Kavaratti

State: Capital of Union territory of Lakshadweep

District: Indian Union Territory of Lakshadweep

Main languages: Malayalam and English

 

History:

 

The town of Kavaratti is a census town in the Indian Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The name of the town is after the name of the island upon which the town stands. The history of the Lakshadweep islands goes back to the time when Vasco Da Gama had set foot here but the British were the first to explore the islands. The region had been mentioned in the stories of the Arab traveler Ibn Batuta. The Portuguese established their hold on the region in 498, but the inhabitants expelled them soon. The islands were ruled by Tippu Sultan till the passed on to British control after the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The town became a suzerainty of the Arakkal family of Cannanore until 1956 when a new union territory was formed by combining all the islands.

 

Geography:

 

The island of Kavaratti is situated off the coast of the state of Kerala and is located at 10.57° N 72.62° E with an average elevation of 0 meters or 0 feet. The town has rich soil which enables growth of various kinds of crops. The lagoon here is one of the most popular attractions for the tourists and is also the home for different kinds of aqua marine creatures. The beaches near the town are also surrounded by the coral reef.

 

Demographics

 

As per the 2001 India census, Kavaratti had a population of 10,113 which included about 55% males and 45% females. The town also has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher which is higher than national average of 59.5%. Kavaratti has about 12% of the population under 6 years of age.

 

Climate:

 

The climate of the town is moderate with the temperatures remaining the same through out the year. The coastal climate is humid and warm with pleasant breeze in the evenings. Rainfall occurs through out the year in Kavaratti.

 

Economy:

 

Tourism is one of the most important contributors to the economy of Kavaratti. There are various resorts and hotels here which have tourists coming from different parts of the world. Other local occupations here include fishing, animal husbandry and agriculture. 

 

Tourism:

 

The town of Kavaratti has a lagoon which is a popular tourist attraction and is ideal for water sports and swimming. There are various sandy beaches where on can just bask in the warmth of the sun. Marine life exhibits at the Marine Aquarium are popular tourist attractions along with the collection of specimens at the Museum. There are Glass-bottomed boats available here which provide a delightful view of the lagoon's vibrant aquatic life. Other activities like Kayaks and Sailing Yachts are available for hire. There are various kinds of packages through which one can also visit the exotic underwater world and Coral Reef. The Ujira mosque here is also visited by pilgrims. 

 

Transportation:

 

There are regular flights from Cochin to Agatti and Bangaram from where Kavaratti can be reached through streamers. There are also ships which ply to region from the southern part of India. The region is not accessible by road and railways.