Lakshadweep means “a hundred thousand islands” but there are Thirty six isles in total, ten of which are inhabited by humans. The ten inhabited islands are namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni,Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy The Islands of Lakshadweep gives the impression of being like emeralds in the infinite stretch of blue sea. Varying shade of blue translucent water surrounds them. The Coral reef, the beyond compare oceanic milieu with innumerable colours results in a multifaceted interface of animate and inanimate things. The island of Lakshadweep is built on the ancient volcanic structures. It consists of twelve coral isle, three reefs and five underwater banks. The coral island perched on the submerged banks houses thirty six islands having an area of 32 sq. Km. Each of the island is bordered by white coral sands and are marked by a huge thin tranquil lagoon on one side which protects the islands from incoming gush of the outer sea water by the fortification of reef bariers made of colossal coral boulders and also live corals. The tiny union territory of Lakshadweep is the only coral islands of our country, it is formed from the gradual integration of calcium from the sea water by live corals and they are then gradually transformed into reefs.
