The impact of making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi is clearly visible on the tourism of Maldives.
Meanwhile, Lakshadweep of India has come into discussion. On one hand social media was trending #BoycottMaldives. At the same time, Lakshadweep is also being seen as its alternative.
Now the question is how can tourists planning to go to Lakshadweep reach there. Also what conditions will they have to fulfill.
Lakshadweep, one of the union territories of India, is a group of 35 islands. It serves as a maritime boundary for the Arabian Sea in the west and the Lakshadweep Sea in the east.
The special thing is that people do not live on all the islands here and only a few islands are populated. Also, tourists can obtain permits to visit only limited islands.
permit will have to be obtained
Now tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of Lakshadweep are required to obtain a permit here.
In fact, any person who is not a resident of the island will have to obtain a permit from the concerned authority to enter inside. It is said that the reason for this is to protect the tribes living there.
How can you apply?
Permit to enter Lakshadweep can be applied for in two ways: online or offline.
According to the official website of Lakshadweep Tourism (http://epermit.utl.gov.in) through which you can start the online permit process.
After uploading the required documents, entering information and paying the fees, you can receive the permit via e-mail 15 days before your journey.
If you want to get it offline, you will have to go to the collector’s office in Kavaratti. You will have to get the form from here and enter the necessary information and submit it.
Documents and fees for permits
Generally the validity of the permit is 30 days, but in special circumstances it can be extended. Every applicant will have to pay Rs 50 for the permit.
However, the heritage fee for people between 12 to 18 years is Rs 100. Whereas, the same fee is Rs 200 for people above 18 years of age.
For the permit, a passport size photograph, a photocopy of identity card like Aadhar card, voter card, travel tickets will have to be shown. Along with this, tourists will also have to inform in which hotel or resort they are going to stay.
How to reach Lakshadweep?
Kochi is considered the gateway to Lakshadweep. You can reach here through ships and flights. The flight journey between Kochi and Agathi can take about one and a half hours.
To reach Agathi and Bangaram islands one has to take flights from Kochi. Boats from Agati to Kavaratti and Kadmat are available between October and May. At the same time, during monsoon, one can go from Agati to Kavaratti by helicopter.
Apart from these, Lakshadweep can also be reached through boats MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Coy. The ship’s journey can be 14 to 18 hours long.
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