Into the underwater paradise
While Lakshadweep offers you a bunch of adventure spots to let your wild heart free, Scuba Diving adventures are mostly concentrated in the southern islands, the most popular spot being Kavaratti. Besides being the capital island of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is a place full of majestic undersea beauty.
As you reach the enchanting depths around the islands, you will get the pleasure of seeing colourful coral reefs that have been formed over millions of years. Keeping the place alive and dancing are a variety of fishes and other marine animals. If you are lucky enough, you may also spot manta rays or some graceful sea turtles. The vast marine biodiversity also houses some alluring flora.
If you are an avid adventure lover, you can also try the deeper waters around the island. As you move away from the coasts, the underwater extravaganza will elevate. Stretches of bright-coloured coral reefs will surround you as you swim with the gilled residents of the area. Do not be surprised if you see one or two reef sharks wading through the currents or resting on the reef slopes. You should also visit Saddle Peak to explore underwater caves and awe-strucking swim-throughs.
The underwater area around Kavaratti is also popular for photography. Many wildlife photographers dive into the seas to capture the breathtaking beauty of the reefs and the resident animals. You can get waterproof camera gear in the local diving centres and capture your majestic underwater moments to reminisce forever.
When in Kavaratti, your diving skills do not matter. As the place provides multiple points for all diving levels, you will easily learn to enjoy the coral waters. Whether you make your dive from the Dolphin Dive Centre or the Bangaram Thila, you will surely have a mesmerising experience that will be notched in your memory.
The ever-expanding dive
Kavaratti is one of the most beautiful scuba diving wonders of Lakshwadeep but is certainly not the only one. One of the other distinctive scuba diving stations is Agatti Island, consisting of crystal clear waters and beautiful vibrant coral reefs which provide a majestic diving experience to the tourist. You may also be surprised by the occasional sitings of sharks and rays. The ideal dive sites are Agatti Aquarium and Agatti Rock.
Another popular diving site is Kadmat Island, loved for its peaceful beaches and rich biodiversity. Rightly enough, the place is also referred to as the "Paradise Island" as it’s no less than a paradise for diving enthusiasts. No matter if you are a first-timer or a regular explorer, the place offers something or the other for divers of all skill levels. Popular sites located around this area include Kadmat Caves and Pitti Bank. Some other popular islands for scuba diving are Mincoy Island and Kalpeni Island both of which are unimaginably beautiful and visiting these places would be an absolute pleasure for your eyes. The known dive sites in this area are Japanese Garden, Maliku Kandu, Kalpeni Drop and Dolphin Reef.
Karavatti, being a known tourist spot, receives a lot of attention from people around India and around the world. To conserve the soulful marine environment, Karavatti is home to its own Reef Sanctuary. This protected environment caters as a refuge for marine life, including coral reefs, fishes, and an array of other marine organisms. While diving within the protected sanctuary is restricted for good, visitors can snorkel or dive in nearby areas to witness the beauty and diversity of the reef ecosystem.
While adventures like scuba diving excite people of all age groups, proper safety precautions are necessary while diving deep into unknown water bodies. Needless to mention, it is essential to know and adhere to the local diving norms and obtain necessary permits. For a wholesome experience, ensure that you dive with a certified dive operator who prioritises both your safety and environmental sustainability.
