Kalpeni Islands, Lakshadweep

DAY 5: KALPENI ISLAND

DAY 3: OF LAKSHADWEEP CRUISE – KALPENI ISLAND

After sailing overnight, we reached near Kalpeni Islands.

Sunrise

Just like the previous day, after breakfast we disembarked on small boats and headed to Kalpeni Island in small boats in batches. As we landed on the island we were taken to the resort in SPORTS arranged vans and mini trucks. As such the landscape & scenery of Kalpeni was quite different from Minicoy. We could see a couple of small islands on our way to resort. We were again welcomed here with coconut water. It had started raining and therefore we were asked to wait at the resort. A little away from the resort, in the sea we could see two islands.

The Two Islands

Once the rain subsided, we were taken to one of these two islands for kayaking and snorkeling. Just like Minicoy this island also had clear water. There was not much of a beach here and whatever there was, was filled with dead corrals. The water bed was also filled with sea cucumber.

We all tried our hands at snorkeling. A long tube  is used for breathing, the open end of which is always above the water surface while the other end, equipped with a rubber mouth needed to be bitten tightly between your lips. One had to breathe in and out through mouth like scuba diving. The purpose was similar; it allowed one to see the underwater world. But because you didn’t carry oxygen cylinder, you could go only about 4-5 feet below the surface, otherwise the open end of the tube would go below water and saline sea water would go in your respiratory passages. The advantage is that you can do it alone but in shallow water. We saw the corals, sea cucumbers and loads of colored fish.

Snorkelling

Since there were lot of tourists keen to try their hand at snorkeling and limited equipment. Hence we snorkeled for sometime and then gave the apparatus to the waiting tourists. Post this, I had the most fascinating time in water. I was just lying flat in water with the entire body under the water with only my nostril above the water surface. The life jacket kept me floating without me moving an inch of my leg. It was super cool ;)

We again went for kayaking, because we had some experience of it in Minicoy this time it was fun.

Kayaking & North Point

Once everyone was through with snorkeling and kayaking we were taken back to the resort in small boats. Back in the shaded huts, we had our lunch in open air and sat to relax.

A folk dance was organized by “SPORTS” authorities. About ten to twelve men right from their teen to 70’s wearing colour coordinated dhotis and tshirts danced in circles to the tune of local folk music. There were no songs being played on CD or something. They played their own instruments and sang their own song.  There dance was similar to the dandiya / garba dance.

Folk Dance

Post the folk dance we visited a coconut factory which produced dry coconut powder, coconut oil and laddus made from coconut. This was followed by a visit to the cotton hosiery factory. The factory produced nice cotton tees with coconut trees on it and Lakshadweep printed on it. The cost of the tshirts was also very economical but soon we realized that none of us was any money and therefore we couldn’t buy any t-shirt.

Sea opposite the coconut factory

From here we were taken to the north-most point of the island. The shore here too is covered with dead corals. It has a beautiful view and it is the point of the island from where you can see both, the sunrise as well as the sunset.

Nikhil, Me, Preeti, Taashi, Parth, Pramod

North Point of Kalpeni

After watching the beautiful point of the island we headed back to the resort to have our evening tea. Post the evening tea we bid good bye to Kalpeni Island and headed to our ship which was waiting for us in the open sea. It had become dark and we boarded the last boat to our ship. Though dark, our ship was well lit and easily visible at sea. It had started drizzling and thus the sea wind has become chilly.

M.V. Kavaretti in the middle of the sea

Getting on the boat to go to M.V.Kavaretti

We enjoyed the island a lot – it was a good mix of water sports and beautiful views. After the dinner we again watched a Charlie chaplin movie and then dozed off.

Points to remember:

• We went to Lakshadweep Island through Lakshadweep Samundram Package which is a five day cruise to visit the islands of Minicoy, Kalpeni and Kavaretti by ship M.V. Kavaretti. The package is arranged by The Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), a Government undertaking. The island tour is organized during the day with lunch and refreshments ashore. Nights are spent on board the ship. M.V Kavaratti has 150 Diamond class accommodations. Swimming, snorkeling and other water sports are arranged during the day tour. Children from 1 year and above up to 10 years will be treated as child.

Package include:

1. First class cabin accommodation
2. All 3 time meals [breakfast Lunch and Dinner] morning and evening tea or coffee
3. Welcome drink at the island.
4. All 3 island sightseeing.
5. Water sports Kayaking Snorkeling and glass boat 1 time 
6. Entry permit and Entry Ticket
7. Compliment T Shirts and Caps
8. All the Government taxes.
9. Our personal assistance on the ship and Island

Please note scuba diving is not included in the package. You can avail scuba diving by paying at the scuba diving center.

• There is no mobile network on the ship and on the islands except of BSNL. So, say goodbye to facebook, watsapp, twitter or whatever else that you are hooked to. You might find network on Kavaretti Island.
• If you get sea sick, kindly take your medication along.
• Foreigners are not allowed in Lakshadweep, except on Bangaram Island.
• Lakshadweep is a no plastic zone. Please don’t litter.
• You are not allowed to carry corrals. It’s a punishable act.
• Expense Details of the day:

Expense Particulars	Amount for 4 people	Amount per head
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