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When we look at the map, Lakshadweep Islands are like the Arabian Sea adorned with emerald-studded jewels and Minicoy is like the last pearl in that jewels being the last island in the south western part of India। It can be a wonderful holiday destination for the people who love Ecotourism. Minicoy means "Majestic" in the regional dialect. It is one among the world's most spectacular tropical island system. From Cochin Minicoy is at a distance of 398 km & the only way to reach this Island is via ship. It is about 10.6 km long and also the second largest island of Lakshadweep first being Androth. It is the southernmost Island in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped and has one of the largest lagoons. Another semi Tidal Isle that can be seen on the south of Minicoy is Viringili. This island is also a must see destination for the Tourist.
To know more about the culture of Minicoy, I started interacting with the people from the village। The culture of Minicoy is highly influenced by Maldivian culture as Minicoy is very close to Maldives. Mahl is the local language unlike other islands where Malayalam is used. A visit to the traditional house at Minicoy offers deep insights into a distant, yet vibrant culture. Their dressing is also highly influenced by Maldivian culture. There are total of 10 Villages in Minicoy and this village system is known as Avah. Each Avah is a cluster of houses which is headed by an elected elderly man called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Most of them are working as seamen in Near coastal vessels and Foreign going Vessels. Few of them are also working in the Tuna canning factory as Minicoy the main centre for Tuna fishing.
The Unique feature of this island is its rich coral reef। With the help of Mr. Ummer Farook (Manager SPORTS Minicoy) we got a chance to try scuba diving along with the PADI qualified diving instructor. Before the diving we had the briefing session and also we signed the medical questionnaire. During the briefing session before the dive we were made familiar with the aquatic habitat and threat. Qualified divers can also try out deep sea diving. The scuba diving program starts with the event called as Discover Scuba. It is not necessary to be a good swimmer to undergo this program; any person medically fit can enjoy the beauty of the coral paradise. Under water view of Minicoy is as good as a kaleidoscopic view and is breathtaking. For tourist Diving and Snorkeling is just irresistible. One can also enjoy the beauty of crystal clear water and abundant aquatic life through shallow water snorkeling. On the same day we could also enjoy the thrill of adventurous water sports like rowing, beach walking, swimming and kayak. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms. After all that one can never miss the marvelous sunset and sun rise in Arabian as we could see them right from the horizon. Near the tourist resort where we stayed the night view is spectacular with the periodic zooming ray of the light house, which is a prominent land mark for the sailing ships near the island. This light house was constructed in 1885 for safe navigation of the ships. The long leisurely walk through the coconut groves and the village in the evening forced me to think once - should I get back to the same old city life? Well I don't have any choice, but to convince myself I promised to get back to the same place to walk through the groves again. Total of 3 tourist cottage and 20 bedded tourist home with A/c are located in a serene uninhabited part of Minicoy offering you the utmost privacy and comforts. At the resort though they serve variety of delicacies but I preferred to stay with the traditional menu so that I can get the real taste of Minicoy and to my surprise it was delicious than any other cuisine. Coastal Indian cuisine and ethnic varieties are also offered.
On the last day of my trip I also got a chance for a coffee talk with the Tourism officer of Minicoy Mr। Mohammed Mudin. He also told me that very soon "lagoon villas" will be introduced which will be a push forward for the tourism in Lakshadweep. The concept of "Lagoon villas" is promoted by the Administrator of Lakshadweep & Chairman of SPORTS Mr. B Selvaraj IAS after his recent visit to Maldives. To reach Lakshadweep all visitors are required to obtain an entry permit. However for a bona fide tourist, SPORTS (Society For Promotion Of Nature Tourism And Sports) will take care of all such formalities. Visiting these Islands are different unlike visiting other parts of India, as they have lots of DO'S and DON'TS. Once you book for the trip SPORTS will update you with all the information. To sum up everything, for me it was a vacation to Paradise.
For more detail to schedule a trip, can get in touch with
Pravesh Ranjan Jha
Director Of Tourism Development
U.T of Lakshadweep
Kavaratti - +91-9446686266
SPORTS
Lakshadweep Tourism,
Kavaratti – 682 555
Lakshadweep India
Ph - +91-4896-263001, 263002, 262105, Fax: ++91-4896-262356
SPORTS
Lakshadweep Office,
Indira Gandhi Road,
Willingdon Island,
Cochin – 682 003
Ph - ++91-484-2668387, 2666789, Fax: ++91-484-668647
E-mail – laksports@vsnl.net
SPORTS
Curzon Road Hostel,
Kasturba Gandhi Road,
New Delhi – 110001
India
Ph: ++91-11-23386807 Fax: ++91-11-23782246
