Minicoy Island - Lakshadweep - India

Minicoy Island is located in the southernmost region of Lakshadweep. Being the second largest island in the entire region, Minicoy Island has a semi-lunar shape. It is the only island in which the Mahl language is spoken and on all the other islands Malyalam is spoken. Counted amongst one of the largest lagoon in Lakshadweep, the island is ideal for tuna fishing.

 Minicoy Island is a picturesque destination in Lakshadweep and is an amazing city to visit. It is a popular tourist spot and is bounded by a land of natural beauty with fresh spread out water.

Minicoy, also known as Maliku, was formerly a part of the Maldives islands and is now a census town in the Indian Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It is the second largest as well as the southernmost island in Lakshadweep and measures 10 kilometres from its northern end to southern most point. It is a long island completely covered with coconut trees.

One of the significant attractions of Minicoy is a tall lighthouse, which is one of the oldest, built in 1885 by the British.

The culture of Minicoy Island is somehow different from the cultural traits of other islands of Lakshadweep. The mannerisms and customs of the residents of Minicoy are more similar to the people of Maldives. The main language of the island is Dhivehi and its social structure matches those of matrilineal Muslims, in which a man has to live in his wife or mother’s house. This is the reason that the island is also referred to as the ‘female island.’

This is the southernmost island of the Lakshadweep group of islands. In fact it is just 70kms from Maldives and therefore ethnically and culturally closer to them. The lagoon here is beautiful with clear blue waters and clean white sand.

This wonderful place surrounded by the blue waters of the islands offers a colossal view. Minicoy is famous for its important center for tuna canning, tuna fishing, Colorful boats, wonderful fish in several sizes coconut palms sunshade and hues. 

The best time to visit Minicoy Island is between the months of October and April, when several colorful activities and programs are held here, by the local folks. The traditional Laval Dance is the main attraction of these festivities.

How to Reach

By Air

Cochin International Airport links Lakshadweep with the mainland. Onward flights from Cochin are available to most of the airports in India and to selected foreign destinations. Agatti is the only airport in Lakshadweep. Helicopter transfer is available from Agatti to Kavaratti throughout the year. The flight from Cochin to Agatti takes approximately one hour thirty minutes. Flights operate six days a week.

By Ship

M.v Tipu Sultan, m.v Bharat Seema, m.v Minicoy, m.v. Amindivi & m.v Kavaratti, m.v Arabian sea are the ships operating from Cochin. Ships also offer deluxe class to make the ride convenient for passengers.