Bangalore:
The Lakshadweep Islands Tourism Development Authority will start a luxurious Mangalore-Lakshadweep tourist liner service from November 6. MV Aminidevi, a passenger vessel, the first to leave Mangalore with tourists bound for the Kadmatt Island, will carry 150 tourists.
The inaugural ride in the Arabian Sea will come as a Diwali gift.
Lakshadweep, among the most spectacular tropical island systems, is spread over 32 sq km of land; there are 36 small islands, surrounded by 4,200 sq km of lagoon.
"We have decided to call the event '1799-2010, a Karnataka gateway to Lakshadweep'. At Kadmatt, which is close to Mangalore, water sports like snorkelling, kayaking, diving, cruising and a combination of tourist activities including culinary attractions will be available," said Rasheed Bolar, coordinator of the Lakshadweep Island Tourism Development Authority.
"Travel to the islands by Aminidevi costs `5000 per head. Travel time is less than 14 hours," said an official.
Until now, the only vessel making the journey between Mangalore and Kadmatt was a small cargo ship, Tipu Sultan.
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