Madurai: “It is easy to get to Lakshadweep by boat and plane from Kochi,” said Venkatesan Dattatreyan, South Zone Director, India Tourism, who came to Madurai.
On behalf of the Indian Tourism Department, he released a guide to the Samanar Hill at the Pongal Festival held at the Samanar Hill under the Central Department of Archaeology, Madurai.
Under the ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ scheme, we have planned to spread art and culture by integrating Tamil Nadu and Kashmir through the Central Education Department. The aim is to create awareness and expand the wider view of Kashmir to the youth of Tamil Nadu. Similarly, we have organized a festival for those who came from Kashmir at Kaleshtra, Chennai.
We have formed “Youth Tourism” groups of 25 students each in schools and colleges so that the youth can protect the tourist destinations. Through them, we conduct awareness programs like keeping the tourist spots clean, taking our pride when foreigners and foreigners come. We have formed 83 groups in Tamil Nadu in one and a half years.
Under the Swadeshi Darshan scheme, we are developing tourism infrastructure in Mamallapuram, Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu under central government funding. Funds have already been spent in Velankanni and Kanchipuram. Next we are going to consolidate the 9 temples around Kumbakonam and create the infrastructure for the Navagraha project.
There is a tourism office in Lakshadweep. Government employees do not need a permit to work there. Ships from Kochi in Kerala go to Kavarathi Island under a program called ‘Samudra Package’. From there you can go to various islands of Lakshadweep by boats. Cruise operators do not require a separate permit as the tour operators obtain the permit in bulk. For those traveling alone, the permit should be obtained ‘through online’.
From Kochi you can take a flight to Agathi Island and reach Lakshadweep. As it is a small airport, permission is mandatory to enter. Can move within a month of approval. He said there are many entertainment features like water sports and adventure games.