Some destinations impress, and then some quietly stay with you long after you’ve returned. Thinnakara Island, tucked away in the turquoise embrace of Lakshadweep, proved to be the latter as the TAAI Karnataka and Hyderabad Chapters embarked on an exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trip designed to experience the island in its purest form.
Curated exclusively for TAAI Karnataka and Hyderabad Chapter members, the journey was made possible through the initiative of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) National Team and the close coordination of Praveg. Together, they opened the doors to a destination that still feels wonderfully untouched—an island where time slows down, and nature leads the narrative.
The journey began on Jan 9, with the group arriving at Agatti Airport before gliding across the sea by boat towards Thinnakara. As the island came into view, the first impressions were set by endless blues and soft white sands. By evening, participants were welcomed at the resort jetty, followed by a serene sunset hi-tea that framed the island’s calm beauty. Dinner under the island sky offered a fitting close to a day of arrival and anticipation.
Day two unfolded like a postcard in motion. Early morning conversations over breakfast gave way to encounters with Lakshadweep’s marine life during turtle watching. The afternoon encouraged stillness and reflection, allowing members to truly absorb the rhythm of island life. As dusk arrived, a sunset hi-tea once again brought the group together, leading into a gala dinner that blended celebration with camaraderie—an evening of shared insights, laughter, and industry connections.
The final morning was unhurried, marked by a leisurely brunch before the group departed for Agatti, carrying back not just memories but a renewed appreciation for Lakshadweep’s potential as a thoughtfully curated tourism destination.
Adding depth to the experience was Praveg’s introduction of its newest signature property, Atoll’s Thinnakkara. Set on the pristine shores of Thinnakara Island, the resort reflects a vision of immersive island living through its 100 well-appointed accommodations, ranging from garden-facing cocoons to sea-view cocoons and sea-view snails. Designed to balance comfort with authenticity, the property offers curated dining, a vibrant bar, water sports, recreational spaces, an open-air theatre, and facilities that cater to families and groups alike.
Enhancing accessibility to this remote paradise, Praveg has also announced exclusive Lakshadweep packages featuring non-stop flight connectivity from Bengaluru, in partnership with Alliance Air—an important step in making island travel more seamless for Indian travellers.
More than a familiarisation trip, the experience stood as a reminder of what travel can be when nature, hospitality, and collaboration align. Through this initiative, the TAAI Karnataka and Hyderabad Chapters, along with Praveg, have not only showcased Thinnakara Island but also underscored a shared vision of responsible, experience-led tourism—one that invites travellers to listen to the sea, rather than rush past it.
