"Pristine Tropical Hideway " a Union Territory of Lakshadweep Travel Page by cherrybug

The Lakshadweep Islands comprise 27 coral islands some 200+km from the western shore of Kerala. Beautiful and pristine, only ten of of the islands are inhabited and of these only three are open to visits from non indian travellers.

Known as Laccadives until 1973, the name Lakshadweep translates to 'one hundred thousand islands'.

Kadmat is one island accessible to those from outside India and is 8km long and 550 metres wide at its widest point. There is a shallow lagoon on the west of the island and a narrow lagoon on the east. The population of Kadmat are Muslim and speak a dialect of Malayalam.

Diving is wonderful at Kadmat and the dive school there (Laccadives) is an extremely professional outfit with great staff. What is particularly special is the low number of visiters to the island and thus the small groups of divers.

I dived with only 3 other people and the dive master giving us the whole sea to ourselves! There aren't many reefs this beautiful that offer such exclusivity.

The island of Kadmat is not only completely beautiful (think bounty advert paradise) it is relaxing, slow paced and quiet. The ultimate tropical hideaway!

Not yet (and hopefully never) spoiled by mass tourism, the beaches are empty (apart from the sand crabs!), the water crystal clear and the atmosphere peaceful.

And if you get tired of the East coast, a hop, skip and a jump will take you to the west. Watch the sun rise and set every day!