Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep - Timings, Water Sports, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 54 km from Agatti, and 404 km (218 nautical miles) from Kochi, Kavaratti is a census town as well as the name of the atoll upon which the town stands. It is the capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and among the must-include places in Lakshadweep tour packages.

The Island of Kavaratti is located between Agatti Island on the west and Andrott Island on the east. It is at an altitude of 2 to 5 m on the western side and 2 to 3 m on the eastern side, located between Agatti Island on the west and Andrott Island on the east. It has an area of 4.22 sq. km, and has the maximum percentage of non-islanders as residents. The maximum length of the island is 5.8 km and the width is 1.6 km. The island is home to 12 atolls, 5 submerged banks, and 3 coral reefs along with a lagoon having a length of about 6 km and an area of 4.96 sq km.

Kavaratti Island is located in the center of the Lakshadweep archipelago. Karavatti has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under PM Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission. Kavaratti is known for its coconut trees, exotic marine life, beautiful sceneries, and enthralling water sports. Besides, the island has the maximum number of mosques in Lakshadweep. Of these, Jamnath, Mohidden, and Ujra are prominent ones. Jamnath Mosque is a massive structure having the largest tank of all mosques in the archipelago, while Mohidden Mosque is an ancient mosque that lies to the north of Kavaratti.

Ujra Mosque is the oldest and the most beautiful mosque in Lakshadweep, built by Sheikh Mohammad Kasim in the 17th century. Known for its stunning architecture, the mosque has an ornate ceiling and intricately carved pillars. Sheikh Mohammad Kasim's grave is located inside the mosque which is revered by the islanders. Women are not permitted to visit its main prayer hall. There is a well in the premises of the mosque that contains water having curative powers. A few blocks away from the Ujra Mosque lies the Marine Aquarium & Museum, which houses a variety of fishes, sea cucumbers, octopuses, and a few anemones. The museum displays different types of shells and numerous fishes in glass jars. There is also a Dolphin Dive center next to the aquarium that offers diverse PADI programs for amateur and professional divers.

Kavaratti has warm sandy beaches where tourists can unwind. Though the beaches are narrow, the lagoon located to the west of the Island is best suited for swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and canoeing. Also, Chicken Neck Point, located to the south of the island, is a perfect place for water sports, including scuba diving and snorkeling. One can also go for a glass-bottom boat ride here, which allows tourists to view the rich marine life and an array of extraordinary corals.

Accommodation in Kavaratti is available close to the jetty in the form of tourist huts with an attached bathroom and balcony. Tourists can savor the buffet that generally serves Malabar cuisine, including spicy tuna fish, chicken, and sweet potato. Kavaratti is covered in two packages offered by the Lakshadweep Tourism Department, namely the Coral Reef and Taratashi packages.

Among the most popular means of travel to Kavaratti from the Indian mainland is via an overnight voyage by passenger ship or a flight from Kochi to Agatti followed by helicopter or boat transfer from Agatti to Kavaratti.