Lakshwadeep - A coral Paradise
A coral paradise
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| PC: Shruti |
It has been a month and the scenes of that paradise continue
to flash infront of my eyes. Funny how passport issues made us change our
destination from Maldives to Lakshwadeep
– unplanned surprises indeed take form of beautiful journey. Getting travel/accommodation
information kept us thinking as it was all controlled by SPORTS authority.
Sending back and forth mails to them deciding the itinerary and the cost of
package led us to a page of travel agents listed on SPORTS site which was way
more easy mode of communication thanks to their correct contact number and we
got lucky.
Note: Contact numbers and recommended name of agent provided
at the end.
Planned Itinerary:
Cost quoted excluding
excursions: 87000 Rs/2 people for 7
nights (Food & accommodation included)
Landing in Agatti –
3N stay at Kadmath –
4N stay at Thinnakara (with a day trip to Bangaram and
Parali)
However when it comes to me and my travel buddy we are
always jinxed haha – the maha cyclone forced us to avoid boat transfers to the
planned islands.
Renewed itinerary:
Cost quoted after
refund: 76000 Rs/ 2 people
2N Agatti
3N Thinnakara
2N Agatti
Agatti:
Agatti being the most beautiful airport island dint let us
sulk in the change of news by our agents. Amazingly the different color of
water on either side of the island was a mystery to me. Rough sea denied us the
chance to indulge in water activities but could not dampen our spirits to go on
a ‘Beach Trek’ –if that’s even a word. The stretch of islands there are less
than 4km and can be easily covered on foot.
Arrangements were made for us to stay in a clean homestay
managed by Rafique. Simple home made food and utmost care was taken. The most
interesting fact of getting stranded is you get to spend a lot of time with the
locals and the co-tourists – that’s how we bonded with our very first solo traveler/now
buddy & a Bong family of three. Chilling on hammock under the stars sharing
the travel stories has become one of my sweetest memories to be documented. Truly
said that journey becomes meaningful by the people you meet along the way. It was Diwali night (no moon) and we decided
to crash on the beach side hammock only to discover Bioluminescence – a sign of good news to come I guess
The early morning sunrise loiter on day 3 was a proof of
that – as we were exhilarated to finally set sail towards Thinnakara.
Thinnnakara:
#Extra info: Accommodation cost :10000/Night (included in
the package cost)
The moment we neared Thinnakara and Bangaram we could not
believe what our eyes saw – it was a dream taking form of reality. Hopped down,
checked into our cozy Tents with a spectacular view and hit the crystal colored
water as fast as we could to check out our dolphin friends only to remain there
for the next 2 hoursJ
Subsequently we went for Coral garden Snorkeling which was the highlight of
that day for me. To add to it, every sunrise and sunset offered different
colors for us to soak into its beauty.
Excursions:
Scuba Diving
Coral Garden Snorkeling / Deep Sea Snorkel / Shipwreck
Snorkel
Kayak / Bangaram Day trip / Parali1 & Parali2 Boat
transfers
Turtle Watch
Besides the enjoyment, I was overwhelmed by the humility of
the staff to go to extremes to make our stay memorable. For instance, we wanted
to trek till Parali and 2 staffs were arranged for us free of charge to guide
us where as the water sports staff took us to as many snorkel trips as we asked
for despite the high demand by other guests and their tiredness. Moreover the
food was organically made using traditional cooking methods and the every day
we were provided with a range (atleast 8 to 9 dishes) of exotic and sumptuous
options for breakfast, lunch as well as dinner.
A day trip to Bangaram confirmed my choice of staying at
Thinnakara was not a mistake however the sandbar at Bangaram took my breath
away.
How can the world be so amazing for so long, that’s when we
got to know that we had to head back to Agatti for the rest 2 days where we
remained stranded for the rest of the trip by delving into exploring what the
waters of Agatti had to offer us
There are many other islands which offer an equally memorable
experience which includes Kadmath, Kavaratti, Kalipetti, Minicoy – which were most
recommended islands by the locals. With a promise to come again we bid adieu to
this heavenly place and beautiful humans striving there to make their lives
better.
Food blog of Thinnakanara on its way
We would like to thank the staff of Thinnakara for their
impressive hospitality
Staff names : Idayat,Salim,Naushad,Iqbal,Abdu,Shahenshah,
Kitchen staff as well as water sports staff
The tour agent details we contacted are given below:
Tour Package Agent (Tie up with Sports): Lakshwadeep Voyage
Agent Name : Irshad (M : 8547670011) (PS: They even provided
us with the refund amount post trip and arranged for our permits)
PS: The Cost details for Excursions, Accommodation, Boat
transfers are easily available on SPORTS
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