Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep - Timings, Water Sports, Activities, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 120 km from Kavaratti, 181 km from Agatti, and 287 km from Kochi, Kalpeni is an inhabited Atoll in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. Also known as Koefaini, it is one of the prominent tourist places in Lakshadweep.

One of the most picturesque areas of Lakshadweep, the Kalpeni Islands, is a group of three islands - Cheriyam, Pitti, and Tillakkam. The island is located southeast of Kavaratti Island and midway between Andrott and Minicoy. The island is inhabited and is frequently visited by tourists. Covering an area of 2.482 sq. km, the island is linear with a broader end towards the south with a long narrow base tapering towards the northeast. The southern part of the island is broader with an average width of about 700 m, while the remaining two-thirds up to the northern tip is less than 200 m wide on average.

Kalpeni is known for its crystal-clear water, sun-kissed beaches, abundant aquatic species, exhilarating activities, pleasant weather, and exceptional coral formations. Kalpeni also features a beach at its northern edge called the Tip beach, which is a popular spot for tourists to snorkel. There is also a lighthouse that has three white flashes that cover a stunning distance of 33.33 km with every flash in 20 seconds. One can also visit the Saint Moinuddin Mosque on Kalpeni Island. Kalpeni was the first island in the Union Territory where women were allowed to go to school and get an education.

The unique feature of this island is a huge storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines. It is believed that a violent storm in 1847 threw up huge coral boulders along these shores. It has a very large lagoon measuring about 2.8 km at the point of maximum width. This is the largest lagoon among all the islands of Lakshadweep and is best suited for all types of water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, reef walking, sailing, yachts, and kayaking.

Tourists can stay on the island in government-operated resorts, and also in privately managed huts, depending on the package. The island is visited as part of the Coral Reef Package and Package. Picking up corals is a punishable crime. Consumption of alcohol is not allowed on this island.

Among the most popular means of travel to Kalpeni from the Indian mainland is via an overnight voyage by passenger ship or a flight from Kochi to Agatti. One can reach this island by boat and passenger vessels that are available from Agatti Island, which will take around 3 hours to arrive.