Kavaratti Island

Kavaratti Island is the administrative capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala. This coral atoll island is known for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise lagoon, and rich marine life. It features the Kavaratti Marine Aquarium, historic mosques including the 17th-century Ujra Mosque, and opportunities for water sports. Accessible only with a permit, it serves as the main administrative and tourism hub of the archipelago.

Visitors can expect a small coral atoll island with white sandy beaches encircling a calm, shallow turquoise lagoon on the western side. The island has a compact town area with administrative buildings, mosques, and residential areas, and a coastline ideal for beach walks and lagoon viewing. Key visitor areas include the lagoon beach, the Marine Aquarium with tropical fish and coral exhibits, and historic mosques with carved wooden pillars. Water-based activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat rides are available in the lagoon.

Kavaratti has been inhabited for several centuries and developed as the administrative capital of Lakshadweep. The island is noted for historic mosques, including the Ujra Mosque believed to have been built in the 17th century with intricately carved wooden pillars and ceiling made from driftwood, reflecting traditional island architecture and long-standing Islamic heritage.

The island has a predominantly Muslim population and reflects the distinct culture of Lakshadweep, with Islamic traditions, Malayalam and Jeseri/Mahl languages, and livelihoods historically linked to fishing, coir making and coconut cultivation. Mosques serve as important community and cultural centres, and local customs are closely tied to island and maritime life.