Lakshadweep Tour Packages from India: 2026 Cost & Booking Guide

Lakshadweep is India's only true coral atoll archipelago — 36 islands strung across the Arabian Sea, of which just a handful are open to tourists. If you've been pricing trips and seeing wildly different quotes, here's the honest 2026 picture: a 4N/5D Lakshadweep package from India costs ₹38,000–₹95,000 per person, depending on whether you fly to Agatti or sail from Kochi, and which island you stay on.

Quick answer: 2026 Lakshadweep package cost

• 🚢 Cruise package (Cordelia / Empress, 4N): ₹38,000–₹65,000/person
• ✈️ Agatti flight + Kavaratti/Thinnakara stay (4N): ₹52,000–₹72,000/person
• 🏝️ Bangaram Island Resort (4N, premium): ₹85,000–₹1,40,000/person

All figures are ex-Kochi and include permits, transfers, meals on island and basic water sports. Add ₹6,000–₹14,000 for return flights to Kochi from Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore.

The Lakshadweep permit — non-negotiable, but easy

Every visitor (Indian or foreign) needs an Entry Permit issued by the Lakshadweep Administration. You cannot book flights or ships without it. Your tour operator handles it as part of the package; you provide:

• Aadhaar or passport copy
• Police clearance certificate (PCC) from your local station — valid for 6 months
• Two passport photos
• Confirmed travel dates and island name

Processing takes 7–15 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel. Foreign nationals can currently visit only Bangaram and Agatti.

How to get there: ship vs flight

Option 1 — Fly to Agatti (fastest)

Alliance Air operates a daily ATR-72 from Kochi (COK) to Agatti (AGX), ~1h 20min, ₹11,000–₹18,000 round-trip. From Agatti, a 20-minute speedboat or 1.5-hour ferry takes you to your chosen island (Bangaram, Thinnakara or Kavaratti). Best for short trips and travellers who get seasick.

Option 2 — Cruise ship from Kochi

Cordelia Cruises and the Lakshadweep Administration's ships (MV Kavaratti, MV Arabian Sea) run 4–7 night sailings that visit 3–4 islands as day excursions. ₹38,000–₹65,000/person includes cabin, all meals and shore activities. Best for first-timers who want a sampler without committing to one island.

Option 3 — Passenger ship + island stay

The cheapest route. Government ships from Kochi to Kavaratti take 14–20 hours one-way; you then stay 3–4 nights on the island. Total cost can dip below ₹30,000/person but sailings are infrequent (2–4 per month) and bookings open only 30 days out.

Which island should you pick?

Agatti — the gateway

Has the only airport, a long lagoon perfect for snorkelling, and 3–4 mid-range resorts. Good base if budget matters and you'll do island-hopping day trips. Package cost: ₹52,000–₹68,000/person for 4N.

Bangaram — the bucket-list island

A single uninhabited atoll with one resort (Bangaram Island Resort). Overwater-style cottages, world-class diving on the reef edge, zero crowds. Package cost: ₹85,000–₹1,40,000/person for 4N — Maldives quality at 40% less.

Thinnakara — the quiet middle

Tented beach cottages run by SPORTS (the official Lakshadweep tourism body). Solar power, no Wi-Fi, all-meal plan. Perfect for honeymooners on a ₹60,000–₹75,000/person budget who want privacy without resort prices.

Kavaratti — the capital

The administrative centre, with mosques, a museum and the famous Kavaratti lagoon. More cultural and less resort-like; suits travellers who want to see local life.

What's actually included in a Lakshadweep package?

• Entry permit processing
• Kochi airport pickup/drop (some operators)
• Round-trip Kochi–Agatti flight OR ship berth
• Inter-island boat transfers
• Accommodation (resort, cottage or cruise cabin)
• All meals on island (alcohol is banned in Lakshadweep except Bangaram)
• One snorkelling session and one glass-bottom boat ride

Usually extra: scuba diving (₹4,500–₹6,500/dive), kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and your return flights to Kochi.

Best time to visit

October to mid-May is the only window — flat sea, 28–32°C, visibility 25–30m for diving. Avoid June–September: the southwest monsoon shuts down ferries, water sports and most resorts. Peak pricing hits 20 Dec–10 Jan and during the long Easter weekend.

5 booking tips that save real money

1. Book Agatti flights first, then the island. Alliance Air has just 70 seats/day — they sell out 60 days out for peak weeks.
2. Bundle the permit with your package. Doing it solo means three trips to the Administration office; not worth ₹2,000 saving.
3. Travel mid-week. Resort rates on Bangaram drop 15–20% Mon–Wed arrivals.
4. Carry cash. ATMs exist only on Kavaratti and Agatti; cards work in 2–3 resorts. Budget ₹5,000 cash per person.
5. Skip alcohol-led itineraries. Lakshadweep is dry except Bangaram — operators who promise "bar nights" on other islands are lying.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakshadweep cheaper than the Maldives?

Yes — by 35–55%. A 4N Bangaram trip at ₹1.1 lakh/person delivers the same overwater-villa feel that costs ₹2.2–2.8 lakh in the Maldives, and you save on visa and international flights.

Can I do Lakshadweep on a 3-day weekend?

Realistically, no. Permit + travel time makes 4N/5D the minimum useful trip. A 3-night cruise from Kochi is the only short option.

Is Lakshadweep good for honeymoon?

Bangaram and Thinnakara are exceptional — private beaches, no day-trippers, candlelit dinners on sand. Avoid Kavaratti and Agatti town for honeymoon.

Ready to plan? Browse our island destinations or WhatsApp our Lakshadweep desk for a permit-included quote tailored to your dates and budget.