How to Visit Lakshadweep on a Budget in 2026 (Permit & Ferry Guide)

Dreaming of crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs without the expensive price tag of the Maldives? Lakshadweep is the answer. Located off the coast of Kerala, this group of 36 islands is India’s hidden gem. For a long time, people thought visiting Lakshadweep was too hard or too expensive. But in 2026, things have changed. With new online permit systems, budget ferry options, and more homestays, you can visit this paradise without breaking the bank.

This guide will tell you exactly how to plan a budget trip to Lakshadweep in 2026. We will cover the new Lakshadweep travel permit online process, compare flights versus ships, and review the famous Samudram package booking 2026. Whether you want a relaxing family holiday or an adventurous solo trip, this guide has everything you need.

Also Read:- Best Places to Visit in Mauritius Flic en Flac Belle Mare & Le Morne

1. The Essential: How to Get a Lakshadweep Permit Online (2026 Update)

Lakshadweep is a restricted area. This means every person who is not a native islander needs a special pass to enter. This pass is called an Entry Permit. In the past, this was a very slow paper process. In 2026, the administration has moved to an online system to make things faster, but there are still important rules you must follow.

The Two Types of Permits

There are generally two ways to get a permit, depending on how you plan to travel:

1. Package Tourist Permit: If you book a government package (like Samudram) or a private resort package through an authorized agent, the permit is included. The agent applies for you. This is the easiest way.
2. Independent Tourist Permit: If you want to book your own flight and stay in a cheap homestay, you need to apply for a permit yourself or through your host.

The Online Process (ePermit)

The official portal is epermit.utl.gov.in. Here is how it works for independent travelers in 2026:

• Step 1: Create an Account. You need to sign up on the portal with your mobile number and email.
• Step 2: Fill the Application. You will need to enter your details like Name, Age, and Address.
• Step 3: Choose Your Island. You cannot visit all islands freely. You must select which island you are visiting (e.g., Agatti, Kavaratti, Bangaram).
• Step 4: The Sponsor Requirement. This is the tricky part. To get an independent permit, you usually need a “Sponsor” on the island. A sponsor is a local resident or a registered homestay owner who vouches for you. If you book a homestay, the owner will act as your sponsor and help you get this permit.
• Step 5: Upload Documents. You will need a clear passport-size photo and a valid ID proof (Aadhaar Card or Voter ID).
• Step 6: Payment. The fee is nominal (around ₹50 per applicant plus a heritage fee). You can pay this online.
• Step 7: Approval. Once the police verify your application (which takes 7-15 days), you will get the permit via email. Download this and keep multiple copies.

Important Tips for 2026

• Do not land without a permit. If you fly to Agatti without a valid permit, you will be sent back on the next flight immediately.
• Validity: The permit is usually valid for 30 days.
• Agents are still helpful. Even with the online system, the process can be confusing. Many budget travelers still pay a small fee to a registered agent to handle the online paperwork for them.

Permit Information at a Glance

2. Reaching Lakshadweep: Flights vs. Ships (Budget Comparison)

Getting to the islands is the biggest cost of your trip. In 2026, you have two main choices: taking a flight to Agatti Island or taking a passenger ship from Kochi (Cochin). Both have their own advantages and price points. Let’s break them down so you can choose the best one for your budget.

Option A: The Flight (Fastest Way)

There is only one civilian airport in Lakshadweep, located on Agatti Island.

• Airlines: Alliance Air operates daily flights from Kochi (COK) and Bengaluru (BLR) via Kochi. Recently, Fly91 and IndiGo have also started limited connectivity from Goa and Bengaluru.
• Flight Duration: The flight from Kochi to Agatti takes only about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• The View: The landing at Agatti is famous worldwide. The runway is a thin strip of land surrounded by deep blue ocean. It is one of the most beautiful landings in the world.
• Cost: In 2026, a round-trip ticket from Kochi to Agatti costs between ₹11,000 and ₹16,000 if you book 2 months in advance. Last-minute tickets can touch ₹25,000.

Option B: The Ship (Cheapest Way)

Ships are the lifeline of Lakshadweep. These are not luxury cruises like the ones in Dubai or Singapore; they are passenger merchant vessels. However, they are comfortable and very affordable.

• Departure: All passenger ships depart from Kochi Port.
• Duration: It takes 14 to 18 hours to reach the islands. It is an overnight journey.
• Classes:
  • First Class (Cabin): 2-berth or 4-berth AC cabins. Comfortable and private.
  • Second Class (Recliner): AC push-back seats (like a Volvo bus). Good for budget travelers.
• Cost: A Second Class seat can cost as low as ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 one way. A First Class cabin berth costs around ₹5,000 – ₹8,000.

Comparison: Flight vs. Ship

Expert Advice: If you have only 4 or 5 days, take the flight. The ship takes too long and schedules can change due to weather. If you are on a strict budget and have 7+ days, the ship is a great experience.

3. Decoding the Government Packages: Samudram & Others

For most first-time visitors, the government-run packages by SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports) are the safest bet. The most famous of these is the Samudram Package. In 2026, this package remains the most popular choice for families and groups because it is “all-inclusive.”

What is the Samudram Package?

The Samudram Package is a 5-day cruise on the ship MV Kavaratti. You do not stay on the islands at night. Instead, the ship acts as your floating hotel.

• The Routine: You sleep on the ship. Every morning, the ship docks at a new island. Small boats take you to the shore for the day. You explore, eat lunch on the island, do water sports, and return to the ship by evening for dinner and sleep.
• Islands Covered: usually Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy.

Samudram Package Booking 2026 Details

• Booking Mode: You must book through the official SPORTS website or authorized agents.
• When to Book: Booking usually opens 1-2 months in advance. In 2026, demand is high, so tickets sell out in minutes.
• Classes:
  • Diamond Class: First-class 2-berth cabin. Best for couples.
  • Gold Class: 4-berth cabin. Good for families.
• Cost (2026 Estimates):
  • Adult: ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 (including GST).
  • Child: ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.

Other Cheap Packages

If Samudram is too expensive or sold out, look for the Swaying Palm Package.

• Route: You take the ship to Minicoy Island and stay in a resort on the island for 2-3 nights, then take the ship back.
• Cost: Slightly cheaper than Samudram because you are not hopping between islands every day.

Pros and Cons of Samudram Package

Expert Review: “The Samudram package is perfect for beginners who want to see multiple islands without the headache of logistics. However, if you want to truly experience the island culture and relax on the beach at sunset, a stay-based package (like Swaying Palm or a private homestay) is better.”

4. Budget Accommodation & Food Guide (Agatti, Bangaram, Kavaratti)

If you choose not to take the ship package, you will need a place to stay. In 2026, the number of private homestays has increased, making cheap packages for Lakshadweep easier to create yourself.

Agatti Island: The Budget Hub

Since the airport is here, Agatti has the most budget options. You don’t need to pay for extra boat transfers.

• Homestays: There are many clean, AC homestays available. They provide a room and home-cooked meals.
• Price Range: ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 per night for a double room (AC).
• Recommendations: Look for places like “White Pearl Beach,” “Kasim’s Homestay,” or “Cozy and Comfy.”
• Food: Most homestays include breakfast and dinner in the price. Lunch can be eaten at small local eateries called “hotels.” A fish curry and rice meal costs just ₹150 – ₹250.

Kavaratti Island: The Capital

Kavaratti is the capital and is more developed. It has better medical facilities and markets.

• Government Huts: The paradise huts run by tourism are affordable but hard to book.
• Private Lodges: There are small lodges available for ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per night.
• Transfer: To get here, you need to take a high-speed vessel from Agatti (approx. 2 hours, cost ₹1,000).

Bangaram & Thinnakara: The Luxury Zone

These are uninhabited islands (except for the resorts).

• Budget Reality: There are NO budget stays here. The Bangaram Island Resort is expensive (₹15,000+ per night).
• The Hack: You can stay in Agatti (cheap) and take a day boat trip to Bangaram and Thinnakara. You can enjoy the same beaches and lagoons for the cost of a boat ride (approx. ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per person shared).

Food Guide for Budget Travelers

Food in Lakshadweep is simple, spicy, and delicious.

• Seafood: Tuna is the king here. Try Mas Min (dried tuna curry).
• Vegetarians: Options are limited but available (dal, rice, vegetable kurma). Coconut is used in almost everything.
• Water: Always drink bottled or filtered water.

Accommodation Cost Table (Per Night)

5. Top Things to Do Without Breaking the Bank

The best things in Lakshadweep—the sun, the sand, and the views—are free. However, you cannot visit without trying the water sports. The lagoon here is one of the clearest in the world.

1. Scuba Diving (Must Do)

Lakshadweep is arguably the best place in India for diving. The coral reefs are alive and vibrant.

• Cost: A “Discover Scuba Dive” (for beginners, no swimming needed) costs between ₹3,000 and ₹4,500.
• Where: Agatti and Kavaratti have excellent dive centers (e.g., PADI certified).
• Budget Tip: Do just one dive. It is worth every rupee. Ask your homestay owner to book it; they often get discounts.

2. Kayaking

The water is so calm it looks like glass. Kayaking is effortless here.

• Cost: ₹500 – ₹800 per person for an hour.
• Budget Tip: Some packages include free kayaking. Check before you pay.

3. Glass Bottom Boat Ride

If you are scared of water or traveling with kids/elderly, this is perfect. You sit in a boat with a glass floor and watch the corals and turtles below.

• Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,200 per person.

4. Visit the Lighthouse (Minicoy)

If you go to Minicoy, you must climb the old British Lighthouse. The view from the top shows the entire island covered in coconut trees and the endless blue ocean.

• Cost: Nominal entry fee (₹20-₹50).

5. Lagoon Swimming

This is completely free. The lagoons are shallow and safe. You can swim for hours.

• Warning: Do not step on corals. It kills them and can cut your feet.

Activity Price List 2026

6. Perfect 5-Day Budget Itinerary

Here is a plan for a “DIY” (Do It Yourself) trip that is cheaper than the package tours. This assumes you fly into Agatti.

Total Estimated Budget: ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 per person (including flights from Kochi).

Day 1: Arrival in Agatti

• Morning: Land at Agatti Airport. Your homestay host will pick you up.
• Afternoon: Check-in and have a fresh coconut water welcome drink. Lunch at the homestay.
• Evening: Walk to the “Lagoon Beach.” Watch the sunset. It is spectacular. Dinner at a local stall (try the tuna fry).

Day 2: Day Trip to Bangaram & Thinnakara

• Morning: Take a shared boat to Bangaram Island (45 mins). This is the “paradise” island.
• Afternoon: Walk on the sandbar to Thinnakara Island (during low tide). The water is knee-deep. Have a packed lunch (carry it from Agatti to save money).
• Evening: Return to Agatti by boat before sunset.

Day 3: Water Sports & Kalpitty

• Morning: Go for Scuba Diving in Agatti.
• Afternoon: Take a small boat to Kalpitty Island. It is a tiny, uninhabited island near Agatti. Great for snorkeling.
• Evening: Relax at the homestay.

Day 4: Local Culture

• Morning: Rent a bicycle (₹200/day) and ride around Agatti. It is only 7km long.
• Afternoon: Visit the Golden Jubilee Museum and the Desalination Plant (where they turn sea water into drinking water).
• Evening: Buy some local souvenirs (coconut shell crafts) and pack your bags.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Breakfast. One last dip in the ocean.
• Afternoon: Flight back to Kochi.

Also Read:- Top Places to Visit in Kashmir: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Sonmarg

Expert Review & Final Conclusion

Expert Review:

As a travel analyst monitoring Lakshadweep tourism since 2020, the changes in 2026 are positive for budget travelers. The Samudram Package is still the “king” of convenience, but it is pricey. The real value in 2026 lies in the Flight + Agatti Homestay combination.

• Reliability: The ePermit system has reduced corruption, but it is still strict.
• Cost: A couple can visit Agatti for 4 days for under ₹60,000 total (excluding flights) if they stay in homestays. This is impossible in the Maldives.
• Connectivity: The new Fly91 and Alliance Air schedules have made it easier to connect from cities like Bangalore and Mumbai.

Pros and Cons of Lakshadweep Travel

Final Verdict

Lakshadweep in 2026 is an accessible dream. If you want luxury and alcohol, go to the Maldives. If you want raw nature, adventure, and a budget-friendly tropical paradise, Lakshadweep is the place to be.

Ready to book? Start by checking flight prices to Agatti (AGX) today and contact a registered homestay owner to start your permit process!