In what comes as a good news for travellers, a trip to Lakshadweep may now become significantly easier. In a massive move to boost tourism, the Union Territory
administration has relaxed several long-standing entry permit rules for domestic travellers. This will simplify the process many tourists previously found cumbersome. Under the new tourist permit rules, travellers will not need a prior police clearance certificate. Earlier, applicants had to obtain and upload the police clearance document before submitting their permit request. However, now, the security checks will be handled directly by the Lakshadweep Police post submission of applications. Also Read: Thailand May Make Health Insurance Mandatory for Tourists — What It Means for Travellers For the unversed, Lakshadweep is a restricted area, which means every visitor, including Indians, needs a permit to enter. You can apply for the permit through the Lakshadweep Tourism / Administration portal or via registered tour operators who handle the paperwork for you. The permit will specify the islands you are allowed to visit, and you must stick to that list. You can also get the permit from the Lakshadweep Administrative Office at Willingdon Island in Kochi, Kerala.
What Are The New Rules?
Under the altered rules, applications must be made only for specific islands and the intended dates of travel. Tourists will not be allowed to visit the locations that are not mentioned in your permit. Also, travellers will now only be allowed to transit through Kavaratti or Agatti. The maximum permitted transit time for the same is going to be 12 hours.The current process involves the following steps:
- Apply for the entry permit through the official e-permit portal.
- Fill in personal details and upload a valid ID (Aadhaar card or passport).
- Submit travel itinerary and recent photographs.
- Pay the required permit fee and green tax.
However, it is important to note that permits are only valid for 30 days and extensions are possible only with approval from the authorities.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Lakshadweep?
The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from October to early May. During the winter months, from December to February, the weather remains mild, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, which makes it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.How To Reach Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep is connected to the mainland in two ways, by air and by sea.- By Air: The only airport in the islands is in Agatti. The flight is short but scenic. You’ll spot the bright blue lagoons well before landing. From Agatti, you may need a speedboat transfer to reach resort islands like Bangaram, depending on your itinerary.
- By Sea: If you prefer the slow, old-school route, passenger ships operate from Kochi to islands like Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Kadmat. The journey takes anywhere from 14 to 20 hours, depending on the island.
