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Lakshadweep Islands Tour packages
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RESOURCE CENTRE
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The Lakshadweep Islands are located approximately 320 km (200 miles) off the south west coast of India and 460 km from the costal town of Kochi in Kerala. The tiniest union territory of India, Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 12 coral atolls (island), 3 coral reefs and five submerged banks. It is a union territory of 32 sqkm and comprises of 10 un inhabited islands, 17 inhabited islands, four newly formed islets and 5 submerged reefs. And a total 36 islands in all.
The majority of population of Lakshadweep is Muslims and does fishing and coconut cultivation for a living. Islanders are free to move from one island to another. The islanders call themselves the children of the sea and their daily activities are centered on the sea. Therefore their cultural perceptions are sea oriented.
Tuna is in abundance. Other than daily consumption the fish is processed (involving boiling and smoking) into Maas which can be stored for up to two years and exported.
Visitors to the island will require an entry permit to specific islands. Liquor is prohibited in Lakshadweep and not allowed to be brought from mainland. Only Bangaram Island is allowed to sell liquor.
BangaramIsland
Location – 460 kms from Kochi by air
15 kms from Agatti through sea
Bangaram, the Jewel of Lakshadweep presents a breathtaking spectacle of sparkling coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery beaches and lush green coconut palm all preserved in the state just as the first discoverers could have found them. Surrounding the island is a coral reef that forms a large sheltered lagoon with clear water. One can clearly see multi colored fish weave in and out of the coral.
A historic ship wreck lies on the outer slope of the coral reef in a depth of 9 to 54 m and in abundance of materials with archaeological significance.
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About the rooms
Bangaram Island has 26 cottages in two categories.
1) Standard Room
2) Deluxe Room
Standard Room – There are 23 standard rooms with a living cum bedroom, a private sit out and a bathroom. The floor area of a Standard room is 354 sq.ft. All rooms are twin bedded rooms and can be joined to a large bedded.
Deluxe Room – There are only three deluxe Rooms, all double bedded rooms. A deluxe room has two spacious bedrooms with attached Bathrooms, a common dining Area, a common living area cum sit out. The area of the deluxe room is 976 sq ft.
All the rooms at Bangaram Island are basic with mini bars and ceiling fans. The room is provided with insect screens so that one can keep the windows open and mosquito repellant in the room. There is no air-conditioning or hot water. A safe is provided at the reception to deposit guest valuables.
Restaurants
Main Restaurant – Number of covers – 60 covers. This is a multi cuisine restaurant. Food is served in the form of a buffet and there is no A’la Carte service. The cuisine is international with Indian and local. Tea coffee is served through the day.
Breakfast – 7.30 Am – 9.30 Am
Lunch – 12.30 Pm – 2.30 Pm
Dinner – 7.30 Pm – 10.00 Pm
Dinner is also served at the beach. There is a Barbeque Twice a week. (Will not be applicable during monsoon). The cooking and keeping the food warm is done with firewood and not LPG so the timings have to be followed.
Beach Shack – This is the liquid lounge near the beach. Open during mid day & closes late evening. (11.00 Am – 10.00 Pm)
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Other Facilities
Ayurvedic Center – Ayurveda at Bangaram Island is quite popular. The center opens from 8.00 Am to 7.00 Pm. Doctors are available at the center for consultation and medical advice. There are separate rooms for ladies and gents for regular massages and one treatment rooms for high degree treatments.
Water sports centre – Kayaks, snorkeling, fishing, glass bottom boat, island excursion and turtle watch / snorkeling.
Shop – An in house boutique with postcards, garments, sun cream and beach ware etc. Open from 8.00 Am to 8.00 Pm.
Library / Activities Room – a few games like caroms and chess or a library where one can contribute books and at the same time borrow.
Outdoor Games –Beach Volleyball can bring the guests and the staff for an evening match. The Badminton rackets and shuttle corks are available at the reception.
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Activities
7 am - Yoga & Meditation – Every morning at 7.00 AM is yoga for the body under the guidance of a yoga instructor at the Helipad.
9 am - A talk on Ayurveda by the doctor near the club house. The importance and impact of Ayurveda in daily life is discussed.
Day activities - snorkeling, island excursion, glass bottom boat
4.00 Pm - Island walk escorted by a staff, a visit to the toddy tapping, power house, Lake Etc.
5.30 pm - Beach Volley ball with staff
Tour Programs
Diving – every day at 8.30 am to 2 pm. Two dives at different locations each of duration 30 mts. It takes one hour travel on each side travel to dive site. Facility not available during monsoons (15th may to30th September). To avail diving facility, certification required. Certification course offered at the centre (minimum four days of theory and practical).
Island excursion every day – visit Tinakkara, parali I and II, visit light house and experience wave point
Fishing
Day fishing 6 am to 9 am
Night fishing 5 pm to 8 pm
Farm trip to Agathi – visit coconut drying, fish processing and lunch served in farm
Sunset cruise everyday at 5.30 pm to 7 pm visit sandbank and take a trip around the island in time for sunset
All tour programs are subject to weather conditions and tide. Tours and programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice
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Weather conditions
Lakshadweep has a humid and generally pleasant climate. Temperatures vary from 27 degrees to 30 degrees from September to March and 30 degrees to 34 degrees from March to May. Water temperatures at the lagoon are around 25 to 27 degrees.
The monsoon period is from 15th of May to 15th of September. During this time the sea remains rough throughout. The reefs that encircle the island keep the lagoon calm. Boats do not ply out of the lagoon. The transportation during this time will be with the help of helicopters. The island is open to tourist throughout the year.
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Guidelines to guests during the stay at resorts
Please carry casual clothing and footwear and wear even on arrival. The trip from Agathi to Bangaram will have you invariably set foot in water
The presence of mosquitoes is due to the fresh water lake in the island. The windows of rooms are covered by mosquito nets and mosquito repellents are provided in rooms. Make sure the doors are kept closed in the evening.
We use ground water and carries the smell of sulphur at times. It is however safe. (Packaged drinking water is available at Agatti & Bangaram resorts)
Laundry services are available. The clothes are hand washed and dried naturally. The service will require 24 hrs to hand over.
First aid facilities are available at all resorts. Agatti Island has a primary health centre with qualified doctors.
All major credit cards including debit cards, foreign currency and travelers’ cheques are acceptable at Agatti & Bangaram.
Please pack cameras and other valuables in water proof bags during boat transfers.
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Booking Office
MintValley E-Tourism Division Metro Plaza Building 5th Floor, Market Road Junction, Cochin, Kerala, India - 682 014
www.mintvalley.com/support
Tel. 484 2397550 / 2394640
Fax. 91 484 4049100
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