Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of
Bengal 1000 km off the east coast of India.They consist of 572 islands and
streches over an area of more than 700 sq. kms. 372 of the islands are volcanic
and only 37 are inhabited. Aboriginal tribes have lived on these islands since
pre-historic times. The Andaman Islands is inhabited by tribes of Negrito
origin, while the Nicobar Islands are inhabited by tribes of Mongloid origin.
The first settlement of the British took place in 1789 & later in 1858 it became
a penal settlement.
Getting There :
- By Air : Port Blair is connected with Chennai & Calcatta..
- By Sea : Regular passenger ship go from Chennai, Calcatta &
Vishakhapatanam to Port Blair. There are 3 - 4 sailings in a month from
Calcatta & Chennai and once a month from Vishakhapatanam.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 8249 Sq. Km
- Capital: Port Blair
- Languages: Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Nicobarese and Telugu
- Religion: Hinduism, Islam and Christianity
- Literacy rate: 88.49 %
- Best Time To Visit: All year round
Tourist Attractions :
Port Blair :
Is the capital Of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Not a place to hang around, but a good starting point to get supplies for
exploring the other islands. Port blair is also where both flights and ferries
arrive, so most people need to pass through here.
Havelock Island :
An island situated about 57
kilometer North East of Port Blair. This island is the most visited by tourists.
It is beautiful with perfect white beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs
with lot of marine life. The waters here are ideal for snorkeling & scuba
diving. In the surrounding forests you also can find elephants. They were once
brought to the island to work.
Neil Island :
Situated 36 kilometer East of Port Blair. The
island's green forest and sandy beaches make it an ideal holiday destination for
tourists. Each beach has a number. The beach west of the village is popular with
campers. It is also possible to put up a tent on the beach.
Ross Island :
Once developed as the administrative headquarters
by the British. It had beautiful lawns, clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis
courts and a majestic church in the middle. It used to be called Paris of the
East. However it is all ruins now, destroyed by an earthquake in 1941. A small
museum displays pictures of its old beauty. It is open every day except
Wednesday. This island can be explored by foot. There are ferries to and from
the island from Phoenix Bay Jetty.
Long Islands :
82 kilometer from Port Blair. Home to a
fantastic beach at Lalaji Bay. It also has evergreen forests, coconut
plantations and a unpolluted atmosphere which makes it a perfect destination.
Barren Island :
Containing India's only active volcano. It
erupted in 1991, after 177 years and then again in 1994. Visiting the island is
not allowed, but you can watch the volcano from a boat.
Viper Island :
The British used to harbour convicts here.
Dangerous convicts found guilty of breaking the rules of the Penal Settlement,
were put in chains and forced to work with their chains on. Freedom fighters
like Nanigopal and Nandlal Pulindas, who had resorted to hunger strike at the
Cellular Jail, were imprisoned at Viper Island. Due to the working conditions,
the jail earned the name Viper Chain Gang Jail. You can still see the remains of
it. You need yo hire a private boat or take a cruise to get to this island.
