Our travel expert, Clare has recently returned from the Lakshadweep Islands. Read her account of her trip in On Location.

These islands are still very remote and more often than not overlooked by visitors to Kerala who travel further South to the well patronised beaches of Kovalam. The islands are located 250 kilometres off the coast of Cochin and accessed by one flight daily. Although there are eleven islands which make up the far north atoll that extends from the Maldives, only three of these are open to tourism and Bangaram Island is our chosen destination here at Steppes.

After an hour flight, the lagooned islands come into view surrounded by a reef break and the airport is located at Agatti. Bangaram is a further 1 ½ hours boat journey across the island and across to Bangaram.

The shallow waters in the channel between Agatti Island and Bangaram island provide safe haven for three species of turtle, the Olive Ridley, the Leatherback and the Old Hawksbill turtle. It is rare for a turtle not to be spotted during your boat transfer.

Bangaram Island is managed by the eco aware CGH Earth group of hotels in Kerala in which they have attempted to integrate the hotel in to the island with minimal environmental impact. The rooms are rustic and simple with no luxurious touches. A private hammock and views of the beach from each room far outweigh the basic but comfortable amenities. The fresh catch of the day and the tandoor cooking method will impress any culinary critic ! You will eat like a king, swim like a fish and enjoy your most memorable sundowners on this paradise beach location. Please do contact Clare to establish if this island is suitable - it is not for everybody. If the laid back beach life and awesome diving outweighs the need for creature comforts then Bangaram Island is the perfect place. Please note Bangaram Island does not at present have a hot water supply.

A visit to the Lakshadweep Islands in season can be combined with any tour of India either at the beginning or the end of your trip. It is worth considering visiting as an alternative to travelling on to the Maldives.