Lakshadweep
(Union Territory of India) 
Land area


Demography
Population 60000 (aprx).
Density 1257 persons/sq. km
Growth rate 10%/year 
POP Agr/Fishing/Mining 70% 
Life expectancy 61.3 years, 
Adult literacy  51.2% 
Infant mortality 74 per/1000 (1994), versus 165 (1960) 
GDP/Capita $246 


Getting there
Air: NEPC Airlines operates flights from Cochin to Agatti Island. Tourists are ferried from Agatti to other places, by fast boats. Also, a helicopter service links Agatti to the other islands.
Ship: Vessels ply between Cochin in Kerala and Lakshadweep. Rates vary according to the type of accomodation. 

The charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merry makers to its shores, or perhaps it is the beauty of the islands densely covered with coconut palms, and threaded by an unbroken line of creamy sand, each island serenely set in a sea whose waters range from palest aquamarine and torquoise to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli. Yet again , may be the unique charm of Lakshadweep lies in the fact that each island, a tiny principality in itself, has existed from time immemorial, with little influence from the outside world. 

Lakshadeep is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. there are 10 inhabitted islands and 17 uninhabitted islands with a total geographical area of 32 sq. kms. It is located between 8 degrees - 12 degree 13'North latitude and 71 degree -74 degree East longitude, 220 to 440 Kms. away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian sea.

Climatic conditions are similarto that of Kerala coast. Average rainfall is 1600mma year with the major share from thesouthwest monsoon. Almost all islands experiance tropical climate with temperature ranging from 25 degrees c to 35 degrees c and humidity ranging from 70 -76 per cent during the most part of the year. March, April and May are the hottest months of the year. 

There is silence here, unbroken but for the cry of a seabird, or by the soft paddle of a local canoe as it moves gently over the waves the water is so clear that one can see the fish among the coral; while snorkelling or deep sea diving, these waters come alive with amazing clarity and colour! A polluting free, the only coral island is the Rama Rajya of the great country of india 

History 

Not much is known of the early history of Lakshadweep. However, enough evidence exists to piece together a history of the islands from the 7th century onwards. The people were converted to Islam under the influence of Hazrat Ubaidullah who set off from Mecca after Prophet Mohammed (S.A.S) appeared to him in a dream, commanding him to leave for distant shores to propagate Islam. The ship on which Hazrat Ubaidulla was sailing was wrecked and after drifting on a plank of wood he reached the island of Amini where his mission met with fierce opposition. 

After many difficulties he was able to carry out his mission, and to this day, the people of Lakshadweep follow Islam. Traces of the old culture still linger however; despite the influence of Islam, caste system still prevails based on occupation- landowners, sailors and cultivators. Although Madrassas in all the islands impart religious instruction to school going children, many individuals bear two names. 

Culture

Ethnically the people of the islands are very similar to the people of Kerala even their languages is the same except in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach. 93% of the popultion are indigenous Muslims. According to 1991 census, population is 51707. 

History comes alive in folk ballads that women chant during their house - hold chores. Events of the past - the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidulla in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, have been perpetuated by the balladeer. 

Smiling and friendly people. Nobody is tip-minded. The place in the world to go for a walk, with no dogs and no poisonous snakes either. The people of Lakshadweep are often commended for their honesty. The absence of crime in the islands is laudable. The most obvious testimony to this is the profusion of gold ornaments worn by the women - heavy ear rings and necklaces. The fact that very young children are allowed to wander around alone wearing chunky jewellery is a pointer to a way of life that one hopes will continue into the future. 

The young men have some spirited folk dances. The women are modest with colourful dress and wear their jewellery in safety. The people of Minicoy have a good sense of colour, painting their houses, furniture and boats in bright and tasteful combinations. Seamen from Minicoy are to be found on merchant ship all over the world.