Diving The Reefs
Experienced divers rank the reefs of Lakshadweep among the best diving destinations in Asia, particularly the coral islands of Bangaram, Tinakara, Pirelli 1, and Pirelli 2. Bangaram Island Resort hosts Lacadives, a small dive center that was the first CMAS (an international underwater-sports federation) dive organization in India, with its headquarters on the island of Kadmat. Bangaram is known in particular for unique dives to spots such as Manta Point, where manta rays are a seasonal attraction; the Grand Canyon around the isle itself offers magical underwater viewing, as does Perumal Par, a submerged bank with world class diving (Rs 3,000 per dive, excluding equipment hire). Lacadives offers diving courses, rents out equipment, and conducts up to three dives a day, as well as night diving. If you're not a qualified diver, you can rent a mask and go on one of the resort's snorkeling trips to a nearby wreck where an assortment of marine fauna will have you begging for more; alternatively, bring a doctor's certificate indicating that you're fit to dive and you can have your first scuba experience here (Rs 24,000 for a 4-day course, including four open-water dives; Rs 7,500 for the 1-day resort course). For details, contact the Lacadives Diving Centre (at Bangaram: tel. 93-8861-9494; in Mumbai: E-20, Everest Bldg., Tardeo Rd.; tel. 022/6662-7381 or -7382; www.lacadives.com; lacadives@gmail.com). Note that there is no diving during the monsoons (mid-May through Sept).
