Lakshadweep (it means "a hundred thousand islands"), India's smallest Union Territory, is planning to launch cruise tourism with an experience that is similar yet unique to that of the ones you get in Maldives and Mauritius.
The Lakshadweep administration has prepared a draft policy for promotion and tourism in the UT along with the proposal for cruise tourism, which refers to holidays that are entirely or partly based on a cruise ship.
According to a report in IANS, the Home Ministry's 'action taken' report says that "the Lakshadweep administration attaches utmost importance to cruise line tourism in the islands. To develop cruise tourism in islands, the Lakshadweep administration has prepared a proposal for the fabrication of a dedicated tourist ship. Lakshadweep administration has also prepared a draft policy for promotion and tourism in the UT.&rdquo
Situated in the Arabian Sea, approximately 240 to 440 kilometres away from Kochi, these are the only coral chain of islands in the subcontinent.
Under the scheme, you will be allowed to select the size of the cruise, which ranges from large to small yachts. And you will have the freedom to explore various picturesque locations - from Minicoy to Kavaratti, Agatti to Kadmat, Kalpeni, and Bangaram.
You can choose an all-inclusive holiday package for 48 hours. The cruise package gives you the chance to customise your own itinerary schedule.
The tourism authority here is working hard to promote eco-friendly and low-volume, high-end tourism which focuses on socially responsible travel and environmental sustainability. Keeping the coronavirus pandemic in mind, they are consciously avoiding crowds and mass tourism.
Lakshadweep has a long stretch of coastline that offers potential for the growth in the field of adventure tourism. One of India's most promising water sports destinations, there are a few water sports institutes that provide sports such as canoeing, kayaking, surfing, water skiing, scuba diving as well.