The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands make one of the eight union territories of India with Port Blair as its capital. It is a group of 572 islands on the Bay of Bengal. Out of these, only 37 are inhabited. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been divided into two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, which are separated by the 10°N parallel. As indicated in the map, the Andaman Sea lies to the east of these islands and the Bay of Bengal to the west.
The southernmost point of India Indira Point lies in the Great Nicobar Island. The archipelago comprises North Andaman, South Andaman, Middle Andaman, and Little Andaman in the Andaman group of islands. The Nicobar group of islands have Great Nicobar, Nancowry, Car Nicobar, Chowra, and Katchal. This region experiences a tropical climate, and 92% of its area is forested.
The Andaman and Nicobar region is home to the only known Paleolithic people living today who have little or no contact with the outside world. The highest point of the Andaman islands is Saddle Peak, which stands at 732 meters height, while Mount Thuillier (642 meters) is the highest point in the Nicobar Islands, located in the Indian Ocean and bordering on the Andaman Sea. These islands span an area of 8,249 square kilometers, out of which, 8,211 square kilometers is rural.
The key tribes inhabiting this place are the Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese, Nicobarese, and Shompen tribes. The main religion of these indigenous inhabitants is animism. According to this religion, the sole deity responsible for everything that happens in the world is Paluga.
The Andaman Islands are situated on the primordial trade route connecting India to Myanmar. These islands were first visited by the navy brigade of East India Company in 1789.
In 1872, the Andaman Islands were connected to the Nicobar Islands by the British for administrative purposes. The Japanese occupied these islands for three years during the Second World War. Andaman and Nicobar Islands became the union territory of India on November 1, 1956.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a breathtaking archipelago with exotic beaches blessed with coral reefs and amazing marine life. Once used as an isolated prison by the British empire to punish Indian freedom fighters, these 'Emerald Islands' are a famous international tourist destination today. It has a range of state-of-the-art hotels and accommodations to cater to its booming tourism industry.
The landscape here is extraordinarily exquisite and makes for a dream holiday destination away from the hustle-bustle of the city life. This group of islands is a glorious destination for nature admirers and adrenaline junkies alike. Some of the islands in Andaman and Nicobar are hilly in places, covered with tropical jungle and with flat stretches of beaches. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving is the prime attractions here.
Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Island
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, renamed three islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The Ross Island changed into Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island is now known as Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island's name changed as Swaraj Dweep. Several other places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Island: Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, famous as just "Water Sports Complex" Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Fisheries Museum, Chidiya Tapu, Mount Harriet National park, Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Indira Point, and Car Nicobar. It is also famous for Barren Island. It is the only confirmed active volcano in the Union Territory.
Where to Stay
- SeaShell, Neil
- Barefoot at Havelock
- Dolphin Resort
- Munjoh Ocean Resort
- Wild Orchid
- Pearl Park Beach Resort
- Coral Reef Resort, and many more.
Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar
The weather in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is usually pleasant all round the year. However, it is better to avoid the monsoons to keep yourself away from strong winds, tidal waves, and incessant rains. The best time to visit the islands is between October and mid-May.
How to Reach Andaman and Nicobar
By Air:
The group of islands has its airport named Veer Savarkar International Airport, located in Port Blair. The airport is connected with cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and others.By Ship:
Passenger ship service is available to Port Blair from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The voyage reaches Port Blair in 50 to 60 hours on fair weather.| Andaman and Nicobar Islands State Information | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Port Blair |
| Date of formation | 01/11/56 |
| Lt. Governor | Admiral (Retd) Devendra Kumar Joshi |
| Tourist attractions | Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Havelock Island, Marine Museum |
| Festivals | Andaman and Nicobar Tourism Festival, Ethnic tribal festivals |
| Languages | Hindi, Nicobarese, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu |
| Size | 8,250 sq. km |
| Population (Census 2011) | 380,500 |
| State animal | Dugong (Sea Cow) |
| State bird | Andaman Wood Pigeon |
| State tree | Pterocarpus dalbergioides , common nameAndaman Red Wood |
| Major crops | Paddy, coconuts, nuts, banana, mango |
| Factoids | It is located in the Bay of Bengal.It is composed of 572 Islands. |
| No. of District | 3 |
Last Updated on : January 24, 2023
Union Territories of India
