch and mystique although its
location is several miles away from the
Middle East. The Comoros Islands was an
ancient landing point for the Arabian
Dhows with the load of spices from India
and Zanzibar. The islands boast of clear
sandy beaches and an eloquent history
that reminds of the Sultan and
Princesses of the Arabian Nights.
Mayotte
Mayotte, which lies close to the Comoros
Islands, is a French territory which has
been a famous tourist destination for
the French and has well developed Water
Sports, Scuba Diving and Beach Resorts
that would leave you enthralled.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a developing island nation
off the east coast of Africa Rich with
coral reefs and sandy beaches for a good
sunbath, Madagascar is a place worth
visiting Madagascar's forests are a
filled with exotic, rare flora and fauna
found nowhere else in the world. It's a
naturalist paradise on earth Cut off
from the African mainland for millions
of years, the accessible National parks
and the fascinating tribal cultures
would leave you spell bound.
Mauritius
Mauritius continues to fulfill every
visitor's dream of a tropical island,
from swaying palms to the dazzling blue
of the ocean, balmy nights and smiling
people. One of the loveliest gardens in
the world, the island inspires visions
of unspoilt natural beauty mellowing in
the sun between sea and sky. Its
racially diverse people is a part of the
natural set up, ever beaming with the
typical gentle tropical smile of
sensual, carefree and contented
happiness.
Mark Twain recorded his poetic delight
when he wrote "You gather that
Mauritius was made first, and then
heaven, and that heaven was copied after
Mauritius".The Mauritian Garden of
Eden is as much marine and 'sub-marine'
as it is terrestrial.
This jewel of the seas, set within the
beautiful Indian Ocean, is surrounded by
a precious filigree of coral, created
over thousands of years from the bodies
of tiny marine creatures.
Reunion
The French colony of Réunion, has
spectacular natural and scenic wonders.
Reunions spectacular mountain country is
a naturalist paradise! The rugged
mountains and gorges offer great
trekking adventures. If you like unusual
hiking, you'll really enjoy Réunion's
tropical lushness.
