Lakshadweep: Archipelago, the next tourist hotspot after Modi’s visit

India’s cluster of islands, Lakshadweep, is abundant with clean beaches and well-managed resorts with abundant greenery, adventure spots, and peaceful vibes. Lakshadweep is about to become the next tourist hub after the visit of the phenomenal Prime Minister of India, Mr Modi. Mr Modi has swept the interest of big investors from Airlines to Hospitality from different industries to invest and make Lakshadweep the world’s most visited Island. 

Lakshadweep, the upcoming tourist hub: Made in India

Recently, the Prime Minister of the nation, Mr. Narendera Modi, visited Lakshwadeep Island and shared pictures of enjoying snorkelling on the seabed that left netizens in awe as “Lakshwadeep” became one of the top searched words on Google. According to an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report, Coastal tourism is on the rise in India. It is projected to become one of the largest sectors of the overall ocean economy in the country. 

Derogatory comments were made by some deputy ministers of the Maldives against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he visited Lakshadweep. Subsequently, there have been calls to boycott the Maldives, which had emerged as a hot destination for Indian leisure travellers post the 2019 pandemic, some industry bodies as well as travel booking platforms.

After which the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has come in support of India and ‘strongly condemned’ the derogatory remarks made by the ministers on PM Modi’s post on Lakshadweep. 

After the boycott of Maldives moment, Lakshadweep saw an upsurge in terms of Google search, tourism, and much more. According to the article published in the Economic Times, SpiceJet will soon launch flights to Lakshadweep. Its chief, Ajay Singh, told shareholders on Wednesday that the airline has exclusive rights under the government’s regional connectivity scheme for Lakshadweep and will soon launch its air services to the union territory.

Further, India is now planning to develop a new airfield at the Minicoy Islands there that would be capable of operating military aircraft, including fighter jets, along with commercial ones. As per the Times of India, Lakshadweep additional DM Giri Sankar said, “The government, in addition to expanding the existing Agatti airport (runway), is also planning a greenfield airport at Minicoy for A320/B737 type of operations. The existing Agatti runway is proposed to be expanded towards its north side.

Modi’s long X (earlier Twitter) thread is seen to be a new ray of hope for the Indian islands, where such creases will be ironed out by intervention at the highest level.

The IHCL — India’s largest hospitality company, announced last year that it will open 2 Taj properties on two different islands — Suheli and Kadmat in Lakshadweep. The Greenfield projects are slated to open in 2026. It can’t be a mere coincidence that the resorts will also have overwater villas, something very popular with the resorts in the Maldives.

Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel, informs that “The island destination has become the most searched destination across the world today and our search data indicates a surge of almost 200% on our portal for Lakshadweep cruise sailings.”

Similarly, travel portal MakeMyTrip has seen an uptick of 3400% in searches, Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer of MakeMyTrip, told ANI. “Lakshadweep has seen a remarkable 3400% increase in on-platform searches ever since PM’s visit. This inspired us to build a ‘Beaches of India’ campaign.

In accordance with the article published in the Mint, EaseMyTrip has introduced Lakshadweep as a premier destination, on par with international favourites, and is planning to ally with Lakshadweep Tourism soon to promote the destination.

Speaking about the initiative, Prashant Pitti, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said, ‘We have introduced enticing packages, crafted to elevate travel experience and help our customers discover the alluring landscapes of Lakshadweep like never before.’

Here are the top 12 places to visit in Lakshadweep Island:

• Minicoy Island: Go For A Boat Ride

• Kavaratti Island: Witness Mesmerizing Sunsets

• Marine Museum: Have An Encounter With The Underwater World

Also Read: LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND – THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF THE ARABIAN SEA

• Pitti Bird Sanctuary: Spot Some Birds

• Thinnakara Island: For Beautiful Lagoons

• Kalpeni Island: Take A Relaxing Stroll 

• Bangaram Atoll: The Paradise-Like Island

• Agatti Island: For Smoked Tuna Fish And More

• Kiltan Island: The Colonial Spot

• Amini Beach: For Scuba Diving And More

• Andrott Island: For The History Enthusiasts

Lakshadweep is a magical place to visit. This little island allows tourists from all over the world to explore its serene bewitching beauty and calm beaches.