Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep

 

In the impossibly blue waters of the Arabian Sea, 200 kilometres off the Malabar Coast, lies the archipelago of the Lakshadweep. Meaning a ‘1000.000 islands’, but more modestly formed by 12 atolls and 36 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited, the archipelago contains 4200 square kilometres of lagoons.

While details of their history remain unknown, by their geographical position the Lakshadweep provided an ideal stopping point along the sea routes that, during the monsoon season, connected South India with the east coast of Africa and south Arabia.

Incredibly, the early spice traders traversed 8000 kilometres of open sea aboard vessels as fragile as outrigger canoes to reach the Malabar Coast; it is easy to imagine with what sense of relief – and accomplishment - the mariners must have sighted the white shores of these lush, tropical islands.

Seen from above, the island of Bangaram seems to rest in the embrace of a perfect lagoon; the coral reef that surrounds it supports over 600 species of fish and is amongst the most pristine in the world. Whilst the clarity and richness of these waters makes Bangaram a highly sought-after diving destination, access to the island is limited.

GeckoWorkshops offers you the opportunity to experience the extraordinary beauty of this unspoilt environment. Covered in palm trees and inhabited only by fishermen, Bangaram and its neighbour, the tiny island of Tinnakara, can be reached by boat from the nearby island of Agatti - home to the only landing strip in the Lakshadweep