Lakhshadweep is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean with a population of around 70,000. The territory lies around 200 kilometers off the Indian coast and north of the Maldives.

The region has a warm tropical climate all year round, making it a frequent target of tropical cyclones.

The territory of Lakhshadweep includes the two archipelagos of Armindives and Laccadives, with a total of 12 atolls and 27 islands, of which ten islands are inhabited. The entire land area is only around 32 square kilometers.

The inhabited islands of Lakhshadweep include Andrott, Minicoy, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Agatti, Amini, Kiltan, Chetlat and Bitra.

The main language spoken on the islands is Malayalam, and almost 98% of the residents profess Islam.

The majority of the population lives mainly from fishing with its associated tuna factory, as well as the cultivation of coconut palms, which cover almost 80% of the territory's land area.

Tourism plays a rather minor role in Lakhshadweep because tourists generally require a special permit to enter the country.

Despite the beautiful landscape and the unique diving areas, all inhabited islands are closed to tourism. There is only a hotel complex on the uninhabited island of Bangaram. This is also the only island in Lakhshadweep where alcohol is allowed to be consumed, otherwise there is a strict ban on alcohol in the entire region.

The capital of the Lakhshadweep archipelago is Kavaratti, on the most populous island of the same name. In addition, the islands of Minicoy, Amini and Agatti are considered to be the islands with the largest population.

I haven't been to Lakhshadweep yet. Despite having booked a flight in May 2016, I was not allowed to fly at Kochi airport due to lack of approval.

A visit there is not planned at the moment.

Hence no photos!