I had a fantastic trip to lakshdweep island around 22nd oct 2010.

I Stay in
Mumbai and had absolutely nobody to guide me on how to do booking and
arrangements. and this review is for the the people like me who wants to go
there but don't know how to do the booking and how is the tour arrenged.

I had 2 options lakshadweep or andaman, as both the places are fantastic and of
same group. going to andaman, the travel from chennai to andaman it bit
costly(9k two way) so for people like me who wants complete return of their
money lakshadweep is best option. it's being coral reef island there is no sand to
pollute sea water so water is very very transparent best for scuba diving.

Day 1: As we were supposed to report at 11 am at SPORT, Willington Island at 11

am. I catch a boat for the same from cochin Jetty(ticket 2/- RS J) they arranged
vehicle to scanning the language(0.5 km away) and ship Arebian Sea(0.25km)
from their office. Landed in ship at 12 pm. After an hour tour manager yassin
took us for the lunch. At 3.15 Ship departed from the jetty and within an hour we
were far way from the coast where we started seeing clean water.

Day 2: We(ship) reached to Kavaratti island at 7 am but after breakfast another

small boat took us to the island. While moving we were amazed to see such a
clean water. On reaching first island w were welcomed with coconut water and
list of days activity was displayed. First was Glass-bottom ship tour. Which was
very exciting and all of us could see live corals, fishes and sea huge tortoise very
clearly. It was around an hour drive and was complete satisfactory. On return we
were given free time to enjoy in sea, kayaks were provided at shore but number
was insufficient as some of us had to wait until we get the chance. A room was
provided to take a bath and change. Lunch on the shore was OK. After some rest
a local kids Dance was arranged. At around 5.00 pm we left for the main ship.
And headed for island kinicoy.

Day 3: At 7 am we reached to minicoy after breakfast at 9.30 am we reached on

minicoy. Boat journey here was for 45 minutes. I enjoyed a lot on this island.
From jetty a mini bus took us to our resort. Where also we were welcomed by
coconut water, and immediately we were taken to another small island(very
nearby) for snorkeling. Time spend there was most wonderful in this whole trip.
Live corals and many colorful fishes were just beside us. We all wanted to spend
more time here but it was not allowed. We were taken to some other place for
lunch. From there a village visit was arranged by another tour manager from
minicoy(she was a nice person too). By 5.30 pm we were taken to main
ship(which was too early I think). And we headed to our last visit to island
Kadmat.

Day 4:As usual ship reached island at 7 am but we reached island by 10 am.
From jetty we were taken to a resort by minibus. Welcomed by coconut water.
And it started raining L it was disappointing a bit as I wanted to do scuba diving
here but there was no sunlight at all. The only sport available there was kayaking
to which we were not much interested at that time. Snorkeling glasses were not
available there so I had to pay 300/- RS to their assistant to get his personal
snorkeling glass. After lunch there we relaxed on beach. Later when rain was
stopped we were taken to visit some of the special area on the beach. We visited
a coconut oil and powder factory. Also taken to factory of preparing rope from
coconut Coir fibers. We were taken on ship at 6.30 pm

Day 5:We reached Cochin Willington Island at 9am and tour was ended
successfully.

Suggestions: for tourist

1)

Carry sun protection cream, umbrella as rain can come any time.

2)
Sandals: while snorkeling one must ware it as corals are sharp and may cut
your feet. If Water flow is high at lagoon normal slippers wouldnt help.

3)
Make 2 separate bags one small carry bag to be carried everyday with
normal capacity to carry one pair of cloths, towel, camera, cap, etc.

4)
May take your own swimming glasses that will be helpful if snorkeling
glasses are no available.

5)
Too much of clothing didnt help me at all, many dresses I bring home
without even using. Take less cloths and extra luggage.

6)
Try to get underwater camera case for your camera. There is different
world below sea water.

Suggestions: for tour-organizers

1)

WC in ship always had a bad odor try cleaning it on regular basis.

2)
Similarly canteen also had too much of strong bad odor which caused me
skipping my meals.

3)
No sufficient gears were available like kayak, snorkeling glasses any other
sports.

4)
Scuba diving was just not available on kavaratti and minicoy(I doubt on
kadmat) which shouldnt be the case.

5)
Many other water sports you claim was not seen/available/offered at any of
these islands.

Booking and details: After reading reviews and info on net I did my booking from
Mr. Sachin by contacting him on sachinc15nov@gmail.com. I paid 12, 600/- to
him(I recommend this) for personal assistance detail info and mass booking you
can contact him on 022-21631323.

Summary:

Overall entire tour was excellent and well managed. The beauty of coral reefs,
colorful fishes, 100% clean water, good food on shore made this trip outstanding
from any other place. All staff in the tour are very helpful and cooperative. Three
classes(Bunk, second class and First class) are very much comfortable as per
cost that we pay. 12, 312/- of 5 days I bunk was very comfortable as we had
dormitory sleeping agreements, whole day we were on island so night stay in
ship was very much comfortable in adjustable AC. This new ship arebian sea is
much faster than any old ships so its a great experience.

for more photos you can visit my orkut profile umeshdaundkar@gmail.com

Lakshadweep-A paradise on earth Video Review

By: superseller99 | Feb 28, 2009 07:02 PM

I traveled to Lakshadweep in the third week of Feb 09 along with my wife. I had
booked the Coral Reef tour from the SPORTS (A Lakshadweep Tourism
undertaking) which is a 3 nights /4 days tour covering the islands of Kavaratti &
Minicoy.The journey is through Tipu Sultan.

Which docks at islands during the day & sails at the next island in the evening. It
offers two types of accommodation i.e. First class cabins (2/4 persons per cabin
with attached bathrooms) & tourist class reclining chairs.

The first class has 36 seats and the charges are Rs 11, 000 per person & the
tourist class has 120 seats and the charges are Rs 7, 500.00.Food & all sports
activities except scuba diving are included in the above charges. We had booked
first class cabins We boarded the ship at around 10.00 clock & the ship was
scheduled for departure at 12.00 co*k.

At around 12.30 our Tour assistant Mr.Firoz called us on the deck as the ship was
about to depart. However the vessel developed a technical snag & could depart
only on 4.30.Well gradually the ship sailed away from Cochin port & within about
an hour all that we could see is only blue sea on four sides & sky above.

The ship was moving at a steady pace & few of our tour members even
experienced motion sickness. I was told by Firoz that the ship was very old
almost 25 years hence the speed was less. We reached Kavaratti Island the next
day at around 11.30.We were transferred to a small ship that took us tourists to
Kavaratti while the vessel sailed to Agatti Island.

As soon as we neared Kavaratti island the color of the water changed from green
to light blue & then to turquoise blue. The water was crystal clear & we could
clearly see the bottom. The white sands & the swaying coconut trees left us
awestruck. We truly had too pinch ourselves that we have such lovely sun kissed
beaches in India which till date we have seen only in foreign locales in Bollywood
movies.

We had a quick lunch & then we went on Coral sight seeing through a glass
bottom boat. Everybody screamed in joy at the sight of colorful fishes & corals.
Post this we took to Kayaking. Believe me its a very simple sport & the life
jackets ensured that even non swimmers can enjoy the sport.

After this Mr. Bashir, our Sports Contact in Kavaratti took us for snorkelling.We
was thrilled to see the colourful fishes, corals & fauna. They live their own sweet
tiny little world. We saw fishes of all colours, shapes & sizes zooming past us.
Then we took turns in Speed boat & were allowed to drive the same. It was great
fun. We returned to our vessel by around 7.30 pm & enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.

We reached Minicoy on the third day where we were looking forward to Scuba
dive. On reaching Minicoy we first visited the lighthouse which gives a breath
taking view of the entire island. After filling a simple form we were taken to the
scuba spot where we were taught a few breathing techniques & sign languages
to communicate in water.

Scuba diving was one of the best experiences I have ever had wherein I not only
touched the corals but also could see the fish so closely. The rest of time in
Minicoy was spent in Kayaking, folk dance & village visit.

We reached Cochin port on the 4 day with very special memories. I would like to
make a special mention of another couple; Sagar & Keerti whom we met on
board and thoroughly enjoyed their company. Also all the staff whether on board
& on the island was very co-operative & helpful.

Overall the Lakshadweep tour was a very good experience something unique &
different from the run-of the mill hill stations & sightseeing.Lakshadweep is a
must for all adventure sports enthusiasts The best part is except for scuba diving
which is charged @ 500 per person all the sports are included in the package.

Even the food is good & served on time. In true sense of the word Lakshadweep
is Paradise on Earth.In case you are planning for Lakshadweep & need any
information pls M2M me; I will be happy to help you

Thanks Bijal Gandhi