Are you looking forward to have a relaxing vacation amid the pristine beaches and natural beauty of the Lakshadweep islands?
An archipelago of 36 islands serving as the maritime boundary between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Laccadive Sea to the east, the Lakshadweep islands form the smallest union territory of India.
Any person who is not a native of the island must enter or reside in or attempt to enter or reside in the islands only in accordance with a permit issued by the competent authority.
The easiest and fastest way to apply for a permit is to do that online. One needs to visit the ePermit portal (https://epermit.utl.gov.in/pages/signup), create an account and fill out the form with details.
The other way is to download the application form from the Lakshadweep Administration website (http://www.lakshadweeptourism.com/contact.html), offline or get it from the District Collector’s office in Kavaratti.
The documents required to obtain the permit are: passport-sized photograph, photocopy of one’s valid ID proof, proof of travel, booking confirmation from place of accommodation.
The application fee to obtain the permit is 50 rupees for each applicant and the heritage fee is 100 rupees for children aged between 12 and 18. For people above the age 18, the heritage fee is 200 rupees.
The validity of the permit is usually for 30 days, however extensions are given under special cases.
Kochi is the gateway to Lakshadweep as ships and flights operate to and from Kochi for Lakshadweep. Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by flight from Kochi.
The peak season to visit the island is between October and March.