Visiting Minicoy Island

There are many beautiful and unique places to visit in India, but today we will tell you about the places to visit in Lakshadweep, the Minicoy Island of India. This place is lovely to visit. Today is the time of the islands of the Indian Ocean. We will consider the southernmost island of Lakshadweep. Minicoy Island is the only one inhabited in the atoll called Maliku. If you look at the map, Minicoy will be south of the Laccadive Islands. The Strait of the Ninth Degree separates them. In its shape, our island is similar to a crescent moon. This place is the center of the main attraction of Lakshadweep. This island of Lakshadweep is 400 km away from Cochin, Iceland. Apart from this, one can see the white rocks and the blue water of the Arabian Sea. Minicoy Island is the second largest island in this place. All the restaurants and resorts are built here. Where you can go to eat and stay, this place is best for foreign tourists. Here you will get all information for visiting Minicoy Island.

Minicoy Island

Minicoy, an island home to 11 villages, is called Minicoy. Here, tuna fishing is the mainstay. It is the second-largest island in Lakshadweep. Minicoy is Lakshadweep's southernmost island. It is closer to the Maldives than any other part of India. This is why the Mahal language, a dialect spoken by the Divehi from the Maldives, is spoken here. The rest of Lakshadweep is also home to the Malayalam language.
It is authentically known that in the 12th century, Minicoy was controlled by the rulers of Kannur. The southernmost of the Lakshadweep Islands. Minicoy earned the title of "women's island" thanks to the matriarchy that reigns in families, despite IIslam'smain religion. The fact is that many men fish on ocean-going vessels; they are not at home for a long time, so women have to take the reins of government into their own hands. The island's scenic beauty is mesmerizing, and its pristine blue waters, coconut tree-lined shorelines, and mirror-like inland lakes all come together to form a heavenly place. Minicoy differs from the northern islands for its culture, which is very lively. Various folk dances are practiced here, including lava, thaara, dandi, fuli, and bandiya. The islands use beautiful and colorful boats called jahadhoni to hold boat races and to host dignitaries. It also has an ancient lighthouse that was built in 1885.

The exciting fact about Minicoy

• It has a tiny island. In the past, people with leprosy were sent here. Perhaps, based on this, it is believed that the island has the largest leper colony in the world.
• Being on Minicoy, you would not be advised to pluck coconuts. The fact is that palm trees are private property, and you can easily be accused of stealing.
• India's government forbade Minicoy's inhabitants to maintain contact with the Maldivians so that the island does not lose its identities, of which there are not many left anyway.

Flora and fauna

The Minicoy has a shallow lagoon in the south. There are no great heights. The island is the only one in the archipelago with mango etc. It's full of coconut trees. And he is literally "imprisoned" in colorful corals and reefs. The entire ecosystem is diverse. Particularly a beautiful underwater world. Exotic fisIt'sctopuses, dolphins, barracudas, sea urchins, "sand eels, "sharks, turtles, rays, leopard moray eels, and tuna are all here.

The cultural view of Minicoy Island.

The cultural characteristics of Minicoy are different from any other island in Lakshadweep. The manners, customs, lifestyle, and cuisine are similar to those of the Maldives south of Minicoy, and the Malikubas, a dialect of the Dhivehi language, is spoken on the island. Like other Dhivehi-speaking communities, the right-to-left Tana script is used for writing. The social structure is anthropologically interesting, being a matrilineal Muslim society with nattolocal residence. Thurakunu is the closest island to Minicoy in the Maldives. Earlier, there was direct trade between the two, and fishers from both the islands used to come to meet each other. The people of Maliku are known for being good sailors, boat building, and other crafts. Indian sailors originated from Maliku Island. Like other Lakshadweep islanders, Minicoy islanders also practice Islam.

What to see Around Minicoy Island?

Minicoy Island, a beautiful and captivating place in Lakshadweep, is worth a visit. Minicoy Island is a tourist attraction. A natural beauty area borders it with clean, clear water. Minicoy's second name is Maliku. The Minicoy Island Travel guide is filled with information about the beautiful scenery and tranquil spots in the area. This area is blessed with natural beauty. The main attractions on the Island are Juma Masjid, Lighthouse, and Lighthouse. This island is the only one that is open to foreign tourists. The stunning view from this magnificent spot, surrounded by the islands' turquoise waters, is breathtaking. Minicoy is a well-known center for tuna canning and tuna fishing.

Lighthouse, Minicoy Island

Minicoy Island is located at the farthest point compared to other islands; this is an island that should not be missed. This lighthouse was built on the crescent-shaped island, from the top of which, when viewed from the north of the island, there is a beautiful view of the rock and blue water. This is the most luxurious place on this island. This lighthouse was built by the British government to keep an eye on the ships from Aden to Colombo.

Fish Hatchery

You can't get much information from people or the internet, but you can see how fish hatcheries are being checked on Agati Island near Minicoy Island. Even after living in the city, we usually buy an aquarium but do not know the importance of fish and how it comes. The marine aquarium fish trade continues to grow worldwide, with wild coral reef fish being the leading trade worldwide. Wild fish attract anglers because of their distinctive color. Here, different fish can be reintroduced into different tanks and how to care for their breeds.

Canoeing, Minicoy Island

Since the water around this island can be seen in turquoise in abundance, it is also close to the Maldives, so various activities occur here. I recommend canoeing as an activity that lets you see different types of turtles, corals, and colorful fish in a row. When silver sand and the sun heat the water to the bottom, the water looks like an emerald.

Agatti - Have a taste of smoked tuna fish.

Agatti can be called the Nagina of Lakshadweep. This place acts as a gateway to Lakshadweep as it is the only island in this group to have an airport. Therefore, as soon as you step into Minicoy Island, you first reach Agatti. It is one of the few places near Minicoy Island that is home to people. The remarkable thing about this island is the fields and spectacular views. Agatti is small compared to the rest of the islands of Lakshadweep, but the heart of the people here is so big that you will be happy. The locals here mostly speak English and Malayalam, so you will not have any problem talking to them.

Bangaram - A paradise near Minicoy Island

This beautiful place is often called the paradise of Lakshadweep. Bangaram is counted among the most famous places near Minicoy Island. This is because there is a lot here for both nature lovers and adventure lovers. Usually, people come to Bangaram for 4 to 5 days to feel this island's beauty. The water around Bangaram is so clear that you can even see small fish swimming in it. The unique thing about Bangaram is the resort here. The only resort on this island is the only stay option for tourists visiting here. Only ten people live on this island and all work in this resort. There is one more thing that makes Bangaram different. It is the only island in the Lakshadweep group where you can drink beer and other wines.

Kavaratti - most visited place near Minicoy Island

Kavaratti is also one of the most visited places near Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. The seawater around Kavaratti is deep blue and green, so that you can see the most beautiful sunset here. In Kavaratti, you will see a lot of greenery, whose beauty will make you want to get lost in it. You will not find traditional sightseeing places in Kavaratti. This place is known for offbeat strolling. You will be surprised to know that there are 52 mosques in Kavaratti alone, of which the most beautiful is the Ujra Masjid. In Kavaratti, you can enjoy playing exciting games. Apart from this, you can visit the Marine Museum and take a ride in a glass-bottomed boat.

Best things to do...

There are so many beautiful and unique things to see and do on Minicoy Island that your mind will not be filled. This place is so wonderful that it will make a home in your heart at first sight. Lakshadweep is a group of islands, so each island here has its own identity.

Scuba Diving on Island

Various water activities are carried out on all these islands by the Lakshadweep Water Sports Authority. Scuba diving is the best way to learn about marine life's wealth. It is considered one of the most unemployed places in the world. Here you can see unique coral species, fish, turtles, etc. Scuba Divers take only 20 minutes to learn the basics of scuba diving, like breathing through pipes in water, how to dive and see the world under the sea, and many other essential things. You will find more than 100 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of fish.

Endless Blue Bay Forest in Kadmat Island

If you are a photographer, you will be compelled to take photos with the camera. The island is getting away from the prying eyes of tourists. Seeing the beauty of the bay will increase the joy in your eyes. This makes the people of Lakshadweep friendly. Solitude can be found in these countless natural bays. On the island's eastern side, there is a large bay that dries up in the low flow, and here one can see shining silver-colored corals.

The smile and hesitation of the tribals in Lakshadweep

Away from the disgusting world, the people of Lakshadweep lived a life of nomads until a few years ago, when technology arrived. The people of Lakshadweep are very introverted. Here women play an essential role in the family, where the men take the woman's last name and live in the wife's house after marriage. Since the main occupation of these people is fishing, coconut farming, and fish export, you can spend your time with the tribals to learn these things.

See thousands of solitary crabs.

This place can be scary or even inspirational. When you take a boat to Tinnakara Island, thousands of solitary crabs are moving in different sizes and colors. The crabs play the game, looking for what they have hidden, like hiding something valuable. I'm sure, as I did when I was 15, you too would wait for the turtles until they came out of the sand and then chase them. When you find yourself alone on this island surrounded by various mysterious birds, crabs, coconut trees, oysters, etc., you can also search oysters for pearls, and you won't want to return to busy urban life.

Kite Surfing,

If you don't like water or strong wind, this water activity might not be for you. It would be best to practice first because you will keep falling into the water when you try to stay still on the board. The island also offers excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. PADI certificate for scuba diving is granted only on the island. You might be lucky enough to see an Olive Ridley sea turtle swimming near you while snorkeling.

Enjoy Boat Ride in Minicoy

This most visited island of Lakshadweep can be called the most beautiful mystery in India. This place is called Maliku in the local language. Minicoy is very close to the Maldives, so you can also see different cultures. You will come to Minicoy and know how satisfying it is to sit on a white sandy beach and watch the sea spread far and wide. The unique thing about Minicoy is that lava dance is also performed on special occasions. You can also learn fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling in Minicoy. If you want to see the famous philosophical sites of Minicoy, then you must see the lighthouse and Juma Masjid here.

Tribal Dance

Each island has different traditions and different costumes. Kolkali is a group dance of men to the rhythmic music produced by beating two logs during a marriage. It starts slowly, becomes a little faster, and eventually becomes very fast. There are different types of dances on each island. Some of the famous dances on the island are Parichakali, Kolkali, Dafumuttu, Attam, and Ulakamuttu. Only one island, Minicoy, is very different from the others. The people here also speak a different language, Mahal, from others.

Local cuisine is influenced by local life.

Lakshadweep is a significant Muslim community; this also influences the food. There is lip-smacking seafood here with a touch of watery coconut. Some dishes you should eat are octopus fry- freshly caught fish from the water and vegetarians should eat bean curry and coconut rice. Even the evening snacks are cheesy and sweet mixed in. Coconut bonda and moah appam should also be eaten. Due to its proximity to the state of Kerala, the influence of Kerala is evident in the local cuisine.

Where to stay on Minicoy Island?

You have many options for staying at Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. You can choose any hotel or resort according to your budget and comfort. The best part is that all these hotels and resorts are run with eco-tourism in mind. Special care is also taken to maintain the beauty of this island. All these hotels are maintained and operated by Sports. Apart from this, if you want, you can also book a stay on a ship.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to travel to Minicoy Island is between October and May. This is because the weather of Lakshadweep at this time of the year is pleasant and perfect for visiting. It is not too hot now, so you can enjoy walking comfortably. You should not come to Lakshadweep during the rainy season. At this time, neither ships run nor will you be able to participate in water sports. Therefore, visiting Lakshadweep between June and September should be avoided. But if you do not want to roam in too many crowds, you should avoid visiting between December and February.

How to get to Minicoy Island?

People often wonder how to reach Lakshadweep from different parts of the country. But the truth is that you can come to Lakshadweep very easily and comfortably. The remarkable thing is that you can come to Lakshadweep only by water route or by flight. You have no option if you want to come here via road. Minicoy is a specific island to visit. Before arriving here, you must take care the authorities' permission. It can be obtained in Delhi or Cochin. Otherwise, you may have unpleasant situations, but do you need it? He will handle all the paperwork if you order a tour from a local tour operator. The best way to get to the island will be by plane from Goa or Cochin. First, you will find yourself on the island of Agatti.

Final thoughts

Are you planning to enjoy the holiday and want to visit the beaches? So you can go to the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep. Minicoy Island is a significant tourist destination included in the major attractions of Lakshadweep, one of the 36 small islands of Lakshadweep. The coral reefs, beautiful white sand, and beautiful waters of the Arabian Sea are worth seeing on Minicoy Island. Explain that Minicoy Island is the second largest island of Lakshadweep. So, pack your bag for visiting Minicoy Island.