Suheli Island
Suheli (Par) Situated 47 km south-west of Kavaratti, Suheli Par is an uninhabited island of Lakshadweep. Suheli Par consists of two uninhabited islands known as Valiyakara and Cheriyakara. Suheli Valiyaknra Island is evidently the most important turtle rookery in Lukshadaweep. Plans are afoot to permanently settle islanders from Kavaratti there. At present, Valiyakara is inhabited (and sparsely so) only during the fair season (October-May).
The island has a tropical climate. Suheli Valiyakara is situated at 10? 08' north latitude and 72? 18' east longitude, and has two islets named Indira Dweep and Shastri Dweep. Suheli Cheriyakara is situated at 10? 22' north latitude and 72? 15' east longitude. A recent survey results showed the occurrence of 21% live coral cover. The lagoon of these of these islands were very big (more than 18 km2) and consisted coral patches. The Porites corals were dominant in lagoon and they were in good condition. Those colonies affected by bleaching event also recovery fast. One of the remarkable features observed by the survey team was that the islands consisted of rich resources of reef fishes. Suheli island is an important site for tuna fishery. Turtle nesting takes place in sand bar between the two islands. Survey team sighted 12 turtles in reef slope.
Suheli Par is frequently visited by islanders mainly from Kavaratti on account of the excellent fishing in the lagoon and occasionally by people from Agatti and Amini for the same purpose. It lies 47 km south-west of Kavaratti. Suheli Par, consists of a banyan reef, enclosing a lagoon in which lie two uninhabited islands known as Cheriyakara and Valiyakara.
Coconut cultivators have begun fencing off parts of the half mile long main nesting beach, with the express purpose of preventing nesting turtles from coming ashore and inadvertently uprooting their coconut saplings. Suheli was originally held by Kavaratti islanders but was subsequently confiscated by the Rajas of cannanore as a communal punishment for an alleged conspiracy against his representative there.