Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep| Tourism, Resorts, Photos, Tour Package

Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep Overview

One of the 36 small islets of Lakshadweep group of Islands, Minicoy, also known as Maliku in the local language is one of the best-kept secrets of India. It is located amidst the vast expanse of Arabian Sea, just 398 km or 215 nautical miles from the shores of Cochin. The small island encompasses the total area of 4.801 sq. km and is exclusively known for its vibrant coral reefs, quaint white-sand beaches and the freshwater of the infinite ocean.

The Minicoy Island is the second-largest island of the Lakshadweep and is one of the few inhabited islands of the group. It is best known for its luxury beach resorts that are an ideal destination for the travellers seeking tranquillity. This picturesque destination is a popular tourist spot and has gained immense popularity due to activities like tuna canning, tuna fishing and the presence of pristine palm-fringed beaches. Tourists can enjoy some of the most memorable moments here during winters and the onset of summer, as the weather here is ideal during those months.

1. Minicoy Lighthouse

This lighthouse is the most famous landmark of Minicoy Island. Built on the southern end of Minicoy Island, this lighthouse was established on 2nd February 1885. Standing at a height of 49.5 meters, t (Read More)his lighthouse has a lantern and a gallery. The gallery offers a spectacular view of the entire island. The lighthouse was designed by Sir James Douglass and was built with bricks brought from London. It also flashes bright light every 15 seconds and has a Radar transponder (RACON) and a Differential Global Positioning System fitted to it.

2. Minicoy Thundi Beach

This is one of the most mesmerizing and pristine beaches located in Lakshadweep. It is also a Blue Flag beach and is famous for its cleanliness. You can also take part in the various water sports and (Read More)adventures offered on this beach. This white sand beach with turquoise blue water is ideal for swimming, sailing, kayaking, and pedal boating among others. The prices of adventure sports depend on the agent.

3. Boat Racing (Jahadhoni)

Boat racing, locally known as Jahadhoni, holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Lakshadweep. This traditional sport is not just a thrilling spectacle but also a deeply ingrained part of the i (Read More)slanders' heritage and identity. Held during festive occasions and special events, Jahadhoni showcases the skill, teamwork, and competitive spirit of the local communities as they navigate the azure waters of the Indian Ocean in their intricately crafted wooden boats.

4. Underwater shipwrecks

Two ships along with a ship named S.S. Hoechst were wrecked on the Minicoy Island reef. The remains of these ships have become home to large fish now. These ships are found at a depth of 8 meters unde (Read More)r the ocean and act as virtual underwater museums.

5. Juma Mosque

Located 8 minutes away from this island is the Juma Mosque. The Moinuddin Juma Mosque is a popular landmark amongst tourists and is popular for its serene and peaceful ambiance.

6. Lava Dance

Minicoy Island is also popular for its traditional Lava Dance. This is a form of folk dance that is performed by the locals of the island during occasions and festivals. Tourists are also welcome to j (Read More)oin the locals during the dance sessions.

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History and Culture of Minicoy Island

Out of 36 scattered islands of Lakshadweep, Minicoy Island stands apart for its unique culture and diversity. Minicoy was earlier the part of Maldives group of the islands until it was acquired by the Republic of India. Being a part of Maldives, a huge part of the culture resembles with the Maldives. The food habits, people, traditions, and festivals have a significant influence of its parent country. The islands also show a bit of Buddhist influence. Many ancient relics, some of them 800 years old, were found by the archaeological survey of India. However, the most striking feature of the island is its dominant female society which stands apart from the patriarchal Indian society.

The social customs of the islands have its influence from the matrilineal Muslims where the groom has to live with his wife in the house of his in-laws. Each village of the island is also headed by a male and a female mayor. For such strong female impact on the society, the island at times is referred to as 'Female Island'. Also, the common dialect on Minicoy Islands is Dhivehi. Most of the population here follows Islam. Minicoy has a cluster of total ten villages, which are known as Athiris. Each of this village is presided over by a Moopan (Mayor). A walk through the winding lanes of the villages will aptly introduce you to the culture here. Minicoy is also very renowned for its dance tradition, known as the lava dance. It is performed on the festive occasions and celebrations.

Best Time To Visit Minicoy Island

Minicoy has a tropical Savanna climate, with a warm temperature throughout the year. The best season to visit this island is the winter season. Hence, the favourable months start from September until May. The island offers dazzling views and a pleasant weather throughout the winter months, especially in November.

Things to Note

1. Minicoy Island is an ideal destination for a relaxed holiday. If you are in search of a happening and lively place with a hoard of nightclubs, then this is surely not the ideal place for you.
2. There aren't many recreational activities to do. The island is best for sightseeing and primary water sports (kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving).
3. If you have a few more days here, then make sure to go on the Samudram Cruise. It is a five-day cruise that takes you to 3 islands- Minicoy, Kalpeni and Kavaratti.

How To Reach Minicoy Island

Reaching Minicoy Island, a picturesque gem in Lakshadweep, typically involves taking a sea voyage or a flight, followed by a boat ride. Travelers can opt for a flight from major Indian cities like Kochi or Mumbai to Agatti Island, the closest airstrip to Minicoy. From Agatti, they can board a helicopter or a boat to reach Minicoy Island, which takes about 2-3 hours by boat and around 30 minutes by helicopter. Another option is to take a ship from Kochi, which typically takes around 14-20 hours to reach Minicoy, depending on the vessel and weather conditions. It's essential to check the schedules and availability of flights or ships in advance, as they may vary depending on the season and weather. Additionally, visitors need to obtain necessary permits and clearances from the Lakshadweep administration before traveling to Minicoy Island.