Location
8° and 12° North Latitude and 71° and 74° East Longitude. It is 220 to 440 km off the Malabar Coast in Kerala, India.

Climate
Tropical. 27° C - 32° C

Population
The population is only 60595 as per 2001 census, of which 95% are Muslims. Ethnically they are similar to the people of Kerala. They speak a dialect of Malayalam except in Minicoy where “Mahl” a form of Divehi is spoken.

Languages
Malayalam & Mahl.

How to get there
Four all weather ships M.V. Bharatseema ,M.V Tipusultan, M.V Aminidivi and M.V Minicoy operate between Kochi and the islands. Indian Airlines also operate flight from Kochi to Agatti Island every day except sunday.

Boarding & Lodging
While on a day tour package cruise, you will get back to the ship at the end of the day. Staying tourists are accommodated in Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy Agatti and Kadmat. The tourist huts in each island occupy ideal locations on the beach itself. Each hut has one or two twin-bedded bedrooms with attached baths. For Indian/Overseas tourists there is also a holiday resort at Bangaram.

Food
Spiced coconut-rich Vegetarian & Non vegetarian food. Curried, fried and barbecued fish.

Tourist Season
October - May for the ship based tour packages. Agatti and Bangaram may be visited throughout the year.

Things to do
These are basically leisure tours and Sea/Lagoon based tours.There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, Marine museum, LightHouse and a few local industries

Things not to do
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all islands except Bangaram. Picking up Corals is a punishable crime.