Lakshadweep, India – Tourists arriving in Lakshadweep expecting to visit the renowned Bangaram and Thinnakara Islands have been left disappointed and stranded due to sudden and unexplained restrictions barring entry to these popular destinations. With no public notice or official announcement from either the Lakshadweep administration or Lakshadweep Tourism, confusion and frustration are mounting, leading to allegations of a potential scam that is damaging the island’s tourism reputation.
As the tourist season begins, visitors who booked trips to these pristine islands—famed for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich coral reefs—are being stopped without warning. Many had endured high airfares, the difficulty of securing limited ship tickets, and the bureaucratic hurdle of obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for a permit to enter Lakshadweep, only to find that they were now unable to access the very destinations they had come to see.
Locals and agents alike have been left scrambling for answers. Various vague explanations have been offered by the local administration, including the development of a new luxury resort on Bangaram by a private company, allegedly from Gujarat, which has restricted access to make the area more exclusive. Other sources suggest that a parliamentary committee is visiting Bangaram, and tourists have been barred for security reasons. However, none of these explanations have been officially confirmed, leaving tourists and stakeholders in a state of confusion and anger.
One tourist, who had traveled from Delhi with family specifically to visit Bangaram, expressed frustration: “We spent a lot of money and time planning this trip, only to be told we can’t visit the islands we came for. There was no warning, no explanation—just barred at the last moment. It feels like a scam.”
The lack of transparency has created a ripple effect of chaos. Travel agents who had booked tourists for Bangaram and Thinnakara are now facing the brunt of customer anger. Many had promised these islands as part of their itineraries, only to find out that they can no longer deliver. In Agatti, the only island with an airport, tourists are left stranded with limited alternatives for sightseeing. The restrictions have not only ruined travel plans but have also led to disputes and confrontations between tourists, travel agents, and local hotel owners.
“The administration has left us completely in the dark,” said a local travel agent. “We made bookings in good faith, based on what we were told, and now our customers feel cheated. This is destroying our reputation.”
As tourists feel stranded and agents face reputational damage, questions are being raised about the motives behind the sudden restriction. Speculation about the involvement of a private company looking to capitalize on the exclusivity of Bangaram has only fueled anger, with some questioning whether the Lakshadweep administration is prioritizing private interests over the public good.
Despite the outcry, there has been no official statement from the government or local authorities, further deepening the sense of mistrust. Tourists and agents alike are demanding answers and refunds, as the situation threatens to leave a lasting scar on Lakshadweep’s tourism industry.
The lack of clarity has led to widespread calls for the Lakshadweep government to come forward with an official explanation and resolution to the situation. Without such measures, the islands’ tourism sector could face long-term damage, as trust in both local authorities and travel agents erodes.
