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Kadamat Tourism

Kalpeni Beach

The Beach Less Wonder Island

Situated to the north east of Kavaratti, Kalpeni is the second closest island to the mainland after Androth island. Kalpeni is more known for its three satellite isles named Tilakkam, Pitti, and Cheriyam. Kalpeni is 2.8 Km in length and 1.2 Km in width with Cheriyam island on the north, Tilakkam and Pitti on the south western side. Kalpeni has one of the largest lagoons in Lakshadweep archipelago. It is also quite shallow which makes it splendid for all kinds of water sports. Kalpeni atoll also has a huge storm bank of corals. This is probably because of the devastating storm of 1847 that threw up huge boulders. And due to the storm Kalpeni has the distinction of not having a beach. The storm of 1847 is said to have reshaped Kalpeni island. Cheriyam was once a part of Kalpeni and today is connected to the main Kalpeni by a bank of sea coral debris. Kalpeni from its earliest ages, has been an important island for Lakshadweep. It was the first island where girls started going to school.

Attractions

Cheriyam island is an important attractions for tourist visiting Kalpeni. If you are visiting Kalpeni during low tides, you can walk all the way till Cheriyam island through the coral debris. It is advised that you don't undertake sea walking barefoot. Not only are the corals sharp, they are also home to variety of marine life like crabs, eels, sea cucumber and colorful fishes. Although the walk is not the easiest, but it is definitely one of the must have experiences in Lakshadweep. On your way, you might see some fishermen catching fish as these shallow waters are one of their favorite spots

While on Kalpeni, you can visit the unexplored Moinnuddeen Mosque situated on the southernmost shore of Kalpeni. The mosque is named after a famous Lakshadweep saint. Although the mosque is highly revered by locals, its history is not very clear. The architecture is in Kerala style with roof covered by old Mangalore tiles. The serene and solitary mosque is open only during the prayers.

Kalpeni is among the best place to shop for souvenir to take back home. There is a local handicraft store behind the Koomel resort which sells various wood work items. The most famous is the model of boats using coconut and shrub barks. Also shop for t-shirts from the hosiery unit on the eastern side of island.

Tourist Information

Koomel Beach resort is the only option for accommodation in Kalpeni Island. The rooms here have attached changing rooms and baths. Savoring alcohol is prohibited in Kalpeni and the only drink available here is fresh and rejuvenating coconut water. Lakshadweep tourism organizes shows of traditional Parichakkali and Kolkali dances. Kalpeni can be reached by taking up Lakshadweep Tourism's Coral Reef Package.