Kavaratti, India: travel guide
A coral atoll capital in Lakshadweep, with lagoon, reef and quiet beaches
Capital of Lakshadweep — a pristine coral atoll of translucent lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and unhurried island life in the Arabian Sea.
About Kavaratti
Kavaratti is the administrative centre of Lakshadweep, a coral island in the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. The island is narrow, flat and lined with coconut palms, and the real attraction is the shallow lagoon on one side.
Boating, kayaking and snorkelling over coral are the main activities, and glass-bottom boats show the reef to those who prefer to stay dry. A dive centre runs trips for qualified divers. On land you can see the Ujra Mosque, walk the quiet lanes and watch island life move at a slow pace. It is an island rather than a town in the usual sense.
Kavaratti suits couples and water-sports fans willing to plan ahead. Access is by sea or air from Kerala, and the calmer months between October and May are most suitable, with rough seas in the monsoon.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- AGX
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kavaratti
Kavaratti Lagoon
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A breathtaking turquoise lagoon ringed by coral reefs and white sand — the centrepiece of the Lakshadweep capital island, ideal for swimming and water sports.
Kavaratti Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A pristine white-sand beach on the lagoon with shallow, crystal-clear water, palm shade and gentle waves — perfect for a relaxed swim.
Dolphin Dive Centre
Activity · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The island's dive base offering scuba dives and snorkelling over Kavaratti's vibrant coral reefs, among the best diving in India.
Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Viewing
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A glass-bottom boat ride over the lagoon's living coral gardens and reef fish, a magical window into the underwater world without getting wet.
Ujra Mosque
mosque · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A revered ~17th-century mosque famed for its ornately carved ceiling made from driftwood and a freshwater well said to have healing properties.
Water Sports Complex
Activity · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The lagoon water-sports hub offering kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, sailing and snorkelling in the calm, protected turquoise waters.
Coral Reef Snorkel Point
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A shallow reef edge of the lagoon teeming with corals, parrotfish and rays, the prime spot for snorkelling in the clear protected water.
Kavaratti Jetty & Promenade
Viewpoint · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The main jetty and seafront where boats arrive from the mainland ships, with a breezy promenade and sweeping lagoon and ocean views.
Marine Aquarium
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A small aquarium showcasing the vivid reef fish, corals and marine life of the Lakshadweep waters, a good primer before snorkelling.
Kavaratti Town & Lighthouse
Cultural · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The quiet island capital with its mosques, coir and tuna-processing units and a lighthouse, offering a glimpse of traditional Lakshadweep life.
Things to do
- Scuba Diving & Snorkelling Activity · 3 h · from INR 3,500 per person
- Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Tour Nature · 1 h · from INR 300 per person
- Lagoon Water Sports Activity · 2 h · from INR 500 per person
- Kavaratti Island Cultural Walk Cultural · 1.5 h · from INR 400 per person
Day trips and tours
- Kavaratti Lagoon & Reef Day 7 h · from INR 2,500
- Scuba & Snorkel Reef Experience 4 h · from INR 3,500
- Kavaratti Island & Culture Tour 5 h · from INR 1,200
Where to stay in Kavaratti
- Island Main about INR 3,500 per night
Tropical island with lagoon water sports and resorts
Hotels
- SPORTS Lagoon View Cottages (Lakshadweep Tourism) 3-star · INR 5,000 to INR 9,000 per night
- Lagoon Beach Resort (SPORTS) 3-star · INR 5,500 to INR 9,500 per night
- Coral Reef Homestay 2-star · INR 2,500 to INR 4,500 per night
- Samudram Cruise Cabins 3-star · INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 per night
- SPORTS Tourist Huts Kavaratti 2-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
- Marine Cottages 2-star · INR 3,000 to INR 5,500 per night
Where to eat
- SPORTS Tourist Cafeteria Lakshadweep, Seafood, South Indian · about INR 400 per person
- Kavaratti Island Kitchen Lakshadweep, Seafood · about INR 300 per person
- Samudram Package Dining Seafood, South Indian, Multicuisine · about INR 500 per person
- Sea Breeze Restaurant South Indian, Seafood, Kerala · about INR 250 per person
- Lagoon View Snack Bar Snacks, Seafood, Cafe · about INR 150 per person
- Tuna Point Seafood, Lakshadweep · about INR 300 per person
- Beach Coconut Stalls Snacks, Beverages · about INR 80 per person
- Government Guest House Mess Lakshadweep, South Indian · about INR 350 per person
Getting to Kavaratti
Airport: Kavaratti (AGX)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Boat
- Ferry
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Kavaratti
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Kavaratti?
- The highest-rated places in our Kavaratti guide are Kavaratti Lagoon, Kavaratti Beach, Dolphin Dive Centre, Coral Reef Snorkel Point, Glass-Bottom Boat Coral Viewing.
- Where should I stay in Kavaratti?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kavaratti: Island Main.
- How do I get around Kavaratti?
- Ways to get around Kavaratti covered in our guide: Bicycle, Boat, Ferry, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Kavaratti?
- The nearest airport to Kavaratti has the code AGX.