Packing For Lakshadweep

As I sit on the shores of the silver sandy beaches of a teeny-weeny island dotted in the Arabian Sea, cool breeze ruffles my hair, school of fishes dances around my feet, waves tickle my toes and recedes, and in front of me is a sea painted in a dreamy shade of blue.

Guess what? We are not at Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius, but our very own India. We are at Lakshadweep Islands — an archipelago of one lakh islands scattered all around like a gem in the exquisite ocean. Picturesque landscape and easy charm of the island gets you hooked the moment you set foot on the island.

We are here for a couple of days for a detox vacation and our island life starts with waking up to the sound of waves lapping in front of our cottage,  walking along the beach with our feet digging into the sand, sleeping under starry skies, devouring on seafood, snorkeling and chasing school of fishes, and whiling away our time in the hammock doing nothing.

At Lakshadweep, tourists are allowed to visit only a few islands. Kavaratti, Minicoy, Kadmat, and Kalpeni are the most visited islands if you are on a cruise package. By air — Agatti, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Kadamat or Kavaratti are the ones, people generally opt to stay.

We zeroed down on Thinnakara and Bangaram for our stay, as they are secluded and are known for the beautiful lagoons and amazing marine life. The resorts here are government run so they are not the best and not even worth the money you pay for. The lack of infrastructure and basic amenities is a bit of a bummer here but, we have no doubt that if the island comes under the radar of tourism, it has all the potential to give a tough competition to any of the countries mentioned above.

The beauty here is so untamed and rugged.

Before we venture more into the nitty-gritty of planning and stuff. Let us help you with a quick packing guide if you are planning to stay in any one of the islands in near future.

Packing For Lakshadweep

Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 or higher: No brainer. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to wear a high SPF sunscreen while at Lakshadweep. The sun’s rays are exceptionally harsh. You cannot get out in the sun without slathering yourself with loads of this. Apply religiously every 2-3 hours.

We were tan like hell the very first day itself as we didn’t put any on.

( Hat : Forever21, Top : Max, Shorts; Mango )

Hat : Wider the better to keep you safe from the sun.

Sunglasses : Polarized one preferably as the sunlight in daytime can be blinding enough.

( Aviators: Ray-Ban)

Liquid Soap & Sanitizer: The resorts here are mostly government-run and they offer soap in bathrooms and dining areas.  A travel-size pack of hand sanitizer will go a long way.

Refreshing Wet Tissues: You will thank us later for this. The sun in this part is ruthless and even after slathering sunscreen, the skin burns. Refreshing wet tissues will be your ultimate savior.

Face Mist: This is our must-pack itinerary for every tropical vacation. Just spray on your hand and face at regular intervals.

• • • DRESS • • •

Men — T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, shirts and one pair of long pants preferably cotton and breathable fabric.

Women — Shirts, Midi/Mini Dresses, lightweight tops, tanks, skirts, shorts, sarong

Swim Wear: Pack a load as there is no dearth of water activities on the island. Starting from scuba diving to snorkeling, parasailing to kayaking.

Kimono or Cover-up: You don’t need a reason for this. Throw in some bright colorful ones to rock your look.

Flip Flop / Beach Slipper: Most of the days you will spend running on the sand.

Lightweight backpack / Beach Bag:  Beach bag and/or lightweight backpack for carrying snacks, water, camera, and other stuff whilst on the island hopping trips.

Beach Towel: I know packing towels is a torture. But government resorts and hygiene goes a bit in opposite directions. So, it is better to pack one unless and until if you don’t mind using towels with holes or stains in them 😉

• • • ESSENTIALS • • •

Medical Kit:  Take an emergency stash of things to treat motion sickness, sea sickness, stomach ache,  colds, and headaches.

Toiletries: All of them. Don’t forget to pack your favorite shampoo, conditioners, body wash, razor, face wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, hairbrush, and anything else you might need.

Food/ Snacks: There is nothing else apart from the meals served on the island. So, do carry some snacks with you if you love munching all the time. Maybe some dry fruits mix, chocolates if you like or bring some energy bars to have on hand.

Mosquito Repellent: As the sun sets, you will find loads of unwanted guest. So, if you don’t want to get bitten, pack one for evening walks or star-gazing in the night.

• • • ELECTRONICS • • •

Books/Kindle: You will have enough time on the island to finish reading your favorite books or the ones you always wanted to read.

iPod: Perfect for long idle days or lazing around beaches

Laptop: There is no Wi-Fi on the island but if you want to catch up some TV series or movies. Don’t forget to pack your laptop.

Flashlight: For navigating your way back to the room after dinner.

Power Bank: You need it for sure, most of the islands are a bit underdeveloped and power cut is a common thing here. So, take your power bank with you to charge your phones and camera whenever you need.

Waterproof Camera:  Don’t miss to carry a waterproof camera with you to capture all the memories of snorkeling with sea turtles, starfish, jellyfish and loads of colorful fishes. A MUST PACK for the trip.

Camera:  No reason for that.

We highly recommend carrying all these items on you than to leave them at home!

Check out the detailed itinerary of our trip – HERE.

( Accessories: HnM India )

(Swimwear: Marks and Spencer, Hat: Forever21 )

( Dress : With )

( Sam’s T-shirt – HnM India )

( Sam’s Trouser: Mark and Spencer, Shirt: Shoppers Stop | Maxi Dress: CandidlyCouture )

SHOP THE STYLE

Happy Pinning !!!

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