With all the prerequisites finally in place, we were set to fly to Lakshadweep. (Read my previous post to see how that journey unfolded.) Our route was Pune – Bengaluru – Agatti, and somewhere between check-in and boarding the final flight, the excitement began to feel real. At Bengaluru, our permits were checked before boarding, adding to the sense that this wasn’t just another trip. We stepped into the ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, bracing ourselves for a possibly turbulent ride over the sea. But nature had other plans.
About an hour into the flight, the land slowly disappeared behind us, giving way to an endless stretch of blue—likely beyond Kochi, the mainland faded into the Arabian Sea. The sky was clear, the sun was bright, and to our surprise, the journey was incredibly smooth. No turbulence, just a calm glide over shimmering waters. And then, almost magically, the islands appeared—tiny green jewels scattered across the vast sea.
As the aircraft began its descent, so did our heartbeats quicken. After circling the slender, knife-shaped Agatti island, we touched down. For a brief moment, it felt like we were landing on water. The precision of the pilots was truly admirable. The aircraft halted swiftly on the short runway, and within minutes, we were stepping out into the warm island air of Agatti.
Inside the tiny airport terminal, formalities were simple. We showed our permits and collected our luggage from a small room where bags were neatly arranged—no conveyor belts, no rush. Just a slow, easy rhythm that seemed to define the island itself. After a quick photoshoot with the turquoise sea as our backdrop, we hopped into our cab and began our drive to the resort.
A single narrow road runs through Agatti, stretching along its length like a spine, with the sea visible on both sides. As we drove, the charm of the island unfolded—clusters of homes, swaying coconut trees, goats and hens wandering freely, and an unhurried way of life. The handful of “hypermarkets” we passed were really just small, multi-purpose shops catering to everyday needs. It felt like stepping into a world where simplicity wasn’t a compromise, but a way of life.
Our resort sat right by the beach, overlooking an endless stretch of blue—or rather, turquoise meeting white sand in perfect harmony. Everything had been pre-arranged through our travel agent (details in the previous post). While accommodation options here are limited, our stay was comfortable, clean, and had everything we needed. In a place like this, expectations naturally adjust—and in return, the experience feels more authentic.
By around 4 PM, when the sun softened, our exploration began. Our first stop was a nearby jetty, where large boats were unloading essential supplies brought in from Kerala. It was a reminder of how remote yet connected the island is—everything arrives by sea, sustaining life in this tiny paradise.
From there, we moved to Andhaan Beach—a quiet stretch perfect for photography. Between capturing portraits and landscapes, we witnessed something fascinating: toddy tapping. A man climbed a coconut tree with effortless ease, collected sap from hanging containers, made fresh incisions, and descended with a jar full of toddy—the local fermented drink. Simple, skilled, and deeply rooted in tradition.
As the day progressed, we reached Lagoon Beach at the northern tip of the island. With a radar station nearby and a non-conventional lighthouse standing quietly in the distance, the setting felt both scenic and slightly surreal. (Read about the other island lighthouse.) The beach seemed almost designed for photography, with structures that made for perfect frames. I couldn’t resist experimenting with them—though not exactly for couple shots. You’ll see what I mean. 😀
The evening ended with a stunning sunset, the sky painted in warm hues as the sun melted into the sea. Back at the resort, the rhythmic sound of waves lulled us into a deep, peaceful sleep.
The next morning began with a surprise—a small fishing village was just a short walk away. A trawler had returned with its overnight catch, and what a sight it was. Massive yellowfin tunas, so large that two people were needed to carry each one. Nearby, others were steaming and drying tuna—especially the smaller skipjack variety. Watching this daily ritual of hard work and livelihood up close was both humbling and enriching.
Later that morning, we headed out for kayaking, included as part of our stay. Our guide, a young local aspiring to become a banker, was studying through distance learning in Calicut. Soft-spoken and knowledgeable, he made sure we had a smooth and enjoyable experience paddling through the calm waters.
Then came one of the highlights of the trip—snorkelling.
At first, we were taken to a nearby beach, but when I asked about corals, our guide suggested heading to the east coast. Just a short walk and a road crossing later, we were stepping into a completely different world. Within a few meters of entering the water, we were surrounded by vibrant marine life—finger corals, brain corals, striking blue corals, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and countless other species. It was breathtaking.
I felt a mix of awe, joy, and gratitude—being able to witness such a fragile and beautiful ecosystem up close. Our guide ensured we were careful about not stepping on the corals. My only regret? Not carrying a waterproof case for my phone. Hence, the experiences remained only in memory—and perhaps that’s what makes them even more special.
Late afternoon, we returned to the jetty for a glass-bottom boat ride. Accompanied by a guide and boatman, we glided over reefs while spotting marine life below. A green sea turtle made a graceful appearance, surfacing briefly before disappearing again. We saw clownfish, corals, and colourful schools of fish—but even then, it couldn’t quite match the intimacy of snorkelling earlier in the day.
Our journey then took us to Kalpitti Island—a tiny, uninhabited coral island. Walking through a patch of mangroves, we reached the other side, where dead coral formed a rugged shoreline. Beyond it lay a stunning sandbank, waves crashing dramatically at its edge. From here, we could even spot the Agatti airstrip in the distance. The dead coral beds were home to several small marine creatures, and we had fun spotting crabs playing hide and seek.
As the sun began its descent, it was time to head back. This time, the boat ride back was quieter—just the cool sea breeze, soft conversations, and stories from the boatman about life on the islands. Stories of resilience, simplicity, and finding joy in little things.
That night, sleep came easily. It was our last in Agatti. The next morning, we were to sail to Kavaratti. With everything arranged by the resort—from ferry tickets to transfers—we could rest easy. And so, with minds full of memories and hearts eager for what lay ahead, we drifted off, ready for the next chapter of our island journey.
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