Lakshadweep is one of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems. Thirty- two sq. km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 sq. km of lagoon rich in marine wealth. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Committed to the cause of Eco tourism Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The Administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns. As an effective strategy to avoid pressure on ecological environment, the efforts to promote tourism have been synchronized with the carrying capacity of the islands

Though all the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reef, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings, most of these differ in terms of facilities and services offered. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports; still others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation and natural enjoyment. Since the land is precious and scarce it is avowed policy of the Administration to relieve pressure on land and promote water based tourism. The motto being admires and not exploits that natural beauty

The dispersed Island situations and small size of Islands put unavoidable constraints to physical development. Islands are forced to support independent infrastructure and amenities and import almost all requirements to develop such facilities besides items of daily need. However, Lakshadweep has used the situation as an asset rather than a constraint through promotion of quality tourism.To enhance tourism that has significant positive social impact and negative environment impact, and extreme low volume and high value added specialized tourism in the basic thrust to make tourism development environmentally sustainable. The policy thrust is very much evident from the fact that only 3587 tourists visited the islands during the finical year 1998-99

In pursuance of the above policy, an environment impact assessment of 9th five-year Plan of Lakshadweep Administration for the period 1997-2002 was conducted. While environmental impact assessment of project is now a well-established practice, environmental impact assessment of policies or plans is a relatively new concept. It was for the first time in the country that Five Year Plan was subjected to environmental impact assessment. In the environmental analysis of the Department of tourism, it has been observed that preservation of environment is the cherished goal of Lakshadweep. In fact environment is the basic raw material for tourism for these islands

The charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merry makers to its shores, or perhaps it is the beauty of the islands densely covered with coconut palms, and threaded by an unbroken line of creamy sand, each island serenely set in a sea whose waters range from palest aquamarine and turquoise to deepest sapphire and lapis lazuli

Winds are light to moderate from October to March.The Lakshadweep Archipelago has 12 atoils, 3 reefs and 6 submerged banks.  The name Lakshadeep or its anglicized form Laccadives is of recent origin.  The early geography and Arab travelers have alluded to the islands as “Divis” or “Dibarat”covering both Maldives and Lakshadweep