Lakshadwip was my childhood dream destination. I made a contact with the local agent of SPORTS, an agency that conduct cruise package for Lakshadwip. We bought train tickets to reach Cochin and air tickets for coming back from Cochin to Kolkata. I included Munnar and Periyar in the same plan. I wanted to go to Aleppy by backwater but my son was not interested in it as according to his opinion after a cruise tour to Lakshadweep it would not be a worthy one to enjoy.
Nilgiri Thar
After finishing our Lakshadwip package we went to Cochin Inter-state bus stand and caught a bus for Munnar at 3 PM and reached there in the evening .There are quite a number of hotels in the mall and road side food stall. Munnar is a small hill station in Western Ghat range. Anaimudi is the highest peak of Western ghat. There is Eraviculam National Park. There are several places to visit. The whole area is covered with tea gardens and Sandalwood forest . We stayed 2 nights in Munnar and booked a car for local sight seeing.
Then we went to Periyar. There was local bus service from Munnar to go to Periyar, but we hired a car. The journey from Munnar to Periyar was pleasant due to the scenic beauty. Periyar is also a very nice place with a reserve forest, lake and spice market. We stayed in a home-stay there.
We were on our Lakshadweep cruise package. One day, when we went for dinner on the ship, a Punjabi lady told us that we were going to get Bengali food that day, rice and fish curry. We were not excited because it was expected from previous experiences that it would never be a Bengali cuisine. We took our food items from the counter. My son and I could not find any fish item. There was one non veg preparation which we suspected as meat. It was very fibrous and hard. We had a hot discussion on this issue that what kind of meat it was. Then after finishing the dinner I asked the attendants present there what it was. He informed that it was Tuna fish.
When we were coming out from the dinning hall after dinner, that Punjabi Lady met us again and asked how much did we like the authentic Bengali dish of rice and fish curry. We explained that we mostly eat sweet water fishes and our way of cooking is absolutely different, we could not even recognize what it was. She was a bit disappointed, then she specified that they had come back to the ship from the island Kavaratti on the last boat in the afternoon, and that fish had been carried on the same boat. She was a tall woman, she stretched her hands full to show how big the fish was. I later came across tuna fish at the market of Periyar though they were not that much big.
LAKSHADWEEP: A memorable journey on a cruise ship.
Lakshadweep is a tropical archipelago consisting of 36 small islands and coral reefs in the Arabian sea, near the coast of Kerala. All islands are not inhabited, and only a few are open to visitors (permits required). Kavaratti, is the capital of the islands. Malayalm is the common language there.
A central government organization named SPORTS (https://www.lakshadweeptourism.com) organizes tour packages for tourists by cruise ship. This trips covers Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy islands. One can also arrange individually, visiting there by flight, from Cochin, making permit from their office. There is an airport in the island called Agatti. Bangaram is the island where there are arrangements for staying in home stays and for adventure sports.
Lake Vembanad
Introduction.
When I was in the final year of school in 1979, we went to Andaman islands. After coming back from there I told my father that we should also visit Lakshadweep. In 1980 there was not enough information available about Lakshadweep and probably tourism had not been promoted in that area. So the plan was abandoned.
In my initial days of self planned tours, I joined two travel forums to get information. There I came across a post about Lakshadweep trip and got the link of SPORTS. I became interested and started planning the trip.
November to February are the best months to go there. In winter sea remains calm. As Lakshadweep is situated near to equator and in the middle of the sea, the weather is temperate during this period.
Kalpeni light house
The dilemma
I booked a trip for me son and I through the local agents of SPORTS in Kolkata. It was in December 2011. I went to their office and booked a package called “Samudram” commencing on 22nd December from Kochi. We booked our train and return air ticket as per schedule.
But they called me and informed due to certain problem that particular package was cancelled. Either they would refund or we might join another package. We agreed and cancelled our previous ticket and arranged tickets according to the new schedule.
Again after few days the local agent informed that the tour has been preponed by 4 days. I did not change the return ticket, instead I only changed my out ward journey ticket.
I thought it would be better not to cancel the return air ticket, instead we should enjoy the rest four days traveling in Kerala, though we were going over budget.
Beds in the room.
The tour starts
We reached Kochi/Cochin via Chennai by Aleppi Express. In our few hours stay in Chennai we visited Marina beach and some other places too.
After reaching Kochi we lodged in a hotel near to Ernakulam Station. Keeping our luggage there we first went to the SPORTS office to get the confirmation and to do the rest process to board the ship next day. The officials of SPORTS checked our documents and money receipt. Then they asked us to report next day 3 hours before the commencement of the journey.
Kalpeni
Kochi local trip
After coming back to the hotel we bathed and had our lunch. Inquiring at the help desk of the hotel we came to know there were small boat trips in the afternoon to visit Kochi city. According to their instruction we reached that boat jetty at Vembanad Lake and reserved our tickets.
The boat started at 3 PM. Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in India. There were many house boats in the lake. Flying fish were often seen on our journey. The lake was full of different birds. I was absolutely novice in photography in those days. So I could not capture good photos of them.
Synagogue at Kochin
We visited St Francis Church, Synagogue in Jew town, Sree Poornathrayesa Temple, Cochi International Marina, Fort Kochi, etc.
In the evening we went to the local market where beautiful gold plated jewelries were sold. I bought two small ear rings and they still haven’t lost there color. We tasted local cuisine of Kerala. Next morning after breakfast we reached the specified place of SPORTS at Wiilingdon Island.
Corals from glass bottomed boat
Boarding the ship M V Kavaratti.
It was really an experience to go through the Customs checking before boarding the ship. Alcohol was strictly banned in Lakshadweep. A group of eight young fellows from Kolkata was there. One of them was carrying a large bottle of deodorant so that all of them can use it. He had to unpack his luggage to show that.
At that time no foreigners were allowed. I was suspected as an intruder because, though I was not so fair, but fairer than average Indians and also my haircut was under suspicion. After showing all documents we got clearance.
There were a large number of natives of the islands who were also on board with us. Now a days rules have changed a lot. I have come to know that foreigners are now allowed to visit Lakshadweep.
MV Kavaratti was a large ship. It had 5 floors and terrace. There was a helipad on the top deck. There was also a small swimming pool though no water was there. We were in the first class. There, each room had accommodation for two persons. After our boarding a small tug boat drew the ship into the ocean from the port.
Dining hall of the ship
The journey begins
After boarding the lunch was served. The large dining hall was divided into two parts. One for vegetarians, another for non vegetarians. The ship started moving slowly. In the evening different hue in the sky and its reflection on sea was a spectacular scene. Gradually when the night approached, I had an eerie feeling watching the endless dark where the ship was moving like an island.
After dinner I slept but my son did not want to sleep. He preferred to roam around the nook and corners of the ship. He was extremely happy. We did not feel any kind of sea sickness during our whole journey neither our fellow travelers.
Kalpeni
Next day I woke up at 4 AM. It was completely dark. I went out of the room and stood on the small balcony like deck beside our room. The ship was not moving. It anchored near Kalpeni. Small lights of Kalpeni was visible. There was only sound of the waves that struck the body of the ship.
I came back to my room and slept again. In the morning after morning tea/coffee we were carried to the island of Kalpeni by small boats. There green coconuts were served as welcome drink. After that we went for snorkeling and kayaking to another small island by boat.
Relaxation time at Kalpeni
Those who knew swimming snorkeled on their own and those who could not, SPORTS attendants helped them to see the variety of corals under the water. There were sea cucumbers in plenty and other creatures visible under the clear sea water. There were lots of corals everywhere lying here and there.
At noon we came back to the main island of Kalpeni and had our bath in fresh water. There lunch was arranged and served. After that there was a program of local tribal dance. Children enjoyed swinging in the hammocks. We all rested and chatted with each other introducing ourselves.
Kavaratti
In the evening we were taken back to the ship and the ship started to move. At midnight the ship reached Kavaratti and anchored. In the morning after tea/coffee we were taken to Kavaratti island. Kavaratti is the biggest island of the archipelago.
In Kavaratti, after breakfast, we had several activities arranged by SPORTS. We had a ride on glass bottom boat. It was an overwhelming experience to watch colorful fish and variety of colorful corals.
Kavaratti boat jetty
There was an arrangement for scuba diving also. My son went for scuba but at that time I did not get the courage to go for scuba for which I still regret.
We visited Marine aquariam and musium. There were different types shells and water animals and marine flora displayed for the tourist.
We had lunch with different fish items. There was also provision for vegetarians but that was meager in comparison to the non vegetarians. After lunch rooms were given to us for those who wanted to take rest.
In the afternoon we were taken to a local hosiery factory where we sold T-shirts printed ‘Lakshadweep’ and its photograph. I bought three T-shirts for my son.
Then we were taken to pickle factory outlet. Many of us bought Tuna pickle. It was very tasty, made of Tuna fish, lime, and spices.
Kalpeni
Experience of eating Tuna fish and sea weed desert
At night we were served fish curry in dinner along with other preparations. We could not recognize the fish while eating. But later a co-passenger informed us that they came back to the ship by the last boat and that fish came with them. It was a huge fish more than 4 feet long. There was also a desert made of sea weeds. It was like corn flour halwa without any color.
Sunset at Arabian sea.
Minikoy
Next day we reached Minikoy. Minikoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep. It seemed to me the most polpulous of them. This island has a very rich historical background.
We enjoyed Lava dance there. There were lagoons and tourists huts were made on the water. Here also we were taken by sea boat to see different types of corals. This island also had arrangements for different tourist activities. Some people enjoyed kayaking.
The natural beauty of the island was mesmerizing and I enjoyed sitting idle in front of the sea beach watching the different shades of blue and sea green. Many of us enjoyed bathing in the sea. Here also there was a large Tuna canning factory.
There was a package called Swaying Palm that only covers Minikoy. It seemed to me a very good package for honeymooners. There is a tourist cottage with few rooms for those who book that package.
Minicoy Seabeach
Back to the main land
The trip was about to end next day. We spent long time on the deck after dinner. The ship moved towards main land. Four days past like moments. Our scheduled arrival was at 10-30/11 AM, but the ship was late due to weather condition. She had to move against the wind and could not move in stipulated speed. So we were served our lunch. At last the ship reached the port at 1-30 PM.
The captain and the other members of the cruise were very congenial. The captain came and attended to us personally. He requested us to come again like other hosts of a family. My son and I enjoyed the trip extremely, and wish to go again when we shall have sufficient resources. The trip was expensive for middle class people like us.
How to go Lakshadweep
If someone wishes to go, I would suggest to book trips through the agents of SPORTS because it is more convenient and if the trip is cancelled it is easier to get a refund. The package starts from Kochin ( Kerala). There are different kind of packages.
One can arrange the trip on their own but it will be costlier than SPORTS packages. One has to get permit also as it is a restricted area.
Benediction 