Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Capital: Port Blair
Area: 8,249 square km.
Population: 356,265 (2004)
Andaman District: 6,408 sq.km.
Nicobar District: 1,841 sq.km.
Capital : Port Blair
Distance : 1,255 kms. from Calcutta, 1,200 kms. from Chennai, 1,200 kms.
from Vishakhapatnam
Altitude : Varies from sea level to 732 metres
Highest Peak : Saddle Peak - 732 metres.
Temperature : Minimum temperature23C, Maximum temperature31C
Climate : Tropical throughout the year.
Languages: Hindi, Nicobarase, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, English
Rainfall : 3000 mms (May to Mid-September & November to January).
Relative Humidity: 70% to 90%.
Forest cover : 86%.
STD Code: 03192
Andaman and Nicobar Islands with its administrative headquarters at Port
Blair, appears in history as old as the period of Lord Rama. Hanumanji is
believed to have landed here on the way to Sri Lanka, in search of Mata Sita.
The islands were inhabited until mid 19th century by aboriginal tribes whose
main occupation was hunting using bows and arrows.
The Andaman group of islands consists of North Andaman, Middle Andaman,
South Andaman, Little Andaman, and many smaller islands 1000 km off the east
coast of India. The islands form the peaks of a vast submerged mountain
range that extends for almost 1000 km between Myanmar (formerly Burma) and
Sumatra. The Nicobar group of islands, which begin 50 km south of Little
Andaman, comprise Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Nancowry, Katchal and Chowra.
While geographically and ethnically close to Myanmar, politically the
islands belong to India.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of 572 islands adrift in
the Bay of Bengal, the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
stretches over an area of more than 700 sq. kms. Located in the Bay of
Bengal between India and Burma (Myanmar), the topography of the islands is
generally hilly with heavy rain forests. Farming and fishing are the
main industries of the indigenous people.
The islands have brilliant tropical flora. The islands are endowed
with evergreen thick forests and tropical trees with mangrove swamps on the
water's edge. Part of the islands are hilly. The beaches have white sand and
coral reef , unpolluted sparkling clear water which is excellent for
snorkeling.
The clean and wide roads, free of filth as well as unpolluted fresh air
attract any nature-lover, who seek absolute peace and tranquility in the lap
of mother nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping,
snorkeling, scuba diving etc., are the real attractions. A visit to these
islands is a memorable lifetime experience.
The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later
abandoned in 1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement,
taken up in 1858, after the First War of Independence, followed by the
settlement of convicts, Moplas, some criminal tribes from Central and United
Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka as
well as ex-servicemen
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varieties
of colored fishes, sea turtles etc., besides other marine life. It is a
birds paradise - more than 271 varieties of birds inhabit the idyllic
landscape, out of which 39 are endemic. Megapode, Swiftlet, Hornbill and
Nicobar Pigeon are some of the specialties of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The best time to visit these islands is between Mid November to April.
December and January are the peak seasons to come here.It's an excellent
place to explore the hidden wealth of the Marine National Park - see the
marine life, get chased by Dolphins and experience the beauty of the fields
of the corals.
Port Blair can be reached from Calcutta and Chennai in India by air and from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam by sea. Indian tourists
can travel freely through the archipelago, but foreigners need a special
permit to visit. This can easily be obtained in Port Blair, but only grants
access to a limited number of places and islands in the Andaman area.
Despite this, it still is a true Garden of Eden for those who seek peace and
quiet and a beautiful beach.
Tourism
Though travel is restricted, those islands that are open to tourism are a
traveller's delight. Unique fauna, lush evergreen forests, deserted beaches,
clear blue lagoons enclosed by exquisite coral reefs, an extraordinary
history. For weary mainland travellers, the Andamans offer opportunities for
relaxation and/or activities such as trekking, snorkelling and diving.
Entry Formalities
Foreigners: Foreign nationals can get a 30 day permit to stay at
the islands of their arrival at Port Blair from the immigration authorities.
How to Get There
By Air
Five weekly flights between Calcutta and Port Blair and four flights between
Chennai and Vishakhapattnam connect the islands to the mainland.
By Sea
There are around three to four ships sailing between Haddo Jetty, Port Blair
in the Andamans and Calcutta and Chennai on the mainland. There is one
sailing from Vishakhapattnam every two months. The Shipping Corporation of
India runs these sailings. The distances between Port Blair and some of the
important cities on the mainland are Calcutta - 1255 km, Chennai - 1190 km
and Vishakhapatnam - 1200 km
Local Transport
The Directorate of Shipping Services maintains regular inter-island
foreshore and harbour ferry services to cater to the needs of inter-island
commuters. There are local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and
taxis available for local transport on the islands.
Fairs and Festivals
The islanders celebrate most of the festivals of the mainland due to the
influence of the external society and the development that has taken place.
Major festivals are Durga Puja, Pongal, Panguni Uthiram, and Onam. Other
important festivals are Mahashivaratri, Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali,
Christmas, Good Friday, etc.
Where to stay?
- Government Accommodation:
- Andaman Teal House, Delanipur, Port Blair
Tel.:32642, 34060, 34061
- Horn Bill Nest, Corbyn's Cove, Port Blair
Tel.:32018, 34304, 34305
- Sainik Vishram Ghar, Delanipur, Port Blair
- Dolphin Yatri Niwas, (Havelock Island)
Tel.:82411, 82444, 82411
- Hawabill Nest (Neil Island)
Tel.:82630
- Hawksbill Nest (Rangat), Swiflet Nest (Mayabunder)
- Turtle Resort (Diglipur).
Reservation:
Director of Tourism (A & N), Port Blair-744 101.
Tel.: 32747/32694. Fax: (03192) 30933/30234
- Accommodation Run By ANIIDCO:
Tourist Home/Megapode Nest Tel.: 33659, 32207. Fax:(03192) 32702, 32076.
Reservation:
General Manager,
A & N Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd.
(ANIIDCO) Vishranti, Port Blair-744 101.
Tel.: 32098/33659. Fax: (03192) 35098, 32702
- Accommodation Run by Municipal Council:
- Municipal Lodging House, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:34919
- Municipal Dharamsala, Aberdeen Bazaar
- Municipal Guest House, Delanipur
Reservation:
Secretary, Municipal Council, Aberdeen Bazaar-744 101. Tel.:32576.
Fax:(03192) 34508.
- Luxury Hotels:
- Hotel Bay Island (Welcome Group) Marine Hill
Tel.:34101, 32123, 32198. Fax:(03192) 33463
- Peerless Beach Resort, Corbyn's Cove
Tel.:33460-65. Fax:33468
- Sinclairs Bay View, South Point
Tel.:33159, 32973,
- Hotel Shompen, Middle Point
Tel.:32360, 32644 Fax:(03192) 32425
- Budget Hotels:
- Hotel NK International, Sea Shore Road Tel.:33066, 33382.
Fax:(03192) 30413
- Hotel Abhishek, Goalghar Tel.:33565, 34561
- Hotel Dhanalakshmi, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:33953
- Hotel Shalimar, Delanipur Tel.:33509
- Holiday Resort, Prem Nagar Tel.:30516, 34231
- Hotel Gem Continental, Goalghar Tel.:34534. Fax:32830
- Hotel Kavita, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:33762
- Ram Niwas Lodge, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:33717
- Andaman Tourist Cottage, Babu Line Tel.:32809
- Sampat Lodge, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:33752
- Hotel Bengal KP, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:32964
- Hotel Jai Mathi, Phoenix Bay Tel.:30836
- Hotel Shah & Shah, Mohanpura Tel.:32331, 33696
- Jagannath Guest House, Phoenix Bay Tel.:32148
- Central Lodge, Goalghar Tel.:33632/33634
- Ratan Lodge, Supply Line Tel.:32133
- K.K. Guest House, Babu Line
- Sagar Alok Lodge, Aberdeen Bazaar Tel.:33587
- Anand Lodge, Haddo Tel.:33252
- Phoenix Lodge, Phoenix Bay Tel.:33820
- Youth Hostel, Near Netaji Stadium Tel.:32459
What to See
Cellular Jail, Andaman
Cellular
Jail, located at Port Blair, is a mute witness to the tortures meted out to
the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this Jail. The Jail,
completed in the year 1908 acquired the name, 'cellular' because it is
entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the
prisoners. It was home to hundreds of freedom fighters whose names are now
engraved on the walls of its watch tower, the Cellular Jail stands as a
symbol of colonial oppression, cruelty and untold suffering.
The prison fanned out in seven wings, stands three stories high and
contained a total of 698 cells. Three wings have been now destroyed to make
way for a hospital, but a visit to the remaining can only give an indication
of the horrors of incarceration. Daily work routines for the prisoners
included the crushing of thirty pounds of coconut and mustard oil; being
unable to meet the quota would result in severe punishment shackling and
flogging. There are no records of how many died or were executed. The Jail
now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving people, has been declared a
National Memorial.
There is also a Museum and an Art Gallery which is open on all days
except Monday from 9.00 AM to 12 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is at a distance of 29
Kms. from Port Blair covering an area of 281.5 Sq.Kms. This Marine Park
made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands, is one of the
best found anywhere in the world. Viewing of rare corals and underwater
marine life through glass bottom boats, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are a
lifetime experience for anyone here. The erstwhile Dilthaman Tank, which was
the only source of drinking water to Port Blair has been developed into
Gandhi Park in an unbelievably short time of 13 days.
The tourism department has combined the natural beauty of the destination
with attractive, modern facilities at several parks around the islands. The
destination offers a melting pot of eco-tourism, fun and adventure
activities. This park is made up of open sea, creeks and fifteen small and
large islands. One can see mangrove forests along the creeks, as well as
observe the fascinating marine life and coral reefs. The Andaman tourism
authorities have introduced innovative glass bottom boat rides, whereby
tourists can take a closer look at the coral colonies.
Andaman Water Sports Complex
This is a unique sports complex in India in its own kind. There are
facilities for safe Water Sports such as Rowing Boats, Paddle Boats, Kayaks,
Aqua-cycle, Aqua-glide, Bumper boats, etc., and Adventure water sports such
as Water-skiing, Water scooters, Gemini boats, Para-sailing, Sail boats,
Wind-surfers, Speed boats, Glass-bottom boats, etc.
Every afternoon, between 2 and 5pm, the Water Sports Complex, in
north-west Port Blair, close to the Cellular Jail, comes alive with the purr
of outboard motors. The is where you can rent a water scooter or speedboat,
and ride the waves towards Ross Island, or even be launched into the air on
a parasail for a fantastic view of the harbour. Children can be left in the
safer haven of a calm seawater swimming pool.
There is also a Memorial built to commemorate the Battle of Aberdeen,
fought between the British and Andamane aborigines in May, 1859, in which
many Andamanese died.
Fisheries Museum, Port Blair
The Fisheries Museum near the Water Sports Complex houses nearly 350
species of marine life, including live coral, sharks, polyps and starfish.
Chatham Saw Mill, Port Blair
Chatham
Island, at the north tip of Port Blair, houses Asias largest saw mill.
Dating back to 1836, the enormous workshops are built in the durable (and
expensive) padauk wood.
The Chatham Saw Mill, one of the oldest and largest mills in Asia, built
on a tiny
island, is connected to Port Blair by a bridge. It is a store-house of
timber like Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satin Wood, etc. The island has the
second largest wharf of these islands, where island-mainland ships can
berth.
Since the 1970s, logging on the islands has been banned and most of the
wood now comes by ship from Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. A guide will
take you through the entire process of the logs being unloaded, sorted, cut,
planed and finally stored in vast godowns to be shipped off to the mainland.
Samudrika Museum, Port Blair
The Samudrika is a museum run by the navy. The museum displays history
and geography of the Andaman & Nicobar islands. It is divided into five
sections: history of the islands, their geography, people, marine life and
archaeology. It houses an impressive display of coral and shells, and a
large relief map of the islands topography.
Anthropological Museum, Port Blair
The Anthropological Museum, at Haddo in north Port Blair, was set up in
1975. This small Museum is run by the Anthropological Survey (ASI) of India.
It displays wide selection of Andamanese tribal weapons, boats, 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.There are also many photographs on
display.
The Museum is interesting and a visit should be a Must for anyone finding
himself or herself at Port Blair - whether specially interested in the
Andamanese or not. Upstairs of the Museum there is a well-stocked and
apparently well-organized library which provides the scholar with invaluable
references to tribal culture.
Forest Museum, Port Blair
Situated at Haddo (near to the Zoo), this museum offers an insight into
forest activities through scale models and displays decorative pieces made
of famous woods like Padauk, Marble, Peauma, Gurjan, Satin Wood, etc., and
models of all activities undertaken by the forest Department. The museum is
open on all working days.
Marina Park, Port Blair
Just adjacent to the Water Sports Complex is the new amusement park
offering rides for children and adults alike: giant wheels, paratrooper and
dragon coaster. There is also a miniature botanical garden and a statue of
Netaji Subhas Bose here.
Gandhi Park, Port Blair
This beautiful park at Port Blair has facilities like amusement rides,
safe water sports, nature trail around the lake, garden, restaurant and
historic remains like Japanese Temple as well as a bunker. The erstwhile
Dilthaman tank, which was the only source of drinking water to Port Blair,
and the area around it has been developed into Gandhi Park in an
unbelievably short time of 13 days.
India's Only Active Volcano
This is undoubtedly a bewitching eco tourism destination. It is also an
unconventional attraction, as its lure lies in its lurking, dormant danger.
Barren Islands, 139 kms by sea from Port Blair, erupted twice in the recent
past - once in 1991, and again in 1994-95, after remaining dormant for about
177 years. This island, about 3 kms in diameter, has a big crater of a
volcano, about half a kilometer away from the shore. This island can be
visited by special boats and landing ashore is not allowed.
Sippighat Agricultural Farm
This is a Government agricultural & demonstration farm spread over in
area of 80 acres. Research & Development programmes for cultivation of
spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut and pepper are conducted here.
Research and Demonstration farm of the Central Agricultural Research
Institute (CARI) is nearby.
Mount Harriet - 2nd highest peak, Andaman
The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during the British Raj,
this highest point near Port Blair is an ideal place for a picnic or a trek.
About 55 km from Port Blair by road (15 km by ferry and road), Mount Harriet
has a Forest Guest House with lovely huts at a height of 365 m. Nice for
sunrises and sunsets.
Ross Island
Ross Island was once the seat of the British Administration. The Chief
Commissioner's residence, modeled on Windsor Castle, now lies in ruins.
Chidiya Tapu, Port Blair
Chidiya Tapu is the southern most tip of South Andaman. The lush green
mangroves, forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands
and Munda pahar beaches make it an ideal picnic site. The forest guesthouse
situated on top of a hillock provides a fabulous view of isolated islands,
submerged corals and the breath-taking sunset.
Mini Zoo, Port Blair
Situated at Haddo (Delanipur - Chatham road), it houses some of the rare
species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands.
Useful Telephone Number Services
- Transportation
Indian Airlines-Office:33108/34744.
Airport:32983
Shipping Corporation of India-33347/33916
Directorate of Shipping-32528/31794
Bus Terminus-32278
Railway Reservation-33042
- Tourism
Tourism Office-32747/32694/31346
Govt. of India Tourist Office-33006
- Post, Telegraph and Media :
Head Post Office-32226/32566
Telegraph Office-32551/32897
All India Radio-33260/30118
The Daily Telegrams (Daily)-32810
Andaman Herald (Daily)-30171/33222
- Police & Other Public Utilities :
Police Head Quarters-33077/3210
Aberdeen Police Station-32400
G.B. Pant Hospital Complex (OPD)-32102/33473
Power House-32786/34353
Fire Station Aberdeen-32101, 32301 PBX-32002
Netaji Stadium-32637
- Tourist Places :
Andaman Water Sports Complex-30799
Cellular Jail-National Memorial-32759, 30117
Cellular Jail-L & S Show-33383
Anthropoligical Museum-32291
Fisheries (Marine) Museum-32719
Corbyn's Cove Complex-31032
Gandhi Park-30898,
Zila Parishad Office-32398
External Links