Bitra

Prior to the 20th century, islanders from Kiltan and Chetlat visited the island to collect the eggs of pelagic birds breeding there. Until 1945, when a woman from Chetlat made this island her home, there were no attempts to settle this island permanently.[4] There is a small shrine dedicated to an old Arab saint by the name of Malik Mulla who was buried on the island. The shrine has become a pilgrimage site.[5]

The atoll of Bitra encompasses two islands. The main Bitra Island 0.177 km² (0.068 sq mi) is located at the northern end of the Bitrā Par coral reef 11.598°N 72.187°E / 11.598; 72.187.[6] The small south cay 0.009 km² (0.0035 sq mi)is located on the southern part of the coral reef 11.524°N 72.176°E / 11.524; 72.176. Bitra is the smallest of the populated islands of Lakshadweep. It is located 33 km to the north of Perumal Par and 41 km to the southeast of Byramgore Reef.[7] The Bitra Par lagoon area is 54.61 km² (21.09 sq mi).

The 2011 census determined that 271 people made this island their home, making it one of the least populated among the inhabited islands in Lakshadweep.[8]

The atoll belongs to the township of Bitra of Aminidivi Tehsil.[9]

The main island has a small jetty on the south shore and a helipad on the westpoint.

The inhabitants on the island are engaged in very small scale farming and fishing which are mainly for the island consumption.

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  Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for Minicoy
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  Map

• Bitra Island
• Lakshadweep travel guide from Wikivoyage