Without a doubt, more people are searching for Lakshadweep as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit there. This month has witnessed an unprecedented spike in the popularity of this smallest Union Territory of India, which consists of thirty-six islands. MyGovIndia data indicates that interest in the islands among global searchers has reached a level not seen in the preceding 20 years. An image showing the increase in interest in searches for the Lakshadweep Islands was shared on the official MyGovIndia X (formerly Twitter) page. “Lakshadweep internet searches surged following PM Narendra Modi’s visit. Global search interest in this issue is at an all-time high, indicating that its natural beauty and cultural richness are drawing renewed interest.”
Global spike in searches for Lakshadweep Island
Official data shows a global spike in searches for the Lakshadweep Islands, while travel agencies and tour operators are also reportedly showing more interest. For example, the online travel aggregator MakeMyTrip has observed a startling 3400% rise in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep. This increase in interest points to tourists’ increased curiosity and desire to discover this charming location. In a post shared on January 8, the travel platform said, “We have observed a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since the Honorable PM’s visit.” They further mentioned, “This interest in Indian beaches has inspired us to launch a ‘Beaches of India’ campaign on the platform with offers and discounts to encourage Indian travelers to explore the country’s stunning beaches.”
When PM Modi went snorkeling in Lakshadweep, he described the experience as “exhilarating.” He encouraged adventure seekers to think about putting Lakshadweep on their bucket list and posted photos of his effort at the activity.
If you want to discover your inner explorer, Lakshadweep should be on your itinerary. He posted photos of himself with a life jacket and snorkel mask on X along with the message, “I tried snorkeling during my stay; it was an amazing experience.”
Lakshadweep’s recent comparison with Maldives
The posts by the PM were viewed as a possible threat by the Maldives, which are a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea that are adjacent to Lakshadweep. The Maldives Cabinet placed three ministers on evacuation, and the nation frantically wrote letters of apology to its “friendly neighbour” as Bollywood artists are well renowned for their trips to the Maldives than their roles in films. Many of them are now promoting PM Modi’s campaign to encourage tourism in Indian Islands.
Lakshadweep is slightly easier for domestic travellers, particularly if they are based in Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, or similar locations. Additionally, lodging in Lakshadweep is less expensive than at a mediocre resort in the Maldives. The Maldives has welcomed travellers from all over the world for several decades. With seaplanes or speedboats connecting all 172 of the resorts from Male, visitors can enter and exit the island nation with maximum convenience. These particular resorts host the majority of visitors to the Maldives. You cannot do that in Lakshadweep.
PM Modi’s activities during the visit
PM Modi also opened the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection during his two-day tour of the archipelago. He continued by laying the cornerstone for the refurbishment of the local primary healthcare facility.
Narendra Modi’s recent visit was an attempt to encourage people to consider choosing Indian Islands over foreign destinations for travelling and getaways. Looking at these statistics given by travel agencies, it seems like his objective was successfully achieved.
By: Gursharan Kaur