Kiltan Island

Kiltan, a coral island of Lakshadweep's Amindivi subgroup, lies 394 km west of Kochi, 291 km from Kannur and 303 km from Kozhikode. It covers 2.20 sq km, and its dry land runs 3.4 km long and 0.6 km across at the broadest point. The reef and lagoon lie to the west, and high storm beaches mark the northern and southern ends.

Settled in the early periods of immigration to the islands, Kiltan formed part of an international trade route linking Ceylon and the Persian Gulf. Home to the Sufi saint Shaikh Ahmed Naqshabanthi, it was once nicknamed Cheriyaponnani, or Little Ponnani, because islanders acquired knowledge from Ponnani, a centre of Islamic learning in southern India. The 73rd meridian east crosses the island at Kulikkara, the tomb of a lady whom local people venerate. There is also a 41-metre lighthouse. The 2011 census counted 3,945 residents, who speak Jeseri; fishing and coconuts were historically the main sources of income.