Promoting Tourism in Lakshadweep
People and Culture
Ethnically, the people of the islands are very similar to the people of
Kerala, even their language is the same except in Minicoy where Mahl is
spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and
yet they are liberal in approach.
Each island, has several mosques. Ladies are not permitted to enter.
Non-availability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands
being uninhabited.
After many difficulties he was able to carry out his mission,
and
to this day, the people of Lakshadweep follow Islam. Traces of the old
culture still linger however; despite the influence of Islam, a caste
system still prevails based on occupation- landowners, sailors and
cultivators. Although Madrassas in all the islands impart religious
instruction to school-going children, many individuals bear two names.
Not much is known of the early history of Lakshadweep. From the 7th
century onwards, however, enough evidence exists to piece together a
history of the islands. The people converted to Islam under the
influence of Hazrat Ubaidullah who set off from Mecca after Prophet
Mohammed appeared to him in a dream, commanding him to leave for distant
shores to propagate Islam. The ship on which Hazrat Ubaidullah was
sailing was wrecked and after drifting on a plank of wood he reached the
island of Amini where his mission met with fierce opposition.
History comes alive in folk ballads that women chant during their house
- hold chores. Events of the past - the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidullah in
Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, have been
perpetuated by the balladeer.
India Lakshadweep Island Travel
How to get to Lakshadweep India
By Air : Lakshadweep islands are 400 kms far in the west coast of Kerala. From India, you can either board regular flights or ships that run between Agatti Island and Cochin in Kerala. You can find many flights catering to Lakshadweep.
Indian Airlines operates its daily flight to Agatti except on Sundays.
Kingfisher Airlines operates between the sectors Bangalore - Cochin - Agatti and return, which gives opportunity to see Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep. Dream 03 Nights / 04 Nights in Lakshadweep + 02 nights stay on Houseboat in the Alleppey to Kumarakom backwaters.
By Sea : Ship cruises operate from Cochin to Agatti and back. SPORTS is the official agency that conducts cruises. Bharat Seema and Tipu Sultan are two of the better ships that sail this route. Both ships have air-conditioned cabins and air-cooled decks
