Lakshadweep to Madurai Flights

The Madurai International Airport (IATA: IXM) was established in 1957 and is located approximately 19 km from Madurai city. It was nominated to be one of the 35 non-metro airports for modernization and connects to major cities in India such as Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai Hyderabad, etc. The airport also schedules international flights to cities such as Colombo, Dubai, Singapore, etc. There is a domestic and an international terminal at the airport which has a capacity of 250 passengers for arrivals and departures each. It has 16 check-in counters, eight immigration counters for arrivals, four for departures, two security counters and five customs counters. Some important facilities provided by the airport include free trolleys, childcare, wheelchairs for the differently abled, medical care, a first-aid room, and a Lost & Found Counter. There are several shops available at the airport to cater to the needs of local and international travellers. One can shop for apparels, pearls, jewellery, and souvenirs. There are eating places which serve regional and international cuisines. Passengers can avail themselves of rental cars or city buses to reach their destinations for the airport. The railway station is located 12 km away from the station and can be reached using local transport. Some good hotel properties near the airport include Amika Hotel, KFour Apartment, and Hotels, The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, Regency Madurai, Madura Homestay, etc.

Madurai is one of the oldest and the third-most populated city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Vaigai river, around 458 km away from the capital city of Chennai. The name ëMaduraií has been derived from a reference to the nectar that fell from Lord Shivaís hair. Greek ambassador Magastenes visited the city in 302 B.C. and gave it the moniker of ëthe Athens of the East.í It was the capital of the Pandya dynasty between the 4th and 11th century CE following which, the Cholas, Vijayanagars, Marathas, Muslims, and the British all fought to lay claim to the city. It was the hub of Indiaís civil disobedience movement against the British in the 1940s. Maduraiís climate is primarily tropical with high temperatures throughout the year. The temperature never drops below 20 degrees and can reach up to 40∞C in summers, which is not a good time to visit Madurai. The best time to visit the coastal city is between December and February when the climate is pleasant. It receives heavy rainfall and can be visited by nature aficionados. Madurai is known for its varied culture. Art and crafts form a big part due to the strong presence of weaving, spinning, and textile industries which attract many tourists to the city. Madurai is famous for fine gold-bordered veshtis, medium cotton weight sarees with fabric painting, woollen goods, and silk garments. Some important festivals celebrated in the city include Pongal, Jalikattu, Chithirai, Cradle, Avanimoolam, Float, and Dance. People of Madurai are deeply religious and extremely warm and courteous. Tamil is the most widely spoken language in the city along with some English, Hindi, Urdu, and Telugu speaking population. Some local delicacies from the city are Kari Dosa, Idli, Mutton Balls, Bun Parotta, and a popular cool drink called Jigarthanda.

Agatti Airport (IATA: AGX) is the only airport in Lakshadweep Islands. The airport was inaugurated in April 1988 and connects to many prominent Indian cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Cochin, etc. Although equipped initially with only temporary facilities, the airport was fully equipped by the year 2010. The Agatti airport has a single domestic terminal with a capacity of 25 passengers for arrivals and departures. The terminal is spread across 566 square metres and has one check-in and one security counter. Air India flights to Kochi are the most prominent flights from the airport. Some facilities provided by the airport include X-Ray baggage screening, wheelchairs, and free medical facilities. The airport also has food and beverage joints for passengers waiting at the airport. The view from the airport is also something to enjoy as the runway stretches all the way to the ocean. The airport also has transport facilities such as auto rickshaws and ferries to take passengers to their desired destinations. Agatti being a tourist destination, there are several good hotel properties situated around the airport. Some prominent ones include Kasims Home Stay, Agatti Beach Island Resort, and Sea Shells Beach Resort.

Agatti is a small group of Islands which form part of the Lakshadweep Islands. It stretches 5.6 km long and has eye-catching aquatic beauty consisting of sea animals, corals, and multicoloured fishes. It acts as a gateway to the Lakshadweep Islands and is approximately 459 km away from Kochi. Legend has it that the last king of Kerala, Cheraman Perumal, had his boat destroyed by a violent storm on his way to Mecca. He and his crew took shelter in Agatti Island and then resumed their journey. The climate of Agatti is very similar to that of Kerala. Summers are extremely hot and humid with temperatures soaring to 35 degree celsius and humidity at 76%. It receives around 1600 mm of rainfall during which boats are not allowed outside the lagoon due to the high sea tides. The monsoon adds to the lush greenery and the beauty of the island. However, the best time to visit Agatti Island is the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and the temperature fluctuates between 20 and 32 degree celsius. Fishing is the most important industry of Agatti. Interestingly, it is the only island besides Minicoy which gets surplus fish. Coir and Copra are the secondary industries of the island. The island lights up during festivals and the most important one celebrated is the Eid-ul-Fitr. It is celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan and brings great joy to the residents. Some local Lakshadweep delicacies include Kilanji, Mus Kavaab, Octopus Fry, Maas Podichathu, Batla Appam, etc.