Agatti Island

Agatti Island is a 7.6 km long coral atoll island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, located about 459 km off Kochi in the Arabian Sea. It serves as the gateway to Lakshadweep with the territory's only airport. Known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoon and extensive coral reefs, the island is notable for water sports, snorkeling and scuba diving, and provides access to nearby uninhabited islands such as Bangaram and Thinnakara.

Visitors can expect a narrow coral island with white sandy beaches, a shallow turquoise lagoon on the eastern side and open sea on the western side. The landscape is flat with coconut palms, small settlements and the airstrip running along the island. The lagoon offers clear water for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides over coral reefs. Facilities are limited and resort-style, with boat excursions to nearby uninhabited islands.

Agatti is part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, historically known as the Laccadive Islands, formed as coral atolls in the Arabian Sea. The islands have a long history of maritime trade and settlement, and Agatti has developed as the main entry point for the territory after the construction of its airstrip.

The island has a predominantly Muslim community with traditions linked to fishing, coconut cultivation and coir work. Local culture reflects island life with mosques, traditional fishing practices and cuisine based on coconut and seafood.