Chetlat, one of the inhabited islands of
Lakshadweep, belongs to Amindivi group of islands. This upturned boat shaped island covers an area of 255 acres and is about 1,200 meters in length and 400 meters in breadth. The island features a wide belt of coral debris along the eastern side and a lagoon on the western side. The lagoon protects the island from the fury of south-west monsoon.
The early history of Chetlat says that, it had suffered cruelty at the hands of the Portuguese pirates in the 16th century. The island is covered with coconut palms, cotton, jack fruit and drumstick trees. The world famous fish tuna is found in large shoals in the deep seas around Chetlat. Whales and tortoises are also found in the surrounding areas of the island. Water sports facilities are available in the island. The main occupation of the inhabitants is fishing and
coir twisting. Boat building is a flourishing industry in the island.
The nearest inhabited island is
Kiltan which is around 13 km from Chetlat.
Chetlat is about 90 km from
Mangalore, 100 km from
Kannur and 110 km from
Kozhikode.
