KALPENI ISLAND

This beautiful island, 287km from Cochin, also includes the small islets of Thilakkam and Pitti. An uninhabited island called Cheriyam in the north forms a single atoll. A huge shallow lagoon surrounds all of them. It is believed that a huge storm in 1847 threw up huge coral boulders along these shores. Pitti island is a bird sanctuary. It is home to a variety of endangered birds. The island has great scope for swimming, reef walking, kayaking, and boating. Sailboats, pedal boats and water sport equipment can be hired. There are two bathing huts with changing rooms at the Koomel Beach Resorts on Kalpeni.

This progressive island is where girls first went to school, when women weren’t allowed access to education. Tourists can visit the Baniyan factory and the light house. During a low tide you can walk from Kalpeni all the way till Cheriyam island through the coral beds. But beware the corals are sharp, they are inhabited by crabs, eels, sea cucumbers and colorful fishes. The local fishermen have their fishing spots on these shallow waters.

The Moinnuddeen Mosque on the southernmost shore of Kalpeni is named after a famous Lakshadweep saint. Its architecture is in Kerala style with old Mangalore tiles on the roof. The mosque is open only during prayers. There is a local handicraft store behind the Koomel resort selling handicraft and woodwork items. The most famous is the small boats made of coconut and shrub barks.

The rooms at Koomel Beach resort is the only option for accommodation. They have attached changing rooms and baths. Lakshadweep tourism organises shows of traditional Parichakkali and Kolkali dances.