ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

LOCATION :- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of more than 572 islands out of which 38 are inhabited .The Andaman Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal. The Nicobar Islands are situated to the South of Andamans, 121 km. from Little Andaman.

AREA :- 8.249 Sq. Km.

Distance :-

Distance by Sea (in kms.)

1. Between Port Blair & Chennai                                     1190
2. Between Port Blair & Kolkata                                      1255
3. Between Port Blair & Vishakapatnam                         1200

Distance by Air (in kms.)

1. Between Kolkata & Port Blair                                      1303
2. Between Chennai & Port Blair                                     1330

HOW TO REACH :-

BY AIR :-
Port Blair, the gateway to A & N Islands is connected with Chennai and Kolkata by air. Air India, Jetlite & Kingfisher Airlines operate regular flights. Foreign charter flights are also permitted to land at Port Blair subject to the fulfillment of guidelines of the Director General of Civil Aviation.

BY SEA :-
Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailing  every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing for Visakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days.  

CAPITAL :- Port Blair.
POPULATION :- 6,00,000(APPROX).
CLIMATE :-     
Summer: 22° to 33°C. Winter: 20° C to 31°C.
AVERAGE RAINFALL :- 250 to 300 cm.
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES :- Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Andamanese.
PRINCIPAL RELIGIONS :- Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism , Jainism.
FESTIVALS :- Onam , Pongal ,Durga Puja, Diwali, Id.

PLACES OF INTEREST BY ROAD :- Chidiyatapu, Marine National Park, Mount Harriet, Mongluton Rubber Plantation, Wandoor Beach, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur.

An Archipelago of about 572 odd Islands scattered in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands appear like sparkling diamonds under the glittering Sun. These Islands are about 1 200 Kms away from the main land. They are actually the peaks of a submerged mountain range which extends from Manama to Indonesia. The three main ecosystems are - the Coral Reef, the Evergreen Forests & the Mangroves. All the three support a wide variety of flora & fauna. ln the 19th Century the British Government established their penal colony in these Islands & had constructed a prison for the convicts. During those days these Islands were referred to as Kala Pani.

Port Blair is the capital of these Islands. Today there are 3 Districts — N & M Andaman which start from Middle Strait (Baratang Island) to Diglipur; South Andaman from Ferrergunj to Port Blair upto Little Andaman in the South; and Nicobar District starts from Carnicobar to Campbell Bay.

The southern most tip of India is located at Campbell Bay.

These Islands are famous for their exotic beauty, culture & historic past. Away from the concrete forests, these islands seem like heaven on earth where people from all over the country irrespective of caste, creed or religion live in peace & harmony. All festivals are celebrated with the same enthusiasm by everyone. That's why sometimes these Islands are referred to as mini India.

CELLULAR JAIL :

Cellular Jail located in Port Blair, is a mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this jail. This jail, completed in 1906 acquired the name "CELLULAR" because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the prisoners. The jail, now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving people, has been declared a National Memorial. There were originally 7 wings with a central Watch Tower.

SOUND & LIGHT SHOW :

The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a Moving Sound & Light Show. The show is conducted every evening in the premises of the Cellular Jail and it gives us a brief idea about the happenings in the Jail prior to Independence and also about the brief history of these Islands.

ROSS ISLAND :

Once Ross Island was the administrative capital of the British Government. Among the important ruins here today, one can see a church, a swimming pool and the Chief Commissioner's residence. A small museum, named Smritika, maintained by the Indian Navy, has a good collection of the records of political prisoners.

VIPER ISLAND :

The Island derives its name from the vessel ‘Viper’ in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to the Islands in 1768 with the purpose of establishing a Penal Settlement. The vessel, it is believed, met with an accident and its wreckage was abandoned near the Island. Gallows built on top of a hillock, visible to all prisoners in the Island,signified death. Sher Ali, the Pathan, guilty of murdering Lord Mayao, was condemned to death and hanged at Viper Island.

            The Jail is Viper, where prisoners deported from the mainland were confined, was built by the British under the supervision of Major Fort. Work on the prison was started in 1867. Owing to the working conditions, the Jail earned the notorious name Viper Chain Gang Jail.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM :

The Anthropological Museum, situated in the heart of Port Blair is one of its kind. It gives glimpses of the native tribal people of the islands. It displays tribal essentials and artifacts such as boats, weapons, baskets, clothing, photographs, models and records of exploratory expeditions undertaken over the years. A well-stocked library provides the scholar with invaluable references to tribal culture.

SAMUDRIKA MUSEUM :

CORBYNS COVE BEACH :

Corbyn s cove Beach is situated 7 Kms. from Port Blair. This coconut-palm fringed beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and sun-basking. This is the only beach within the city from where one can enjoy the sight of the distant Ross Island, the cool sea breeze and the kaleidoscopic view of blue waters. On this beach there is a restaurant cum bar.

MUNDA PAHAR BEACH, CHIDIYA TAPU :

            Before the sunset, enjoy a swim at Munda Pahar Beach, which is 1 km. ahead of the bus stand at Chidiya Tapu. Frequent bus services are available from Port Blair Bus Terminus to Chidiya Tapu. Tourist Coachesare also available from Andaman Teal House to Chidiya Tapu as part of conducted tours.

RED SKIN :

The Park provides a rich and varied habitat for marine animals which range from the smallest zoo plankton to the large sea mammals like Dolphins. The islands inside the park are also the best nesting grounds for four species of Marine turtles including the Green Sea, Leather Back, Hawk Bill and Olive Ridley. The Red Skin Island in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has a nice beach, and offers a spectacular view of corals and marine life. Yet another island in this Park is the Jolly Buoy which offers breath-taking underwater view of corals. The glass-bottom boats help the tourists to take a closer look at the coral colonies. It is an ideal place for snorkeling and sea-bathing.

RADHA NAGAR BEACH, HAVELOCK ISLAND :

           Radha Nagar Beach lies on the south coast of Havelock Island. It is about 12 kilometers from the Island’s ferry pier. Radha Nagar is a ‘Grade A’ beach of outstanding quality. This beach is also rated as the best beach in Asia by ‘TIME’ Magazine. It has an overall length of two kilometers and an average widthof 30 to 40 meters. The sand is white coral, very fine in grain. The beach has a gentle gradient of around 1:20 and continues out into the sea as a sandy bottom for over 100 meters. South facing, the beach has excellent exposure and is not subject to shading which could reduce its attraction for sunbathing. The rocky outcrops seen at the end of the beach provide some variety to the littoral. The quality of water at Radha Nagar beach is exceptionally calm and clear. There is very little wave action and consequently almost no turbidly in the water even along the surf line. Conducted tours are available from Dolphin Resort at Havelock to Radha Nagar Beach.

MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK UNDER SEA VIEW-MGMN PARK (WONDER MARINE NATIONAL PARK) :

Situated 29 Kms. from Port Blair, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the best of its kind. The turquoise blue water, creeks, 15 small and large islands is abode to the finest marine ecosystems. Apart from Scuba diving, Snorkelling and other water sports practiced here, one must look out for the fascinating and wonderful world of tropical forests, sandy beaches and clear blue waters, which is an experience of a lifetime. The Park is easily accessible by road; there are also regular bus services to the Park.

MARINA PARK COMPLEX :

A little bit down the Cellular Jail lies the Marina Park Complex. The Tsunami of 26.12.2004 caused considerable damage to this complex. Its name has now been changed to Rajiv Gandhi Park.

RAJIB GANDHI WATER SPORTS COMPLEX :

To the left of the Marina Park Complex is the Water Sports Complex. At the entrance of this complex, a Memorial to the Battle of Aberdeen is erected.

MOUNT HARRIET-2nd HIGHEST PEAK :

Once the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during the bygone the British era and the highest point in Port Blair is an ideal trekking place. A short distance by ferry boat and about 55 km. from Port Blair via road, Mount Harriet has a Forest Guest House with lovely eco-friendly huts at a height of about 365 m from sea level. Watch the small breath taking town from over Mount Harriet, feel the sun say hello and good bye.

CHATHAM SAW MILL :

The Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest and largest Wood Mills in Asia, dating back to 1 836, this enormous work shop was built to process Padauk Wood (expensive wood variety). Built on a tiny island, it is connected to Port Blair by bridge. It is a store-base of timber like Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satinwood, etc.

MINI ZOO :

Come and get the first hand feel of the rare species of endemic flora and fauna of these islands. Situated at a place Haddo (a short distance from Central Bus Station) it has a very informative library of the life spectrum of lively species. Soon this zoo will be shifted to the Biological part at Chidiya Tapu.

SAGARIKA – COTTAGE INDUSTRIES EMPORIUM :

            It exhibits a spectrum of artifacts made of mother of pearl, sea shells and local wood products, miniatures of Nicobari canoes, palm mats for floors, tables, furniture etc.

GANDHI PARK :

The erstwhile Dilthaman Tank, the then only source of drinking water to Port Blair has been developed as Gandhi Park. This is a beautiful park with a historical touch of Japanese temples and bunkers, botanical flavours of rich flora and facilities like Children's Park, Amusement Park, Water Sports, Lake, Garden and Restaurant. The Park will soon be converted to an amusement park of international standards.

BARATANG ISLAND (100 KMS. BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR) :

           This island between South and Middle Andaman has beautiful beaches, mangrove creeks, mud-volcanoes and limestone-caves. Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat and Mayabunder goes through this island. Limestone cave can be explored with the permission of Forest Department (from Baratang) and proper local guidance. Limited Government accommodation is available at Baratang. Keep packed food and drinking water while visiting the limestone caves. Only Govt. vehicles are allowed to return from Baratang on the same day. Private vehicles require special permission from Superintendent of Police (SA) to return from Baratang on the same day.

RUTLAND ISLAND (25 KMS. BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR) :

            The shallow waters near the island have a good representation of fishes and coral. It is a good place for training open - water divers. There is a ship wreck site also.  During your visit in this island stay at Rutland Tatinee Resort, situated on a hill top amidst green coconut plantations and the call of birds.

BARREN ISLAND (139 KMS. BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR) :

            The only active volcano in India is located in Barren Island. The volcano erupted twice in recent past, once in 1991 and again in 1994 - 95, after remaining dormant for about 177 years. This island is about 3 kms. in diameter, and has a big crater of the volcano, about half kilometer away from the shore. The island can be visited by chartered boats only with the permission of Forest Department. Foreigners are restricted to on-board vessels only and landing ashore is not allowed.

MONGLUTON RUBBER PLANTATION

Mongluton Rubber Plantation, one of the renowned tourist spots of the Andaman Islands, is situated in South Andaman. It is 20 km from Port Blair. This 50 year old Plantation, spreading over 100 acres lies enroute to Wandoor Beach. It is a host to about 1000 tourists per day who take a tour of the whole Plantation. Apart from rubber, spices are also grown here. The Plantation Authority has appointed 'guides’ to explain to the tourists the various stages of making rubber. The Plantation has opened outlets for retail sale of gar fresh spices. Curios and Video cd’s of the Andamans are also available in this outlet.  To quench the thirst of the tourists in the summer months , tender coconuts are sold here.