In News: In Lakshadweep, pomp and gaiety marked the Republic Day celebrations in the ten inhabited islands in the archipelago, where people participated in large numbers.
Lakshadweep Islands
India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km
It is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape.
The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands’.
It is a uni-district Union Territory and the islands were constituted a union territory in 1956.
It comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands.
The principal islands in the territory are Minicoy and those in the Amindivi group.
The easternmost island lies about 185 miles (300 km) from the coast of the state of Kerala. Ten of the islands are inhabited.
Capital – Kavaratti
Aside from an abundance of coconut palms, common trees include banyans, casuarinas, pandani (screw pines), breadfruits, tamarinds, and tropical almonds (genus Terminalia). Betel nut and betel leaf also grow in the islands.
Among the most notable marine fauna are sharks, bonitos, tunas, snappers, and flying fish. Manta rays, octopuses, crabs, turtles, and assorted gastropods are plentiful. The islands also are home to an array of water birds, such as herons, teals, and gulls.
Climate
Lakshadweep has a tropical climate and it has an average temperature of 27° C – 32° C.
April and May are the hottest. Generally the climate is humid warm and pleasant.
October to March is the ideal time to be on the islands.
From June to October the South West Monsoon is active with an average rainfall of 10-40 mm.
Winds are light to moderate from October to March.
