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Soon, high-speed boats will reduce travel time to Lakshadweep from mainland India to just seven hours
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
The time to travel from Mangaluru to Lakshdweep has been reduced from the earlier 13 hours to just seven thanks to the high-speed vessel “Parali”
Lakshadweep is slowly becoming one of India’s most sought-after beach destinations, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s holiday on the scenic islands at the start of the year. The islands can be reached via a two-and-half hour flight from Bengaluru or a 5-hour flight from Mumbai via Bengaluru. However, travellers can now take a highspeed boat from Mangaluru to reach Lakshadweep in just seven hours. Yes, you read that right!
The time to travel from Mangaluru to Lakshdweep has been reduced from the earlier 13 hours to just seven thanks to the high-speed vessel “Parali”, which recently completed a trip from Lakshadweep Islands to the Mangaluru old port in just seven hours.
The vessel took five hours less to complete the trip from the previous 13-hour journey, as part of an experimental run. Passengers aboard HSC Parali were happy with the experience, while PTI reported that they were happy about the enhanced speed and smoother ride compared to previous vessels, which were cargo carriers modified to cater to passenger transport.
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The Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Development Authority, established under the Central Tourism Ministry, plans to commence regular tourist liner services between Mangaluru and Lakshadweep following several trial runs. However, concerns remain about the sea conditions during the monsoon season. Moreover, efforts are being made to upgrade facilities at the arrival point in Kadmatt, which is the nearest port to mainland India, in anticipation of increased tourist traffic.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep earlier this year, initiatives have been undertaken to improve connectivity between the mainland cities of Kochi and Mangaluru and the island territory. This endeavour aims to facilitate various forms of tourism, including eco-tourism in the Western Ghats, educational tours, healthcare tourism, and recreational activities for residents of Lakshadweep.
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The archipelago of Lakshadweep including 36 islands has over 32 square kilometres of land surrounded by a 4,200 square kilometre lagoon that boasts a rich marine ecosystem and cultural heritage.
PTI quoted sources from Lakshadweep’s administration as saying that efforts are being made to minimise the environmental impact of coastal tourism while ensuring sustainable development. The introduction of passenger vessels like the M.V. Aminidevi has opened up new avenues for tourism, particularly benefiting travellers from Begaluru, Mysuru, Panaji, and Mumbai who can now conveniently depart from Mangaluru to explore Lakshadweep.
Tourism authorities have introduced modern facilities on three islands closer to Mangalore to enhanced tourist convenience. Activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and culinary experiences await visitors at Kadmatt. With the hope of attracting tourists from Bengaluru, special weekend packages have been devised to offer a rejuvenating getaway at affordable prices.
Previously, only cargo ships serviced the route between the mainland and Lakshadweep.
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