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Andaman Island |
The Emerald Islands - Andaman and
Nicobar Islands
Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland
is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and
rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This union
territory stretches over a length of more than 700-kms.
From north to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a
hill range extending from Burma to Indonesia, these undulating
islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety
of exotic flora and fauna.
The
topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen
forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline
are fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm
of the sea. The sea around the islands offers excellent
scope for adventure water sports. The rare flora and fauna,
underwater marine life and corals, crystal clear water
and mangrove lined creeks, offer a dream view of the rare
gifts of nature.
The
clean roads as well as unpolluted fresh air attract any
nature lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility
in the lap of Mother Nature. Adventure tourism like trekking,
island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc., are the
major attractions here. A visit to these islands is a
memorable lifetime experience.
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Click Here for Andaman Tour Packages
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS |
The
Green Paradise
Forests are the green gold of the islands. The reserved
and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory
and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the
forests have been set aside as tribal reserves, national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are inviolate. Luxuriant
mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world, occupy nearly
11.5% of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal
species are endemic to these islands. The Andaman Nicobar
Islands hold over 110 species of wild orchids, which is
about 10% of the known Indian orchids.
People & Culture
In these islands people of all faiths Hindus, Muslim,
Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi,
Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc.,
live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter religion
and inter regional marriages are common. This amazing
racial and cultural mix is aptly described as 'mini-India'.
The History
Mythologically, the name Andaman is presumed to be derived
from Hanuman, the Monkey God, who was known to the Malays
as "Handuman". Since pre-historic times, these
islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes
of the Andaman group of islands are the great Andamanese,
Onges, Jarawas and Sentinalese; all of Negrito origin,
while the tribes of Nicobars, the Nicobarese and Shompens,
both of Mongoloid stock.
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 tribes from central
and united provinces, refugees from erstwhile east Pakistan,
Burma and Sri Lanka as well as ex servicemen.
Marine Life
The surrounding seas are equally rich in marine bio-diversity.
They harbour more than 1,200 species of fish, 350 species
of echinoderms, 1,000 species of Molluscs and many more
other forms of life. Among Vertebrates dugong, dolphin
and whale are common. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
is rich in Corals, varieties of colourful Fishes, Sea
Turtles, etc., besides other marine life.
Andaman is also a bird's paradise. More than 246 varieties
of birds inhabit the idyllic landscape, out of which 39
are endemic. Birds Megapode, Seiftlet, Hornbill and Nicobar
Pigeon are mention worthy. The Avi faunal diversity has
always attracted ornithologists and bird watchers to these
islands.
Sandy beaches of these islands are famous for turtles
nesting. Important species of turtles that are present
on these islands include Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea
Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle. Water
Monitor Lizard, Salt-Water Crocodiles, Reticulate Python
etc. are also seen here.
Corals and coral reefs are the most fascinating part of
marine ecosystem here. So far 179 species of corals belonging
to 61 genera have been reported. Reefs are mostly of the
fringing type on the western coast. Coral reefs are important
breeding and nursery ground for fish and many other organisms.
A New Haven For The Tourists
Andaman and Nicobar islands have recently been recognized
as a world-class Eco-friendly tourist destination and
these islands have something very special to offer to
the tourists. Cellular Jail, Ross Island and Viper Island
create real interest in those, who love Indian history.
The Andaman tropical rainforests, beautiful silver sandy
beaches, serpentine mangrove-lined creeks, marine life
abounding in rare species of plants, animals, corals,
etc., provide a splendid experience to the tourists.
The environment lover finds absolute ease and tranquility
in the lap of Mother Nature. There is tremendous scope
for enjoying the green nature, the virgin beaches, the
marvels of underwater, adventure water sports ad other
activities like Elephant Safari, Trekking, Lagoon Cruise,
Island Camping etc.
Andaman is a popular destination for Scuba Dive Tourists,
Cruise Liners and Sailing Yachts. The administration
has formulated guidelines/procedures for operating Scuba
Dive Centers and Yachts.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands has become the centre
of worldwide attention thanks to the first sunrise of
the millennium at Katchal, an island in the Nicobar group.
Now these islands are emerging as one of the most sought
after Eco-friendly tourist destinations of the 21st Century.
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P L A C E S O N E S H O
U L D N E V E R M I S S .: |
Cellular
Jail, Andaman ::
Built over twelve years from 1896 to 1908 and
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. Situated in the north-east corner
of Port Blair, it is a national memorial now. 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.
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.
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.
Samudrika Museum, Port Blair
The Samudrika is a museum run by the navy. 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.
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.
Sippighat Agricultural Farm
Sprawling over an area of 80 acres is a Government
farm. 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.
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. |
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Nearby
Cities of Port Blair
*******************************
» Port Blair
» Mayabunder
» Kalighat
» Chennai - 1190 Km
» Calcutta - 1255 Km
» Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
How
to Get There
Sea : Ferries are available
to reach Nicobar Islands via sea from Port
Blair, Car Nicobar And Katchal Island.
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No. Of Islands :
28
»Coverage Area : 1,841-sq-kms
» Main Attractions :
Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Nancowry Group Of
Islands,
Katchal Island |
Place
to stay in
Andaman & Nicobar
Government guesthouses and circuit houses are
avilable at Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar and Katchal
Island, but one has to make reservations in
advance.
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TOUR
PACKAGES FOR
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR
ILANDS
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1.
Tropical Beach Tour -
( 3 Nights / 4 Days )
2. Beauty of Andaman Islands -
( 7 Nights / 8 Days )
3. Andaman Adventure Vacation -
( 5 Nights / 6 Days )
4. Honeymoon Travel Package -
( 6 Nights / 7 Days )
5. Havelock Beach Tour -
( 1 Nights / 2 Days )
6. Andaman Holiday Package -
( 2 Nights / 3 Days )
7. Andaman Historical Adventure
( 4 Nights / 5 Days )
8. Andaman Cruise Holidays -
( 4 Nights / 5 Days ) |
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