Lakshadweep has long captivated travellers with its lush greenery, coral reefs, and tranquil
lagoons. Yet, journeying to this beautiful island has remained a challenge, with limited
transportation options posing hurdles for eager explorers. However, a ray of hope now shines for those yearning to set foot on these beautiful shores.
A ship service has been restarted, bridging the gap between the Lakshadweep and Mangaluru coasts. This revival comes after a halt during the Covid pandemic, with operations resuming recently to facilitate seamless connectivity between the two regions.
The reinstated service saw the high-speed vessel ‘MSV Parali’ docking at the Mangalore port on Thursday, ushering in passengers from Lakshadweep. Facilitating travel between Kadamat and Kiltan islands in Lakshadweep and Mangaluru, this ship service boasts a remarkable feature – the ability to traverse the distance in under seven hours. The ship is manned by a dedicated crew of eight, including the pilot and chief engineer.
The resurgence of this ship service comes at a time when Lakshadweep has garnered heightened global attention, with campaigns touting it as a compelling alternative to destinations like the Maldives, particularly for travellers from India. Recognizing the growing tourism potential, authorities have prioritised enhancing transportation infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.
While organised tour packages remain a prevalent choice for many, the availability of this ferry service offers independent travellers a more flexible and direct means of reaching the island.
However, it’s worth noting that travellers opting for non-package tours must secure permission from island authorities before starting their journey.
