Lakshadweep advice needed!

[birdwood]

Two trips to the Govt offices on Willindon island in the company of nationals paid off. The lovely Tania spoke excellent English but it helped to have local representation when insisting that their suggested itinerary was unacceptabe. Her manager had to approve the request, but we got the permit to Tinnikara ( adjacent to Bangaram ) and will report upon our return in Feb.

 

[birdwood]

Trip report - freakin awesome, but not worth the trouble & $! First problem is that you'll be put onto a tour by SPORTS. Going to Willingdon Is, Kochi accompanied by locals speaking Malayalam to insist that we weren't going to do their package of 2nights Kadmat, 2nights Bangaram cruise was essential. In between is a transfer which can take up to 8hours in an open fishing boat (since they only have 1 hi-speed launch) for which you'll pay $160. Further, it's all transfers in cash, ie no credit card. The govt scam had been broken by Flyzone Ventures but they ended up with a 5 year ban on running tours as punishment - monopoly restored.
Dive ops at both islands are well run, and gear is quite new. No stingers at all, unbelievable viz - not even thermocline haze. This place is special, and the occupancy rate of just a few huts seemed typical - those honeymooners stayed pretty much out of sight too! More on Bangaram Island Reviews - Bangaram, Lakshadweep Attractions - TripAdvisor