Where is Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands lying in the Arabian Sea, off the western coast of India. The Islands of Lakshadweep are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea. The meaning of Lakshadweep is “one hundred thousand islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit language. It is India’s smallest island. Kavaratti is the capital of the Union Territory. The formation of Lakshadweep as a Union Territory (UT) took place on November 1, 1956.
What is the Geography of Lakshadweep?
The Union Territory spreads across a total area of 32.62 sq. km (12.59 sq mi). It ranks 36th in terms of total area amongst the states and union territories in India. Its population recorded 64,473 (as per the 2011 census). The population density of the Union Territory was 2,013/sq. km (5,210/sq. mi) (as per the 2011 census). Here, the literacy rate is around 93 percent.
It is an archipelago comprising twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks with 36 Islands. The significant islands of Lakshadweep are Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, and Amini, Bitra, Andreott, Kalpeni and Minicoy, and so on. Bitra is the smallest among them. It had a population of 271 persons (as per the 2011 census). Several Islands are uninhabited in the UT.
It has several incredible beaches, and some of the prominent beaches of the Union Territory are Kavaratti Beach, Kadmat Beach, Bangaram Beach, and Kiltan Beach.
The UT’s recorded forest area was 27.10 sq km, which was 90.33% of the UT’s geographical area in 2019. The proportion of forests in the Lakshadweep was- 16.09 sq km of moderately-dense forest and 11.01 sq km open forest. Coconut plantation is in abundance in the Union Territory.
The Union Territory has a vast lagoon of 4,200 sq. km. It has sandy beaches and a large quantity of marine fauna, which is the primary livelihood of Lakshadweep’s inhabitants. However, coastal erosion is the most severe problem in the area.
Oceanic birds are frequently spotted in the UT like tharathasi (sterna fuscata) and karifetu (anous solidus). They are usually seen in one of the depopulated island known as Pitti Island. Therefore this island has been declared as a bird sanctuary.
What is the Climate of Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate. It experiences pleasant weather throughout the year.
The average summer temperature of the Union Territory remains in the range of 22°C (71.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), while the winter temperature remains between 20°C (68°F) to 32° C (89.6°F).
Southwest monsoon from June to September brings a lot of rainfall in Lakshadweep. The Union Territory receives an average annual rainfall of around 1,500/2,000 mm. The temperature in the UT remains constant throughout the year. December to February are the coldest months, while March and April are the UT’s warmest months.
What is the Economy of Lakshadweep?
The economy of the tiny island depends on agriculture, fishery, and tourism.
Agriculture is the lifeline of the people of Lakshadweep that gives them economic support. The principal crop of the island is coconut. Its production has provided opportunities to flourish the coconut-based products like coconut oil, and coir yarn.
It is famous for several small-scale industries such as engineering workshops, auto-servicing, handicrafts, food products, beverage manufacturing, furniture, and wood-based products manufacturing MSME units.
A large number of people in Lakshadweep depend on fishery resources. Tuna fish is the most famous of the Union Territory. Lakshadweep alone produced around 56 thousand metric tons of fish in 2018.
Tourism is another source of generating revenue for the Union Territory. The local government has been promoting the tourism industry to create more and more income. Bangaram Island is a major destination for overseas tourists. Visitors enjoy marine fauna in Lakshadweep as well.
What is the Transportation System of Lakshadweep?
Transportation System in the Union Territory is not well-developed due to all-round water. People have to depend on boats for going from one island to another in Lakshadweep.
The UT has only one airport named Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island. Several Islands are connected by the Pawan Hans helicopter or boat service.
What are the Popular Tourist Attractions in Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep has a cluster of islands that attracts coast lovers from around the world. Tourism has been flourishing in the UT. The local government has been promoting tourism to entice foreign as well as domestic tourists. Visitors in Lakshadweep can enjoy several water sports activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, etc.
The fabulous underwater scene and the marine life of the Union Territory make the Islands gorgeous. The vast range of the blue sea is breathtaking.
The Union Territory has several fabulous beaches and Islands includes Kadmat Island, Kavaratti Island, Kiltan Island, Thinnakara Island, Kiltan Island, and many more. Tourists will have everything in Lakshadweep for enjoyment, fun, and relaxation.
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