Lakshadweep-Mainland Travel Time Cut By Five Hours With High-Speed Ferry Service Launch

In a significant development, travel time between the Lakshadweep Islands and mainland has been slashed by five hours with the recent launch of high-speed ferry service.

On 3 May, the high-speed vessel named 'Parali' successfully transported 160 passengers from Lakshadweep to the Mangaluru old port in a mere seven hours, a substantial improvement from the previous journey duration of 13 hours.

This experimental voyage showcased not only increased speed but also smoother sailing compared to earlier vessels, which were retrofitted from cargo carriers to accommodate passengers.

The Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Development Authority, operating under the Central Tourism Ministry, announced plans to commence the Mangalore-Lakshadweep tourist liner service following a series of trial runs, as per a Hindustan Times report.

Lakshadweep, situated off the coast of Kerala, is renowned for its idyllic beaches and verdant landscapes. Comprising a cluster of 36 islands, it is often referred to as the "hundred thousand islands" in Malayalam and Sanskrit. This archipelago encompasses 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks, and ten inhabited islands, adding to its allure as a tropical paradise.

The administration, committed to eco-tourism, aims to balance tourism promotion with environmental conservation.

However, concerns linger regarding the sea's roughness during monsoon season. Efforts have been made to enhance facilities at the receiving point in Kadmatt, the nearest port of arrival from the mainland, in anticipation of increased tourist traffic.

This initiative marks a significant step towards improving connectivity between the mainland and Lakshadweep, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the islands. Officials assert that enhanced connectivity will facilitate various forms of tourism, including eco-tourism in the Western Ghats, educational tours, healthcare tourism, and recreational activities.

Historically, Karnataka and Lakshadweep share a bond dating back to 1783, when Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan safeguarded the islands from mainland threats. However, British conquests post-1799 diminished Lakshadweep's autonomy.

The introduction of the passenger vessel 'M V Aminidevi' in 2010 marked a turning point in Karnataka's tourism landscape, offering a more direct route to Lakshadweep from interior regions. With modern tourism facilities already prepared on selected islands, including Kadmatt, tourists can indulge in water sports, culinary delights, and cultural experiences.

As the sea route gains popularity, tourists from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and beyond are seizing the opportunity to depart from Mangaluru, revitalising an ancient maritime route and opening new avenues for coastal tourism.