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Lakshadweep

Scuba diving adventures in lakshadweep

Nature’s Canvas on the Arabian Sea

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The Island of rejuvenation

Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a place to cherish! For the peace-seeking wanderers, the island houses the refreshing beauty of mother nature, and for the brave-hearts, it is complete with an array of adventures, with scuba diving being the people’s favourite. The tiny coral islands are covered with lush green patches for you to stroll around and enjoy nature at its serene best. And when the sun goes down, you can grab a drink to spend hours on the long beaches, covered in white sand.

The islands also have a beautiful and rich heritage that is reflected in the culture and cuisine. Diving into the diversity of Lakshadweep, you can also join the locals in Kolkali or Parichakali dances. Crafted with love and freshness, the age-old traditional dishes set your taste buds on a joyride. When in Lakshadweep, you must try the array of seafood options it offers, especially the specialities made with coconut.

While Lakshadweep is an abode of immense natural beauty for your gentle heart to admire, the islands also have the means to ignite your energetic side. Here, you can jump into a bunch of exciting beach activities and adventure sports. Well, talking about adventures in Lakshadweep and excluding Scuba Diving would be a disgrace. Pushing the hustle and bustle of your daily life to the backseat, you can dive into the blue Arabian waters to explore the underwater ecosystem in its best form.

Into the underwater paradise

While Lakshadweep offers you a bunch of adventure spots to let your wild heart free, Scuba Diving adventures are mostly concentrated in the southern islands, the most popular spot being Kavaratti. Besides being the capital island of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is a place full of majestic undersea beauty.

As you reach the enchanting depths around the islands, you will get the pleasure of seeing colourful coral reefs that have been formed over millions of years. Keeping the place alive and dancing are a variety of fishes and other marine animals. If you are lucky enough, you may also spot manta rays or some graceful sea turtles. The vast marine biodiversity also houses some alluring flora.

If you are an avid adventure lover, you can also try the deeper waters around the island. As you move away from the coasts, the underwater extravaganza will elevate. Stretches of bright-coloured coral reefs will surround you as you swim with the gilled residents of the area. Do not be surprised if you see one or two reef sharks wading through the currents or resting on the reef slopes. You should also visit Saddle Peak to explore underwater caves and awe-strucking swim-throughs.

The underwater area around Kavaratti is also popular for photography. Many wildlife photographers dive into the seas to capture the breathtaking beauty of the reefs and the resident animals. You can get waterproof camera gear in the local diving centres and capture your majestic underwater moments to reminisce forever.

When in Kavaratti, your diving skills do not matter. As the place provides multiple points for all diving levels, you will easily learn to enjoy the coral waters. Whether you make your dive from the Dolphin Dive Centre or the Bangaram Thila, you will surely have a mesmerising experience that will be notched in your memory.

The ever-expanding dive

Kavaratti is one of the most beautiful scuba diving wonders of Lakshwadeep but is certainly not the only one. One of the other distinctive scuba diving stations is Agatti Island, consisting of crystal clear waters and beautiful vibrant coral reefs which provide a majestic diving experience to the tourist. You may also be surprised by the occasional sitings of sharks and rays. The ideal dive sites are Agatti Aquarium and Agatti Rock.

Another popular diving site is Kadmat Island, loved for its peaceful beaches and rich biodiversity. Rightly enough, the place is also referred to as the "Paradise Island" as it’s no less than a paradise for diving enthusiasts. No matter if you are a first-timer or a regular explorer, the place offers something or the other for divers of all skill levels. Popular sites located around this area include Kadmat Caves and Pitti Bank. Some other popular islands for scuba diving are Mincoy Island and Kalpeni Island both of which are unimaginably beautiful and visiting these places would be an absolute pleasure for your eyes. The known dive sites in this area are Japanese Garden, Maliku Kandu, Kalpeni Drop and Dolphin Reef.

Karavatti, being a known tourist spot, receives a lot of attention from people around India and around the world. To conserve the soulful marine environment, Karavatti is home to its own Reef Sanctuary. This protected environment caters as a refuge for marine life, including coral reefs, fishes, and an array of other marine organisms. While diving within the protected sanctuary is restricted for good, visitors can snorkel or dive in nearby areas to witness the beauty and diversity of the reef ecosystem.

While adventures like scuba diving excite people of all age groups, proper safety precautions are necessary while diving deep into unknown water bodies. Needless to mention, it is essential to know and adhere to the local diving norms and obtain necessary permits. For a wholesome experience, ensure that you dive with a certified dive operator who prioritises both your safety and environmental sustainability.


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The best time to visit

While Lakshadweep is a feast to a wanderer’s heart at any given point of the year, the best time to visit Kavaratti is from November to March as the weather during this period stays relatively cooler. Besides, this time of the year marks the dry season with clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it a steal-deal for underwater activities like scuba diving. This will allow you to fully adore the colourful coral reefs and vibrant marine life that thrive in the waters surrounding Kavaratti. To add to your comfort, the temperature of the water bodies during this time remains suitable for diving, providing a wholesome experience for the explorers.

The ideal hours for scuba diving in Lakshadweep are between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This period allows divers to relish calmer seas and better visibility under the water.

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