1. The Teardrop of the Arabian Sea: An Uninhabited Coral Sanctuary
Situated in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep approximately 460 km off the coast of Kochi (Kerala), Bangaram Island is a breathtaking teardrop-shaped uninhabited coral atoll encompassing 128 acres of virgin white sand and coconut groves, encircled by a colossal shallow turquoise lagoon spanning over 36 square kilometres. Protected by a living outer coral barrier reef that breaks the oceanic swell of the Arabian Sea, the lagoon's water remains as clear as liquid glass.
Operated by the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS) under the Lakshadweep Administration, Bangaram Island Resort is the crown jewel of Indian island tourism. Furthermore, Bangaram is the only island in the entire Union Territory where alcoholic beverages are legally permitted for foreign and domestic tourists (all other Lakshadweep islands are strictly dry under local prohibition laws).
2. Beachfront Cottages & SPORTS Tariff Schedule
Tariffs are issued on a comprehensive Full-Board plan (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner):
| Cottage Category | Setting | Tariff per Night (Full Board) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Beach Cottage (AC) | Coconut Grove / Beachfront | ₹18,000 – ₹24,000 | King bed, en-suite bathroom, all 3 meals |
| Deluxe Beach Villa (AC) | Direct Lagoon Waterfront | ₹26,000 – ₹34,000 | Private beach porch, open veranda, full board |
| Wooden Suite Cottage | Prime Sunset Point | ₹35,000 – ₹42,000 | Spacious living room, panoramic lagoon views |
| Speedboat Transfer (Round-Trip) | Agatti Jetty – Bangaram | ₹4,000 per person | High-speed sea catamaran (15–25 mins) |
3. Scuba Diving the Outer Wall & Sea Turtle Encounters
Bangaram is one of the world's premier scuba diving and snorkeling sanctuaries. Certified PADI and CMAS instructors operate the resort's dive center:
- Grand Canyon: A sheer vertical underwater drop-off on the outer barrier reef descending into 40-metre abyssal depths, patrolled by pelagic blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, and giant napoleon wrasse.
- Manta Point: A cleaning station where giant oceanic manta rays hover while cleaner wrasse groom their skin.
- Turtle Lagoon Snorkeling: The shallow sandy flats of the inner lagoon are home to hundreds of resident green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, easily observed in waist-deep water.
- Sister Islet Excursions: Private day excursions by boat to the uninhabited islets of Tinnakara, Parali I, and Parali II for secluded castaway picnics.
4. Overwater Dining & Mandatory Lakshadweep Entry Permits
Dining at Bangaram revolves around fresh local catches—yellowfin tuna, kingfish, and reef lobster—grilled on open beach barbecues under the stars, accompanied by fresh coconut water and international beverages from the beachfront bar.
All visitors (Indian and foreign nationals) must obtain an official Lakshadweep Entry Permit issued by the District Administration via the epermit.utl.gov.in portal. When booking through SPORTS or authorized Lakshadweep tour operators, permit documentation, police clearance, and administrative fees are processed automatically upon confirming resort accommodation.
5. Travel Logistics: Flying to Agatti (AGX) & Boat Transfer
To reach Bangaram, travelers book commercial flights (Air India or IndiGo) from Kochi Airport (COK) to Agatti Airport (AGX)—famous for its dramatic 1,200-metre runway constructed on a narrow coral sandbar. Upon landing at Agatti, resort representatives escort guests to Agatti Jetty, where high-speed sea catamarans make the exhilarating 12-kilometre open-water lagoon crossing to Bangaram in 15 to 25 minutes.
During the southwest monsoon (June to September), high ocean swells make boat crossings impossible. The administration replaces boats with helicopter transfers between Agatti and Bangaram (surcharges apply). Peak diving season is October through May.
6. Thinnakara Island Sandbanks & Night Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
While Bangaram Island offers supreme lagoon tranquility, the resort arranges private speedboat excursions across the shallow atoll to the neighboring uninhabited islands of Thinnakara, Parali I, and Parali II. At low tide, kilometers of pure white coral sandbars rise from the azure ocean, allowing travelers to walk between islands surrounded by warm, crystal-clear water.
For certified divers and adventurous snorkelers, Bangaram's marine biologists lead thrilling Night Snorkeling Tours along the house reef barrier. Armed with specialized underwater UV dive torches, the dark coral gardens transform into a fluorescent underwater carnival: glowing green table corals, hunting moray eels, bioluminescent sea cucumbers, and gentle green sea turtles sleeping inside calm coral overhangs.
7. Princess Royal 200-Year-Old Shipwreck Diving & Deep Sea Fishing
One of the most thrilling underwater secrets of Bangaram is the Princess Royal Shipwreck. Sunk over 200 years ago during colonial maritime trade, the historic timber and iron vessel lies in 32 metres of crystal-clear water just off the island's reef barrier. Today, the coral-encrusted wreck has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with giant trevallies, barracudas, nurse sharks, and sea turtles.
The resort also organizes catch-and-release deep-sea sport fishing excursions beyond the atoll wall, where the seabed drops abruptly to 1,000 metres. Anglers target prized pelagics including yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and giant dorado aboard fully equipped offshore sports fishing boats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol allowed on Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep?
Yes. Bangaram Island is the only destination in the entire Union Territory of Lakshadweep where alcohol is legally permitted for tourists. All other inhabited islands are 100% dry.
How do you reach Bangaram Island Resort?
Fly from Kochi (COK) to Agatti Airport (AGX) on a scheduled commercial flight, then take a 15-to-25-minute high-speed sea catamaran transfer from Agatti jetty to Bangaram.
Do Indian citizens need a permit to visit Bangaram Island?
Yes. Every visitor (both Indian and foreign) requires an official Lakshadweep Entry Permit, which is arranged through SPORTS when booking the resort.
What is included in the room price at Bangaram Island Resort?
Tariffs are on a Full-Board basis, including air-conditioned beachfront cottage accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Can you visit other islands from Bangaram?
Yes. Guests can arrange day boat excursions to the uninhabited sister islands of Tinnakara, Parali I, and Parali II for snorkeling and private sandbank picnics.