Kavaratti

Kavaratti is the capital island of Lakshadweep, India's coral archipelago in the Arabian Sea, and the most developed of its islands, home to the territory's administration, a harbour and a population of about 11,000 at the 2011 census. Kavaratti is open to Indian tourists with a permit, but it is not currently on the list of islands foreign nationals may visit.

Kavaratti is only about 4 square kilometres in area, but it has a large number of mosques for its size, reflecting the islands' long Islamic history; tradition credits the conversion of Lakshadweep to Muslim saints who arrived from the Arabian coast many centuries ago. The best known building is the Ujra Mosque, whose ceiling is said to be carved from a single piece of driftwood. The calm lagoon on the western side is used for water sports, and a marine aquarium displays reef life.

What to see

• The Ujra Mosque, with its carved wooden ceiling (entry may be restricted)
• The marine aquarium, showing the fish and corals of the reef
• The western lagoon, used for kayaking and glass-bottomed boat trips
• Snorkelling over the coral reef near the shore
• The harbour, where passenger ships from Kochi arrive

What to wear

Kavaratti is a conservative Muslim island, so dress modestly in town: cover shoulders and knees, and women may want a scarf for visiting the mosque area. Remove shoes before entering any mosque, and ask before entering. Swimwear is fine only during water sports. The sun is strong all year, so bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Island men often wear a mundu (lungi) and shirt, and women long dresses with a headscarf.

Local food to try

Kavaratti's food is Lakshadweep cooking with Kerala Malabar roots: tuna curry, fried reef fish, octopus fry and coconut-rich dishes with rice or parotta. Mas, the dried tuna, is sold in the island shops and makes a good souvenir. Small canteens near the harbour and the tourism resort serve halal meals, and vegetarian options are simple but available. Alcohol is prohibited on Kavaratti.

Good to know

• Best from October to May; ships and boats can be disrupted in the monsoon
• The island is open to permit holders all year; the aquarium keeps daytime hours
• Entry permit required; currently for Indian nationals only
• Allow 1 to 2 days
• Reached by passenger ship from Kochi, about 400 km away, or by helicopter or boat from Agatti
• No alcohol; ask before photographing people or mosques

Nearby places

Agatti Island, with the airport, and Bangaram Island are the islands foreign visitors can reach. On the mainland, Cochin International Airport is the usual connection.