A practical start to your island journey

Plan a Lakshadweep trip around Kadmat Island

Come by sea, or fly to Agatti and continue by boat. A Kadmat visit brings together an entry permit, mainland travel, an island connection and a place to stay. Plan these together, then shape your time in the water with Scuba Lak.

Reviewed 30 October 2026 · Recheck travel and operating arrangements before booking.

First, arrange your entry permit

Visitors normally need an approved Lakshadweep entry permit, including Indian tourists. Apply online through the official e-Permit portal under the correct visit category. Scuba Lak recommends starting at least 15 days before travel, preferably earlier. This is a planning allowance, not a government processing guarantee; approval can take longer.

Prepare a recent passport-size colour photo and the proof of address requested by the portal
Include your travel dates and every island you will visit or transit, including Agatti when flying
Check names and dates, track approval, and carry the valid permit and matching ID before boarding a ship or flight

Apply on the official e-Permit portal

By ship: the budget-first option

Passenger ships are usually the more economical mainland option, depending on the route and cabin class. Start with Kochi; the official ticketing portal also lists services involving Beypore and Mangalore. The operating fleet and sailings vary with the season and vessel maintenance. Use the actual timetable, not a fixed ship count or an assumed daily departure.

Obtain your valid permit before reserving; the IRCTC portal asks permit holders for their permit application number
Check the island calls, class, journey duration, return sailing and final fare for your dates
Complete the required web check-in and carry your boarding pass, permit and matching identification

Check ships & book with IRCTC Lakshadweep

By air: arrive on Agatti

Agatti (AGX) is Lakshadweep’s only airport; there is no direct flight to Kadmat. Mainland options include Kochi, Bengaluru and Goa, depending on the airline and date. Check the operating airline’s current schedule and baggage allowance rather than assuming every route runs every day.

Kochi–Agatti: check Alliance Air and IndiGo
Bengaluru–Agatti: check IndiGo
Goa–Agatti: check FLY91; confirm the Goa airport shown on your ticket

Connect from Agatti to Kadmat

High-speed vessels and other authorised boat services connect islands when operating conditions allow. Travel time depends on the island, vessel, stops and sea conditions. A flight to Agatti does not include or confirm your onward Kadmat connection; do not assume a same-day transfer.

Confirm the operator, sailing date, landing point, baggage and separate transfer cost
Arrange the return connection too, with buffer time for disruption or an overnight stay if needed
Recheck services close to departure; weather, maintenance or local restrictions can change a plan

Find a stay that suits your visit

Choose a local homestay, resort or an authorised Lakshadweep tour operator for separately arranged travel and stays. Scuba Lak can help you explore suitable local options and reach accommodation providers. We focus on diving and do not sell accommodation packages.

Tell us your dates, group size, preferred comfort and budget for a useful local introduction
Check the provider’s authorisation and confirm room, meals, transfers and any permit assistance
Book directly with your chosen property or operator; get inclusions, payments and cancellation terms in writing

Leave room for the dive, and the island

Discuss your diving experience, swimming comfort and course interests with the team before confirming a plan. Your agreed dive quote includes local dive transport, equipment, briefing, guided support and underwater photos/videos. Mainland travel, inter-island transfers, accommodation and permit fees are separate.

Let the instructor confirm activity suitability, course prerequisites and time needed
Agree the interval between your final dive and flying with your instructor
Respect village routines, ask before photographing people, leave coral and wildlife untouched, and take litter back

Questions before you book

Can I book a flight before my permit is approved?

You may be able to buy a flight before approval, but a ticket is not permission to enter Lakshadweep. Compare fares early and check the airline’s change and cancellation terms. If you book while approval is pending, you bear the risk of permit delays or refusal; approval and a valid permit are required before travel. Early booking does not guarantee a lower fare.

Does a permit always take exactly 15 days?

No. Allow at least 15 days as Scuba Lak’s planning recommendation and start earlier where possible. The Administration controls approval, may need further checks, and can take longer. Do not treat an application receipt or an indicative processing estimate as an approved permit.

Do foreign visitors follow the same process?

Nationality can affect permitted islands, documents and ticket-booking options. Foreign visitors should confirm current requirements with the Administration, their airline and an authorised local provider before paying; do not assume every island or online reservation category is available.

Can a non-swimmer join every diving activity?

No. Tell the team your swimming ability before choosing an activity. Introductory experiences and certification courses have different requirements; the instructor must confirm eligibility for the specific programme.

Does my enquiry confirm a trip or a transport connection?

No. An enquiry starts a conversation. Agree your dive plan with Scuba Lak, and confirm the permit, journeys and stay with the responsible providers separately. Weather, permits or travel limitations may change the itinerary; check each provider’s own terms before payment.