Travel Lakshadweep
Hundred Thousand Islands
Flying Fish – Spot Them On Your Lakshadweep Cruise
Aug 12th
There are 40 types of flying fish living in the warm tropical waters of the world. The Arabian Sea is no different. Their torpedo-shape, wing-like pectoral fins and a forked tail helps them literally fly into the air. Sailors say they can even be spotted near the deck of the ship! So imagine how powerful they are compared to fish their size.
While you take a cruise to Lakshadweep, make sure you watch out for these tiny creatures jumping outta the blue waters. They grow up to about 18 inches and some have large pelvic fins, giving them the name, four-winged flying fish.
This ability of theirs help them to evade larger fish who would otherwise feed on them. Smart, eh? From within the water itself they gear up speed and shoot into air. For this they need a deep section of the water so as to get the right propulsion. Some go as fast as 60km/hr and travel about 200m in the air before returning to the water. As they are attracted to light, fishermen lure them easily onto smaller boats or nets.
They might not be as majestic as dolphins to watch, but are truoly an interesting sight.
Corals Suffer Due to Global Warming In Lakshadweep
Aug 9th
A study conducted by scientists of National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Kavaratti found that the coral species, Porites, are threatened. They say that global warming is the reason, and rising carbon di-oxide levels hamper their growth considerably. It might even reach a stage where the species might altogether be wiped out from the Lakshadweep Islands.
The corals’ growth rate has decreased from 2 cm to 1.25 cm per year between 1993 and 2003. If it is not checked and conserved, other coral groups, too, will follow in the same fate.
The World at Cochin! – India’s First Oceanarium is here
Aug 8th
The world’s very first oceanarium was built in Singapore. The state government of Kerala is planning to establish the country’s first oceanarium in Vypeen, Cochin. Work on the structure will start by the end of this year.
It will span over 40 acres in the Puthuvype area, and have a 300-m tunnel through which you can watch the ‘ocean’ and the creatures in it. There will be sharks, rays, corals, variety of fishes and other sea animals and plants. Along with this there will be a convention centre, an amphitheatre and a museum.
The idea of the oceanarium was conceived by the Fisheries Department, and will be a public-private enterprise jointly supported by the Kerala State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) and an investment advisory group, IL&FS. The authorities are planning to build it on par with the ones in the US, UK, Europe and East Asia.
A research centre which will also come up nearby will help scientists and students to study underwater and sea life. Once it is ready, this structure will be a major attraction in the country, and will definitely attract a large number of tourists.
Lakshadweep Islands
Aug 6th
The Lakshadweep islands lie on the northernmost edge of the Laccadives-Chagos ridge. It is believed that this ridge is a continuation of the Arravali hills in India, and the islands are remnants of the submerged mountain cliffs. There are three major reefs in the Lakshadweep islands. The islands are made up of coral sand and boulders. During high tide, there is water exchange between the islands’ lagoon and the sea over the reef. The coral fauna of Lakshadweep is home to more than 100 species. Crabs, sea cucumbers, turtles and varieties of fish are found here. People flock here to watch as well as study these coral formations. Tourists come here to go snorkelling and Scuba diving. Some coral reef sections in Lakshadweep are classified as endangered. Global warming, poor maintenance and carelessness of diving tourists cause harm to the reefs. Improper sewage disposal also adds to the menace.