Spectacular sunsets draw people to the shore in the evenings. Check out Kavaratti, the administrative capital of Lakshadweep.

Lakshadweep is the tiniest Union Territory of India and its only coral island chain. This archipelago consists of 36 islands, 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. Only 10 of these islands are inhabited ? Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan, Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy. The last six are open to visitors.

Getting there

Indian Airlines operates flights from Kochi to Agatti six times a week ($120 on economy, one-way). More widely used are the ships, which ply regularly between Kochi and the islands (about 18 hours). Contact Lakshadweep Tourism for the ferry schedule, or visit www.lakshadweep.nic.in.

Independent travelers need permits to visit the islands (available at Lakshadweep Tourism, Indira Gandhi Road, Willingdon Island, Kochi; 0484668387; laksports@vsnl.net, as well as through travel agents). However, the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports in Lakshadweep (sports) runs a variety of package tours (see below) to the islands-signing up on one of these exempts you from permits.

Where to stay

The plushest on these islands is the Bangaram Island Resort, run by the Casino Group. Minimalist luxury is available here from $150 for a double cottage. Sports run resorts n the other islands: at the Kadmat Beach Resort, eco-friendly cottages can be had for about $100 a double. On Minicoy, there's a smaller resort with three cottages and a 20-bed ?tourist home?.

Diving

The Lakshadweep islands are part of the same group of islands as the Maldives. Underwater life is just as spectacular here-groupers, clownfish, mantas, sting rays, dolphins; grey reef sharks, turtles and other tropical fish are abundant. Go diving!

Lacadives offers training packages at its Water Sports Institute in Kadmat for beginners ($700 for eight days; transport extra) and advanced divers ($50 per day). Instructors from the outfit also conduct a range of courses at the Bangaram islands Resort for $40-$700.

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