Agatti is the gateway to Lakshadweep, home to the islands' only airstrip, and its lagoon beach looks out over shallow turquoise water sheltered by the coral reef. The lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides over the coral, and the island's quiet villages sit among coconut palms. Visitors need an entry permit from the Lakshadweep administration.

A small teardrop-shaped island ringed by white sand and a vast lagoon, Bangaram has no permanent villages, only a beach resort, and is one of the few islands in Lakshadweep open to foreign as well as Indian visitors. It is known for snorkelling and diving over the reef, with sea turtles and colourful reef fish, and lies a short boat ride from Agatti.

The capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti has a calm lagoon on its western side with white sand and clear water, good for swimming, kayaking and glass-bottom boat trips over the coral. The island also has a marine aquarium, a lighthouse with views over the atoll and the finely carved Ujra Mosque. Visitors need a permit to enter the islands.