India’s only coral archipelago demands more planning than almost any other domestic destination. Here is everything you need to know before visiting this place, such as permits, flights, inter-island transfers, the right islands for your budget, activities with realistic costs, and exactly how far ahead to book.
Lakshadweep At glance
- Location: Arabian Sea, 200–440 km off Kerala
- Best Time to Visit: October – May
- Book How Far Ahead: 3–4 months (peak season)
- Permit: Mandatory for every visitor
- Only Airport: Agatti Island (AGX)
- Stay Options Available: Luxury Sea Villas, Beach Resorts, Beach Huts, and Apartments
- Land Packages from: ~₹13,400/person (4D/3N, excl. flights)
Most people know Lakshadweep exists. Very few know how to actually get there. This is not a destination you book on a whim. It is a restricted Union Territory where Indian citizens and foreign nationals alike require a government-issued entry permit before they can board a flight. This destination is very different from the Andaman Islands. While the Andaman archipelago is of volcanic origin, Lakshadweep is composed entirely of coral islands.
The Lakshdweep UT has authorized a certain number of travel agents to assist tourists who want to visit this place. The upside of that friction is significant: beaches that look untouched, coral reefs with very high water clarity, and a near-total absence of the overcrowding that plagues better-known Indian getaways.
This guide covers every step in the sequence: what permit documents you need and when to start the process, which three airlines now fly to Agatti, how to get between islands once you land, how to get cruises to visit Lakshadweep from the mainland such as Kochi, what realistic costs look like across accommodation tiers, and which islands are accessible to Indian versus international travellers. Read this before booking anything.
What Makes Lakshadweep Different — and Why It Matters
Lakshadweep is a Union Territory comprising 36 islands, 12 atolls, and 3 reefs scattered across the Arabian Sea. Of its 10 inhabited islands, only a handful are currently open to tourists. The islands most commonly visited by tourists are Agatti, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni, and Minicoy for Indian nationals, and Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat for foreign visitors.
The islands sit atop a chain of coral atolls, and because the administration strictly controls visitor numbers, those reefs remain largely intact. Green turtles nest on multiple beaches. Spinner dolphins are regularly spotted during inter-island boat transfers. This is a direct result of a permit system that limits annual footfall and promotes sustainable tourism, a policy worth understanding and respecting as a visitor.
The practical consequence of this protection regime is that planning a Lakshadweep trip requires sequencing several steps in the right order: flight seat, accommodation or package booking, Police Clearance Certificate, and entry permit, because each step depends on the previous one. Miss any step, and the entire trip unravels. This guide removes that risk.
“Lakshadweep is not difficult to visit. It is only difficult to visit without preparation, a distinction that separates those who get there from those who keep putting it off.”
When to Go Lakshadweep: Best Time and What Each Season Offers
The tourist season officially runs from October to mid-May. From mid-May to September the islands experience monsoon conditions. Although all resorts remain open year-round, ship-based tourist services are suspended during the monsoon, and inter-island boat transfers between most islands become impractical. Agatti and Bangaram can be reached by flight from Kochi even during the monsoon season.
| Period | Conditions | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct – Nov | Post-monsoon, seas settling | Lower rates, smaller crowds | Occasional rough sea days through October |
| Dec – Feb | Peak season: calm, sunny, 24–28°C | Water sports, families, couples | Highest demand — book 3–4 months ahead |
| Mar – Apr | Warm and clear; still good for diving | Quieter experience, lower fares | Rising daytime heat on land |
| May – Sep | Monsoon — Agatti/Bangaram via air only | Budget travel; dramatic landscapes | Ships suspended for tourists; most inter-island boats withdrawn |
Timing Tip
December to February is peak season with the best conditions and the most competition for beds, especially on Bangaram. The October to November window is underrated: rates are lower, groups are smaller, and the sea is calm enough for water sports from around the third week of October. If flexibility is possible, this is the smart choice.
How to Reach Lakshadweep: By Air and By Ship
By Air — Agatti Is the Only Airport
There is exactly one airport in all of Lakshadweep Agatti Island Airport (IATA: AGX). Every island onward journey begins from here. As of April 2026, three airlines operate scheduled flights to Agatti: (Kindly note the information below, found in April 2026)
| Route | Airline(s) | Frequency | Approx. Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi (COK) → Agatti (AGX) | IndiGo, Alliance Air, Fly91 | Multiple daily departures | ~1h 30m |
| Bengaluru (BLR) → Agatti (AGX) | IndiGo, Alliance Air | Daily | ~1h 55m |
| Goa – Mopa (GOX) → Agatti (AGX) | Fly91 | Daily | ~1h 15m |
Kochi is your primary hub. It has the highest frequency (three airlines, multiple daily departures as of 2026) and the shortest flight time. If you are travelling from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, or any other major city, route through Kochi, where possible seat recovery in the event of a missed connection is far more practical here than at Bengaluru.
Do Not Skip This: Airlines verify your entry permit before issuing a boarding pass for the Agatti flight. This check happens at the Kochi, Bengaluru, or Goa departure counter not at Agatti. If your permit is not confirmed and in hand, you will be denied boarding on the mainland. Carry both a digital and printed copy.
By Ship from Kochi
Seven passenger ships — MV Kavaratti, MV Minicoy, MV Amindivi, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, and MV Corals — operate between Kochi (Wellington Island Wharf) and Lakshadweep islands. The passage takes 14 to 18 hours, depending on the destination island. Ships offer AC first class (two-berth cabin), AC second class (four-berth cabin), and bunk/push-back class. A doctor is available on board. Tickets are booked via lakport.utl.gov.in.
The Samudram Package — operated by SPORTS, the government tourism body is a 5-day cruise visiting Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy, with nights spent on board the ship and day excursions to each island. Water sports, sightseeing, and folk performances are included ashore. It is open to both Indian nationals and foreign tourists. Pricing and schedules can be checked and booked at samudram.utl.gov.in. Note that ship services are suspended for tourists during the monsoon (approximately June to September).
Getting Between Islands: Jetties, Speedboats, and Helicopters
Once you land at Agatti, all onward travel is by sea. The type of vessel and transfer time depend on the destination and weather conditions on the day. All timings below are approximate and subject to sea state:
Route Mode Approx. Time Notes
- Agatti → Bangaram Speedboat ~30–45 min Arranged through resort; weather-dependent
- Agatti → Thinnakara Boat (larger vessel) ~1–1.5 hrs Day excursion; govt. permission required; weather-dependent
- Agatti → Kalpitty Island Glass-bottom boat ~20–30 min Day excursion; usually included in Agatti packages
- Agatti → Kavaratti Ferry (large carrier) ~1 hour Fair season only; you take a small boat to board the larger vessel offshore
- Agatti → Kadmat Speed ferry ~2 hours Fair season only (Oct–May); sea conditions permitting
- Kavaratti → Agatti (monsoon) Pawan Hans Helicopter ~20 min Subject to availability; advance booking essential About Agatti’s Two Jetties
Agatti has both an Eastern Jetty and a Western Jetty. Which one your transfer departs from depends on the destination and tidal conditions. Your resort coordinator or local guide will confirm this on the day. The lagoon side is generally calmer; the open-ocean side can be choppy even in fair season. Carry motion sickness medication and take it before departure, not after you start feeling unwell.
Lakshadweep Entry Permit: Mandatory for Every Visitor (Including Indians)
Lakshadweep is governed by the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands (Restriction on Entry and Residence) Rules, 1967. Every person who is not a native of the islands must obtain a permit from the competent authority before entering. Government officials, armed forces personnel, and their families are the only exemptions. This rule applies to all tourists without exception — including Indian citizens and children of all ages.
Indian Citizens — Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (front and back, self-attested copy)
- 3 passport-size photographs
- Police Clearance Certificate / Character Certificate (mandatory for adults 18 and above)
- Confirmed accommodation booking or package confirmation
- Travel ticket confirmation (flight or ship)
- Apply at: epermit.utl.gov.in
Official fee: ₹50 application + ₹200 heritage fee (adults). Additional handling fees apply if using a travel agency.
Approx Time for Processing: 5–15 working days
Foreign Nationals — Documents Required
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Valid Indian Tourist visa (other visa categories are not accepted)
- Passport-size photographs
- Confirmed accommodation at a permitted island
- A sponsor, either SPORTS, a registered private operator, or a Lakshadweep resident
- Islands open to foreigners: Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat. Access to other islands requires special permission from the Administrator and is not routine.
Processing takes longer than for Indian nationals — allow at least 6–8 weeks.
Note for foreign visitors: The list of islands accessible to foreign nationals has varied across official sources and can change. At the time of writing, Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat are the consistently confirmed accessible islands for foreigners. Always verify with the Lakshadweep Administration or your registered tour operator before finalising your itinerary.
The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — Start This First: The PCC is the step most first-time visitors overlook, and it is the most time-consuming part of the permit process for Indian nationals visiting Agatti and most other islands. It can be applied for online through your state’s police portal or in person at your local police station. Allow 7–21 days for this process, depending on your state. The certificate is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.
How Far in Advance Should I Book For Lakshadweep
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 4 to 5 months before (Dec to Feb travel) | Confirm accommodation and book flights. Bangaram and better Agatti resorts sell out this far ahead in peak season. |
| 3 months before | Begin the Police Clearance Certificate process. Offline PCC can take 2 to 4 weeks in some states. |
| 6 to 8 weeks before | Submit the entry permit application with all documents including confirmed booking and PCC. |
| 3 to 4 weeks before | Permit should be approved. Download and print it. Carry both digital and printed copies. |
| Day of departure | Show permit at check-in counter. Boarding pass is issued only after permit verification. |
For off-peak travel (October to November and March to May), 30 to 45 days lead time for the permit is a reasonable minimum.
The Islands: Which One Is Right for You
Agatti Island
Access: Indian nationals and foreign visitors
The only island with an airport and the entry point for all air travellers. A roughly 6 km coral island with Lagoon Beach, Andhan Beach, the Eastern and Western Jetties, and a local museum. Most tour packages are based here. A good choice for 3 to 4 nights, or as a transit point to other islands.
Bangaram Island
Access: Indian nationals and foreign visitors
An uninhabited coral island with a SPORTS-operated beach resort and notably high water clarity. Considered the centrepiece of Lakshadweep tourism. The only island where alcohol is available, in limited quantities at the resort. Reached by speedboat from Agatti in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Book directly via samudram.utl.gov.in.
Kavaratti Island
Access: Indian nationals only
The administrative capital of Lakshadweep. Offers PADI-certified scuba diving, a Marine Museum, a marine aquarium, and the Ujra Mosque. SPORTS operates a beach resort here. Approximately 1 hour by ferry from Agatti during fair season (October to May).
Kadmat Island
Access: Indian nationals and foreign visitors
A narrow island with the lagoon on one side and the open sea on the other, consistently rated among India’s best scuba diving locations. SPORTS runs a 36-room beach resort. Less developed than Agatti or Kavaratti. Approximately 2 hours from Agatti by speed ferry; accessible in fair season only.
Thinnakara Island
Access: Indian nationals only
An uninhabited island, usually the highlight day excursion from Agatti. Includes a picnic-style lunch on the beach, snorkelling near the Bangaram Atoll shipwreck point, and an empty white beach. Strictly a day excursion, subject to government permission and weather conditions. The boat journey often includes dolphin sightings.
Minicoy Island
Access: Indian nationals only
Lakshadweep’s second-largest and southernmost island, with a distinct local culture and language (Mahl) that is closer to the Maldives than to the northern islands. The 1885 lighthouse is the main attraction. Best accessed via the Samudram ship package. Direct ferry connectivity from Agatti is limited.
Activities and Approximate Costs
Please note: All prices below are tentative and indicative only. Actual rates vary by island, operator, and season, and are subject to change based on demand and availability. Confirm current pricing directly with your tour operator or resort before booking.
| Activity | Approximate Cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Scuba Diving: Introductory / Discover Scuba (includes underwater photos, video, boat charge) | Around Rs. 3,500 |
| PADI Open Water Diver Certification (full course, 3 to 4 days) | Around Rs. 22,000 |
| Snorkelling | Included in most packages / Rs. 500 to 800 standalone |
| Kayaking | Included in most Agatti-based 4D/3N packages |
| Glass-bottom boat ride and Kalpitty Island excursion | Usually included in Agatti packages |
| Bangaram and Thinnakara day excursion (boat, picnic lunch, snorkelling) | Around Rs. 2,500 |
| Turtle watch (guided evening activity) | Around Rs. 300 to 500 |
| Deep-sea fishing (per group, 4 to 6 hours) | Around Rs. 4,000 to 8,000 |
| Agatti half-day sightseeing (if not included in package) | Around Rs. 500 to 800 per group |
Package Pricing: 4 Days / 3 Nights (Agatti-Based)
Prices below are tentative and indicative. All packages cover accommodation, all meals, local sightseeing, kayaking, snorkelling, turtle watch, Kalpitty Island excursion, glass-bottom boat ride, entry permit assistance, and airport transfers. Flights are not included in any package. Final pricing varies by operator, season, and availability. Confirm with your tour operator at the time of booking.
| Accommodation Type | Per Adult (approx.) | Per Couple (approx.) | Child 6 to 12 Years (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget apartment stay | Rs. 13,400 | Rs. 26,800 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Mid-range apartment stay | Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 6,000 |
| Beach hut / paradise hut | Rs. 17,000 | Rs. 34,000 | Rs. 7,000 |
| Beach resort (entry-level) | Rs. 19,000 | Rs. 38,000 | Rs. 7,800 |
| Beach resort (mid-tier) | Rs. 22,000 | Rs. 44,000 | Rs. 9,000 |
| Beach resort (premium) | Rs. 24,000 | Rs. 48,000 | Rs. 9,500 |
| Top-end beach resort | Rs. 29,000 | Rs. 58,000 | Rs. 10,500 |
Children up to 5 years are typically complimentary. Budget an additional Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 per person return for flights, depending on your origin city and how far in advance you book. Kochi to Agatti one-way fares start at approximately Rs. 5,000 when booked 6 to 8 weeks ahead and rise sharply closer to the travel date.
Note: The above estimated costs are based on market research and may change as per availability.
SPORTS Resorts vs Private Operators
SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports) is the government body operating beach resorts on Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, and Minicoy, and a tented camp on Thinnakara. To stay on any of these islands, book through SPORTS or an authorised agent at samudram.utl.gov.in.
Agatti accommodation is managed entirely by private operators, as SPORTS does not currently operate a government resort there. Use a registered and authorised travel agency for Agatti stays, as they handle permit processing as part of the package.
What to Pack For Lakshadweep
- Documents: Entry permit (printed and digital copy), Aadhaar card or passport, PCC, accommodation confirmation, and return flight or ship ticket. Keep the permit accessible at check-in, not in checked luggage.
- Clothing: Light cotton clothing only. Breathable fabrics. Dress modestly when visiting inhabited island villages.
- Sunscreen: Reef-safe mineral sunscreen only (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate damage coral, and their use is an enforceable offence.
- Water gear: Rash guard and water shoes recommended. Snorkel equipment is available for hire, but bringing your own mask ensures a better fit.
- Cash: Carry a minimum of Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000. ATMs are extremely limited and often unreliable on smaller islands.
- SIM card: Only Airtel, BSNL, and Vi work in Lakshadweep. Jio has no coverage. Download offline maps before leaving the mainland.
- Medication: Motion sickness tablets for boat transfers. Take before boarding, not after. Carry all personal prescriptions and a basic first aid kit.
Responsible Travel: Rules That Are Legally Enforced
- Do not touch, break, or collect coral. Coral removal, including dead coral found on the beach, is prohibited and can result in fines and legal action.
- Do not disturb nesting turtles, particularly during June to October. Maintain a safe distance and avoid flash photography near them.
- Do not litter on beaches or in the lagoon.
- Alcohol is prohibited on all inhabited islands. The only exception is the Bangaram resort, where limited quantities are available. Do not carry alcohol from the mainland.
- Dress modestly in villages. The population is predominantly Muslim. Always ask permission before photographing people.
Lakshdweep Official Resources
- Lakshadweep Tourism (SPORTS): lakshadweeptourism.com
- Package and resort booking: samudram.utl.gov.in
- Entry permit portal: epermit.utl.gov.in
- Ship ticket booking: lakport.utl.gov.in
- Lakshadweep Administration: lakshadweep.gov.in
- SPORTS helpline: +91 949 598 4001
Happy Voyaging!
