Lakshadweep means "a hundred thousand islands" in Malayalam and Sanskrit, but the number of islands is far less. One of the world's most magnificent tropical island systems is made up of thirty-six islands spread among twelve atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks. With the former comprising 4,200 km2 and the latter totaling only 32 km2, it is more lagoon than land. New Delhi, the epicenter of smog, spans around 43 km². Read more
