A trip to Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep is nothing but action packed. This is the perfect destination for an inexpensive holiday with large doses of the sun, sand, surf and snorkeling.
The only resort at Kadmat, (http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/) offers kayaking, speed boat rides and trips out in a glass bottom boat. The Lacadives Center - Prahlad Kakkars set up also conducts certificate scuba diving courses at Kadmat. Scuba diving is very different from snorkeling and requires you to learn how to use the equipment before taking the plunge to really enjoy the sport to its fullest. The 20 minute introductory dive with the instructor is useful to establish whether you even want to pursue a diving course.
Kadmat Island is 8 km long and very narrow - the broadest point is about half a km. If you stand at the southern tip, (where the resort is located) you can see the east and the west lagoons. The entire length of the island is connected by one 6' broad concrete road with houses along the way. The recommendation is rise at 5:45am to watch the sunrise and then be up and about till sunset and tea on the west coast!
The food at the resort is chiefly fresh catch off the lagoon and plenty of Tuna prepared in numerous different styles. Carry your own snacks and beverages. However, alcohol is prohibited. Also, there are no dogs, crows or snakes there! And always remember, picking coral or taking it off the island is an offence.
If you do the journey from and to Cochin by ship, keep your ears and eyes tuned seawards – you may chance upon dozens of dolphins, Blue Fin Tuna, flying fish (these fish actually glide over the water for long distances before diving back in and look almost like little sparrows) or even a rare sea snake. And a definite must do is to watch the luminous marine plankton shimmer in the wake of the ship post sunset.
The underwater life off Kadmat Island teems with fish in the most incredible, vibrant hues of every color. Unfortunately, most of the coral does seem to have been bleached post the El Nino of ‘98. The large variety of fish however, ensures that snorkeling is delightful at all times. You may even attempt snorkeling at night. But only if accompanied by a local expert. The experience is ethereal – Imagine - A solitary large star lighting up the sea with a starlight beam. The lagoon is dark and foreboding but for the canopy of little stars above and a world of luminous plankton lighting up the sea grass underwater and the fish swimming around the torchlight.
If you are keen on visiting the island, the best time is October to May and ideally book directly through the tourism site. Unless you are going to Bangaram Island, do not expect luxury of any form. At Kadmat, accommodation is basic but comfortable and the ship voyage is long – in excess of 24 hours based on the weather.
You do need to be prepared to rough it out at times but the natural beauty of the island banishes all problems on arrival. And after snorkeling, when you shut your eyes and can vividly see colorful fish till you drop off to sleep – it is worth all the effort of getting there.
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