Traversing to Lakshadweep: Delhi's Access Guide to India's Island Jewel

Lakshadweep, a serene archipelago off the southwestern coast of India, has recently seized the spotlight, captivating the public's attention after India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit and subsequent comments made by Maldivian government officials. This surge in interest has propelled the island into the headlines, igniting a widespread discussion about its allure. With people eager to explore the beauty of this region, understanding how to access Lakshadweep becomes paramount. Today, we endeavor to elucidate the various travel options available for reaching this enchanting destination.

For travelers aiming to journey from Delhi, the capital city of India, to Lakshadweep, it is essential to note that no direct train services link any part of the country, including Delhi, to Lakshadweep. To embark on this expedition, one must initially reach Ernakulam South Railway Station in Kerala. From there, the passage extends further to Lakshadweep via both air and sea routes. Several train options connect Delhi to Ernakulam, including the Himsagar Express, Nizamuddin to Mangala Lakshadweep Express, TVC Rajdhani, Kerala Express, and Millennium Express.

What a great move! It's a big setback to the new Chinese puppet gvt of Maldives.

Also, it will boost tourism in #Lakshadweep ???? pic.twitter.com/gsUX9KrNSB

— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) January 4, 2024

However, once in Ernakulam, travelers encounter two avenues to traverse to Lakshadweep: air travel and sea voyages. The primary mode, air travel, involves reaching Agatti Island's Agatti Airport from Kochi Airport. This flight typically takes about one and a half hours, providing a swift and convenient option.

Alternatively, the secondary route entails a sea voyage, where ships operate ferry services from Kochi to Lakshadweep. The duration of these maritime journeys varies, spanning from 12 to 20 hours. Presently, seven ships serve this route, each offering different fare structures and facilities, including MV Aminidivi, MV Arabian Sea, MV Bharat Seema, MV Dweep Setu, MV Kavaratti, MV Lakshadweep Sagar, and MV Minicoy.

We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program.

Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow.

For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here… pic.twitter.com/bmfDWdFMEq

— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) January 8, 2024

Direct and Indirect Routes from Delhi Explored

For train travel from Delhi to Ernakulam, diverse fare structures exist for different classes and routes. For instance, the TVC Rajdhani, covering approximately 37 hours, offers tickets at Rs. 4850 for 3 AC, Rs. 6665 for 2 AC, and Rs. 8885 for 1 AC. On the Mangala Lakshadweep Express, a journey of around 50 hours, prices are Rs. 985 for Sleeper class, Rs. 2530 for 3 AC, and Rs. 3705 for 2 AC. Meanwhile, the Himsagar Express, with a duration of about 49 hours and 50 minutes, charges Rs. 910 for Sleeper class, Rs. 2375 for 3 AC, and Rs. 3490 for 2 AC.

For those preferring air travel from Delhi, direct flights to Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep are available, though some may require transit through Kochi. Airlines offer various flight options, albeit multiple layovers during direct travel might prolong the journey to two to three days.

The Air India Express Alliance Air flight from Delhi to Agatti takes approximately 14 hours and 45 minutes, making stopovers in Surat, Bangalore, and Kochi. The fare for this journey stands at Rs. 11,238.