Andamans

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are truly a piece of paradise nestled in the pristine waters where the Bay of Bengal meets the Andaman Sea. Known for its striking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural uniqueness, this tropical archipelago has emerged as a sought-after travel destination. Beyond its breathtaking beaches and lush greenery, the islands are home to fascinating flora and fauna, as well as some of the world’s most isolated tribal communities, whose lifestyles remain untouched by modern civilization.

Geography and Composition

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, consist of a total of 572 picturesque islands, scattered across the turquoise waters. These islands are geographically divided into two distinct groups: the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south. Out of the total, approximately 550 islands belong to the Andaman group, while 22 form the Nicobar group. Interestingly, the majority of these islands are uninhabited. Only 28 islands in Andaman and 10 islands in Nicobar host permanent human settlements.

The islands are densely covered with tropical rainforests, forming a haven for wildlife and offering habitats to numerous exotic species of flora and fauna. These include some rare and endemic species that captivate both scientists and travelers alike.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a rich historical legacy, with evidence of human habitation dating back more than 2,200 years. Over the centuries, they have witnessed influences from colonial powers, including the British, who established penal settlements in the region. Despite the impact of outside influences, the indigenous tribes have preserved their ancient traditions, forming a rich mosaic of cultural and linguistic diversity.

Indigenous Communities

The indigenous inhabitants of the islands are an integral part of their identity. The Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onge, Shompen, and Sentinelese are among the most prominent tribal groups, each with its own unique language, customs, and way of life. These communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, maintaining a self-sufficient existence and rarely interacting with the outside world. The Sentinelese tribe, in particular, continues to live in complete isolation on North Sentinel Island, avoiding all contact with modern civilization. In the Nicobar group, the Nicobarese and Shompen communities are predominant. These tribes are known for their deep connection to the islands’ natural environment and their traditional ways of living.

Mesmerizing Beaches:

From the powdery white sands of Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island to the coral-laden shores of Elephant Beach, the islands are home to some of Asia’s most pristine beaches. Exotic Marine Life: The surrounding waters are rich with vibrant coral reefs and marine biodiversity, offering unforgettable experiences like snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. Lush Greenery: With tropical forests dominating the landscape, these islands provide a peaceful haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The dense forests are alive with chirping birds, rustling leaves, and scenic views.

Historical Monuments: Sites like the Cellular Jail in Port Blair narrate tales of India’s struggle for independence and draw history enthusiasts from around the world.

An Unparalleled Experience Whether you’re an adventure lover, a history buff, or someone simply seeking peace and tranquility, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands promise an unforgettable experience. The harmony of cultural richness and natural splendor, coupled with warm hospitality, makes this archipelago an unmatched travel destination.

Neil Island

Neil Island is known as the ‘vegetable bowl’ of the Andaman. The settlers named the beaches after mythical characters of the epic Ramayana (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, Ramnagar etc.). Approximately 37 km northeast of Port Blair it is famous for its sandy beaches and unexplored coral reefs. From Port Blair Phoenix Bay jetty, regular boats operated by Government and Private operators are available. The time taken is approximately two hours. Auto rickshaws, taxis, cycles, and motorbikes are available for transport within the island.

Havelock Island

It happens to be the second most popular tourist destination of Andaman after Port Blair. An abundance of natural beauty is the prime reason behind its popularity. Although frequently visited by travellers, the island remains an ideal place for serenity. This is the largest island and it lies on the eastern side of Andaman Island. It comprises some world-famous beaches. One of the most renowned among them is the Radhanagar Beach locally known as the No 7 Beach. Surrounded by dense forests this eye candy beach has got a very clean seashore stretched quite long. The water here is crystal clear and offers an opportunity for swimming. Albeit swimming is not suggested during the monsoon which lasts till September here. The beach has got well-maintained change rooms for Males and females. This picture-perfect beach also offers a wonderful view of Sunrise and sunset. There are a few other beaches in Havelock which are also quite picturesque and tourist-friendly. Elephant Beach is one of them. It attracts the attention of a lot of people because of its reputation for water sports such as snorkelling, boating, and kayaking. Vijayanagar beach which is also popular as beach no 5 is an attractive spot for beach dwellers. It is a calm and quiet place where you can enjoy the music of the waves and sea breeze. Just 3 km from here is another jewel called Kalapathar Beach.

Port Blair

Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is located on the east coast of South Andaman Island. Port Blair is the gateway to the pristine islands. Now Port Blair has a long list of places which are worth visiting. Following are those places which u should not miss:-

1) The Cellular Jail, a national memorial – This historic jail was a mute spectator and witness of brutal atrocities on the glorious freedom fighters of our country. The Sound and Light show in the Cellular Jail narrates this story and is a must-watch.
2) The Fisheries Museum – exhibits species of marine life endemic to the islands and found in the Indo-Pacific and the Bay of Bengal.
3) Corbyn’s Cove Beach – Corbyn’s Cove beach- the coconut-palm fringed beach, six kilometres away from Port Blair town
4) Samudrika – The Naval Marine Museum – houses a vast collection of cells, corals and a few species of colourful fishes of the sea around the islands.
5) Zoological Survey of India Museum – exhibits several varieties of sponges, corals, butterflies, centipedes etc.
6) Kalapani Museum – the only private history museum in the country, The museum has a vast collection of rare archival photographs, paintings, and artefacts of tribes, history, rare original documents of Colonial and Japanese periods, including many documentaries and films related to the Island and the Indian Freedom Struggle.
7) North Bay Beach – One of the breathtaking beaches in the north of Portblair
8) Chidiyatapu – 28 km from Port Blair. famous for bird watching, sunset views, panoramic scenic beauties, and many colours of oceanic views.

There are a few other places exist which one can surely visit namely Rajib Gandhi water sports complex, Gandhi Park, Cottage Industry Emporium Sagarika, Mount Harriet, Sippighat Agricultural Farm and Cinque Island famous for underwater marine life – to visit, one may contact private boat operators in Port Blair to hire a boat with due permission from the Forest Department.

Ross Island

Apart from a few spectacular beaches, Andaman is a place fully capable of satisfying the needs of those who look for a bit of history. Ross Island is an example of that. This tiny island lies within 3 Km from the capital Port Blair. When British rule here at its peak it established itself as an important place of the British Raj. You can do a walking tour here through the island which gives you a proper idea about its glorious past through its buildings, churches, and museum. A piece of very important information has to be noted and that is this place currently is controlled by the Indian Navy and registration with a valid ID card is mandatory. One has to do it on arrival here. This place is almost uninhabited so do not expect commercial items here. You can carry your food or there is a canteen run by the navy which is recommended.

Barathang Island

Nestled between the middle and south island of Andaman it is famous for its limestone caves and mud volcanoes. One has to take a thrilling voyage while reaching this island as the path crosses the reserved forest areas which are home to the Tribal Jarawas. Police van should escort the tourist vehicle. Here we must mention that this isolated rainforest-infested island is recommended for those who prefer to be adventurous in their endeavour. While reaching the limestone caves you need to take a boat and then a jungle trek is required. But the trouble is worth taking as these caves are just mindboggling. These all are more than a million years old. A mud volcano is another attraction. Barathang is 100 km from Portblair.

The best time to visit

Andaman offers a tropical climate so it’s never very cold and the summer is warm. The ideal time is October to March. But to be very honest one can visit this place throughout the year. A few sites (mentioned already) are not recommended in monsoon (May- September).

Food

Never an issue here as both North and South Indian food are available. The capital region is famous for its mouth-watering seafood. Andaman is highly inhabited by the Bengalis so Bengali food is very common here. Plenty of restaurants are available in the Port Blair and Havelock regions as well as in other parts of the archipelago.