Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Traveling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India is another pleasure. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a paradise with a tropical climate. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal and bordering the Indian Ocean, are actually a large group of more than 300 beautiful islands and islets. Due to the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, people from far and wide come to visit here.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are made up of about 572 islands. Most of these islands are in the Andaman, of which only 28 islands are populated. At the same time, there are about 22 main islands in the Nicobar Islands, out of which people live on only 10 islands. A 150 km wide 10-degree water channel separates the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

These islands are blue sea water and clean coast. Beautiful beaches with white sand, and tall coconut trees lined by the water’s edge, are quite attractive. The clear water of the vast sea away from the crowd of people will compel you to swoon here. If you want, you can also enjoy sunbath, water sports, and seafood here. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities related to water sports such as trekking, camping, trailing, scuba diving, etc. on these islands.

The clear water of the vast sea away from the crowd of people will compel you to swoon here. If you want, you can also enjoy sunbath, water sports, and seafood here. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities related to water sports such as trekking, camping, trailing, scuba diving, etc. on these islands.

Here Corbin’s Cove Beach, Chiraya Island, Viper Island, Ross Island, Karmtang Beach, Redskin Island, Neil Island, Havelock Island, Harminder Bay Beach, Chidiya Tapu (Bird Watching), etc. are considered to be the center of special attractions of the tourists.

More than 270 species and subspecies of birds are found on these islands, of which 106 species are endemic. Andaman’s Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk, and Dugong (Sea Cow) have been declared as the State Bird, State Tree, and State Animal respectively.

The human population has been living in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for several thousand years. There are two major groups – the Nicobarese, who live on several islands of the Nicobar; Shompen, which are confined to the Great Nicobar Island. Different genetic, cultural, and linguistic studies suggest that people have been living here since the Middle Paleolithic, 30,000 to 60,000 years ago. But according to the documents, people lived here about 2,200 years ago.

Fishes and other animals of so many colors are found on the beach here, which are not found on any other beach of color.

The specialty here is that it is an eco-friendly island and for this reason, tourists are attracted to it. Tourists here enjoy mountaineering, snorkeling, and scuba diving a lot. In scuba diving, tourists can see underwater creatures and different types of plants.

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Andaman and Nicobar

History of Andaman and Nicobar

The northern part of the Andaman Islands is called Andaman and the southern part is called Nicobar. The history of Andaman and Nicobar can be traced back to the time of Ptolemy. For a long time, this place remained away from contact with the outside world.

For this reason, the very ancient written history of this land is not available. But after Vasco da Gama’s journey and due to his discovery of the Indian sea route, this place came in contact with the outside world. The Portuguese came here first, after that the island remained under the control of the Dutch. After 1880, the British gave it a new look.

Kalapani punishment

On this deserted populated island, the British government used to punish the freedom fighters of India for Kalapani. Here is 1906, the British Government built the Cellular Jail.

This jail located in Andaman and Nicobar is proof of the atrocities committed by the British on the people of India. The islands came under Japanese occupation during World War II.

Andaman and Nicobar Information

But the natives here protested and harassed the Japanese. Japan finally handed it over to the Azad Hind Fauj led by Netaji on 6 November 1943.

In 1947, with the independence of the whole of India, Andaman and Nicobar also became independent. At present, it is a union territory of India.


When to go to Andaman and Nicobar?

The best time to visit Andaman is between December to March. In the meantime, you can enjoy your holidays. Avoid going here between June and August. Andaman is a great holiday spot for everyone from kids to the elderly.

To reach Andaman, one has to first reach its capital, Port Blair. The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, built by the British Government in Andaman, is world famous. Apart from this, Chatham Saw Mill is a sawmill located in Chatham Island of Andaman and Nicobar Island. It was constructed in 1883 to meet the local requirements for timber.

At this time, Christmas and New Year are celebrated here with great grandeur and eagerness. You can spend your best time coming here during this time.

When to go to Andaman and Nicobar?, Andaman and Nicobar islands
Andaman & Nicobar

Places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar


While visiting Andaman and Nicobar, you must be aware of some of the best places to visit here. So that you can make your journey memorable. Below are some of the very best tourist places.

  1. Havelock Island

You will be able to feel a unique refreshment as you walk toward the beach, leaving your footprints on the white sand. Tropical forests surround the island from all sides. The greenery running from these forests comes till here and then gets absorbed in the water. The reflection of the trees is seen to be swaying, just as you shake it by putting your hand in the water. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, glass boat ride, etc. will introduce you to the exciting aquatic life.

  1. Radhanagar Beach

This island included in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the best islands in the world. Which is the most preferred place by the tourists. As far as you can see, you will only be able to see the blue water, which is covered by the dark green forest. This scene will settle in your mind, it will be such that even in dreams you will find yourself visiting it. You can spend your holidays in the best possible way by coming here.

  1. Barron’s Island

It is the only active volcano in Southeast Asia. However, this place is not at all for people to settle or move. But here are some unique animal species that are probably not found anywhere else in India, which are bound to be seen. You can have a wonderful view from the top by seaplane ride and be a part of this unique place.

  1. Vijayanagar Beach

Travelers who are fond of photography become a must visit here. When the sun spreads its rays all over the place, the atmosphere becomes colorful. As if a colorful flower has blossomed, a new glow has been filled in it. You will get to hear the chirping of local birds early in the morning. Believe me, this tweet will make your morning very beautiful. This beach will take you amidst nature and make you stand.

  1. Bharatpur Beach

The most beautiful beach on Neil Island. As you see in the painting, this is the real form of the same painting. As if beauty has been filled by nature in it. People from all over the world come to live this dream in reality. Blue sky above, blue water below, and greenery around – what a wonderful confluence of nature. Can’t live without being praised. Sitting and staring at it for hours would be less.

  1. Baratang Island

Beautiful islands, mesmerizing beaches, limestone caves, mangrove forests – this island is a mixture of all. This is a very beautiful place to spend a memorable vacation. Every single day of yours will be spent admiring its incomparable scenery. Mud Island and Parrot Island are the most popular places here. You can spend your holidays in a peaceful environment by coming here with your family.

  1. Lala Ji Bay Beach

This beach is famous for swimming and scuba diving. When you see the high rising white waves coming towards you, then that view will give a different pleasure. Everyone wants to spend time in a peaceful environment and this place is always ready to welcome travelers. Walking barefoot feeling the sand and then touching the feet of the water coming with a slow wave is an incomparable experience. You will be able to feel this experience by coming here.

  1. Port Blair

It is the capital region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From here it is easily accessible to other cities. This part of the Andaman and Nicobar attractive place is the center of financial, cultural, and other activities. By coming here, you will be able to know about the local tribal tribes and the history of this place. You can spend some of the best moments of your life by coming here any day of the year.

  1. Bird Island

As you can understand from the name that this is such a place where you will get to see a lot of birds. Along with local birds, you can also get a glimpse of some unseen migratory birds. Resonating with the chirping, this place gives an opportunity to live a very unique experience. The experience of starting the day watching the first ray of sun in the morning and then ending your day with the setting sun is a mesmerizing experience.

  1. Cellular Jail

All of you will be well aware of the name “black water”. This is the most important part of the Andaman and Nicobar attractions. Coming here and not coming to this place will be your biggest mistake. It is a three-storied building with 698 confines connected to each other in the shape of a starfish. Glimpses of the historical adventures of freedom fighters and excellent light and sound shows will leave you spellbound.


Interesting facts related to the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman-Nicobar Islands are an integral part of India, where lakhs of tourists come here every year for a holiday. But there are many such facts of this island that you hardly know about. Today we are going to introduce you to some such facts of Andaman and Nicobar.

  1. The native tribes living here do not mix with people coming from outside. The residents here are mainly from the ‘Jarwa’ tribe. They are less than 500 in number and do not mix with outsiders at all.
  2. The island is very popular globally, but even today it has many such places that humans have not been able to reach. Of its total 572 islands, only 36 are worth visiting or inhabiting. Only selected people are allowed to go to Nicobar for research or survey. It is also difficult for tourists to go here.
  3. Most sea turtles are found here. The largest tortoise on earth makes its base here. The name of this turtle is Dermochelys Coriacea. They are very big in size and reach Andaman every year. Olive Ridley, the smallest tortoise on earth, also makes shelter after reaching the Andaman.
  4. The forest part on the 20 note belongs to the Andaman Islands only.
  5. There are different beliefs about the origin of this island, it is believed that the word Andaman is a form of Hanuman, which has been popularized from the Malay language of Sanskrit origin. Actually, in Malay the Hanuman character of Ramayana is called Handuman and Nicobar means the land of the Neket people.
  6. Commercial fishing is banned in Andaman. It is one of the few places on earth where fishes get the opportunity to die after completing their age and live their life.
  7. Most of the Bengali language is spoken here. Apart from this, there are people speaking Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages.
  8. Coconut crabs are found in abundance in Andaman. These are the largest crabs found on the ground, whose length can be up to 1 meter. Their favorite food is coconut, they also break the strong shell of coconut with their mouth.
  9. In India, you will get to see Volcano only in Andaman. There is only one active volcano in India, and it is only in Andaman. This island is located at a distance of 135 km from Port Blair. You can see this volcano by going here.
  10. You will see a lot of butterflies in Andaman. Andaman is a ‘happy island’ for butterflies. Many butterflies reach here from the surrounding tropical islands.
  11. The first European who established his colony in the Andaman was a Danish (a resident of Denmark). It reached Andaman in 1755. The British first reached the Andaman in 1789, that too on Chantham Island. The British built their colony and naval military base here.
  12. Andaman is closer to Indonesia and Burma than India. Andaman’s distance from Indonesia is 150 km while India’s border is 800 km away from it.
  13. The two islands of Andaman are named after two officers of the East India Company. These islands are Havelock and Neil Island.
  14. Subhas Chandra Bose further strengthened his ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ with Japanese help. This was the period of World War II itself. Bose named the North and South Islands Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep.
  15. 90% of the area of ​​Andaman Islands is densely forested. This is more than any other state in India.
  16. The first ray of sunrise fell on the Andaman Islands before the century. Such was the fortune that Cathal Island had got.
  17. Danish Colonial Rule ended here in 1868. This happened because the Britishers bought it. After this, the entire rights of the island went into the hands of the British.
  18. Under the British rule, the name of Andaman was famous for the punishment of ‘Kalapani’. The Cellular Jail here still tells the story of the heroes of the freedom struggle. However, this jail has now been converted into a national monument.
  19. During the Second World War, Andaman and Nicobar was the only land area in India that was occupied by Japan. Japan also occupied some parts of North East of India but only for 6 months. This island was occupied by Japan for 3 years.
  20. The state animal of Andaman is Dugong. It is a sea creature and is extremely shy with its pair. They have 5 breeding centers out of which one is in Andaman.

How to Reach Andaman and Nicobr island?

To reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you have two main options: by air or by sea. Here are the details for each mode of transportation:

  1. By Air:
    The most convenient and popular way to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is by air. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital city of the islands, is well connected to major cities in India. Here are the steps to reach by air:
  • Step 1: Book a flight to Port Blair: You can book a flight from major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, or Delhi to Port Blair. Several airlines operate regular flights to the islands, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir.
  • Step 2: Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport: Once you arrive at the airport, you will need to complete the necessary immigration and customs formalities.
  • Step 3: Proceed to your destination: From Port Blair, you can further explore the other islands by taking domestic flights or ferry services.
  1. By Sea:
    If you prefer a more leisurely and scenic journey, you can reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by sea. There are regular ship services available from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. Here’s how to reach by sea:
  • Step 1: Book a ship ticket: Check the schedule and availability of ship services from the respective port cities. Ship tickets can be booked through the official website of the Directorate of Shipping Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
  • Step 2: Board the ship: Arrive at the designated port on the departure date and complete the boarding formalities. Make sure to carry all the necessary documents, including valid identification.
  • Step 3: Enjoy the sea journey: The sea voyage to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can take around 3 to 4 days, depending on the weather conditions and the route chosen. Ships usually offer basic amenities like cabins, food, and entertainment options to make the journey comfortable.
  • Step 4: Arrive at Port Blair: Once you reach Port Blair, you can explore the islands further by taking domestic flights or ferry services to other destinations.

Note: It is advisable to check the availability and timings of flights and ship services in advance, especially during peak seasons. Also, keep in mind that ship schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching the Andaman and Nicobar Islands promises to be a memorable journey filled with natural beauty and adventure.



FAQs on Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  1. Q: Where are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located?

    A: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of the Indian mainland. They are part of the Union Territory of India.

  2. Q: How do I reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: The most common way to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is by air. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital city, is well connected to major cities in India. Regular flights operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. There are also limited ship services available from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.

  3. Q: Do I need a permit to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: Yes, all foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indian nationals do not require a permit for Port Blair, but they need a permit for visiting other parts of the Andaman Islands. Permits can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or from the immigration authorities.

  4. Q: What is the best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is usually from November to April when the weather is pleasant and ideal for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The monsoon season from May to September should be avoided as heavy rainfall and rough seas can disrupt travel plans.

  5. Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a range of attractions for visitors. Some popular places to visit include Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Cellular Jail National Memorial, Ross Island, Neil Island, Baratang Island, and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. These places offer beautiful beaches, historical sites, and opportunities for nature exploration.

  6. Q: What activities can I enjoy in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a wide range of activities for tourists. You can indulge in water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Additionally, you can go on nature walks, visit tribal villages, enjoy boat rides to nearby islands, and explore the rich marine life through glass-bottom boat rides.

  7. Q: Are there any restrictions on photography in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: Yes, photography is restricted in certain areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially in tribal reserves and sensitive areas. It is advised to check with local authorities or guides before taking photographs to ensure compliance with regulations.

  8. Q: What is the currency used in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments. It is advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors and remote areas.

  9. Q: Are there any health and safety precautions to consider while visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: While the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are generally safe for tourists, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Use mosquito repellents to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. It is also recommended to drink bottled water, avoid street food, and follow basic hygiene practices. Additionally, be cautious while engaging in water activities and follow safety instructions provided by professionals.

  10. Q: What is the culture and language of the people in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    A: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups and tribes

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a unique and captivating destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and vibrant marine life, the islands provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. From exploring historical sites to engaging in thrilling water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

However, it is important to respect the local culture and environment while visiting the islands. Adhering to rules and regulations, obtaining necessary permits, and being mindful of sensitive areas ensures a harmonious experience for both visitors and the island communities.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or history enthusiast, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands beckon with their untouched beauty and rich heritage. Embark on a journey to these islands and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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