Places to Visit in Minicoy

The southernmost island of Lakshadweep archipelago, Minicoy is a pretty little idyll to unwind and be at peace with. Minicoy with its unspoiled beaches, rich cultural heritage, jaw dropping natural lands are all hidden gem of Minicoay which only few get discover pleasure. Although less popular than comparable islands, this small island has a perfect combination of unsoiled beaches, history houses, and rich marine life. Adventure or relaxation, culture and art or nature and history – Minicoy will please all. Now let’s go straight into the must visit places of this magnificent island.

Best Places to Visit in Minicoy

Minicoy Beach 

 The island has a topmost attraction, Minicoy Beach with golden sand and clear blue water for travelers to relax and bask in its beauty. The coastline is lined up by the beach hence it is one of the best places to enjoy sunbathing, walking and just relaxing. The waves wash the shore with a soft lapping as the city of soft, powdery sand provides a great opportunity for a quiet stroll. It is family friendly, situated on shallow waters as children can safely play in the water. Always be mesmerised by the simplicity and natural allure of Minicoy Beach for any amount of day or for any amount of time you are here to either relax or just want to watch the breath taking sunset.

Lighthouse 

The 19th century lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks of Minicoy. Located on the northern tip of the island the lighthouse provides a panoramic view of the surrounding turquoise coloured water and neighbouring islands. Located about 48 miles west of Maliku, visitors need to climb up the steep climb to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Minicoy along with its diverse coral reefs glowing blue green. Lurking white and red striped lighthouse itself is also a great place for photography. It is also a historically significant lighthouse built in the area to protect the ship treading the dangerous waters of the Arabian Sea.

Village Life 

The Cultural Heritage of Minicoy is well known and the best way to visit and get an authentic experience of the Island is the villages. As the culture is unique and different from in other parts of India, the islands population follow a matrilineal system in which the family lineage is traced through the mother. Narrow streets with typical houses, palm trees and community centres characterize the villages. There are fishing, agriculture and coconut based industries that will usually have locals employed in and they are very hospitable. Visitors can visit its village streets leisurely, interact with its local people and they can know their customs, practices and mode of life.

Ujra Mosque 

As there is no temple of its kind in the Maldives, this makes the Ujra Mosque on Minicoy Island an important place of worship. The mosque has a very serene atmosphere because it is built in the traditional Islamic style. Modest in its architecture, the mosque does hold a crucial role in the local community as a place for prayer, reflection and joining together socially. Simple elegance of the mosque and its surroundings make it a beautiful quiet contemplation place. Local customs and traditions to be respected by visitors of the mosque.

Amini Beach 

Another beautiful and lesser visited beach of Minicoy is Amini Beach, which is in the eastern side of the atoll. Amini Beach is a bit secluded and more tranquil than Minicoy Beach that receives more tourists. The beach is perfect for those who want to get away from the mass of people to experience the wilderness. The calm waters, gentle breeze and wonderful view of sunset makes it a possibility of great place for a peaceful day out. Light beach activities, swimming or beach volleyball, or simply relax and enjoy the pristine environment is also possible.

Tuna Fishing 

Tuna fishing forms the backbone of fishing life on Minicoy and is an essential part of its culture and economy. Tuna are plentiful in the waters surrounding Minicoy and the locals catch this prized fish using traditional fishing methods. Local fishermen also take tourists out onto their boats as a way to provide a genuine experience of traditional tuna fishing. The techniques and tools used by the islanders are well explained to you and you are also granted the chance to appreciate the captivating process of catching and processing tuna. You can learn a lot about the island’s daily life and have the thrill of deep sea fishing.

Minicoy Coral Reefs 

Snorkeling and scuba divers will find rich coral reefs surrounding Minicoy. The crystal clear waters, which grant great visibility for divers, make it a habit of the crystal clear waters. Coral reefs around Minicoy are also one of the healthiest in Lakshadweep region and are filled with colorful fish, sea turtles and other marine life. But either you are an experienced diver or a newbie who is just interested in trying scuba diving, the Minicoy’s waters are a must explore for the marine lovers. There are various dive centres that provide escorted dives and lessons and guarantee a safe yet energizing underwater encounter.

Water Sports 

A must if you are in search of adventure, Minicoy also provides you with various water sports to indulge yourself in including jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. The calm waters and a good wind drive favour these activities. Enjoy thrilling and fun water sports like jet skiing across the waves or kayak paddling across the lagoon. Parasailing is another great method to get an adrenaline rush from your trip to Minicoy and get an aerial view of the island which you can look at Minicoy from top as from a bird fly.

Sand Banks

Minicoy is one of the few places which has sandbanks, which are isolated stretches of sand coming out of the sea at low tide. With these natural wonders, you can visit them on a day trip since they are considered untouched and pristine. Since these sandbanks are surrounded with clear water, they make for great locations for beach picnics, shell collecting, or relaxing away from the crowds. It gives you the chance to take a boat ride to one of the sandbanks and just appreciate the beauty of the ocean in its pure form, splashing of the waves and the sound of the wind against the air.

Local Handicrafts 

Any visit to Minicoy is incomplete without picking up a souvenir which is associated with the rich culture and heritage of the island. Handmade handicrafts available in local markets such as from coconut shells, seashell and coir. They, surprisingly, make for quite unique gifts or mementos, to remind you of your time on the island. Their resourcefulness as a island is reflected in their local artisans’ craftmanship and also purchasing these types of things supports the local economy and preserves craftmanship.

Minicoy Island Museum 

Minicoy Island Museum is a great place to know about the history, culture and natural resources of the island. Also, it contains a reservoir of artifacts which show history of Minicoy, such as tools that were used by the early settlers, equipment of fishing and things associated with the traditions of the island. But the museum is also providing information on the island’s unique ecology and biodiversity, and is therefore good for those wanting to learn about the island’s natural history. Minicoy’s legacy and its communal society make a visit to the museum worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit Minicoy

The warmest and driest time to go to Minicoy is from October to May, when there is little rain. Access to this island is restricted during the rough seas of the monsoon season (June to September). Regular boats and flights connect Minicoy to the mainland during the tourist season so the travel plans should not be a problem.

How to Reach Minicoy

Sea and air are the modes of access to Minicoy. Heliport and airstrip on the island links the island from Kochi to Agatti where one can fly from the mainland to Agatti and take the boat to Minicoy. There are also regular ferries from Kochi and other Lakshadweep islands for sea transport. As one needs to obtain a special permit to visit Lakshadweep, it can be arranged through travel agencies or hotels.

Conclusion 

One of Lakshadweep’s best kept secrets, Minicoy is a tropical paradise which provides a peace, cultural immersion, and adventure. Minicoy has beaches, coral reefs, historical monuments, pleasant climate, and a distinctive local culture that lend it a very unique experience. Travelers looking for an off the beaten path destination which is perhaps the most magnificent scene of natural beauty and tranquility in the country should not miss Minicoy on their list.