Crisp blue skies, white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs, Lakshadweep is as exciting as it is magnificent. With 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks, the smallest union territory of India is a traveller&rsquos paradise.
As one of the four coral reef regions of India, Lakshadweep has a lot to offer. With countless species of marine fish, corals, crabs, lobsters, gastropods and seaweed, the island is straight out of our fantasies. It is one of the very few places in India with zero coronavirus cases, making it a must-visit on our bucket list. Here&rsquos a list of five islands in Lakshadweep that are not to be missed
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Kavaratti
The capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti&rsquos calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The island has several options for watersports, including scuba diving organised by Dolphin Dive Centre, Kavaratti. Culture vultures can also pay a visit to the numerous mosques here, the most beautiful being the Ujra Mosque. While in Kavaratti, don&rsquot forget to check out the marine aquarium.
Bangaram
The tiny tear-drop shaped Bangaram is lined with white sand beaches and tall palm trees. The island has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to watersports. Try shipwreck snorkelling off the coast. With colourful fish and corals, it is an ultimate bucket-list item. You can also visit the turtle colonies and turtle nests near Parali Island in the Bangaram Lagoon. Also, look out for the sandbanks that appear only during the low tides.
Thinnakara
Right across the Bangaram Lagoon is Thinnakara, a perfect destination to unwind and disconnect entirely from the fast-paced city life. Even though Thinnakara and Bangaram share the same coral reefs, there aren&rsquot any water sports available here. It&rsquos the ideal spot to chill, sunbathe, and take leisurely walks along picturesque beaches. Do look out for the phosphorescent planktons that wash ashore and transmit a bluish glow to the beach at night.
Minicoy
Isolated from the main group of Islands, Minicoy has a culture of its own. Check out lava, the traditional folk dance of Minicoy. You can also pay a visit to the 300-feet tall lighthouse here. Built by the British in 1885, it is the oldest lighthouse of Lakshadweep. With pristine white-sand beaches, calm blue waters, and colourful race boats called jahadhoni, Minicoy is an Instagrammer&rsquos delight. Do not forget to try shipwreck diving. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kadmath
Thronged by thousands of tourists every year, Kadmath seems to be a crowd-favourite. The shallow lagoons surrounding the island makes it ideal for water sports such as kayaking. Hop onto a pedal boat, yacht or you can even hitch a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to catch a glimpse of the vibrant world of the coral reefs. Kadmath&rsquos clear waters with 20-50 metres visibility make it an unparalleled destination for scuba divers.