Uninhabited but for resort staff and guests, the little island of Bangaram is known as the Jewel of the Lakshadweep Islands. Surrounded by pristine coral reefs and offering white sandy beaches that border brilliant aquamarine lagoons, the teardrop shaped island is covered in coconut palms. Home to spectacular marine life large and small, it’s no wonder that this is one of India’s best diving destinations. Here are just a few of the sites you’ll be able to explore while enjoying all Bangaram has to offer.
Princess Royal Wreck
A historic shipwreck lying in depths between 9 and 54 meters, the Princess Royal is a fantastic archaeological site. A bronze bell which was recovered was inscribed with the words “Princess Royal” and the date 1792. In addition to this bell, the wreck has yielded iron, copper, stone, wood, pottery, and glass artifacts, and one of her cannons was lifted for display. The ship’s entire hull was sheathed in a thin layer of copper to protect it from borer worms, and it is relatively intact, and you’ll find the anchor at a depth of 40 meters. The ship’s cannons can be seen, and there is a wealth of marine life in and around the wreck. While artifacts can be inspected, laws prohibit the taking of anything from the site.
Thinnakkara Hill
A spectacular submerged seamount that is separated from the main reef by a channel, Thinnakkara Hill is swept by fairly steady currents and is home to large pelagics, including schools of jack and sleek barracuda that hunt from shoals of smaller silvery baitfish. You’ll also encounter humphead wrasse and eagle rays here, along with the occasional shark. Keep an eye out for turtles too – they enjoy grazing on the soft coral and sponge that covers the rocks. Maximum depth here is 25 meters.
Grand Canyon
Featuring steep coral covered walls that drop away to 40 meters, Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring site suitable for experienced divers only. Here, you’ll find black and white tip reef sharks on occasion, as well as turtles, parrotfish, rays, wrasse, and shoals of snapper. Look for nudibranchs and crustaceans along the canyon walls, and keep an eye out for groupers and moray eels among the rocks.
Little Canyon
No less spectacular than Grand Canyon, but featuring varied topography, Little Canyon features overhangs and swimthroughs, and is washed by a gentle current that allows for an easygoing drift. There are oriental sweetlips everywhere, along with butterfly fish and anthias, plus some huge moray eels, parrotfish, and groupers, swathes of snappers, and hunting barracuda. Maximum depth is 25 meters.
3 Anchors and a Ring
An intriguing site where you’ll find a huge wreck that is believed to be an old barge, Three Anchors and a Ring is named for the trio of anchors that you’ll find here. Excellent vantage points for a fun photo of your dive buddy, and located near the upper deck of the wreck, these anchors are enormous and encrusted with coral. You’ll find stingrays resting in the sand, and lots of colorful tropical fish here, along with plenty of intriguing crustaceans. Maximum depth is 25 meters.
Manta Point
A beautiful reef that begins in the shallows and gradually slopes away to meet the seabed at a depth of 20 meters, Manta Point is simply amazing. Home to a kaleidoscope of colorful reef fish and crustaceans, as well as moray eels and lots of larger visiting pelagics, it is sometimes visited by whale sharks. In addition, you’ll find manta rays all year, though they are more numerous between September and December and during the months of April and May. Watch for turtles and nurse sharks too!
Bangaram Lagoon
Usually used for check out dives and diver training, Bangaram Lagoon is located near the dive center and is basically a shallow sand bank that offers depths between five and 10 meters. You’ll find a few fish here, along with the occasional stingray; and at night, the crustaceans put on a great show.
Only a single resort operates here; Bangaram Island Resort caters to tourists from around the world. Well equipped for a variety of water sports and offering comfortable accommodations as well as international cuisine, the resort also features a dive center where you can take lessons and rent equipment if needed. Plan in advance, since you need a permit to visit the island and as space is limited.