Exotic ‘bioluminescent’ island that wants to be the next Maldives has beautiful new resort

AN EXOTIC island wants to be an alternative to the Maldives - and it has a fancy new hotel resort.

Bangaram Island is in Lakshadweep, India, an archipelago of 36 atolls, yet is often overlooked by Brits due to it's lack of direct UK flights.

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However, a huge redevelopment of the island is being pushed forward for it to "rival the Maldives," Forbes reports.

Following a visit to the islands from the Prime Minister, India's largest online travel company reported a 3,400 per cent increase in searches for Lakshadweep.

There are plans for two "world class" resorts to open across the islands, although if you want to head to Bangaram Island, there is already a new one to explore.

Praveg Resorts opened on the island back in January and features 45 cocoon-shaped rooms and five shell-shaped rooms.

The rooms are all designed with eco-friendly materials, emphasising the resort's focus on sustainable tourism.

The resort boasts a range of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, breakfast by the sea and at night, the sea surrounding the island even turns bioluminescent.

At night, the waves and shore of the island glow with a blue light due to the bioluminescent plankton in the water.

The phenomenon is particularly common in during the monsoon season, between June and September.

Visitors can see the blue hues by walking along the shore or kayaking at night, however some plankton species may produce toxins so it is best not to swim.

Back on the sand and in the light of day, little hermit crabs can often be spotted scurrying across the island's beaches.

In addition, many creatures can be seen on dives and snorkelling adventures including parrot fish, coral reefs, tuna, seahorses, sting rays, clown fish, surgeonfish - or perhaps better known as Dori - and sea turtles.

For those who want to stay on the island, the beach features hammocks to lounge in whilst soaking up the Indian sun.

One user commented on social media: "Bangaram Island is like a dreamy slice of heaven in Lakshadweep!

"The water's colors are pure wizardry, leaving me spellbound. We landed at the fabulous Atoll Praveg, which is way more than a beach tent - it’s like stepping into a beach fairy tale!

"With jaw-dropping views, crystal-clear waters, and adrenaline-pumping water sports, plus top-notch service from our host Praveg, our escape was nothing short of legendary."

Another added: "Small pearl in the middle of a wonderful sea.

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"Very fine white sand, palm trees, mangroves and a small lake in the center of the island."

A similar resort is located on Thinnakara, a neighbouring island and features 85 cocoon-shaped rooms and 15 shell-shaped rooms.

However, whilst the islands look to being a great alternative to the Maldives, it isn't the easiest for Brits to get to them.

At the moment, the best way to get to Lakshadweep is by flying to Mangalore and then getting a ferry for two hours to the islands.

And the flights are also not direct, with a couple of layovers sometimes necessary.

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In total, Lakshadweep has 36 islands and in Malayalam and Sanskrit means 'a hundred thousand islands'.

It is India's smallest Union Territory, stretching only 32 square kilometres.

Amongst the islands, 10 are inhabited and there are three reefs and five submerged banks.

The capital of the region is Kavaratti, which is known for its beautiful beaches and lagoons, as well as full-service scuba facilities.

There are several other destinations across the globe that look like the Maldives, but are actually cheaper to go to.

Also, stunning 'British Maldives' are one of the warmest places in the UK.

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