Gujarati Tourists Attract to Lakshadweep, a Charming Destination
Lakshadweep, a destination reached by travelers not only from Gujarat but from across the country, has seen a tremendous surge in visits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep in January marked the beginning. Following this, Indian nationals immediately began to recognize Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The administrators of this beautiful place are also Gujarati.
Increased Attraction among Gujarati Tourists
Along with summer vacations, Gujaratis are now heading to domestic and international tourist destinations. A significant number of Gujaratis visit beautiful places to enjoy vacations. During this time, there has been an increase in the number of those reaching the country’s coasts. Particularly, the number of travelers visiting Lakshadweep for recreational purposes has significantly increased.
Surge in Tourists to Lakshadweep
Since the beginning of January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Lakshadweep. Soon after, Indian people began to recognize Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The Maldivian leaders reacted negatively to Prime Minister Modi’s visit, initiating the ‘Boycott Maldives’ campaign in the country. On the other hand, Indians, including prominent stars, cricketers, and well-known personalities, began to emphasize Lakshadweep and Indian coasts. Discussion about Lakshadweep’s beauty and its development spread not only within the country but also abroad.
Increased Attraction among Gujarati Tourists
From various parts of the country, including Gujarat, tourists have been increasingly heading towards Lakshadweep in recent months. Among them, there has been a significant increase in the number of Gujarati tourists. Even tourism agencies for Lakshadweep have seen increased inquiries. In Gujarat, both small and large tourism agencies are promoting inquiries for summer vacations. The year 2023 saw a significant increase in this regard.
Increased Attraction after PM Modi’s Visit
At the beginning of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep had a significant impact. There, he stayed overnight and shared beautiful pictures of the beach, which quickly went viral. These pictures were highly liked by people. As a result of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, several Maldivian leaders felt threatened by India’s growing influence. Concerned about the competition in the tourism sector, they began canceling bookings from India. Consequently, Indian tourists filled up bookings for Lakshadweep. Following a heated controversy, discussions about Lakshadweep increased both domestically and among Indian tourists, especially the youth, on social media.
Lakshadweep’s ‘Boss’ is Gujarati
The strategy of warfare has been employed to enhance tourism facilities on the beautiful group of islands. Development is racing ahead at bullet speed for travel purposes. Several decisions have been made that are crucial for tourists, such as offering discounts on alcohol and taking significant steps in the direction of maritime and air travel.
The Administrator of This Beautiful Archipelago Is Gujarati
Prabhu Patel serves as the administrator of this beautiful archipelago. A native Gujarati from Himatnagar, Prabhu Patel has previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He was a member of the legislative assembly from Himatnagar. During one term in office, he led the political transformation of Himatnagar, which gained attention in Gujarat. Subsequently, he was entrusted with the responsibility of administering Diu, Daman, and Lakshadweep. He has overseen the transformation of Diu and Daman, and now he is actively developing Lakshadweep as an international tourism destination. During the previous Uttarayan festival, he famously said that the kite of Lakshadweep’s development will soar high.
How to Reach:
One can reach Lakshadweep from Gujarat via Kerala by air to Kochi and then by sea or air to Lakshadweep, which is convenient from both maritime and aerial perspectives. Except for Kochi, there are no direct flights from any other airport. It lands directly on Agatti Island, which is the closest airstrip to Lakshadweep. From there, one can reach other islands by boat. However, Lakshadweep cannot be reached directly. Prior approval from the Lakshadweep administration is mandatory before traveling there. After obtaining permission, one can reach Lakshadweep.
Between One Island and Another:
Speedboats and cruise services operate between islands in Lakshadweep. This enhances the joy of travel for many tourists. Cruising to islands like Kavaratti, Bangaram, and Minicoy can be a breathtaking experience. Lakshadweep is 440 kilometers away from Kochi.
Special Attractions Here:
To witness life under the blue sea, tourists can engage in exciting activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and underwater walking. Additionally, activities like kitesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing can be enjoyed here. One can also appreciate the natural beauty of the islands. Agatti and Bangaram Islands are the best places in Lakshadweep to spot dolphins.
Costs Involved:
A week-long trip to enjoy the delights here means having plenty of time. While more leisure time allows for more enjoyment, it’s all based on your budget. One can utilize the entire week for relaxation. However, the entire week must be taken as leave. Additionally, separate arrangements need to be made for tickets to and from Lakshadweep. If you’re looking to stick to a budget, consider reaching by ship from Kochi. The cost of a 14-18 hour journey on a ship from Kochi to Lakshadweep ranges from 2200 to 5000 rupees. Flight tickets start at 5500 rupees.
