Image: With permission of binux

The Lakshadweep Islands sit preciously in the Arabian Sea, about 180 miles off the coast of Kerala.

Remote and quiet, with white sands, coral reef, emerald waters and coconut palms, they are every desert island cliché you ever imagined.

Ten of the thirty-six are inhabited, by a friendly Muslim population. Water sports, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and a tropical climate all draw interest from tourists, many of whom take short trips over from Kerala. Homestays such as Kimansion in Fort Cochin will arrange a trip for you.

Marco Polo described Minicoy, one of the larger of the Lakshadweep Islands, as “the island of women”, due to its dominance of females. Here families take the women’s name as the family surname and manage most family matters.

Many of the islanders’ simple lives haven’t changed much since Polo landed in the 13th century. Here are some of our favourite photos…

Stunning beach image by Groove2007

Behind the beach by Grove2007

Happy boys down at the beach from icultist

Fish on the beach by Thejas.

Coral by Thejas

Playing in the sea as the sun drops, by Thejas

Wind gently blows the trees and another day passes into night, by Thejas.