All About Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to a number of aboriginal tribes, lie in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 1,220 km southeast to the coast of West Bengal and 1,190 km east of Chennai. The main islands in the Andamans are Land Fall Island, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Port Blair and Little Andaman. Nicobar, lying to the south, comprises Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Chowra, Teresa, Nancowrie, Katchal and Little Nicobar. The two groups of islands, Andaman and Nicobar, are separated by a deep ten degree channel. 12 of the islands, particularly Car Nicobar in the north, are inhabited, while Great Nicobar, the largest and southernmost island in the group, is virtually unpopulated. The capital of this union territory is Port Blair, on the Andaman Islands. Andaman and Nicobar islands are popularly known as the Emerald Isles. The erstwhile 'Kala Pani' or the Cellular Jail, now a museum, is among the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Archaeological evidences prove that the first settlements in Andaman and Nicobar Islands date back to the middle of the Paleolithic age.The Andamanese are said to be the first inhabitants of Andaman Islands. Till 1850, the Andamanese lived in complete isolation; it was after 1850 that they came in contact with the outside world.Nicobarese were the aborigines of the Nicobar Islands; they lived in the Nicobar group of islands with Shompens.In the 18th century after the Britishers came to India the island emerged in the global scenario. But, during the British period, they became infamous as the 'Kalapani', where people convicted of any offense against the British government were kept. The Britishers transformed the exotic island into a 'penal colony', where culprits charged with life sentences were imprisoned. For many years, Andaman and Nicobar Islands had been under the reputation of a 'penal colony'. But the picture has changed drastically in the recent years. Initially, going to the islands was a taboo, and reputed people abhorred from visiting this place. But today, Andaman and Nicobar Isalnds are among the most coveted destinations in Indian tourism. The presence of a range of exotic locations has worked wonders in developing the tourism here.

The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are affectionately dowered with the designation of 'emerald islands' owing to their unparalleled charm and breath-taking flora and fauna. Thus, state tourism in Andaman and Nicobar islands have flourished and expanded its network. Indeed, the exotic locales, the sun-kissed beaches, the alluring picnic spots and the various other marvels have truly taken the state tourism to another level. of Andaman and Nicobar Islands y virtue of the various tourist spots which include the gorgeous islands like Jolly Buoy, Havelock, Cinque, Chatham, Viper, Ross, Barren and Red Skin which are bestowed with mesmerizing features like primitive dungeons, an active volcano, a medieval saw mill, multicolor corals and many more.Then there are beaches bequeathed with vast stretches of pristine and golden sands that has the power to rejuvenate your soul and mind and free you from all kinds of vexations. The most prominent are Radhanagar, Karmatang, Ramnagar, Harminder Bay and Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex.The museums and monuments have also contributed a great deal to the state tourism at Andaman and Nicobar islands. Renowned museums include Forest Museum, Samudrika of Naval Marine Museum, National Museum and Anthropological Museum. On the other hand, monuments like the Cellular Jail and gallows at the Viper Island attract a lot of tourists. Venues like Madhuban and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Port Blair and Car Nicobar and Katchal in Nicobar also constitute an important appendage of the state tourism across Andaman and Nicobar islands.The accommodation facilities are also quite outstanding as numerous star and deluxe hotels are found in these twin islands. There are many Government lodges and resorts that aim towards making your stay very memorable. The varieties of water sports are indeed fascinating and you will just love to try your hands at them.

The Union territory has hotels of star and non star category catering to the needs of the tourists visiting the islands. Besides it has resorts, restaurants and cafes which cater to the needs of all segments of travelers. Some of the popular hotels in Andaman and Nicobar islands include Andaman Teal House, Hawabill Nest, Turtle Resort etc. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar, being a prominent tourist destination, house numerous hotels ranging from luxurious to budget hotels. Mostly located in Port Blair, these hotels will ensure you a comfortable stay

“HOW TO REACH ANDAMAN ISLANDS"

By Air

To travel to the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is most convenient to avail the airport located at the capital city called Port Blair. From this place, one can easily travel to the important cities of mainland India like Chennai and Kolkata. Flights are operated regularly between Chennai, Kolkata and Port Blair. A few major airlines that operate such flights are Jet Airways, Indian Airlines.

By Boat

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand in the midst of the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, one should not miss the fascinating experience of reaching Andaman and Nicobar Islands by ship. Passenger ships connect Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam, which are major cities of mainland India with Port Blair. These ships are available on a regular basis and help one to make a tour to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On an average, in a month, 3 or 4 ships are available from Chennai and Kolkata to travel to Port Blair. From Vishakhapatnam, one ship is available per month to travel to Port Blair.It takes around three days to reach Port Blair by sea. A ship generally halts for around 2 days at the seaport before leaving it to start a reverse journey, that is, from Port Blair to Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.

“ PLACES TO SEE IN  ANDAMAN "

Tourist Places in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a paradise for the nature lovers and thus attracts a large number of tourists every year. This is a beautiful place which provides an ideal vacation. Nicobar holds a small but fully furnished world in itself.Sightseeing at Andaman & Nicobar means to enjoy the breathtaking beautiful beaches and mangrove forests. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal place for those who love to be in the complete silence of nature. The surrounding area of the sea shores are divine. The Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is rich in marine life.Isolated from the mainland of India, the place is a group of floating emerald islands and rocks. Andaman & Nicobar Islands are famous for housing exotic sea beaches bordered by coconut-palm trees and the transparent blue water, which is home to underwater corals and other marine life. The unpolluted air along with the mangrove-lined creeks and the rarest species of plant and animal life will make you fall in love with nature.The group of 572 islands of Andaman and Nicobar can be regarded as a naturalist's heaven for its clean environment and crystal clear water bodies. The different hilly areas covered by lush green rain forests and sun kissed sea beaches are some of the major tourist attractions of the place. These islands are even known for adventurous activities like scuba diving, trekking, snorkeling, camping and various other water sports. Following are some of the famous tourist places, which one need not miss during a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar islands of India. Baratang, Barren Island,Cellular Jail,Havelock Island,Corbyn's Cove Beach, Radhnagar Beach,National Memorial Museum,Fisheries Museum,Ross Island,Chidiya Tapu,Mount Harriet,Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park,Gandhi Park,Neil Island,Katchal.Some of the famous tourist spots in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include National Memorial, Marine Museum, Naval Marine Museum, Smrithika Museum, Haddo Zoological Garden, Corbyn's Cove, and other beaches, and Humphrey Gunj Memorial. Andaman Water Sports Complex at Port Blair, Chatam Saw Mill (largest in Asia), Chidiya Tapu, Marine Museum, the island of red Skin, and Havelock are the other attractions. Corbyn's Cove, Wandoor beach, Sippighat water sports complex, Cinque island, and Jolly Buoy Island are some adventurous spots on the island.

Long Island

Long Island is one of the favorite spots of sightseeing of Andaman. Tourists gather at this site to see the convoy of dolphins found in this area. The sandy beach at Lalaji Bay also seems to be a major site at the Long Island.

Madhuban

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Madhuban is a place which, in spite of its distance, is very popular among the tourists. It is located 75 kms from Port Blair by road and 20 kms if navigated by boat. But Madhuban of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is only 5 kms from Mount Harriet, yet another scintillating tourist spot of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Madhuban is a unique place because it is jeweled with an exotic beach in the front and guarded by green hills at the back.Located in the north east direction of South Andaman Islands,Madhuban has a rich collection of birds like parakeet, swift, dove, hite bellied sea eagle, local teal, kingfisher, reef heron, wader, tern, and whistling teal. Colorful butterflies of Madhuban also stands for the variety that Nature has showered on Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But the elephants of Madhuban is something which has made the place so famous. Here, by the initiative of the Government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, young elephants are trained to work at various farms. This reduces the manual labor and invariably increases the production rate. Madhuban in Andaman and Nicobar Islands also provides perfect background for trekking. Thousands of enthusiasts flock to Madhuban every year to trek. The pristine natural beauty of Madhuban with its variety of flora and fauna, the tropical climate of the place is just what the trekkers long for. The route from Mount Harriet to Madhuban is one of the famous route to the trekkers. Chidiya Tapu, Gandhi Park, Forest Museum, Marina Park, Samudrika Museum, Fisheries Museum are few more noted tourist spots that comprise the sightseeing in Port Blair.

Cellular Jail

Andaman had been the location, where the convicts charged against the British regime were kept behind the bars. Therefore, Cellular Jail enfolds a great past under its realms. As a result, tourists, as well as enthusiasts, come to the Cellular Jail to witness the suffering that the freedom fighters had gone through.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Andaman sightseeing also include the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The National Park, stationed at Wandoor, is made up of the open sea and creeks, as well as 15 islands. Tourists come to this site to see the beauty of the rare corals and the exotic life of the marine animals in Andaman. With the provision for scuba diving and snorkeling, the national park seems to the indelible part of sightseeing in Andaman.Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is famous round the world for its rich collection of coral reef, some of the coral reefs of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are fungia, leptoseris, tubipora, pocillopora, gorgonians, porites, acropora, and montipora.Glass-bottomed boat ride at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park brings the entire marine life within our reach.Covering 281.5 kms the park is rich in its coral contents and marine lives. It is also a seat of various water sports.Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972,Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was created on 24 May, 1983. The forest department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands placedMahatma Gandhi Marine National Park under the protection of the Chief Wildlife Warden. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman and Nicobar Islands lies between 11°22 - 06" and 11° 36 -34° N latitude and 92° 30.00°W and 92 40.33° E longitude. The park is located at Wnadoor, 30 kms away from the Port Blair airport. It covers an area of 281.5 sq km. It is comprised of 280 sq. km of open water body and 15 islands with green vegetations and exotic beaches.

Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports complex

Amusement The water babies can land at Port Blair and directly head to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. Here they can enjoy banana rides, jet skiing, parasailing, speed boat rides, rowboat paddling . Chatam Saw Mill Built way back in 1836, this is the largest saw mill in entire Asia till date.

North Bay Beach

Adventure If you want to see how the world looks under water, then North Bay Beach is the place you should head to. You will get the chance to see the water animals swimming by your side. Even if you do not know swimming, you can still take a walk under the water and breathe inside the glass helmet.

Diglipur

Nature The highest peak in Andaman is in Diglipur. This town is also famous for having turtle nestling site, network of caves and crocodile sanctuaries. Tourists can also visit to Diglipur Church.

Anthropological Museum

The Anthropological Museum houses the traces of the ethnicity of Andaman. Therefore, here we come across many artifacts, utensils, clothes, sculptures, etc. belonging to the different tribes of Andaman.

Indira Point

The Indira Point Lighthouse was established in the year 1972 and since then it is working as a towering feature and as an important landmark for the ships coming from Malacca. This light station was formerly known as Parsons Point and then Pygmalion Point but was ultimately named as Indira Point once the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the place.Indira Point of Nicobar is situated on the great Nicobar island of eastern Indian Ocean. It is one of the prime attractions of the Nicobar islands. Located in the middle of water, the light house is one of the most visited and beautifully maintained light houses of the world.The sight of the gigantic lighthouse of Indira Point will mesmerize the visitors in complete wonder. The external stairway spiraling around the light house is painted in white and red bands. The devastating tsunami of 24th December 2004 affected the the whole Indian Territory a lot. It destroyed the whole power station but could not affect the lighthouse.

Car Nicobar Island

The Car Nicobar is basically the headquarters of the Nicobar Island.One can spend a delightful holiday on the lap of nature in the Car Nicobar Island. This flat fertile island is covered with coconut trees. Even the continuous roaring sound of the sea will enchant the mind of the visitors. The enigmatic beauty of nature could be best experienced in the Car Nicobar Island of Nicobar district.The Car Nicobar Island of Nicobar has a diversified species of flora and fauna. Also, it provides a spectacular view of the forest and the sea shore as well. The wonderful white sandy beaches have made this island one of the most visited tourist hubs.It takes a 16 hours journey through water from Port Blair to reach into that island. One more unique thing is that the typical Nicobari huts are made on stilts which are having entrance through floor, made of wood which undoubtedly deserves some complements. Coconut is the main item of trade and a major item of food for the people there.

Katchal Island

Katchal Island is full of natural beauty which has made it a popular tourist destination. The water of the sea is crystal clear. The sunrise and sunset on the sea shore will leave an unforgettable memory in your mind.The Katchal Island in Nicobar boasts of a huge collection of flora and rare fauna. Seasonal flowers of the coastal area are very beautiful. The wildlife of the Katchal island is another attraction for the tourists. Some unique species of birds and animals could be found there. One should not miss to visit the cluster of beaches. The sea beach of Katchal has got a magnificent natural beauty. The sea of the Katchal Island is full of fishes and corals. The water of the sea is best for sunbath and swimming.Both the summer and winter seasons are the best time to visit this island.Earlier Katchal was known as Tihnyu. It stretches over an area of 174.4 sq. km. The Katchal Island of Nicobar is one amongst the 572 islets of the Union Territory. Due to the unexploited innocence nature of the island, this is a popular tourist place for the visitors worldwide.

Great Nicobar Island

The beauty of the sea beaches in the Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is beyond any description. The Andaman and Nicobar count a number of islands among which the Great Nicobar Island is a place largely visited by the tourists. People from different corners of the world every year come to this place to discover the unexploited beauty of the island of Great Nicobar.The nature of this island is very eco-friendly.The Great Nicobar has become successful in alluring tourists in a large number to this island. The gigantic light house Indira Point is located here.The beach which is located near Galathia is a happy residing place for the turtles which are popularly known as Gaint Leather back Turtles.

Ross Island

Ross Island is an island of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. the island is lying 3 km east from downtown Port Blair.A trip to visit the coral island, North Bay in Port Blair and the first administrative settlement of Britishers in Andaman Islands, Ross Island.

Neil Island

Neil Island is an island of the Andaman Islands, located in Ritchie's Archipelago. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.Famous for its slow, laid back vibe, and beautiful beaches, most people go Neil Island for some quality chill-time.Neil is a tiny but beautiful island located 37 Kms. to the south of the Andaman Islands. With unexplored coral reefs, brilliant bio-diversity, white sandy beaches .Neil Island is Popular as the 'Vegetable Bowl of Andaman', the island is bound to fill you with unprecedented clam and serenity. You can admire the beautiful surroundings of the island while having a walk at the sandy beaches.

Radhanagar Beach Havelock Island

Havelock Island is the largest of the islands that comprise Ritchie's Archipelago, a chain of islands to the east of Great Andaman in the Andaman Islands.Radhanagar beach is the most famous and best beach in Asia among all. Radhanagar is Without a doubt the most famous beach in the Andaman Islands. Radhanagar Beach is one of the two popular beaches located at Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The other one is Vijaynagar Island. The serene beach which is far away from the polluted cities and towns has a majestic spell that attracts tourists to its beauty.Radhanagar Beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is situated at a place which is 7 kilometers away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas at Havelock Island. The beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore the nature of different places. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna and flora for one to explore.The main attraction of the Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is its calm and clean surrounding which offers you a soothing sensation and relieves you of all the worldly worries. The beach is also a favorite hangout of love birds as the place has nothing to hinder their privacy.Premium scuba diving and snorkeling are the highlights of the gorgeous Havelock Island, the most popular of the Andaman Islands. Glass-bottomed boats.

Baratang Island

Baratang Island is an island of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the North and Middle Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. the island is lying 150 km north from Port Blair.The journey on to these is really mesmerising which covers all the way through Tribal reserves, A bay crossing between Baratang and Uttara Jetty, Baratang Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar group off the coast of India. Baratang Island is a gateway to North & Middle Andaman District of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In Baratang Island you can see Mud Volcano, mangrove and tropical forests, Limestone Caves, Parrot Island.

Barren Island

Barren Island is an island located in the Andaman Sea. Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. It is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.Along with the rest of the Andaman Islands.The only active volcano in India is located in Barren Island. The volcano erupted once in 1991 and again in 1994-95.

Fisheries Museum

Fisheries Museum Andaman. Situated in Port Blair of Andaman, Fisheries Museum is a place where more than 350 species of marine life have been preserved.Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.The fisheries museum has a great collection of aquatic life in and around Andaman Islands.Fisheries Museum has 350 different species of marine life. The different kinds of marine life on display have been collected from the Bay of Bengal .

Sippighat Farm

Sippighat Farm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is only 15 kms away from the capital city of Port Blair, on the way to Wandoor. The farm covers a vast stretch of about 80 acres of cultivated land.Sippighat Farm in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is run by the Government of the place and it is a part of the Research and development program. Experts in agriculture are appointed by the Administration who make maximum use of the tropical climate of the place and grow spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, pepper in Sippighat Farm. These spices are mostly exported to the Indian mainland or even to foreign markets. Sippighat Farm also grows tropical cash crops and coconut.

Gandhi Park

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Gandhi Park also has artificially but well maintained gardens, restaurants and lakes. These lakes of Gandhi Park are mainly used for water sports like sailing, snorkeling, surfing and paddle boating. These water sports lure bulk of the tourists. Consequently, the Directorate of Tourism of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration organizes these sports and makes sure to provide every facilities to the tourists. Safe water sports are allowed in the lakes from 8 am to 8 pm. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Gandhi Park also has immense historical significance since it proudly possess a Japanese temple and a bunker, both built during the second World War So,Andaman and Nicobar Islands Sippighat Farm has a two fold contribution to the economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Firstly, it produces crops for local use as well as export purpose and secondly,Sippighat Farm also contributes to the tourism industry of the place. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Gandhi Park also has immense historical significance since it proudly possess a Japanese temple and a bunker, both built during the second World War.Book Hotels, in Port Blair, Havelock Island Hotels rates, Tour Packages for Andaman ,Honeymoon packages for Andaman, Rent a car for Andaman Islands  tour , find best deals with Mumbaitravelguru.com