Here are the 5 reasons why India’s smallest Union Territory is attracting hundreds of tourists with its beauty.
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00:00These beautiful coastlines, these wide beaches and their amazing hospitality were searched
00:07the most on Google in 2024.
00:10In fact, Make My Trip reported a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for this island.
00:16All of this happened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep.
00:28Translated as 100,000 islands in Sanskrit, Lakshadweep is located in the Arabian Sea.
00:34The country's smallest union territory is an archipelago of 36 islands of which 10 are
00:40inhabited.
00:41This is also known as Coral Island, formed by the skeletons of tiny marine animals called
00:46polyps.
00:47During one of the episodes of Man Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi narrated how
00:52right after independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister, anticipated
00:57that Pakistan would be interested in the islands.
00:59Sensing this strategic importance, he promptly deployed the Indian Navy to safeguard the
01:04territory before any such attempts could be made.
01:07The group of islands, as per the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, was then granted the status of
01:14a union territory.
01:15After India's independence, the islands were briefly merged with the state of Kerala but
01:20were later separated.
01:25Arab traders and sailors became Lakshadweep's first settlers during the 7th century.
01:31The mosques and the architecture in the region reflected the Islamic influence brought by
01:36these Arabs.
01:37During the colonial period, several European powers established their presence.
01:41The Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and later the British ruled nearby coastal regions
01:47without interfering with the administration of the islands.
01:50Although the population is largely Muslim, the islanders share ethnic, linguistic and
01:56cultural links to Malayalis, Arabs, Tamils and Kannadigas alike.
02:04From snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing to sailing, the islands offer a plethora of
02:10water sport activities for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
02:13The islands' most notable museums and aquariums also showcase diverse marine-related artefacts.
02:20Juma Masjid, located on Minicoy Island, holds both historical and religious significance.
02:25Built during the medieval ages, the grand structure is home to a rich collection of
02:30artefacts.
02:31For all the party animals, Bangaram Island is one of the most happening places of Lakshadweep
02:36at night.
02:37But, no booze please!
02:40Liquor can be consumed in government bars and resorts for tourists on Bangaram Island
02:44but is prohibited elsewhere in the Union Territory.
02:51The matrilineal tradition in Lakshadweep is believed to be influenced by communities from
02:56Kerala and Arab traders who have left their mark on the island's cultural practices.
03:06For all the tourists wondering why can't they book a direct flight to Lakshadweep,
03:10here's a solution.
03:12Agathi Aerodrome is the only airport in the Union Territory which is situated on Agathi
03:17Island.
03:18Other than flights, ships are also one of the most common modes of transportation that
03:23operate from Kochi.