Kavaratti Tourism

Kavaratti Beach

Experiencing The Real Lakshadweep

Kavaratti is the administrative center of Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Although it is the second most populous island in Lakshadweep after Androth Island, it feels as it is has the highest number of people on it. If you have already visited other islands on Lakshadweep archipelago, you might not find the beaches of Kavaratti as attractive and sublime as others. First thing that you will notice is that they are not as empty, they are narrow and unkempt. Though the shabbiness of the beach is nicely compensated by the magnificence of the lagoon. In the lagoons around Kavaratti, you can come face to face with star fish, anemones, sea cucumbers and innumerable fishes of different varieties and colors. Kavaratti is in the centre of Lakshadweep islands and covers an area slightly more than 4 sq km.

Attractions

One of the most important attractions in Kavaratti island is definitely the Ujra Mosque situated in the south-eastern part of the island. The mosque is a 17th century mosque that was built by Sheikh Mohammad Kasim. His grave situated within the mosque making it an important pilgrimage destination for the people of the Kavaratti. The main attraction of the mosque are the intricately carved pillars and ceilings. Women are not allowed to visit the main prayer hall.

Few blocks away there is aquarium which is also a museum. The main attraction of the aquarium is small shark. Watching a shark in close quarters is truly an amazing experience, especially when you know that it can do no harm. Inside the large glass compartment, the shark shares space with sea cucumbrs, octopuses, schools of fishes and few anemones. The museum section holds different types of shells, splendid looking corals and innumerable fishes preserved in glass jars. Right next to the museum id the Dolphin Dive Center. The center offers different PADI programmes for amateur and professional divers. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest leisure diving organization. You can also hire a glass bottomed boat to view the marine life in Kavaratti lagoons.

Tourist Information

There are few tourist huts near to the jetty that are the only accommodation option in Kavaratti. They are attached with bathrooms and balcony making them a good option to stay for a while. The meals are served in buffet style. The dishes are generally in Malabar cuisine with spicy Tuna fish, chicken and sweet potato being the favorites. Kavaratti is covered under two packages of Lakshadweep Tourism namely Coral Reef and Taratashi packages.