Andaman & Nicobar

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR

Andaman, a group of 550 islands, is located in the Bay of Bengal. It is part of the Union Territory of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Many islets and rocks add the topography of the Andaman Islands. There are about 26 islands which are human inhabited. It is believed that the origin of the name Andaman is related to Hanuman, the monkey disciple of Lord Rama, the epic hero of the Ramayana.

Some of the Islands such as North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Little Andaman and Baratang are vast expanse of lands. The lands of Andaman are very fertile and the islands are thriving with lusting greeneries. The sea coasts are eye catching with the spectacular sea waved and the dense coconut palms line up over the islets.

Anadaman carries the legacy of many historically important events and locations. The name of Andaman even appears in 9th century Arab literatures. The place was used by many rulers in India as the camping location of military troops. The Cellular Jail in Port Blair is closely knit to the Indian Independence struggle. It was in this jail, thousands of freedom fighters were imprisoned as exile hostages.

The topography of the Andaman Islands consists of hilly regions with dense green forests. Many rocky mountains and islets are also seen in the region. The peak point in Andaman is Diglipur, a majestic picnic spot from where one can see the surrounding sea shores and the majestic sea embracing the sand enriched shores. Four tribes inhabit in these centuries old Islands.

Andaman rain forests are blessed with vast varieties of plant species. Sea surrounding the Andaman Islands is a natural habitat of many kinds of marine life. The tropical rain forests and water of Bay of Bengal are the home of a vast collection of plant, animal and marine life.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail, presently a revered shrine dedicated to great Indian freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the Independence of our Nation, is situated at Aberdeen near Port Blair in Andaman Islands. The Cellular Jail meant to imprison the freedom fighters of India was built in 14 years beginning in 1886 by the British rulers.

The original Cellular Jail contains seven regions with the central region having a tower. There were four floors with first three floors for cells and the fourth floor functioned as the watch tower. One can see here the execution room where the freedom fighters were hanged by the colonial rulers.

The visitors can see the light and sound show depicting the sacrifice of freedom fighters and also showing up the brutal history of the Cellular jail. The Martyr’s memorial, a gallery and a museum are also located here, reminiscing Indian independence struggle.

Andaman Water Sports Complex

Andaman Water Sports Complex is a renowned sports complex in India and is a unique sports complex offering many adventurous water sports activities. It is located close to the Cellular Jail in the north-west Port Blair.

This sports complex offers all kinds of water sports facilities for comfortable, safe and enjoyable experiences. Sail boats, para sailing, water scooters, rowing boats, kayaks, paddle boats, and water skiing facilities are available in plenty here in this complex. Boating up to Ross Islands from this complex is an exciting experience.

  

Samudrika Marine Museum

Samudrika Marine Museum, run by the Indian Navy, is located at Delanipur in Andaman. This museum is aimed at generating awareness among the visitor about the environment in the ocean and the marine life. The Samudrika Marine Museum has five sections dealing with history of Andaman Islands, Geographical information, people of Andaman, Archaeology and finally the Marine life. The museum house sa wide collections of corals, shells and fish fauna. This museum is a real treasure of worthy marine life, especially that of rare fish species.

Corbyn's Cove

Corbyn's Cove is a serene and unspoiled soft sandy beach in Andaman near to Port Blair. This beach is set in picturesque backgrounds of lush green coconut palms and pleasant sea. There is a pristine tourism Complex, which offers all kinds of facilities for an enthusiastic traveler.

This is an ideal spot for sun basking and sea bathing. The main attractions in this beach are the inviting water sports activities. This beach and the water closed to the beach are perfect location for surfing, scuba diving and boating. Many pill boxes and bunkers established by Japanese add the attraction of the beach.

Cutbert Bay Beach

Situated at a distance of 20 km from Rangat Bazaar/jetty, Cutbert Bay Beach is nesting ground for turtles. One can get a glimpse of turtles nesting here during the months of December to February. Located close to the beach is the Hawksbill Nest, guest house of the Directorate of Tourism, which is well known for its quality service and other modern amenities. There is also a turtle sanctuary nearby which one can also visit.

Barren

Barren, the only active volcano in South Asia, is a small island in eastern location of Andaman group of islands in Indian territory. This island lies 300 m above the sea level and the volcano in this place erupted last in 2006. The first volcano eruption was reported in 1787. A deep void land, the face of the volcano, is an attraction to the tourists. This is a barren region uninhabited by people.

This is a natural habitat for wild goats which live here by drinking the salt water and is a unique feature of this island. The Barren Land can be approached by broad vessels and one can view the island from the vessel. There is no permission to get down in the island. The travel to this Island is a breathtaking adventurous experience.

Limestone caves

Limestone caves in Nayadera of Baratang Island are one of the major attractions of the region. A great natural wonder that draws many visitors to Baratang. The beauty of these caves is unimaginable. The stalactites and stalagmites which have withstood the natural process of erosion over time form different interesting shapes and figures.

The site is reachable by sea within 50 mins. Regular boat services are available from Baratang and the boat trip through the middle of the mangrove forest is simply awesome. It is dark inside the caves, so one needs to carry torchlight.

Little Andaman Island

Little Andaman Island is one of the biggest island in Andaman. It is famed with a pristine beach at the location named Butler Bay and is credited with a stunning waterfall, Panchavati. There are several attractive and secluded scenic beaches in this Island. This is the main vegetable producing Island in Andaman.

Little Andaman Island is renowned for plantation of Red Oil Palm managed by ANIFPDCL. The enthusiastic tourists can pay a visit to the plantation and a factory for palm oil extraction. In this plantation the visitors can get a close look at the various stages of red oil palm fruit production.

Long Island

A breathtaking Island with breathtakingly beautiful sandy beaches, coconut plantations and evergreen forests - Long Island in Andaman is a very popular attraction for the nature loving tourists. The island can be approached by the fisherman’s vessel hired from Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Lalaji Bay and Marg Bay are two pristine beaches famed as a popular picnic spot in this Island. The Island is an ideal location for beach camping in makeshift tents due to its unpolluted environment and calm atmosphere. Fleets of dolphins can be viewed very often from the beaches of this Island.

Smith Island

Smith Island, one of the twin islands in Andaman, is connected to Ross Islands by an imposing sand bar. The Island is a perfect location for Island Camping, attracted due to its clean and unspoiled seashore and its marvelous sight seeing facilities. The lush green coconut palms standing tall in rows on the sea shore adds to its beauty.

This camping location is an ideal place to spend vacations away from the hustle and bustle of maddening city life. Good accommodation facilities with delicious cuisine make the holidays in Smith Islands a remarkable experience.

Neil Island

A marvelous Island with plenty of marine life, Neil Island in Andaman is an ideal location for eco-tourism. Neil Island is triangularly shaped with lust green surroundings of paddy fields, banana plantations and tropical trees. Many natural beaches and attraction like Howra Bridge, a natural bridge formation makes this Island a much sought after picnic spot.

The sandy beaches at Sitpur, Bharatpur and Lakshmanpur are very attractive for spending holidays and evenings. Tourists who like to spend vacations in an eco-friendly locale will find this Island ideal. The breathtaking view of the sea and the lush greenary really rejuvenating and enjoyable for enthusiastic travelers.

Viper Island

Viper Island, named after the ship wreck event of a British trading ship named "Viper" in 19th century, is located near Port Blair. The ruins of an olden discarded jail, built by British in 1867, with yellow colored bricks and the gallows are seen in this Island. The Island was considered as the place of penal settlement for the freedom fighters of India. This Island was part of the great Indian independence history and had witnessed the sufferings and sacrifices of Indian national involved in freedom struggle.

Viper Island is a serene beautiful tourist destination and can be approached by harbor cruise originating from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. This place is visited by number of tourists as it has multiple attractions with historical importance and also has mesmerizing picnic spots with natural picturesque environments.

Island camping

Andaman offers the exquisite location for holiday vacations in the lap of nature. Island camping is a popular way for enjoying the sandy beaches and the clear sky. The pristine beauty of the Mother Nature blended with the cool breezy sea winds will make your stay in Andaman Islands a memorable one.

Those who like to have secluded stay with nature can opt for Island camping in Andaman. The infrastructure facilities for a luxurious stay are all available in the Islands. There are tents and beach front resorts for the benefit of travelers. The stay in Andaman Islands is ideal for travelers looking for some peace, calm & serene beauty.

Scuba diving

Exciting experience of Scuba diving is a major attraction in the island of Andaman. One can see fascinating marine life, amazing corals and remains of sunken ships. One can explore the wonders of scuba diving and can get the rare experience mixed with adventure and enjoyment.

Some of the major spots where one can enjoy scuba diving in Andaman include Neil Island, Anglis Island, Havelock Island and Wandoor. Havelock Island, which is approximately 54 km away from Port Blair, has scuba 2 diving centers/school – Dive India and Barefoot Scuba, where one can get certification courses in scuba diving. These courses are conducted by professionals and experienced instructors in many languages with latest & well known diving equipments being used.

To enjoy the adventure of scuba diving one can head towards the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and explore the beautiful reefs & amazing variety of sea animals.

Snorkeling

To experience the underwater marine life, one can indulge snorkeling during the trip to Havelock Island. Elephanta beach, Inglis Island, Buffalo Island and South Button are some sites where one can enjoy Snorkeling during their visit to Havelock Island. Easily accessible from Havelock Island, Elephanta beach is the most famous spot for snorkeling. Majority of the dinghy operators of the island also conducts snorkeling trips to Elephanta beach from Havelock Island.

The Nicobar Islands are an archipelagic island chain in the eastern Indian Ocean.  Comprising of 28 Islands, with an area of 1,841 sq.Kms. the Nicobar Islands are separated from Andamans by the Ten Degree Channel.  They are located in Southeast Asia, 150 km north of Aceh on Sumatra, and separated from Thailand to the east by the Andaman Sea.  They form part of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands .

 The Nicobars abound in coconut-palm, casuarina and pandanus. Great and Little Nicobar have the Giant Robber Crab, Monkeys with long tail, Nicobarese Pigeons in plenty. Megapode, a rare bird is found in Great Nicobar. The southernmost tip of India is not Kanyakumari as has till recently been considered, it is INDIRA POINT in Great Nicobar Island. Nicobar group is out of bounds for foreigners at present. Indians may be given permission in exceptional cases on application.

Car Nicobar

A rustling fan, Car Nicobar is the headquarters of Nicobar District. It is a flat fertile island covered with cluster of coconut palms and enchanting beaches with a roaring sea all around. The Nicobari huts, built on stilts having entrance through floor with a wooden, ladder, are unique to this island. 16 hrs. journey by sea from Port Blair.

Katchal

Katchal is a tiny island in the Nicobar group. It was this island, which heralded the new millennium with the first sunrise on 1st January 2000. This island has beautiful beaches at East bay, Jhula and West bay

Grate Nicobars

The southern end of the Nicobars, this island has Indira Point (formerly Pygmallion Point) the southern most tip of India. The beach near Galathia is the nesting ground for Gaint Leather Back Turtles. This island also has biosphere reserve area. 50-60 hrs. journey by sea from Port Blair.

HOW TO REACH

Andaman’s airport is at Port Blair. It is connected to Chennai, Kolkata and many other cities in the country. Jet and Air India are the major flights operators for Andaman. During the tourist seasons discounted airfares are also provided by the airlines. The cost of the tickets is generally affordable, especially if booked in advance.