BANGARAM in LAKSHADWEEP - 1982

Lakshadweep

A group of islands off the Malabar Coast of south-western India, constituting a Union Territory in India, capital, Kavaratti. The group consists of the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands.

In 1982 we had gone to Bangaram, an Island Of  Lakshdweep. It is at the level of Cochin. The island's beach resort opened in 1974, and as the Agatti Aerodrome was completed it became more accessible to tourists. The Indian government is also pushing tourism on the island, with the goal of making it a significant worldwide tourist destination.

Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. The tourist resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity.

The island covers an area of 1.234 km Sq. Only 10 people live here, and there is just one beach resort. It is the perfect place for those who want to completely take a break from the busy life.

How I came to know about this island is a short story.

The Casino Hotel in Cochin, India, was founded by Jose Dominic and is part of the family-owned company that was rebranded as CGH Earth. The company, which started with the Casino Hotel in 1954, is now known for its eco-friendly and community-focused approach to tourism in southern India.

Company Focus: CGH Earth is a family-owned company that focuses on experiential, responsible tourism with a commitment to environmental sensitivity and local community inclusion. 

The Casino Hotel is located on Willingdon Island, just 6 km from the city centre, but away from the noise and maddening crowd. Jose Dominic had started another hotel on an island close  by with multiple cottages on an island called Coconut Lagoon. The multiple lagoons in Kerala are called Kayals. This Malayalam word refers to the brackish lagoons and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, forming a vast network of waterways known locally as the backwaters.

So when our friend invited to this place for a holiday while they were there, we were excited.

On our first visit we spent 2 days in Cochin staying at Casino hotel. After that they took us to the “ COCONUT LAGOON “  by a small private boat, we and our friend who invited us to this place. This was a magical experience. 

Coconut Lagoon has 2 unusual buildings - 

In Kerala, such traditional ancestral houses are called “Tharavad”. A Tharavad was typically the ancestral home of a large joint family, often belonging to a particular lineage or clan. These houses were especially common among Nair, Namboodiri, and Syrian Christian families, though the style influenced other communities as well.

Here are a few key points about them:

• 🏠 Structure: Many Tharavads were two-storeyed wooden houses — with a ground floor used for living and storage, and an upper floor (called pathayam or muri) for sleeping or keeping valuables. The construction relied heavily on teak, rosewood, and jackfruit wood, using wooden beams and sloping tiled roofs to withstand Kerala’s heavy rains.

• 🌿 Layout: They often featured an inner courtyard , surrounded by rooms, allowing natural light and ventilation.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cultural role: The Tharavad wasn’t just a house — it was the center of family life and identity, where generations lived together under one roof.

When we went to Coconut Lagoon we gad privilege to stay in one of these buildings close to water.

Bangaram Island

The island's beach resort opened in 1974. Bangaram is an atoll in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India.

Bangaram a Hidden Gem of India: Lakshadweep's Unspoiled— Bangaram Island is one of the most beautiful and popular islands in Lakshadweep. Surrounded by a turquoise lagoon.

It is a teardrop-shaped island located in the Indian Ocean and lies near Agatti and Kavaratti islands. It is surrounded by a shallow lagoon enclosed by coral ...

Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by flight from Kochi. Indian Airlines operate flights from Kochi. Airstrip is in Agatti island .

From Agati one reaches Bangaram Island. Bangaram Island is often called the "Jewel of Lakshadweep" and is famous for its serene beaches, water sports, and a luxurious atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for couples and those seeking solitude. 

Later on CGH was allowed to use this property as a small hotel. Place i.e very modest hotel with close to sea -  just a row of 6-7 furnished rooms with bathrooms. At one end of this property was a Dining room.

What is Bangaram Island famous for?

Bangaram Island is one of the most isolated islands of Lakshadweep.

Bangaram Beach – Famous for its soft, clean sand and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling & Scuba Diving—The island offers an amazing underwater world filled with colorful fish, coral reefs, and even old shipwrecks. The calm waters make it a great experience for beginners and adventure lovers like it a lots.

We landed at the airport at Agati . From here we took a boat to reach Bangaram. Dolphins were travelling with us on both sides of the boat. In about 20 minutes we reached the Island. In front of every room there was a swing.

We were so excited that after putting the baggage we got onto the swing and rested. After lunch and some rest, we decided to walk around the island. Oh, I forgot to mention that that there is a post office here and a lady post mistress used to take one round regularly of the island.

Next 2 days, we were always swimming in water.

The island covers an area of 1.234 km Sq. Only 10 people live here, and there is just one beach resort. It is the perfect place for those who want to completely take a break from the busy life.

There is no single "most beautiful" island, as it depends on preference, but Bangaram Island is frequently cited for its luxury and serene beauty, while Minicoy Island and Kalpeni Island are highly praised for their stunning lagoons and natural charm. Minicoy offers a vibrant lagoon and is praised for its local culture and activities like snorkeling. Kalpeni is known for its golden beaches, rich coral reefs, and a wide variety of local flora and fauna.