No doubt the island is beautiful.The emerald coloured water was a feast for the eyes but the administration made sure that we had an uncomfortable stay in a dirty tent where you can not enter during the day time as the tents get very hot. They could have put the tents under some shade.The toilets are so small that you won't feel like entering. The tap water stinks. I failed to understand why do they charge so much for such disgusting accommodation. The food was again another sour point. I doubt if they have appointed proper cooks as the food tasted horrible. However the staff were warm and friendly. The place is suitable only for those who are interested in water sports but not for people who are not looking for adventure. So the first day was very very disappointing but somehow I liked the place on the second day and the credit goes only to nature. When we booked the place we were told that the transfer from Agatti to Bangaram would be by speed boat. But we were ferried by ordinary motorised boat without any cover which took one hour and forty five minutes to reach. And I was scared as the ride was not smooth. Water entered into the baggage and clothes got wet. But inspite of the huge expenditure and unsatisfactory service I still loved the place though I don't think I will ever go back there for a second time.
I went to Lakshawdeep Islands with my parents and siblings to spend a vacation here for 4 days!This could be undoubtedly India's best sea resort which offers an unique experience.To reach there, we took an Air India flight from Cochin on a small aircraft that takes 2 hours to touch down at the Agatti airport. A small runway awaits you and the pilot needs to have experience to land you safely on land or you get to have a bath in the Indian Ocean!!Anyways once we were landed, people from the Bangaram Resort were there to receive us on their boat. We took 2 hours on the Diesel engined boat to reach Bangaram Island which is 8 km from Agatti. On reaching the island, which is a beautiful sight to see as its approach is through a lovely lagoon, we were greeted by the Manager with welcome drinks. Thereafter, after check in, the rooms are pretty neat, we took a stroll on the island. This place is not an usual resort. No TV, no newspapers, no internet, no electricity (the resort provides electricity through its own genset). The place offers boat rides, scuba diving and other water sports at a cost.The food is awesome mainly consisting of freshly caught sea fishes, squids, octopus, shark meat and other items which are shipped to the resort from Kochi. The back side of the island has very rough waters and the staff of the resort catch the eating eats from this area and this goes straight to the kitchen!This resort is a divine spot on earth and one can easily unwind and relax on this island for a week. Alcohol is served at the resort bar and shack.Rooms are provided with a refrigerator and a minibar consisting of beer makes the stay all the more interesting! But mind you! To visit this place, one must take a permit from the Indian authorities in Cochi without which you cannot visit Agatti. So if you plan to visit this Union Territory of India, a special permit is required over and above your Indian visa. Do visit Lakshadweep. You will love it!
the island was once a well visited international tourist destination because of previously operated Casino (now closed). but one can see the old infrastructure there. as entry to lakshadweep is only by permit we have booked our trip to Bangaram and Tinkara island by Sports (Lakshadweep tourism deptt.) accommodation was made in Non AC tents which were a little HOT during mid day but were quite comfortable in evening and night. food served commonly to all guests at beach side cafeteria. overall place is calm and beautiful with no one to disturb your privacy. the staff is very nice and good people. Tinkara island is having one of the best beach in Lakshadweep islands
Bangaram island is a wonderful place.quiet,beautiful lagoon.we did snorkeling.and it was a nice experience.tents are ok to live but very hot during day time.No mobile connectivity in day time.Sea life is excellentFood is average since they have limited resources locally.Staff is very cooperativeOverall it is memorable experience.and we enjoyed it a lot
Very few in India know about this place. An island consisting of a resort in the middle of the Arabian Sea, 8km from Agati airport. I had been here 4 years ago but placing a review now.It's an excellent place to be. Awesome food mainly seafood which is excellently made by the chefs.The rooms are ok considering there is no electricity supply on the island, so the resort is provided electricity by its own generator which goes on and on. Don't expect air conditioners, newspapers and TV in your room. It's a different experience for nature lovers. The resort provides water entertainment facilities like water scooters, snorkelling, motor boat rides, diving classes. A fantastic place to go, as the resort's approach consists of a beautiful blue lagoon. Super experience! Must visit : my recommendation
Where---it is 45 minutes off the agatti port....independent island which is in inhabited...Accomodation----only available accommodation is tents which are run by SPORTS..no other resort exists on the islandIt is very poorly maintained...and actually it kills your tripVery unfortunate that an island which is more beautiful than Hawaii//Mauritius//Maldives//Madagascar.....does not HV accommodation....Hope DAT accommodation is made early.....No scuba on the island...but limited water sports available....Pls plan only a day trip....
Beauiful. Fantastic. Out of the world. The fact the Bangaram is the only island in Laskadweep with resorts makes it a truly virgin island, with immaculate beaches, crystal clear water and privacy that very few places in the world can now offer. If you wish to walk on the beach with your footprints being the only ones, you can. The other islands in Lakshadweep are beautiful too, but since this is uninhabited, it means that you wouldnt find litter on the beach or in the island, you wouldn' find fishing boats hampering the view of the otherwise immaculate horizon and you wouldn't have to give up on your privacy.The lagoon in Bangaram is shared by its sister island Thinakkara. Both Bangaram and Thinakkara have resorts owned by SPORT (a government body). The tents have an amazing location right on the beach and have basic facilities: bed, bathroom, a restaurant nearby and most of the water sports (kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving etc.). However, these are not 5 star properties so dont go looking for fancy facilities. If I were to select where to stay between Bangaram and Thinnakara, I would be inclined to tilt towards Thinakkara for a couple of reasons. Firstly the resort in Thinakkara cost INR 8,000 whereas that in Bangaram cost INR 10,000. The diraction of the wind means that the resorts in Thinnakara would always have a cool breeze, whereas the tents in Bangaram are cut of from the breeze by the island behind it. The beach in Thinakkara is gradually sloping towards the lagoon, whereas in Bangaram, one of the beaches towards the lagoon has a sudden drop. This can be slighlty dangerous for someone who is not adept at swimming. However in either case, I would strongly suggest to buy your own snorkelling kit before you arrive to the island as renting out the equipment would be slightly more expensive (around INR 600-1000/day). Also, you would be more comfortable with your own kit and there would not be an availability issue. Both Thinnakara and Bangaram have tremendous opportunities to just walk out in the sea and start snorkelling. Be prepared to see large turtles and a myriad of fishes and corals. Bangaram has another private resort called the Bangaram Beach Island Resort. However this is temporarily shut down due to government ineptitude and bearocratic non-sense. This is quite dissapointing since the island has tremendous potential for tourism. This is only one of 3 other islands where non-Indians are allowed. Also, this is the only island where alcohol is legal. Since the only resort open as of now is the SPORt resort which doesnt have a bar, it means that there is no alcohol on the only island where it is legal to serve it. Bangaram has tremendous scuba-diving spots all around the island where you can spot large turtles, sharks, sting rays amongst a plethora of other marine lives. It is completely safe and an absolute must according to me. If you want suggestions on the best dive operator, please feel free to send me a personal message. The island is 30 mins away from Agatti, which has the airport. A return boat ride would cost you around INR 1,500. Other nearby islands are Thinnakra, Parali 1 and Parali 2. The biggest issue in reaching Lakshadweep, however, is obtaining a permit. As of now, the easiest way to obtain a permit is to either book through SPORT or to be a government employee/relative of a government employee. This has discouraged private tourism in Lakshadweep where most of the private resorts are currently closed. Laslty, the island is very conservative and the locals would not encourage girls to wear shorts/or even three-fourths. Infact, when we were returning from one of our scuba expedetions by boat, one of the boat crew members actually indicated to one of the girls to wear full trousers and a sleeved tshirt. Bikini's, any form of nudity, or any form of showing excessive "skin" would be deeply discouraged by the locals.Get sun-tan/coconut oil/mosquito repellant/sun glasses and your permit. Enjoy this little bit of heaven on earth. Feel free to message me personally if trip advisor allows that for more info.
All the ticketing, Resort and food is managed by Laccadive Tourism Authority--Even Indian citizens need a permit--Though easy to obtainPeace loving people-- NO ALCOHOL--Excellent fresh Sea FoodWe stayed in Bangaram, Tinnakara Islands--Literally we were only 5-6 Folks-- Tents on the seashore-- Snorkelling, Glass Bottom Boats, Scuba Diving et all Candle light Dinner on the Sea Shore We went criscrossing across the Islands--Hardly anybody aroudVERY VERY ENJOYABLE
One of the most exotic island from Lakshadweep, you can only reach it by water ways on the way you can enjoy fishing...turtle watching etc. It is beautiful to see how sea changes colors on your way from agatti to bangaram, simply spectacular. Carry some food with you but please do not litter. Island is green and clean and its all beautiful and breathtaking.
It was hell getting to Bangaram and the conditions are Spartan, but it was well worth it. SPORTS, the agency in charge, is inefficient as is Air India, the only airline at this point that flies to Lakshadweep. We ended up booking with Mint Valley travel agency, which came through, though the permit for foreigners only being issued three days before flying is tense-making. Be persistent as from late November the website said bookings were closed, but the place was empty in mid-December. Similarly, we met a mother and son on the flight out. They'd left dad behind as Air India told them the flight was full. She counted 19 empty seats, about half the small plane. On Bangaram the tents are old, minimally furnished, scorching during the day, and the electricity only runs from 7pm to 7am, so you can't use the fans. It's best to sit under the shade near the restaurant or snorkel, as we did. As others have mentioned, the "fresh" water comes from a shallow well and smells alarmingly of sulphur. On the good side, the staff are friendly and the south Indian food with a nod to north Indian, is delicious and plentiful. There are few mosquitos.Then there is the island. If you've never been on an atoll before, it means there is a huge circular barrier reef enclosing in this case Bangaram, Thinnnakara and Parali. The water within the reef is mostly like an endless swimming pool of crystal clear water that moves from ankle to chest height, depending on the tide. The shifting colours are amazing. The visibility was not as good as the Great Barrier Reef or islands like Redang or Similan, but the coral gardens are close to the shore and surprisingly intact. Snorkelling we saw lots of beautiful fish, sea horses and numerous turtles. And you have the place almost to yourself.