Kavaratti

Kavaratti is the capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep in India. Kavaratti is a census town as well as the name of the atoll upon which the town stands. It is well known for its pristine white sand beaches and calm lagoons, which makes it a popular tourist destination. It has a distance of 2,056 km (1,278 mi) south of the city of Delhi.

History

Kavaratti has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission.

Geography

The island of Kavaratti lies 360 km (190 nmi) off the coast of the state of Kerala at 10°34′N 72°38′E / 10.57°N 72.64°E / 10.57; 72.64. It has an average elevation of 0 metres (0 feet).

The closest island is uninhabited Pitti islet, located 24 km (13 nmi) north of Kavaratti. The inhabited island of Agatti lies 54 km to the NW and Suheli Par 53 km to the SW.

Kochi is the closest major city on the Indian mainland at a distance of 404 km (218 nmi). It has a lagoon area of 8.96 km2 (3.46 sq mi).

Transportation

Among the most popular means of travel to Kavaratti from the Indian mainland is via an overnight voyage by passenger ships. A number of passenger liners operate from Kochi to Kavaratti and other Lakshadweep islands.

The nearest domestic airport is on Agatti Island 54 km (29 nmi) away, followed by helicopter or boat transfers from Agatti to Kavaratti. Commercial flights usually operate from Kochi to Agatti.

The closest international airport is the Cochin International Airport in Kochi on the mainland.

Healthcare

Kavaratti hosts a co-operative hospital. There is also a Krishibhavan and an associated veterinary hospital on the island.

Water supply

Ground water is the major source of water supply to Kavaratti. The island has 190 ponds to collect monsoon waters and 1325 wells.

With increasing population, the Government of India commissioned a low temperature desalination plant (LLTD) in Kavaratti in May 2005. The desalination plant established at a cost of ₹50 million has a capacity to supply 100,000 litres of drinking water every day.

Image gallery

• Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for Minicoy

• Map

• A beach at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.

• Kavaratti Main Road in the early morning.

• Kavaratti Aerial