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Travel Map of Andaman & Nicobar
Category :- All India Travel Tourism
> States > Andaman & Nicobar
| Capital |
Port Blair |
| Area ('000 sq. km) |
8 |
| Principal Languages |
Hindi, Nicobarese, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu |
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to a number of aboriginal tribes,
lie in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 1,220 km south east of the coast
of West Bengal and 1,190 km east of Madras. Boasting of an idyllic landscape
and immense natural attractions, it is one of the popular tourist resorts
in the country.
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 of 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 uninhabited.
The capital of this Union Territory is Port Blair, on the Andaman Islands.
The existence of these islands was first reported in the 9th century by Arab merchants,
who sailed past them, on their way to the straits of Sumatra. The first Western
visitor was Marco Polo, who called it `the land of the head - hunters'. The islands
were annexed by the Marathas in the late 17th century. In the early 18th century,
the islands were the base of Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre, whose navy frequently
captured British, Dutch and Portugese merchant ships. Angre remained undefeated
by the combined British / Portuguese naval task force, right up to his death in
1729.
Jolly Buoy Islands,
Andaman Island
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were finally annexed by the British in the
19th century, and used as a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters. The penal
settlement, known as Kala Pani or Blackwaters, was the `Siberia of India', where
hard - core criminals were sent, never to be seen again. In the notorious `Cellular
Jail', many of the inmates were executed, both judicially and clandestinely.
Today, the infamous jail has been emptied, renovated and converted into a museum
of freedom fighters. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the islands,
and created their own record of cruelty. The local tribes took up guerrilla
activities against the Japanese. After India gained independence in 1947, the
islands were incorporated into the Indian Union.
The main aboriginal group in the Andamans are the Onges, who live on Little
Andaman. Onges, like other Andamanese tribes, are of Negrito origin. They practice
food - gathering, hunting, honey - collecting and fishing, and are the only
tribe on the islands, who freely accept contact with the outside world. In the
Nicobars, the only aboriginals are the Shompens, who are averse to any contact
with the outside world. The Nicobarese, the largest group, seem to be of mixed
Burmese, Malay, Mon and Shan origin. They are a friendly and cheerful lot, who
do not accept money and prefer the barter system. Communing with the dead is
one of the many intriguing rituals practiced in Nicobar.
Port Blair, which is the landing and departure point for boat excursions in
the Andamans, is an ideal base for touring the archipelago of 321 islands. The
island has been named after Lt. Reginald Blair, who conducted a survey of the
area, in 1789. One of the fascinating features of the land, that can be seen
throughout the islands, is that of houses built on poles. The island also houses
all the administrative and government buildings, and people from all parts of
the world live here, thus, giving it a rather cosmopolitan look.
Luxurious rainforests make the Andamans a 'gold mine' of timber. Tropical fruits
are found on the hilly parts of the islands in abundance, while the fishery
potential here, offers industrial possibilities. Paddy is the main cash crop
here, while coconut and arecanut are the main cash crops of the Nicobar islands.
Field crops namely pulses, oilseeds and vegetables and spices like pepper, cloves,
nutmeg and cinnamon are also cultivated. Rubber, red oil, palm and cashew are
grown on a limited scale on these islands. The major industries in the region
include PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints and varnishes, fibre glass, soft
drinks and beverages, and steel furniture.
The islands are thickly covered by deep green jungles, inhabited by unique species
of birds, and dotted with divine, sandy beaches on the fringes. The real attraction
for the tourist lies in the crystal clear seas, that harbour some of the world's
richest and unspoilt marine reserves. Filled with dazzling fish and kaleidoscopic
corals, and roamed by schools of dolphins and sharks, the waters are perfect
for snorkelling and scuba diving. This island is splendid with its golden, crescent
- shaped beaches, mangrove forests, rich marine life, exotic flora and fauna.
What to See
The most popular tourist spot here is the Cellular Jail, now a museum,
where around 400 freedom fighters were held, during the struggle for independence.
The light and sound show screened in the backdrop of this jail, is dedicated
to the freedom fighters, who languished for years in solitary confinement in
its cells. Such is the ambience created by the deft interplay of sound and light
that, one is moved to tears as the saga of heroic struggle unfolds, as one is
taken on a journey through the bleak times, when David Barrie and other jailors
subjected Indian patriots to inhuman tortures and humiliation.
Other places of tourist interest 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 has facilities for safe and
adventurous aqua sports. The Jolly Buoy island offers a breath-taking view of
the some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. The experience at the
underwater coral and marine life sites, is really worth one's lifetime. The
enchanting kaleidoscopic view of Port Blair from the Mount Harriet, the
summer headquarters of the British Chief Commissioner at one time, is a thrilling
experience for the visitors. Chatam Saw Mill (largest in Asia), Chidiya Tapu,
Marine Museum, the island of red Skibn, 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.
Where to Stay
The capital has several hotel resorts, which provide accommodation for tourists.There
are a number of government guest houses, two tourist homes, and a circuit house.
Besides, there are a number of resorts, cottages, and hotels run by private
sector- and, the expenditure will definitely not burn a hole in any pocket.
Metered taxis are available and regular ferry services connect Port Blair to
other inhabited islands. Port Blair offers a variety of delicious sea food,
besides Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Burmese cuisine.
Foreign tourists are permitted to visit only the Andaman group of islands, while
access to Nicobars is restricted only to Indians. Though situated in the tropics,
the islands have a pleasant temperate climate, due to the sea breeze blowing
in continuously.The best time to visit these islands, is between November and
May.
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