Kavaratti is the capital city of Lakshadeep Island that serves as the most important tourist destination for nature and leisure tourism. The pristine beauty of Kavaratti beach and the sea-shore is the centre of attraction to the tourists.

Kavaratti is a census town as well as the name of the atoll upon which the town stands. Kavaratti is well known for its perfect white sand beaches and calm lagoons, which makes it a popular international acclaimed tourist destination in the Union territory of India.

Kavaratti, the group of Islands in Lakshadweep lies at about 360 kilometres off the coast of the state of Kerala at a latitudinal and longitudinal extension from 10.57 degree north to 72.62 degree East latitude. Kavaratti has an average elevation of 0 metres.

The closest island to Kavaratti is uninhabited Pitti islet. This Pitti islet is located at about 24 kilometres north of Kavaratti. There is an uninhabited island called Agatti. The inhabited island of Agatti lies 54 kilometres to the North Western part and the uninhabited Suheli Par is 53 kilometres to the South Western part. Kochi is the closest major city on the Indian mainland at a distance of 404 kilometres.

Kavaratti has a tropical monsoon climate. The March to May is the hottest months of the year. The year-round temperature of Kavaratti ranges between 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. The humidity of this small islet is ranging from 70-76 percent.

The monsoon rains of Kavaratti usually start at the end of May and continue through early September. The island of Kavaratti receives an average of 1600 millimetres of rain during the year.

The Population census of 2001 estimated that for Kavaratti, it was 11,322 people lived there. The 2001 census had reported a population of 10, 119. The males constitute 55 percent of the population and females 45 percent. Of the 1797 families on the island of Kavaratti, the 2001 census reported 57 percent as being below the poverty line. The 2001 census also reported a literacy rate of 88.6 percent for Kavaratti. This was an increase from 44.4 percent in 1971. The male literacy rate was 94.1 percent, while the female literacy was 81.66 percent. In Kavaratti, only 12 percent of the population is under 6 years of age. The most commonly spoken languages are Malayalam, Mahl and English

Kavaratti is rich in tourism industry. Tourism is one of the primary industries on the Kavaratti Island. The island of Kavaratti has pristine white sand beaches, favoured by national and international level tourists for sun bathing. The calm lagoons on Kavaratti Island are ideal for water sports and swimming.

The Kavaratti waters are rich in corals. Kavaratti is rich in diverse marine life. The Kavaratti Aquarium has a rich collection of corals and a vast collection of tropical fish specimens.

The other major industries of Kavaratti Island are fisheries and agriculture. Coconut is the dominant crop on the island. With the climb of tourism industry in this region, the fishing industry has seen a major decline.

Kavaratti is easily accessible from all parts of country. Kavaratti from the Indian mainland is via an overnight voyage by passenger ships. A number of passenger liners operate from Kochi to Kavaratti and other Lakshadweep islands.

The nearest domestic airport is on Agatti Island which is 54 kilometres away. It is followed by helicopter or boat transfers from Agatti to Kavaratti. The commercial flights usually operate from Kochi to Agatti. The closest international airport is the Cochin International Airport in Kochi on the mainland of India.