Basic Facts & Climate
Basic Facts
Lakshadweep is the tiniest Union Territory of India and is its only coral island chain. This archipelago consists of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The islands have a total area of 32 sq.kms and the lagoons enclosed by the atolls cover an area of 4200 sq.kms. Its territorial waters extend to 20,000 sq.kms and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to 4,00,000 sq.kms. Only 10 of these islands namely, Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy are inhabited. Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarters of the Union Territory. The islands are restricted area and permit from the Administration is required to visit the islands. However permit formalities of bonofied tourist are taken care by the SPORTS.
Climate
Normally, the islands are humid and warm. The temperature varies from 27oC to 30oC. The climate is equable and no well-marked distinct seasons are experienced. June to October is the rainy season, and the main monsoon is the South-West monsoon. The average rainfall is 1,640mm. Annual rainfall decreases from south to north. 80-90 days a year are rainy. Winds are light to moderate during October to March. The temperature increases from south to north. April and May are the hottest with an average temperature of 32oC. The relative humidity is 70-75 per cent.
