The turquoise waters of the Laccadive Sea caress silvery, palm-fringed beaches. Sunrises and sunsets are just a turn of the head away from a wooden cottage. Curious dolphins swim alongside boats, cosying up to snorkellers exploring the marine life in coral reefs and lagoons. Lakshadweep shares much with the Maldives, but it’s more alluring as it remains somewhat unexplored.

This tropical archipelago of 36 atolls and coral reefs, situated 406km west of Kochi in Kerala, has been basking in newfound attention ever since PM Narendra Modi paid a visit recently and his snorkelling picture went viral. The Maldives controversy that followed made the Union Territory trend further. It has since found a place on the bucket lists of several celebrities.

No people on most islands

Lakshadweep, which covers an area of 32sq km, has 10 inhabited islands, with Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Agatti, Cheriyam, Thinnakara and Suheli open for tourism. Bangaram is the most popular destination while Suheli, where a Taj resort is set to open in 2026, is only visited by fishermen and has untouched lagoons.

AM Hussain, assistant director of tourism in Lakshadweep, describes Suheli’s beauty as “out of the world”. Depending on the lagoon’s depth and the time of day, visitors can witness four or five hues in the waters, as reported by TOI.

Currently, there are 97 ready units, including 61 cottages, across three islands. This includes 31 new wooden cottages in Bangaram, 20 cottages at Minicoy, and a 16-bed resort at Kavaratti. Refurbishments are in progress for approximately 15 off-white tensile tents at Thinnakara that are expected to open by the next season. The upcoming Taj property at Suheli will have 110 rooms in 60 beach villas and 50 water villas, while the hotel at Kadmat will have 110 rooms, including 35 water villas

For a more personal touch, both Agatti and Kavaratti have around 10 private homestays each, while Minicoy has seven.

Ecologically sensitive zone.

Officials say what set Lakshadweep apart from the Maldives are its larger islands, varying lagoon depths, and a diverse climate.