Geography: The total land area of Lakshadweep islands is around 32 sq. kms. It is situated at 8 and 12-degree north latitude and 71 and 74 degree East longitude. This enthralling and captivating group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea is the smallest Union Territory of India. This archipelago consists of 12 islets, three reefs and five submerged banks. Out of the 36 islands of Lakshadweep, only 10 islands are inhabited. Lakshadweep lies about 220 to 440 Km from the coastal city of Cochin in Kerala.