Though the Lakshadweep archipelago may appear to be a few insignificant dots on the map of India, it is, in fact, a sparkling emerald jewel adorning India's southwestern frontier. The Lakshadweep islands are located at a distance of 200-400 sq km from the Kerela coastline. It is one of the few marvels left untouched by the encroaching hands of industrialization and progress.

The white beaches, the lagoons that wash its shores with the coral reefs, which enclose it and the deep blue sea-all are symbiotically linked with each other. And when all these are added up, Lakshadweep is no longer the tiniest of India's territories.

While the total area of the 35 islands in Lakshadweep is a mere 32 sq km, the area of the lagoons enclosed by the coral reef is about 700 sq km. There are a total of 35 islands in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and only 10 of them are inhabited. All the islands are shaped like boats with their backs resting on the reef in the east and lagoons washing their shores on the west. The lagoons are shallow, never more than a couple of metres deep. Just as the sands on the beaches are pure white and sugary, the waters of the lagoons are crystal clear and clean.

Though the islands are lush green and there are several coconut gardens, the calcareous soil of these islets permits only those vegetation species to survive that are able to draw nitrogen from the atmosphere. Moreover, only the plants with roots long enough to reach the freshwater film on the saline water just a few metres below have any chance of survival here.

Because of these environmental constraints, only a few hundred or so species of flora survive in Lakshadweep as compared to the thousands of species that one can find in volcanic islands like the Andamans. Likewise, the fauna too is restricted to a few insects, scorpions, centipedes and crabs as also a few kinds of skunks and geckos. There are no snakes or birds on these islands.

There are a lot of opportunities for the adventure seekers in Lakshadweep, but it is not that there is nothing in store for others. Here in Lakshadweep, one can engage in a number of activities like windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, deep see fishing, and kayaking. For the nature lovers, coral reefs and vegetation is a treat not to be missed. Walking through the inhabited islands is a unique experience. Just lazing around and basking in the sun at the beautiful white beaches of the islands is in itself a wonderful way of spending time here.

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