Traveling from Mangalore to Lakshadweep: A Guide to High-Speed Boat Journey

How often have you felt like taking a break from your monotonous schedule and heading out for a trip?

But the biggest question is, where should you go? 

The heart wants a serene locale brimming with beauty while the head wants a hassle-free trip that is worth the money you spend. 

Well, we have the perfect place in mind that is a treat for both the heart and the head. 

Lakshadweep. 

This blog is specially for all the Mangaloreans who are looking for a perfect travel locale. 

The introduction of high-speed boat services from Mangalore to Lakshadweep has made it easy for you to explore the picturesque Indian isle, iconic for its white sand beaches and the azure blue sea. Needless to say, this boat ride from Mangalore to Lakshadweep itself is a mesmerizing experience; loaded with scintillating scenery it is an absolute treat to the eyes. 

About Lakshadweep 

India’s smallest union territory is Lakshadweep, an archipelago comprising 36 islands each adorned with exotic sun-kissed beaches and serene green landscapes. In Malayalam and Sanskrit, Lakshadweep means “a hundred thousand islands”. Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep is the chief town of the union territory. The archipelago which is surrounded by 4200 sq km of lagoon is an abode for travelers and photographers for its coral reefs and marine wealth. To complement it, the abundance of flora and fauna blended with a calm tranquil ambience ensconced in a pleasant climate elevates the mystique of Lakshadweep. Tourists from all across the world flock to Lakshadweep to experience its mesmerizing beauty and unique ecosystem.  

Places to Visit in Lakshadweep

The boat ride from Mangalore to Lakshadweep is undoubtedly refreshing but there is more. Once you reach Lakshadweep you must explore these places. 

1. Agatti Island

Andrott Island or Andretti is the largest island of the Lakshadweep archipelago. Apart from its exquisite natural beauty, this island is popular for ancient Buddhist archaeological remains. 

2. Agatti Island 

Equipped with an airport, Agatti Island is the gateway to Lakshadweep for most tourists traveling by air. It is one of the few islands in Lakshadweep that is inhabited by people. You can spend some quality time on the white sand beach and soothe your mind or get a dose of marine activities like scuba diving and snorkelling during your visit to the Agatti islands. 

3. Minicoy Island 

Minicoy Island, also known as Maliku is one of the least commercialized islands of Lakshadweep. Spotted with tall palm and coconut trees and shimmery beaches this island should be an integral part of your itinerary.  Photographers and nature lovers should not miss the iconic view of the infinite sea and the Virgin Islands from the lighthouse. 

4. Kavaratti Island

The smart city of Kavaratti is the closest major city to the Indian mainland. With a small island lake at its northern end, this city stretches slightly more than 4 sq km approximately. Tourists love visiting Kavaratti for its scenic beauty marked by lagoons and colourful corals. When visiting Kavaratti, you must not miss Chicken Neck Point which is a haven for water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also ride the glass bottom to view the rich marine life and array of beautiful corals  

5. Kadmatt 

Tourists directly sailing from Mangalore to Lakshadweep by HSV Parali must begin by exploring Kadmatt. This beautiful island is famous for water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, diving, and cruising. You can also indulge in the local and international culinary attractions here. 

6. Kalpeni Island

Kalpeni is one of the most beautiful islands of Lakshadweep. Rich in scenic beauty, it houses some rare biological species of plants, animals, and aquatic life. The tranquil waters of the Arabian sea lacing the white sandy beaches of the island lure tourists from different corners of the world. If you are interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Lakshadweep then you must not miss the attractive folk dances of the Kolkali and Parichakkali of the Kalpeni island. 

Best Time to visit Lakshadweep by Sea 

If you are traveling from Mangalore to Lakshadweep by sea then it is best to choose a time when the waters are calm and the weather is pleasant. Lakshadweep has a tropical climate with temperatures between 27 – 32 degrees Centigrade. We would suggest you plan your trip sometime between October to mid- May. Not only will you enjoy a pleasant boat ride during this time but you can freely indulge in marine activities and explore the islands. Usually, the time after mid-May to September is rainy and it is not advisable to travel to Lakshadweep by sea during this time.   

Boat Services: Mangalore to Lakshadweep 

Now that we have told you all about Lakshadweep, it is time to know more about the boating services from Mangalore to Lakshadweep. 

Earlier tourists from Karnataka had to reach Lakshadweep via Kochi by sea; this journey took around 13-14 hours. Fortunately sailing to the exotic island of Lakshadweep has become much easier now. As of 2nd May 2024, HSV Parali, a high-speed vessel, became operational. It will be sailing directly from Old Mangalore port to Lakshadweep making it much convenient for tourists from Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Panaji, and Mumbai to visit Lakshadweep. In fact, the authorities of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Island will soon craft a weekend package for tourists sailing to Lakshadweep on HSC Parali.    

Distance and Travel Time 

Mangalore is around 365.46 km away from Lakshadweep. In other words, we can say that the distance is equivalent to 197.2 nautical miles. you can reach from Mangalore to Lakshadweep directly now.  The passenger ship HSC Parali, which became operational on 2nd May 2024, takes just 7 hours to reach Lakshadweep. Sailing from Lakshadweep to Mangaluru Old Port, the high-speed vessel has faster connectivity and offers a premium travel experience to tourists.  Before this, tourists sailed from Mangalore to Lakshadweep via Kochi. It usually takes 14 to 18 hours to reach, depending upon the island of your choosing. At present seven passenger ships are traveling from Kochi to Lakshadweep these are  MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea, MV Lakshadweep Sea, MV Lagoon, MV Corals, MV Amindivi and MV Minicoy. 

Booking process

Travel from Mangalore to Lakshadweep by sea at ease by following these super simple steps:

1. Request a letter from a resident of Lakshadweep Island which states your sponsorship 
2. Along with the letter you also need an entry permit to visit the island issued by the administrative authorities of Lakshadweep. You can ask your sponsor to get you this permit.
3. After receiving your sponsorship letter and permit you can book your boat ticket by showing your identity card. You can also book your boat tickets from the official Lakshadweep tourism websites or through travel agents. 

Are you unable to reserve your boat ride from Mangalore to Lakshadweep? Let us help you out 

Here are the links for the government website for ferry booking: 

Link 1: https://lakshadweep.gov.in/public-utility/port-ticket-counter-mangalore/

Link 2: https://lakport.utl.gov.in/Home.aspx

Fare

Lakshadweep is located 144 nautical miles away from Mangalore old port. You can enjoy your journey from Mangalore to Lakshadweep by opting for an adventurous boat ride. The fare for a high-speed boat journey varies depending on the class of service you choose, economy, business, or luxury, and the specific Lakshadweep island that you want to explore. On average the prices can range from Rs 2500 (for an economy class) to Rs 7000 for a premium boat ride. 

You can avail of the high-speed vessel HSC Parali; this is the Mangalore-Lakshadweep tourist liner service which became operational on 2nd May 2024 with a capacity of 160 seats. The IT and business tourists can travel to Lakshadweep on this ship for Rs5000 per head.  

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/lakshadweep-to-mangaluru-highspeed-ferry-service-launched-for-tourists-101714731259321-amp.html

Important tips for visiting Lakshadweep via Sea

A lot goes into planning a perfect trip. It does not matter how beautiful the destination is, if your trip is not hassle-free then you will not be able to enjoy it. So, here are some tips you must focus on before traveling to Lakshadweep via sea.  

• If you are interested in visiting Lakshadweep on the new ship HSC Parali, then remember to make your reservations in advance; the accommodations in Minicoy, Kalpeni, Kadmatt, and Amindivi islands are limited and the ship will only take you if accommodation is available in these islands. 
• If you are prone to seasickness then you must carry some medication for the high-speed boat ride from Mangalore to Lakshadweep. 
• You must carry all the essential documents like travel permits, identity proofs, and others to avoid any unnecessary hassle. 
• Familiarize yourself with the facilities and safety procedures of the boat. You must check where the life jackets are located before boarding the boat. 
• While on the ride you must stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration caused by exposure to sun.

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