Chetlat Island

Chetlat Island is a small inhabited coral island in the Amindivi subgroup of Lakshadweep, India, located northwest of Kavaratti. Part of the Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea, it is known for its sandy beaches, shallow lagoon, coral reefs and coconut palm groves. The island has a small settlement, a lagoon on the western side and is noted for its relatively isolated, low-development environment and traditional island lifestyle.

Visitors can expect a small, flat coral island with white sandy beaches, coconut palm groves, and a shallow lagoon on the western side. The interior has a compact inhabited village with narrow paths, a helipad and basic infrastructure. The surrounding waters offer clear views of coral reefs and lagoon areas suitable for swimming and snorkeling where permitted. The environment is quiet and low-density with limited commercial development.

Chetlat is part of the Amindivi subgroup of the Lakshadweep archipelago, historically inhabited for centuries and traditionally dependent on fishing, coconut cultivation and coir production. The island has been administered as part of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and retains a small, long-established island community.

The island has a predominantly Malayalam-speaking Muslim community with cultural traditions linked to fishing, coir making and coconut-based livelihoods. Mosques and traditional island customs are central to community life, reflecting the broader cultural heritage of the Amindivi islands.