Ever since PM Narendra Modi shared his experience of Lakshadweep (and all the controversy that followed), the island has become one of the most searched places on the Internet! The beautiful, albeit not popular Union Territory of India is finally enjoying the limelight and we’re sure people have many travel questions about it. That’s why when we came across popular travel influencer, Tanya Khanijow’s Lakshadweep guide on X (formerly Twitter), we knew we had to share it with you all. We have picked out excerpts from the post that will help you plan your trip better and answer some queries as well.
Details About PAP – What Is It, Validity & Fees
Planning for Lakshadweep? Read this before you plan a trip there ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BnMLn2wX7S
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
Keeping in mind her own experience during her trip to Lakshadweep, Tanya Khanijow posted some well-laid-out information and tips. In a series of posts, she explained all you need to know about and during your trip to the island.
First and foremost, she explained about the Protected Area Permit. She detailed all the requirements and the portal where you can apply for it. She further explained its validity and fees.
‼️ Protected Area Permit (PAP):
📌 Application Process:
– You can apply for the PAP online through the e-permit portal of the Lakshadweep Administration (https://t.co/L70NlgpSXD).
– The application requires basic information like your name, address, purpose of visit, travel…— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
📌 Validity and Fees:
– The PAP is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
– The permit fee is INR 300 per person for all ages.— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
She even posted about the extra island permits you might need there.
📌 Details:
– You can choose the islands you want to visit during your application.
– Carry a printed copy of the approved PAP and your valid ID proof while traveling.
– Certain islands within Lakshadweep might require additional permits for specific activities like scuba…— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
Also Read: When In Lakshadweep, Visit These Historic Lighthouses
Activities To Indulge In, Accommodations & A Few Tips To Remember
Clearing all the basics, Tanya Khanijow further helped by mentioning transportation details like flights and inter-island ferry transfers. She even added a few accommodation options – depending on your budget.
📌 Transportation:
– Flights: Delhi to Kochi- costs INR 12k (round trip).
– Ferry: Inter-island transfers range from INR 4,000-8,000 per person (two-way).— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
📌 Accommodation:
Budget: Agatti Island has guesthouses for INR 1,500-2,500 per night.
Moderate: Bangaram Island offers cottages at INR 15,000 per night (all-inclusive).
Luxury: Kavaratti has air-conditioned suites for INR 9,000 per night (all-inclusive).
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
If you have an adventurous soul and want to indulge in some water sports or other activities in Lakshadweep, then Tanya has you covered for that too! Complete with prices and activities, she mentioned them all in her post on X (formerly Twitter).
📌 Water Activities:
– Canoeing At Minicoy Island
– Water sports: Snorkeling starts at INR 1,000, scuba diving at INR 3,500, and fishing tours at INR 1,000.
– Sightseeing: Island tours cost around ₹1,000-1,500 per person.— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
📌 More activities:
– Visit local villages, witness traditional boat building, and enjoy Maldivian dance performances.
– Get Ayurvedic massages and spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
Some Trivia That Will Help You In Lakshadweep
There are some taxes and few permits for non-Indians that you will have to pay here. She even shared some tips that might help you during your visit. So, take note.
📌 Permits and Taxes:
– Permit: A mandatory ₹300 entry permit is required for non-Indians.
– Green Tax: ₹300 per person is levied upon arrival at Agatti airport.
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
📌 Extra tips:
– Carry enough cash, as ATMs and credit card facilities are limited on some islands.
– Learn basic Malayalam.
– Minimize plastic waste, avoid littering & be respectful of the fragile marine ecosystem. Participate in beach clean-up initiatives if possible.
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
She even mentioned the Lava Dance of Lakshadweep. It is a traditional folk dance that you cannot miss while you’re travelling here.
The Lava Dance of Lakshadweep closely resembles some Maldivian dance forms, particularly the Bileh Dhafi Negun.
Plus, the two regions are close to each other. They share some cultures and even speak a dialect of Divehi called Mahl (Mahi) in Minicoy which is a close region to…
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
The best time to plan your visit to this island is from October to February if you wish to skip the summer here.
📌 Best time to visit:
October to February is the best time to travel. During this time the humidity isn’t too high and the weather is quite pleasant.
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) January 8, 2024
P.S. – These are only tips by Tanya Khanijow and not an official statement or guide about how things work in Lakshadweep. Our only aim is to make travel easier for you by putting together all the helpful information we find online.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@TanyaKhanijow & Canva
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