Travel Planning Made Simple. Create Your Own Itinerary.
Minicoy Island Lakshadweep
Written by Arundhati Toshniwal on January 12, 2024 Share on

Minicoy Island Lakshadweep: Everything about Culture, Activities, Stays, and More

Minicoy, Lakshadweep, is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep. The island is well known for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and blissful tranquility. Minicoy is the second-largest island of Lakshadweep, crescent-shaped, and the location of one of the most beautiful and largest lagoons. The island is close to the Maldives and has a beautiful old light house. The island is soaked in rich culture and shocking histories. Uncover the histories of Minicoy on your Minicoy, Lakshadweep trip.

You Need To Know About The Culture of Minicoy

Minicoy is set apart from the Northern Group of Islands by its culture. Minicoy is locally known as “Maliku”, which is the name of the island in the Maldive-Minicoy language. The main attraction of the island is its carefully arranged villages, known as ‘Avah’ or’ Athiri’. Each Avah has its own internal organization headed by a Moopan, around which the life of the community rests. Every village has its own village house. In total, there are 10 villages on the island, which are named Bada, Aoumagu, Boduathiri, Rammedu, Sedivalu, Aloodi, Funhilol, Kudehi, Falessery, and Kendiparty (from south to north)

The Best Time to Visit Minicoy

The best time to visit Minicoy would be between September and May. Located on the Indian Ocean, the climatic conditions of the island are similar to those of Kerala. It has bright blue skies and mild showers. As with any tropical island, there’s rainfall most of the year, and January to March are relatively dry. The temperature ranges from 25 oC to 35 oC, and the humidity ranges from 70 -76 percent for most of the year. The average rainfall received is 1600 mm a year. 

Average Monthly Temperatures in Minicoy

MonthAverage High (°C)Average Low (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January312421
February312411
March322518
April322679
May3226190
June3126253
July3026196
August3026190
September3026171
October3026178
November3125154
December312557

Things to do in Minicoy, Lakshadweep

  • Scuba diving: The experience is one of a kind and the waters are clear, One can see a wide variety of exquisite marine life
  • Kayaking: Explore the adventure of kayaking in Minicoy and get your blood pumping. As much as the island offers relaxation, it also provides adventure. 
  • Snorkeling: The snorkeling services in Minicoy are exceptional and leave you with wonderful, satisfied experience. 
  • Lighthouse: The Minicoy Island Lighthouse, which was established on February 2, 1885, at the southern end of Minicoy Island, is built in brick masonry and has a lantern and gallery.
  • Tuna factory: Tuna Canning factory Minicoy was established by the Department of Fisheries and the Lakshadweep administration in 1969. Top-quality products are made from locally sourced fish from the coral reefs. 
  • Beaches: Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach are known for their pristine sand and clear turquoise waters. 

At Minicoy, you are closer to the Maldives (about 50 km away in the west) than the Indian mainland (over 300 km away in the east). The facilities are good, and the local people are friendly. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms.

How to Reach Minicoy

There is only one way to get there by ship; most cruises leave from Mumbai or Kochi and visit three islands (including Minicoy) in the Lakshdweep region in three days. The Samudaram Package and the Swaying Palm Package, both of which leave from Kochi, are the only fixed departure packages that travel to this island.

Food and Cuisine of Minicoy

The cuisine is mainly Keralite. Tuna fish is mostly available here, so you can have it grilled, baked, or fried. Spiced coconut-rich vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Curried, fried, and barbecued fish.

Accommodation in Minicoy

20-Bedded Minicoy Resort

It is a 20-bedded mini-resort that is among the most well-organized government resorts in Lakshadweep Islands. If you are confused where to stay in Lakshadweep Islands then this is the best choice. It is situated on the southern side of the island, close to the lighthouse. Every cottage has an open-to-the-sky bathroom with coral-lay floors. The arrangement for food is made in the courtyard at the entrance itself. The hotel is located just on the beach, which has perhaps the best ocean-water in India. They have a water tap provided at the entrance of the rooms so as not to get in the rooms with sand-filled feet after swimming. Good cupboards with shelves that are quite convenient.

Also check : Kadmat Island Lakshadweep

 Mostly Asked Questions about Minicoy Island

  1. Why is Minicoy Island famous?

The island of Minicoy is well known for its culture, traditions and history, along with its pristine, clean sands and turquoise waters. Minicoy is a hidden gem of an island in Lakshadweep. 

  1. What is the old name for Minicoy? 

The island of Minicoy was previously known as ‘Maliku’/ ‘Minika’; the island of Lakshadweep was previously known as Laccadives, which means ‘ One lakh Islands’, but the archipelago consists of only 36 islands. 

  1. What is the capital of Minicoy? 

Kavaratti is the capital of Minicoy; it  is located 200km north of Minicoy. It is the head of administration and the most developed on the island. There are 52 mosques spread throughout the island, with Urja Mosque being the most beautiful of them all. 

Plan Your Trip with PickYourTrail

Minicoy is an enthralling experience for anyone who enjoys the sea breeze and clean sands. Customize your Minicoy trip from Pickyourtrails and pack your bags for the adventure! 

Note: The images that are being published here are the author's choice, and the organisation takes no responsibility for their usability.