I’m afraid all privately owned resorts in Lakshadweep, including those on Agatti, have been closed indefinitely following a stand-off between the local tourism authorities and resort owners. Currently, tourist travel to Lakshadweep is possible only under the aegis of the misleadingly named but otherwise bona fide and government-runSPORTS(Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports), which offers packages and stay at its properties inKadmat, Kavaratti, MinicoyandThinakara— Rs 6,000 per couple per night including meals with AC, and Rs 4,000 for the same deal without (no spas!). However, reservations are possible only from July onwards for travel to the islands fromOctober to May(only)—contact the Kochi office of SPORTS at 0484-2668387/2666789 or[email protected], and the Kavaratti office at 04896-263001 or[email protected]. They inevitably refer callers to the patchy info atlakshadweeptourism.com, which has outdated references to the Bangaram Island Resort (also closed by the ban) and, somewhat pointlessly, the beauty of the islands in the monsoon. Like most state-run enterprises, their locations are peerless and one may look forward to basic cleanliness and service. You could also consider the reasonably priced 4–9 day packages (with ‘Diamond’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ classes of AC and non-AC accommodation) offered on government-run ships such asMV KavarattiandMV Arabian Sea, which include visits to the islands as well as travel between them and watersports during the day, with nights on the ships. For schedules and prices seelakshadweeptourism.com/tourpackages.html.

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