About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is India's smallest union territory: a group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea, about 200 to 450 km off the coast of Keralam. The name means "a hundred thousand islands". The capital is Kavaratti.
- Status
- Union territory since 1956 (named Lakshadweep in 1973)
- Capital
- Kavaratti
- Islands
- 36, of which 10 are inhabited
- Area
- about 32 km²
- Population
- about 64,000 (2011 census)
- Languages
- Malayalam and the local Jeseri dialect; Mahl on Minicoy
Geography
The islands are low coral atolls ringed by shallow lagoons, with white beaches and coconut palms. The main inhabited islands include Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Minicoy, the southernmost. Fishing, especially for tuna, and coconut products are the main livelihoods.
Visiting
Agatti has the territory's airport, and ships sail from Kochi. Visitors need an entry permit from the Lakshadweep administration. The lagoons are known for snorkelling, scuba diving and other water sports.
Nearby
Lakshadweep is closely linked to Keralam, which shares its language and is the main gateway to the islands.
Page added October 2026.