Bitra Island

Bitra Par or Bitra Island is a coral atoll which belongs to Amindivi, a subgroup of different islands that belong to UT of Lakshadweep. The island is 41 kms to Byramgore Reef and 33 kms to Perumal Par. It is based to the north end of Bitra Par Coral Reefs. Before the 20th century, the islanders from Chetlat and Kiltan visited this island to gather the eggs of Pelagic birds which breed here.

Post 1945 a woman from region Chetlat made this destination her home though she had no intent to settle here permanently. The island has a tiny shrine which is dedicated to Mailk Mulla, an old Arab Saint. He was buried here only. Since then this shrine has become popular site of tourism and pilgrimage. As 2001, the island had only 267 people as the total population. This makes this island the least inhabited island of Lakshadweep.

Ferry

Bitra Island can be reached through ferry which is available from Lakshadweep Main Island or from India mainland. There are numerous ships and cruises that run from Cochin. All these have different packages. Most of the ferries are equipped with beautiful interiors and stylish cafeterias. There are air conditioned and non-air conditioned rooms too. Upon reaching the Lakshadweep main island, you can take another local, general ferry for Bitra Island.

Accommodation

Since Bitra Island is not an inhabited island or is a least inhabited one amongst the group of other islands, there are no staying options available here. One needs to book or put his stay at hotels/resorts at nearby islands. The most popular accommodation options are Agatti Island Resort and Bangaram Island Resort. There are no indigenous local populace, and hence this is just for tourist facility.

There are few cottages on the beaches too which offer perfect ambience, scuba diving, library, restaurant with bar and multi cuisine food. Apart from the above hotels, there are other islands too which have their resorts which open seasonally like Kadmat, Minicoy, Kalpeni and Kavaratti. Also there are lodges and government run tourist houses on some of the islands.

Events / Festivals in Bitra Island

Since the island has few inhabitants living, the festivals here are celebrated on low scale. The families here get together and enjoy the celebrations. The other group of islands at Lakshadweep celebrate the festivals in similar manner as it is in India. The whole group of Lakshadweep Island celebrates Holi, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Christmas, Id and Muharram. Muslim festivals are very popular here as the island has majority of Muslims staying here.

Places to Visit in Bitra Island

Bitra Island has some prominent places which the tourist can explore. There are beaches and a small temple where the people of island visit. The beaches have silvery and white sand and offer tranquillity to peace lover. Around Bitra Island there are 35 other islands which are worth exploring. Of these 35, only 10 have inhabitants and of these 10, only two are open for the tourists.

Bitra Island has sparkling blue waters, soft and sandy beaches and tropical paradise. There is exquisite marine life which includes corals. Unwind yourself and have relaxing day at the beaches here.

Visit the lighthouse at Minicoy, Marine Aquarium and Museum which are based in Kavaratti.

Climate of Bitra Island

The weather of Bitra is somewhat similar to Kerala mainland. From March to May, the island is considered to be hottest, where the temperature fluctuates from 25 to 35 degree. The humidity ranges from 70-76 percent round the year.

Bitra Island receives rainfall upto 1600 mm/year. The monsoon remains from 15th May to 15th September. During monsoon the mercury goes up from 27 to 30 degrees. Infact the ferries and boats are not allowed to enter the lagoon due to violent sea.

Best Time to Visit Bitra Island

To experience the best of your trip to Bitra Island, plan your trip from mid-September to mid-May. During these months, the weather is calm and ferries are allowed to commute.

How to Reach Bitra Island

The Bitra Island can be reached by air, road and rail. The nearest airport is the Agatti Airport which is based in Lakshadweep. Upon reaching this main island, you can take ferry or ship and reach Bitra Island.

The nearby bus stand to Lakshadweep Island is Kasaragod. Once you reach here, you can take ship to reach the main island. If you want to travel by rail then you can travel till Bekal fort Pallikere based in Kerala. From there you will have to opt for ship to reach the mainland.