Kalpeni Island

  Kalpeni is situated at 10o05' north latitude and 73o39' east longitude. Kalpeni lies 76kms south of Andrott. It is 183kms from Minicoy. The island along with the satellite islets of Cheriyam, Tilakkam and Pitti lie in an extensive and shallow lagoon. The action of the sea has split the islets of Tilakkam and Pitti into several islets. From the main island of Kalpeni, storm of 1847 separated Cheriyam. A sea bank of coral stones are formed along the east and south-east shore of about 3.6 metres high and more than 17.5 metres wide at the base. It provides a natural barrier against such a disaster. A reef is formed between Cheriyam and Kalpeni in low water. 


  

    One of the most beautiful islands of Lakshadweep, the Kalpeni island is situated at a distance of sixty three kilometers from Androth. An important place of tourist destination, Kalpeni offers the tourists with a wonderful opportunity to explore their sporting skills and sportsman spirit through the various water sports of the region.

     Kalpeni is known for its scenic beauty with the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the    huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern & southeastern shoreline.

    Location: 10'-05* North Latitude and 73'-39* East Longitude, located 287 kms. from Cochin. 

  Kalpeni is known for its Scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam and Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam.
    
   A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of KALPENI atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and south-eastern shorelines.
 

   It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. It is a progressive island. It was in this island that girls first went to school, when women's education was considered a taboo.

  Here, one can swim, reef-walk or water sport on kayaks, sail boat and pedal boat.

   The islands are described as Coral Paradise because of scenic beauty. These presents a breath-taking spectacle of sparkling coral reefs encircling a placid and tranquil lagoon and palm covered tiny islands. These islands not only have their wealth of natural beauty but also present spectacular variety of animal and bird life Lakshadweep is India's only Coral Paradise.


 Lighthouse in Kalpeni island 

  1976. Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); three white flashes every 20 s. 40 m (131 ft) round cylindrical concrete block tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with horizontal black and white bands. 

  The DGLL photo is at right, Nithin Uliyar has a closeup (3/4 the way down the page), a photo of the lighthouse in action is available (2/3 the way down the page), Sahil Ramani has a distant view, and there is a view taken from the gallery, but Google has only a fuzzy satellite view of the island. Kalpeni is at the southeastern end of the Laccadives; it is an inhabited island with several resorts. Transportation and day tours available. Site open, tower probably open by arrangement with the keepers. ARLHS LAK-004; Admiralty F0757; NGA 27612.

More Images from Kalpeni Island :