Why Is Lakshadweep Known As A Coral Island? Let’s Find Out The Answer

While the rising sea level due to global warming and random nut plucking from coconut trees near public roads remain a concern, Lakshadweep continues to enjoy its status as a celebrated ecotourism destination. 

Although the Lakshadweep administration has resolved the coconut plucking issue by issuing a directive. The conditional order following Section 152 (1) (a) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was issued from the office of the Andrott Island deputy collector. 

The order says that nut plucking from coconut trees close to public roads must be done with prior information and with the assistance of the assistant engineer of roads, ensuring safety compliance. 

Furthermore, as a coastal tourism getaway, Lakshadweep is going to get connected by a seaplane from Kochi. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Spice Shuttle have collaborated to launch the first seaplane service of Kerala in September 2025. 

Therefore, Lakshadweep is set to offer improved connectivity to tourists. However, despite Lakshadweep growing as an ecotourism hotspot, its unique geology remains a mystery for most of us. 

So, questions such as “Why is Lakshadweep known as a coral island?” need to be addressed. In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will discuss why Lakshadweep is a coral island, its unique marine ecosystem, and more. 

What Is A Coral Island?

Coral polyps are small marine organisms. When the skeletal deposits of these organisms accumulate for centuries, they form a vibrant and solid structure. 

A coral island has colorful coral reefs, a sandy landscape, a rich marine life, and many clear lagoons and atolls. 

Lakshadweep and some parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the prominent examples of coral islands in India. 

How Are Coral Islands Formed?

Coral islands are formed slowly and are a fusion of a natural phenomenon and biological activity. So, it may take centuries to create a coral island.  

The basis of a coral island’s structure is the calcium-rich skeletal secretion of corals. These accumulate and create layers for generations. When these coral structures rise above the sea level, a coral island is formed. 

The hard skeletal deposits create a stable structure, and they can withstand the harsh ocean tides. Furthermore, the coral reefs in these islands are home to the most vibrant marine life. 

Why Is Lakshadweep Known As A Coral Island?

• Sandy Shores
• Rounded Atolls
• Clear And Calm Lagoons
• Coral Reefs

All of these main features of a coral island are present in Lakshadweep. It is a stunning combination of land and sea, featuring a colorful buildup of corals that has developed over centuries. 

The coral reefs of these islands are beyond the shields against the rampage of the ocean, and the fact that they are home to various marine life. These coral reefs are the epicenter of local livelihood and economy. 

For example, many people in Lakshadweep depend on fishing and other water-related activities. 

In fact, Shri George Kurian, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has recently highlighted the growth of fisheries in Lakshadweep during a press conference at Kavaratti. 

He said that Lakshadweep has the potential for an annual fish catch of 1 lakh metric tons. Additionally, as a Seaweed Cluster, it has received an approval of INR 14.06 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 

Furthermore, scuba diving is another commercial marine activity here. The Government of India offers a special scuba diving tourism package at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep. 

Where Is Lakshadweep? Knowing Its Physical Features

Lakshadweep, in the Arabian Sea, is an archipelago or a cluster of islands.  The smallest Union Territory of India, Lakshadweep, has an area of just 32 sq km. However, it has a 700 sq km coral reef and a sea zone of 7,00,000 sq km. Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep. 

The small islands and atolls here are scattered in the sea. Additionally, due to their marine location, the islands experience a distinct microclimate that is beneficial for the growth of coral reefs. 

Marine Biodiversity Of Lakshadweep

The coral reefs of Lakshadweep have created a natural marine laboratory under the Arabian Sea water. You can spot crustaceans, mollusks, and different schools of fish here. So, it is like a riot of color under the water. 

Furthermore, the waters of the lagoons and atolls here are clear. So, the Sunlight can easily penetrate through the water and help various sea plants and algae to grow. Thus, the marine ecosystem of Lakshadweep remains one of the most vibrant underwater ecosystems in the world. 

Also, you can spot the following animals in the marine ecosystem of Lakshadweep.

• Hawksbill turtles and other sea turtles
• Pygmy blue whales
• Dolphins
• Bryde’s whales
• Sperm whales
• Pilot whales
• Snappers
• Tuna
• Manta rays
• String rays, etc.

And despite all these attractions, Lakshadweep remains one of the cheapest islands to visit in the world. 

How To Reach Lakshadweep?

With the seaplanes expected to start their operations from September 2025, reaching Lakshadweep will be easier for tourists and the general public. It will be a 45-minute journey by air, and the fare will be around INR 12,000 tentatively, with a government subsidy of INR 2000-4000 for each ticket under the UDAN Scheme. 

1. Take Kochi To Lakshadweep Flight

As of today, Lakshadweep is connected through flights and ships from Kochi, the gateway to Lakshadweep from the Indian Mainland.

You can take a flight from the Cochin International Airport to reach the airstrip on Agatti Island. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

From Agatti Island, you can take a boat to Kadmat and Kavaratti. 

2. Kochi To Lakshadweep By Passenger Ships

You can take any of the following seven passenger ships to reach Lakshadweep from Kochi. These ships are:

• MV Kavaratti
• MV Lakshadweep Sea
• MV Arabian Sea
• MV Corals
• MV Lagoon
• MV Minicoy
• MV Amindiv

The journey takes around 14-18 hours, and there are various accommodation classes. 

• A/C First Class with two berth cabins
• A/C Second Class with four berth cabins
• Push back/Bunk Class with A/C seating

MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy are also ideal for night journeys with comfortable A/C seating arrangements. Furthermore, on these journeys, there will be a doctor on call on board. 

In addition, in fair seasons, you can take a speedboat for exploring between the islands. 

What Are The Government Tour Packages For Lakshadweep? 

The tour packages offered by the Lakshadweep Government are:

1. Lakshadweep Samudram By MV Kavaratti

It is a 5-day cruise ride from Kochi to Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Kalpeni. It has various classes of accommodations. 

2. Cottages In Bangaram

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Bangaram is a pristine island with an area of over 120 acres. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience amidst mangrove groves and in the company of pufferfish, porcupines, parrots, hermit crabs, etc.

Moreover, Bangaram Beach is one of the most popular bioluminescent beaches in India.

Here, the double and AC single cottages will cost you INR 18000/-. For an extra person, you will have to pay an extra INR 8500, and for an extra child, it will be INR 8000. 

3. Kavaratti Island Resort

An AC single or double suite here costs INR 11000/- in the resort. There are no charges for an extra child. However, for an extra adult, there will be an additional fee of INR 4000. 

Here, you can enjoy scuba diving and cruising in glass-bottom ships. 

4. Scuba Diving Package

The Dolphin Dive Centre, Kavaratti, conducts the following diving programs.

• PADI Scuba Diving Experience Programme
• PADI Scuba Diving Course

Anyone above 14 years of age and with a medically fit certificate and swimming skills can be a part of this program. You can contact +91-4896 263649 / 262105 for all the details. 

Moreover, for any query related to Lakshadweep Tourism, you can contact 9495984001 from 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Friday. 

What Is The Future Of Lakshadweep Tourism?

Modern infrastructure development and a boost in ecotourism and green energy production are going to be the most important aspects of the future of Lakshadweep tourism. 

1. Infrastructure Development

Under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), eastern and western jetties are being developed in Kadmat and Kalpeni. Furthermore, Androth is going to get new port facilities built at an expense of ₹1,664.88 crore. (Source PIB: Press Information Bureau). 

2. Boosting Eco Tourism And The Production Of Green Energy

The Water Villa Projects in Suheli, Kadmat, and Minicoy will be a major boost to the ecotourism landscape of Lakshadweep. Furthermore, Lakshadweep is making a fast shift toward the use of renewable energy to reduce dependence on diesel. 

Moreover, here is the data and updates from the Press Information Bureau. 

• “MoU signed with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
• Rooftop solar systems installed in over 450 homes.
• Solar plants commissioned in Agatti (0.3 MW) and Kavaratti (1.4 MW).”

Moreover, Lakshadweep will soon get connected to Mumbai through weekly cruise liners. The route will be Mumbai-Kochi-Agatti-Thinnakara. 

Why Is Lakshadweep Known As A Coral Island? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about why Lakshadweep is known as a coral island.