Lakshadweep - The Blue Paradise

Scuba diving

Coral reefs

Aerodome at Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep Samudram (By M. V. Kavaratti):- Lakshadweep Samudram is a five day cruise to visit the island of Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy by ship – M.V. Kavaratti. The island tour is organized during the day with lunch and refreshments ashore. Nights are spent on board of ship. M. V. Kavaratti has 100 Diamond class accommodations. Swimming, snorkelling and other water sports are arranged during the day’tour.One of world’s most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is trucked away at 220-440kms. Off the Kerala Coast. The island offer a precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the islands is its coral reef, making it a pristine leisure spot to come back to 4200 sq.kms. of lagoon, rich in marine wealth, is spread over 36 islands in an area of 32 sq.kms.The underwater view at Lakshadweep is kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. The lagoon offers excellent potential for water sports like swimming, wind-surfing, diving, snorkelling and kayaking. No wonder Lakshadweep is fast becoming India’s one of its kind “Adventure sports – Nature Tourist” location. Each island is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life enhance the beauty of these island. Against the vast expanse of the blue sea, the island look like emeralds. The huge shallow calm lagoon on the side with wall like reef made o marine live coral boulders blocks the incoming sweels of the outer sea. The islands are linked to the mainland by ship, helicopter, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines and merchandized sailing wooden vessels. The Island like Agatti and Bangaram can be reached by ship and air from Cochin. From Agatti, Kadmat Kavaratti are linked by speed ferry. In all the islands, elaborate infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of tourists. Lakshadweep was given the National Eco-Tourism Award 1997.

Package Seats: 100 (5 Days):-

Class of Accommodation        Transportation cost     Tour Charges  Total

Diamond (Adult)                     Rs. 13000                    Rs.9000                       Rs.22000

Diamond (Child)                      Rs.13000                     Rs.2500                       Rs.15500

Coral Reef Package (By M. V. Arabina Sea):- Coral Reef is a five-days cruise to visit any of the three islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minikoy or Kadmat by ship – M. V. Arabina Sea. The island tour is organized during the day with lunch and refreshment ashore. Nights are spent on board of ship. M. V. Arabina Sea have 36 first class and 120 tourist class accommodation. Swimming, snorkeling and other water sports are arranged during the day’tour.

Packages :- First class - 36 and Tourist class – 120

Class of Accommodation        Transportation cost     Tour Charges  Total

Diamond                                 Rs. 10000                    Rs. 6000          Rs. 16000

Gold                                         Rs. 6000                      Rs. 6000          Rs. 12000

Get in:-

Everybody requires a special permit to visit Lakshadweep. The easiest way to obtain it is to book a package tour through the government's tour operator SPORTS (A society under Lakshadweep Administrstion that provides various tours and packages, for more information visit www.lakshadweeptourism.com  or arrange a hotel to sort it out for you. Indians may visit the other islands as well, but accommodation is very limited.

Nearly everybody going to Lakshadweep has to pass through Kochi from where you can continue by plane or ship:

By plane

Air India has 1 flights from Kochi to the airstrip at Agatti, the only one on the islands. Flights to Goa have been terminated.

By ship

There are occasional cruises directly from Mumbai.

Get around

Both boat and helicopter transfers are available from Agatti to Bangaram and Kadmat. The helicopter may be the only option in monsoon season from May to September.

By boats/ferries: These can be used for getting around from one island to the other

Once on an island, there aren't too many options. You can travel by foot or hire a bicycle.

Accommodation:-

Agatti Island Beach Resort
	0484 236 2232
	Ground Floor, Island Tower, Behind H.P.O, Market Road, Cochin, Agatti   Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep - 682553
	http://www.agattiislandresorts.com
	agattiisland@vsnl.net, info@agattiislandresorts.com
Kadmat Beach Resort
	0484 6062011, 4011134, 4011135   096051 77000, 096052 77000
	Kadmat Beach Resort, Kadmath   Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep - 682555

AMRITSAR --- India Begins Here

Golden Temple

Flag ceremony at Wagah Border

Standing at the ancient gateway to India on the Grand Trunk Road, the historic city of Amritsar has stood in the path of Mughal, Persian and Afghan invaders and the British Raj, all of whom have left their mark in different ways. With a population exceeding 1.5m, Amritsar today is the largest city in Punjab.

Golden Temple: The main attraction of the city is the Golden Temple. A harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the Golden Temple is the spiritual home of the Sikh faith. The Temple itself sits at the centre of the Amrit Sarovar, or ‘pool of the nectar of immortality’. The gold ornamentation of the Temple was donated by the legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh.The main entrance, leads down to the polished-marble Parikrama that surrounds the holy pool where Sikh pilgrims immerse themselves. Opposite the causeway leading to the Temple is Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the sacred shrine where the Sikhs’ holy book the Adi Granth is ceremoniously brought every night. No pilgrimage is complete without a meal at the Guru-ka-Langar, where free food is offered to all visitors 24 hours a day, a symbolic manifestation of the egalitarian Sikh faith.

Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib:  It is built 1770-84, octagonal tower is 45m high. Site of martyrdom of Atal Rai, 9  year old son of Guru Hargobind. Unique murals on 2^nd and 3^rd floors are worth a visit.

Jallianwala Bagh: Site of the infamous massacre in 1919 of unarmed demonstrators who were fired upon by troops under the command of General Dyer. The event was significant in hardening resistance to British rule.

Rambagh Gardens: The garden was laid out in 84 acres by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the north of the city. It also houses the Summer Palace of the Maharaja. The garden was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city.

Summer palace: It is now being restored and converted into a museum, this elegant early 19c building is notable for one of the earliest examples of a maintenance-free cooling system. On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of the ruling families of Punjab, coins, manuscripts, and a replica of the “Kohinoor” diamond. The adjoining Darshani Deorhi gatehouse is architecturally unique.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama: The battles fought and won by the Punjab’s most illustrious ruler are brought vividly to life in a series of dioramas in a circular display chamber. Illustrations and mementos tell the story of 200 years of Sikh history. Excellent entertainment and education for children and adults.

Gobindgarh Fort: Vast mud fort was built by a chieftain of Bhangi misl and was taken over by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and named after 10^th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji. The specially constructed Toshakhana, in the centre of the fort, is believed to have housed some treasures and large amount of grain and provisions for the army.

Durgiana Mandir: Hindu temple and repository of Hindu scriptures. Virtual replica of Golden Temple, rebuilt in early 20^th century, decorated in marble and gold leaf.

Attari Samadhi Complex: The Samadhis are the memorials of the martyrs. This complex is home to the Samadhi of Sardar Shyam Singh Attariwala, a close friend and general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and was built after Shyam Singh’s martyrdom.

Khalsa College: Designed by famous architect S. Ram Singh, the Khalsa College building is a striking example of the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the oldest colleges in northern India.

Major Events:

Flag ceremony, Wagah (30km): daily at sunset. Extraordinarily colourful and boisterous ceremony on the Pakistan border crossing, where impressively moustachioed guards of both countries in extravagant headgear formally lower the national flags.

Diwali:(Oct/Nov) the fireworks at the Golden Temple at Diwali are the most spectacular in India, and the festive atmosphere makes for an unforgettable family experience.

Getting there:

By Air: Raja Sansi International Airport, located just 11 kms from Amritsar is one of the major international airports. This airport is well connected to all major cities in India and abroad.

By Rail: Amritsar has an extensive rail network connecting the city to all the major places in the country, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, etc. Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai-Amritsar), Akal Takht Express (Howrah-Amritsar), Shatabdi Express (Delhi-Amritsar) are few of the important trains from major cities.

Accommodation:

1. Ritz Plaza, 45 The Mall, Tel: 2562836-39

2. Mohan International, Albert Road, Tel: 3010100

3. Ranjit Svassa, 47-A The Mall, Tel: 2566618