More than just DX News

AU7RS Agatti Island

AU7RS Team will be active from Agatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands, IOTA AS - 011, 8 - 14 February 2026.
Team - VU2RS, VU3DXA, VU24DX, VU29AR, VU3GDS.
Recent DX Spots AU7RS
AU7RS Log search They will operate on 160 - 10m Bands and also QO - 100 satellite.
QSL via M0OXO, OQRS.

Lakshadweep Islands

Laccadives (Lakshadweep), an amazing archipelago hidden in the waters of the Arabian Sea. These exotic Indian islands are famous for their snow-white beaches, incredibly bright coral reefs, and crystal-clear water. This place is often called the Indian Maldives, as it is ideal for forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city and immersing yourself in an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
When we talk about the Lakshadweep Islands, the first thing to clarify is their geographical location. The Laccadives, or Lakshadweep Islands, are a group of islands scattered across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Their exact location is west of the Indian peninsula, just beyond the magnificent Maldives. The archipelago got its name from the ancient Sanskrit word “Laksh,” which translates as “one hundred thousand.” This chain of 36 islands attracts tourists with its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

AU7RS Agatti IslandAgatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands, India. Author - Naren.

Features of the archipelago

The Lakshadweep archipelago consists of 12 inhabited and 24 uninhabited islands, each offering adventure seekers amazing discoveries. Sandy beaches, dense coconut groves, and colorful coral reefs are just the beginning of what awaits you on this archipelago.

The most convenient ways to get here are by air and water. The nearest international airport is in Kochi, Kerala, from where you can fly to Agatti Airport, the only airport on the islands that connects the archipelago to mainland India.

Transportation routes also include regular ferry services. The journey allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and get to know its inhabitants. Ferries usually depart from Kochi, and the journey takes about 14-20 hours, depending on the destination. The frequency of flights varies depending on the season, but there are usually regular flights on both weekdays and weekends, making travel to the Laccadives easy and convenient for you.

AU7RS Agatti Island DX NewsAgatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands, India. Author - Alok Gurtu.

Climate and best time to visit

The tropical climate here divides the year into two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts from October to May, with sunny days and minimal rainfall. The best time to travel here is November to March, when the mild temperatures make for a comfortable and pleasant stay.

During the dry season, the water off the coast is usually calm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling, as underwater visibility is excellent. The weather on shore is also comfortable and cool at this time of year.

AU7RS Agatti Island Tourist attractions spotAgatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands, India. Author - V-Jai.

What to see and do in the Lakshadweep Islands

The Lakshadweep Islands are a true paradise for nature lovers, offering magnificent beaches, coral reefs, and a breathtaking underwater world. The main attraction of the archipelago is its snow-white sandy beaches, framed by emerald palm trees, where every tourist can find a secluded spot. For those who prefer active recreation, the Laccadives offer a variety of water sports: diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. These activities allow you to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, observe bright fish and unusual sea creatures.

AU7RS. Where are Lakshadweep Islands located. Map.

AU7RS Agatti Island. Sunrise 03-09-2026 at 01:17 GMT sunset at 13:20 GMT
AU7RS Agatti Island comments forum

Your comments are important to us!

Rating
1 2 3 4 5

23 Comments

100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Team
  • Callsign: AU7RS
  • 2026-02-23 21:29:51
AU7RS DXpedition Concludes Successful 10-Day Operation from Lakshadweep Islands, India Lakshadweep, India - The AU7RS DXpedition team has concluded its 10-day operation in the Lakshadweep Islands, achieving significant success despite challenging propagation conditions. The team, led by Sarath Babu Rayaprolu, VU2RS, operated from this rare DXCC entity (AS-013) from February 16-25, 2026. The team thanks individual donors, foundations, press, and media for their support. "We appreciate the generosity and enthusiasm of the DX community," said Rayaprolu. "Despite mid-operation propagation downturns and high K-Index, we worked tirelessly to connect with DXers worldwide, prioritizing North American chasers." Key operation highlights: - ~20,000 QSOs made - 1020 Grid Locators, 49 ITU Zones, 36 Distinct CQ Zones - Maximum 400 QSOs/hour, average 121 QSOs/hour - 121 DXCC Countries worked - 20% of QSOs with North/South America The team operated on multiple bands (10m-160m) and modes (CW, SSB, digital), focusing on providing All Time New Ones (ATNOs) and working DXers across the globe. Operations on QO-100 satellite were also conducted. QSL information: - OQRS-LOTW confirmation: $5 (from Feb 26, 2026) - Paper QSL: $8 (4-fold card with Agatti Island info) - QSL Manager: Charles, M0OXO Special offer: Interested teams can request a special postal stamp along with their QSL card by contacting sara@vu2rs.com. This unique stamp, being circulated for the first time from India, will be sent upon request. "We're grateful to the DX community for their support and patience," said Rayaprolu. "We'll upload QSL cards and logs to our website from Feb 26, 2026." The team has returned home safely, with equipment en route to Hyderabad. Contact: AU7RS Dxpedition Team
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Joe
  • Callsign: vo1na
  • 2026-02-23 00:12:33
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Al
  • Callsign: 4L5A
  • 2026-02-14 12:13:20
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Sarath
  • Callsign: VU2RS
  • 2026-01-13 16:49:56
AU7RS News Dear All, I am writing to provide an update on our progress and the current status of our equipment shipments. We are pleased to inform you that the shipment from Germany, including the additional taxes, has finally reached Kochi. However, the Dx Commander shipment is still held by customs. They have requested numerous documents, which we are providing promptly, and we hope to have this cleared within the week. Due to these delays in receiving materials and the subsequent need to ship everything to Agatti, it is unlikely we will be able to proceed as originally planned this week. Consequently, we have sent an email to the WPC to request an extension of our license until February 13, 2025. This extension will provide us with the necessary time to include foreign reciprocal operators in the team, finalize the island selection, and complete the transfer of all materials. This buffer ensures that, even with further complications, we will have enough time to be on the island for a minimum of 8 to 10 days of operation. Regarding costs, we are paying approximately 50% in customs duties for these items, in addition to what has already been paid for the antennas we have received. Our setup currently includes two 1 kW amplifiers (VK-Amps) with filters pending, and we anticipate having two ICOM IC-7300 MkII units available for use. Any support is welcome as we work through these logistics. We hope to announce a definitive schedule soon to clear up any ambiguity regarding our timeline. vu7r our Paypla: info@sreetek.com Our QSL Manager: Charles, M0OXO Best regards, Sarath VU2RS