Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is the Indian end of the same submarine ridge that carries the Maldives, and its islands are true coral atolls: a low ring of sand and coconut palm enclosing a shallow lagoon, with the reef dropping into deep water just beyond. Agatti has the only airstrip, its runway laid along the island's spine with lagoon on both sides. Bangaram is uninhabited apart from a resort and is the only place where alcohol is permitted. Kadmat and Thinnakara are the diving and kayaking bases, with reef walls of staghorn and table coral, turtles and reef sharks. Kavaratti, the administrative capital, has the carved wooden ceilings of the Ujra mosque. Minicoy, the southernmost inhabited island, is culturally distinct, closer to the Maldives in language and dress, with a lighthouse from 1885 and a tuna fishery. All travel requires an entry permit obtained in advance through the administration, and inter-island movement depends on ships and small boats. Signature journeys combine Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat over five or six days.