In the untouched turquoise waters of Lakshadweep lies a small island by the name of Bitra. With only 105 families and 300 individuals calling it their home, Bitra Island in Lakshwadweep is truly one of the most untouched, remote, and sparsely inhabited islands in India.
The island recently made headlines after it was proposed that it would be taken over by the Indian Government for defense forces, however, the move naturally met with resident protests.
These news aside, here’s more information about this remote but pristine Bitra Island tucked away in the Lakshwadweep archipelago.
Hidden Gem Of The Arabian Sea: Bitra Island Lakshwadeep Sea
About Bitra Island
Bitra Island is situated in the northern part inside the Lakshwadweep archipelago. It is 483 km away from Kochi and 323 km away from Mangalore, two closest major cities on mainland India.
The island covers an area of only 0.19 square kilometers (sq. km), making it the smallest island in Lakshwadweep. Despite its small area, the island is home to about 105 families who live their life peacefully on this remote island.
Malayalam, English, and Mahl are the major languages spoken on this island and Islam is the major religion followed here.
The island, though small in size, has its own helipad, government buildings, sports complex, mobile tower, a post office, and a primary education school.
Isn’t it simply fabulous?
Interesting Stories Associated With Bitra Island
There are two stories attached to this island that make it more interesting than many other islands in Lakshwadweep.
One takes us to 1945 when the island saw its first permanent inhabitant. No, it was neither an Indian man nor a foreign settler, but it was a woman from the nearby Chetland Island!
She, along with her son, were the first people to permanently settle on the island in 1945, even when India had not attained independence from colonial rule.
The other story is related to an Arab saint who is now a revered divine figure on the island. Bitra Island is home to the shrine of Malik Mulla, a saint who was buried here.
Today, his shrine is a place of pilgrimage for followers of Islam and pilgrims also visit the shrine from other islands in Lakshwadweep.
How To Reach Bitra Island
Kochi on mainland India is the gateway to entering the untouched islands of Lakshwadweep. If you’re looking to visit Lakshwadweep and its islands, you must first make your way to Kochi, which is well-connected to major Indian as well as international cities.
From Kochi, you must take a flight to Agatti Island in Lakshwadweep. Flights aren’t daily, but there are regular flight services between the two places.
To reach Bitra Island, you can reach Amini or Kadmat jetties from Agatti Island and then take a jetty to reach Bitra Island.
The different islands in the archipelago are connected via a boat service facility that’s open for both locals and tourists.
Plan early, check for seasonal flight schedules, and secure hotel reservations and permits for a hassle-free trip to Lakshwadweep.
Things To Do On Bitra Island
Bitra Island might look like a small island that has nothing to do on it, but trust us, there are enough activities to keep you engaged here.
Go sunbathing on the pristine white sand, swim and surf in the turquoise blue waters, try canoeing, and go snorkeling to explore the unique marine life dwelling here.
For those looking for a peaceful retreat from the more commercialized beach destinations in India, Bitra Island is surely a paradise in the Arabian Sea!
Note that there are no hotels on the islands, and most visitors visiting the island opt for day trips instead.
Read Also: What To Eat In Lakshadweep?
Best Season To Visit Bitra Island
October to May is the best season to visit Bitra Island in Lakshwadweep. However, we’d recommend visiting the island between October and February.
This is when the weather is comparatively pleasant, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing. From February to May, the temperatures may rise due to the onset of summer, making travel less comfortable for you.
On the other hand, June to September is the least favorable season to visit Lakshwadweep Islands. Ferry services from the mainland and within the islands are either shut or extremely limited, and it all depends on the rainfall and the turbulent sea.
So, visiting these islands is practically more or less impossible in this season!
Summing Up
Lakshwadweep Islands are an underexplored destination by many Indian tourists. While Andaman and Nicobar Islands are somewhat popular and have tourist infrastructure, tourism in Lakshwadweep Islands hasn’t developed that much.
Bitra Island, the smallest island in this archipelago, is a great destination for day trips; however, it doesn’t have tourism-related infrastructure like hotels.
Despite that, the island is a breathtaking retreat in the Arabian Sea and promises an unforgettable experience.
