Thinnakara- The Coral Paradise
SINDHU MURTHY
As our ferry approaches the pristine beach of the atoll of Thinnakara in Lakshadweep, I cannot help but marvel at the color of the sea turn from azure to turquoise to finally disappear into a pale blue as its waves caress the coral dust of the shore. A pair of turtles nonchalantly swims amidst the flamboyant corals that are spread out in the lagoon. It is late afternoon and the tide in the lagoon has started to ebb gradually exposing the tips of some of the corals. As our boat carefully wades through the shallow lagoon to avoid contact with the corals, I can clearly see the seabed come to life with its vibrant creatures.
An edited version of this article was first published in the Travel Special Edition of Mint.
Read the published article Here.
Thinnakara Island is one of the two uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep where tourists are allowed to stay, Bangaram being the other. The coral islands of Lakshadweep being very fragile and ecologically sensitive, the government takes utmost care in restricting entry to the islands through a permit thus exercising a control on the depletion of available resources. Scuba diving, Snorkeling, and glass bottom boat ride are some activities you can try while at Thinnakara.
Thinnakara almost looks deserted except for the few tourists and staff who manage the resort. The accommodation on the island is minimal and quite basic with just 9 swiss tents with attached bath. The hush of the swaying coconut palms on the island and the soft roar of the splashing waves in the lagoon play a symphony with the sound of seagulls. The pristine white sand of the beach formed by the bioerosion of the coral skeletons sparkles like silver in the afternoon sun. As twilight swaddles the island spreading its amber hues, I set out to explore the island. The tide has further receded exposing a vast expanse of the white seabed. A new world seems to have emerged out of the underwater. Walking barefoot on the wavy patterns of the coral sand left behind by the receding tide, I discover numerous sea cucumbers, starfishes, shells, and corals. The fish are gone for there is no water but the exposed seabed looks no less beautiful. It only takes an hour for me to go around the entire island which has a total surface area of 0.42 sq m.
Unlike other tourist islands of Lakshadweep, there is no solar power plant in Thinnakara leaving a diesel generator as the only source of electricity. There is limited electricity, no network connectivity and endless time to experience the luxury of nature. As I sleep over the soft sand, I can see every constellation come to life in the clear night sky with not a single puff of cloud. I drift into a gentle slumber pampered by the cool breeze only to be woken up by the cold waves touching my feet as the tide begins to rise.
Reaching Thinnakara: Take the Air India flight that flies to Agatti from Kochi on all days of the week except Sunday. From Agatti, it takes about 1.5 hr by a speedboat to Bangaram Island followed by a ferry ride of about 30 mins to reach Thinnakara.
Vow! The read about Thinnakara Island is in itself so exhilarating!
Thanks much Shilpa. Thinnakara is all that and much more 🙂
How utterly beautiful! No network, no electricity, beautiful uninhabited island… sounds like a dream.
It is definitely like in a dream 🙂
Lakshadweep is basically how nature wants us to be. Away from light, electricity and other distractions that define us. Unfortunately its very expensive, compared to the Andamans and maybe the govt has a point that it wants only few travellers every year. I have been to Bangaram and Agatti back in 2009 and enjoyed my time!
Rightly said Kartik. More tourists would only mean more harm to the fragile marine life.
Very good writing, Sindhu. With more tourists, Lakshadweep would become another Thailand. Let the restrictions stay. Love your photos.
I cant agree more Sebastian. I hope the government of India imposes such restrictions on many such places which are fragile in nature.
WOW!!! Didn’t know such beautiful beach exists in India! Absolutely stunning photos.
Thankyou Lord 🙂
India is a treasure trove of hidden gems like these that make us so so proud of the natural beauty that we have. There are so many such destinations that are so pristine and serene. The place came alive with your description. Who needs network in such a place!! 🙂
Completely agree with you Divyaksha. There is so much to discover and experience in India that I often feel a lifetime would not be sufficient 🙂
Wow, lucky you! It is my dream to see Lakshadweep. I have been told it’s not easy or pocket friendly to go there. I agree with the Government’s stand. Fragile places like this can not sustain uncontrolled tourism.
Thanks, Abhinav. It was indeed a dream come true for me. There are a few cruise packages to Lakshadweep which cost a little less compared to customized itineraries. But then, I doubt if Thinnakara is covered as part of the package.
Fingers crossed that 2018 is my year for Lakshwadweep. I definitely am game for scuba which right now is restricted but if news were to be believed, will be opened up for a limited time. Am waiting for that.
I’m in love with this beautiful beach already. That pale blue water and the soft yellow sand impress me very much. I’m looking forward to visit it. Thanks for your sharing
Thinnakara island sounds really magical. With minimum people, minimal electricity. and no network connectivity, the island promises to be a real getaway amidst nature in its true sense. Lakshadweep has been the topic of discussion and a place on our itinerary for some time now, hope to get there soon.
Lakshadweep is definitely very beautiful and unique destination. I only knew about Bangaram. Thanks for introducing me to Thinnakara Sindhu. It sounds amazing. With just the limited tents and all the island to yourself, it must be such a wonderful experience even if you just sit here and watch the beautiful sea.
Great article, Sindhu. I did not know about Lakshadweep. Are foreigners allowed there? How do I visit?
Thinnakara looks so pristine and beautiful. Look at the color of the sea and the trees on the beach. Thanks for letting us know. I didn’t know about this place.