Agatti Island

Agatti Island is the gateway to Lakshadweep, the Indian coral archipelago in the Arabian Sea, and home to its only airport, with flights from Kochi landing on an airstrip that runs along the narrow island. Agatti Island is one of only three islands in Lakshadweep that foreign nationals may visit, along with Bangaram and Kadmat, so almost every overseas traveller starts here.

Agatti Island is about 7 km long and very narrow, fringed by a shallow turquoise lagoon and live coral reef on its western side. The population is almost entirely Muslim, and the islanders live mainly from fishing, especially tuna, and coconut farming. Tourism is kept small and controlled. Every visitor, Indian or foreign, needs an entry permit arranged before travel, and alcohol is prohibited on Agatti Island, as it is across Lakshadweep except Bangaram.

What to see

• The Agatti lagoon, clear and shallow enough for snorkelling from the shore
• Live coral reefs off the western side of the island
• Glass-bottomed boat trips and kayaking in the lagoon
• Scuba diving with local dive centres
• The fishing harbour, where tuna boats unload their catch

What to wear

Lakshadweep is a conservative Muslim community, so outside the resort beaches cover shoulders and knees; loose cotton trousers or long skirts and T-shirts are ideal. Swimwear is fine at resort beaches and on boat trips, and a rash guard protects against the strong sun. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and sandals. Island men often wear a lungi (mundu) and shirt, and women wear long dresses with a headscarf.

Local food to try

Lakshadweep cooking is built on tuna and coconut. Look for mas, the sun-dried tuna that is the islands' best known product, tuna curry and fried reef fish, often served with rice, parotta or coconut-rich side dishes in a style close to Kerala's Malabar coast. Octopus fry and coconut sweets appear in homes and small eateries. Food on Agatti is halal and mostly served at resorts and a few local canteens.

Good to know

• Best from October to May; the monsoon from June to September brings rough seas
• Open all year to permit holders; activities run in daylight
• Entry permit required for all visitors; foreigners need a valid Indian visa and permit
• Allow at least 3 to 4 days in Lakshadweep
• About 1.5 hours by air from Kochi, roughly 460 km away
• No alcohol; respect local customs and ask before photographing residents

Nearby places

Boat transfers from Agatti Island reach Bangaram Island, the other main island for foreign visitors. Kavaratti, the capital, is open to Indian nationals. On the mainland, flights connect through Cochin International Airport.