Fishing in Lakshadweep

Fishing is an activity that dates back at least 40,000 years, and since has been a popular recreational activity. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or like to engage in activities that are more relaxing than adventurous, fishing in Lakshadweep is an ideal activity for you. Lakshadweep boasts of having some of the best fishing grounds in the world, and is the perfect place for different types of fishing including deep sea fishing, recreational fishing, kayak fishing and lagoon fishing. The lagoons of Lakshadweep are hot bed of various fishing and boating activities. And also, there are various resorts in this beautiful island which provide facilities for night lagoon fishing. Night lagoon fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy this recreational activity as it happens away from all kinds of distractions and disturbances. If you are in Lakshadweep, do experience this activity which gives you a chance to explore the multitude of species and colours of different fish.

Lakshadweep is the only coral atolls of our country which has unique geographical features and with scattered islands. It has a vast lagoon of 4,200 Sq. Kms, Territorial waters of 20,000 Sq. Km, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4,00,000 Lakhs Sq. Kms and coastal line of about 132 Kms. The sea around Lakshadweep is rich in fishery resources and the main fishery resource in the islands are Tuna. The estimated marine fishery potential resources in the sea around Lakshadweep is about one lack tones of tuna and tuna like fishes and about an equal quantity of Shark.

A huge part of the population in Lakshadweep depends on the fishery resources which is also the main livelihood of the inhabitants of the islands. Of the 27 islands and a number of submerged banks and open reef’s, the fishing activities are mainly concentrated in 11 islands and reef areas of Perumal Par, Valiyapani and Cheriyapani. There has been a steady growth of fish production, which once stood at 500 tonnes during 1950s crossed 12,000 tonnes in the recent years which is about 5% of the estimated fishable potential. Therefore, there is ample scope for developing the fishing industry in Lakshadweep. The tuna fishery and “masmin”, a traditional fishery product of Lakshadweep needs no introduction in Indian marine fishery products. The “Pole and Line” fishing a unique fishing method for the exploitation of tuna is only found in Lakshadweep in the Indian continent. The present annual production is about 12,000 tonnes, which is hardly 5% of the total potential. About 80% of the total landing of Lakshadweep contributes Skip Jack tuna and 60% of the total landing is converted to dried products and about 40% goes for local consumption.

Deep Sea Fishing

The Islands in Lakshadweep, studded in the blue water of the Arabian Sea unfolds another world in itself. Magnificent lagoons, sylvan sea shores, miles of sun drenched sand and the enchantment of swaying palms, spectacular marine flora and fauna will leave you spell bound. Water sports facilities like swimming, Rafting, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, catamaran sailing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving are available in this spectacular Island in Lakshadweep.

Sports Fishing

The thrilling sport of fishing. Now closer to you at the Lakshadweep Island Group. The waters off these islands are abound with sport fish like Tuna, Kingfish, Barracuda, Shark, Snappers, Bonefish, Stonefish, wahoo to name a few. These islands is ideally situated on the migratory routes for large game fish. They have a unique method of fishing called the Poll and Line system available at Lakshadweep Only. Guests are offered options according to their interests: Hardcore fishing fans can take the boats for deep sea fishing, where as those looking for leisure fishing will enjoy Lagoon fishing. And the best part is you can barbeque what you catch.

Fishing Methods

Fishing in Lakshadweep is carried out by poll and line method only. It is acknowledged all over the world that Pole and line method is most Eco friendly method of fishing of tuna in which only mother fishes are caught and young ones as also mother marine creatures are spared, which are unnecessarily destroyed in other fishing methods.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1   Arrive Cochin and transfer to hotel Meals:  B

Arrive at Cochin .You are greeted at the airport by a Lotus Travel Facilitator and driven to your hotel near the airport and check-in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and you are at leisure remainder of the day. The island is ideally situated on the migratory routes for large game fish. We have a unique method of fishing called the Poll and Line system available at Lakshadweep Only. Guests are offered options according to their interests: Hardcore fishing fans can take the boats for deep sea fishing, where as those looking for leisure fishing will enjoy Lagoon fishing. And the best part is you can barbeque what you catch.

Overnight Stay at Quality Inn, Cochin airport

Day 2 : Cochin –Lakshadweep          Meals: B

Early Breakfast at 06.30 and departure transfer to Cochin airport and connect the flight to Agatti. (Air India flight Cochin /Agatti 0845/1010) 

Arrive Agatti airport, complete the permit procedures and transfer to Thinnkara Island Resort by boat. Thinnakara Island is situated just opposite side of Bangaram island and share the vast lagoon and coralline banks, the actual lagoon area amounts to 125.21 Sq kms. On the north-south edge of the lagoon Parali (i); Parali (ii) are situated. Thinnakara is a tiny teardrop shaped island which lies 8 km northeast from Agatti, where the airport is located. The panorama encompasses magnificent lagoons, sylvan sea shores, sun drenched sand and the enchantment of swaying palms, spectacular marine flora and fauna, and all these harmonies to form a colorful kaleidoscope typical of an archipelago paradise. During the nights, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands imparts a blue glow to the beach which is totally enchanting. Thinnakara Island opened for international tourists, accommodation facility available in the beach seashore well managed Tent is available, nonstop thrilling activities available at Thinnakara. Famous scuba diving sport at Thinnakara, Bangaram can visit by sailing boat, kayaking, speed boat, snorkeling etc. On arrival check in to swiss tents and follows by lunch.

After noon free for make the gears, and meet the boat people, fishing guides and discuss the final plans before leave at night. 

Note: The flight allow 15 kg check in baggage and 07 Kg hand baggage. Since all the fishing group have an excess luggage charges can be paid directly at check in counter.

Overnight Stay at Thinnkara Island Resort

Day 3 : Fishing in Bitra Island    Meals: B, L,D, D

ound for a number of sea birds, a favorite hunt of Kiltan and Chetlat people. There is a small shrine of Malik Mulla, an old Arab Saint who is said to be have been burried here. The shrine is a place of pilgrimage for the people of other islands. Surprisingly the first permanent settler at BITRA was a women from CHETLAT who with her son set up a permanent settler at house around 1945. The climate of Bitra is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. March to May is the hottest period of the year. The temperature ranges from 25oC to 35oC and humidity ranging from 70 -76 per cent for most of the year. The average rainfall received is 1600 mm a year. Monsoon prevails here from 15th May to 15th September. The monsoon period raises temperature to the mercury level between 27- 30 degrees. During the monsoon time, boats are not allowed outside the lagoon because of the violent sea. The presence of the reef maintains calm at the lagoon.

Fishing starts from 06.30 to 07.00 am till evening 05.00 to 05.30 depends on the tide. Breakfast, lunch, dinner will be cooked and serve in the fishing boat .Tea, coffee, biscuits will be served. There is a limitation to provide an elaborate menu since its cook in a fire wood. 

Overnight Stay at Fishing boat

Day 4 : Fishing in Cheriyapani Island reef     Meals: B, L, D

Mid night departure to Cheriyapani island reef. Reach in morning and start fishing at Cheriyapani reef. Cherbaniani Reef, also known as Beleapani Reef a coral atoll belonging to the Amindivi Subgroup of islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India .Cheriyapani Reef is located 33 km north of Byramgore Reef and at 12°18′N 71°53′E it is the northwestern most feature of Lakshadweep. The atoll has a roughly oval shape and was first described by ornithologist Allan Hume in 1876 its total lagoon area is 57.46 km2 (22.19 sq mi). The 14 km long coral reef that encloses the lagoon has three small uninhabited islands on it. Breakfast, lunch, dinner will be cooked and serve in the fishing boat .Tea, coffee, biscuits will be served.

Overnight Stay at Fishing boat

Day 5: Continue fishing in Cheriyapani Island reef   Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast continue fishing in Cheriyapani reef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner will be cooked and serve in the fishing boat .Tea, coffee, biscuits will be served.

Overnight Stay at Fishing boat

Day 6: Fishing in Valiyapani Island reef         Meals: B, L, D  Meals: B

Mid night departure to Valiyapani island reef. Reach in morning and start fishing at Valiya reef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner will be cooked and serve in the fishing boat .Tea, coffee, biscuits will be served.

Day 7: Continue fishing in Valiyapani Island reef     Meals: B, L, D Meals: B

After breakfast continue fishing in Cheriyapani reef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner will be cooked and serve in the fishing boat .Tea, coffee, biscuits will be served.

Overnight Stay at Fishing boat

Day 8: Fishing in Perumal Para Meals: B, L, D

Midnight departure to Perumal para reef and fishing in perumul para. Perumal Para, also known as Peremul Par, is an uninhabited coral atoll belonging to the Amindivi Subgroup of islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.   Perumal Par is located at 11.164°N 72.05°E, 33 km south of Bitra Par and 25 km to the northwest of Bangaram Atoll. The atoll is very similar in appearance to Cherbaniani Reef further north. It has a large lagoon devoid of islands in the encircling reef, except for 3 small sandy islets located at the eastern area. The lagoons area is 83.02 km2 (32.05 sq mi). 

Stop the fishing in perumul para by 04.00 pm and back to Thinnkara Island. Reach Thinnakara Island by 900 Pm and check in to Thinnkara Island tents. Dinner at hotel

Overnight Stay at Thinnakara Island tents

Day 9: Lakshadweep – Cochin Meals: B, L, D

After the breakfast proceed to Agatti airport and board your flight to Cochin. You are greeted at Cochin airport and transfer to Airport Hotel. Sharing all videos and photos to the group. Dinner at hotel

Overnight Stay at Quality hotel, Cochin airport

Day 10: Departure transfer to Cochin airport Meals: B, L, D

On time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

End of Tour

HOTELS ENVISAGED 

Flight Details

Cochin – Agatti – Departure 08.45 am from Cochin and 10.25 am arrival at Agatti.  

Agatti – Cochin – Departure 11.00 am from Agatti and 12.45 pm arrival at Cochin.

Fishing boat 

local fishing boat with 03 staff 

01 fishing guide in boat for 06 days fishing. 

Hotels 

Flora Airport Hotel in Cochin airport 

Thinnkara Island tent at Lakshadweep 

Fishing Islands 

Bitra reef / Cheriyapani reef / valiyapani reef / Perumal para reef

Details required in Advance 

Passport copy and tourist visa copy (fishing permit allow only for tourist visa)

Service Includes

• Traditional welcome on arrival
• Entry permit for Lakshadweep and permit for Fishing
• Accommodation in  Quality airport hotel Cochin , Fishing boat , Thinnkara Island on the meal plan mentioned above
• 01 fishing guide in each boat for 06 days fishing. 
• Airport to hotel transfers by Aironditioned vehicle 
• Services of the Accompanying Lotus Travel Facilitator
• All currently applicable taxes

Services Excludes

• Any International Airfare / Train fare.
• Any kind of personal expense such as tips, laundry, table drinks, telephone, diving, Bar, Ayurveda and any nature expenses. etc.
• Any kind of insurance against natural calamities
• Any Expense not mentioned in the list of inclusions.
• Camera fee / tips / portage.

Note

All the fishing gear have to bring by the clients and we do provide fish finders, batteries, wireless set, walky takies, ETC.