Lakshadweep vs Maldives: Will Lakshadweep replace Maldives?
India and the Maldives have traditionally enjoyed warm relations based on historical ties, cultural and trade exchanges and strategic security cooperation. But the veneer of cordiality began to crack after the election of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic focus to lean toward China. This undercurrent emerged on January 5, 2024, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s idyllic vacation photos from Lakshadweep sparked unexpected fury in the Maldives.
Geographic overview
- Maldives: An archipelago of 1,190 coral islands and sandbars grouped into more than 20 atolls, located southwest of Kerala and Sri Lanka in the north-central Indian Ocean.
- Lakshadweep: Consisting of 36 coral islands in an area of just 32 sq km, it is the smallest Union Territory of India. These islands lie north of the Maldives and are located at varying distances from 220 km to 440 km from Kochi.
Tourism statistics
- Lakshadweep: Only 10,435 domestic and 1,313 foreign tourists visited in 2018, a negligible share compared to other Indian tourist destinations.
- Maldives: January 2024 figures show a daily average of nearly 6,000 tourist arrivals, for a total of 1,01,626 arrivals. In 2023, over 1.87 million tourists visited, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
The success story of tourism in the Maldives
- Tourism investment: The Maldives has been investing in tourism since 1972, with tourism becoming the country’s most important economic activity in the 1980s.
- Economic Contribution: Tourism directly contributes nearly 30% of the Maldives’ GDP and generates more than 60% of its foreign currency earnings.
- Connectivity: The country is served by 40 carriers from around the world, including airlines such as Air India, Vistara and IndiGo.
- Visa-free arrivals: Maldives offers visa-free arrivals to major source markets such as India, Russia, China and Kazakhstan.
- Diverse accommodation: With more than 180 resorts, 15 hotels, 811 guest houses and 140 safari vessels, the Maldives offers more than 62,000 beds to tourists.
Local Island Guest Houses: Starting in 2009, local island guest houses allowed tourists to stay among the local population, providing privacy and luxury.
Advantages of Lakshadweep Islands:
- Stunning natural beauty: Lakshadweep is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, crystal clear water, coral reefs teeming with marine life and lush greenery. It is a nature lover’s dream destination, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving and kayaking.
- Unique culture and tradition: The islands have a rich cultural heritage influenced by Kerala and Dravidian traditions. Visitors can experience traditional Maldivian music, dance and cuisine.
- Peace and Tranquility: Lakshadweep is a remote archipelago far from the mainland that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The slow pace of life and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal place to relax and unwind.
- Adventure Activities: In addition to water sports, the islands offer exciting activities such as diving, deep-sea fishing and island hopping. Kayaking through the mangrove forests and exploring the lagoons are also popular.
- Sustainable tourism: Lakshadweep is committed to eco-friendly tourism practices. The islands have limited development and a strong focus on nature conservation, making them a responsible travel destination.
Lakshadweep Islands Restrictions:
- Accessibility: Lakshadweep is accessible only by air or sea from Kochi, Kerala. Limited flight and ferry schedules can be inconvenient for passengers.
- Cost: Traveling and staying in Lakshadweep can be expensive due to its remoteness and limited infrastructure. Permits and entry fees also add to costs.
- Strict regulations: The islands have strict regulations to protect their fragile ecosystem and culture. Tourists are not allowed to litter, damage coral reefs or collect marine life. Alcohol consumption and non-vegetarian food are also restricted in some areas.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment: Lakshadweep is not a party destination. Nightlife is limited and entertainment options are scarce compared to mainland India.
Accommodation: The islands have limited accommodation options, mostly consisting of government resorts and homestays. Luxury hotels and international chains are not available.
Overall, Lakshadweep Islands offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers looking for pristine beaches, stunning natural beauty and a peaceful getaway. However, before planning a trip, it is essential to be aware of the limitations, especially in terms of availability, cost and regulations.
