Lakshadweep, a magical realm of existence

Located in the Arabian Sea off the south-eastern coast of India, the charm of Lakshadweep Islands (known as Laccadive Islands till 1973) lies in their remoteness. Far from the chaos of civilization, as we know it, they represent a rather magical realm of existence. Each island is densely covered with coconut palms, and serenely set in a sea, the waters of which range from palest aquamarine and turquoise, to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli.

The Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands. The Lakshadweep chain of islands are coral atolls. An atoll is a coral organism lying exactly at the surface of the ocean where air and water meet; this being the only condition under which coral can live. The coral here is shaped like a ring and encircles a staggeringly beautiful emerald-blue lagoon. Each atoll is the topmost point of a submarine pillar of limestone extending several thousand feet from an extinct volcano. Tempting as it is to pick up a coral as a souvenir, it is strictly illegal, being punishable with heavy fines. Non-availability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands being uninhabited. Of the 36 islands covering a land area of 32 sq. km, only 10 are inhabited.

Ethnically, the people of the islands are very similar to the people of the state of Kerala. Majority of them are Muslims, and speak Malayalam except in Minicoy where Mahli is spoken.Coconut cultivation and fishing, are the chief occupations of the people, whose folklore and customs are, not surprisingly, largely derived from the sea. The people of Lakshadweep are often commended for their honesty.