Andaman And  Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar Island, the union territory of India, is no less than a paradise for holidaying time. Tourists come here and experience peace and relaxation. Andaman and Nicobar is an island group consisting of 572 small and large islands, in which only a few islands are inhabited by people. Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Indian Ocean to the south of the Bay of Bengal. Let us tell you that the word Andaman is derived from the Malay language word “Handumaan”, in this language Hanuman is called Handuman. Whereas Nicobar in Malay language means “land of the urban people”.

Very few people know that Andaman and Nicobar Island is also called “Garden of Eden”. Here you will get a chance to see the variety of dense trees, fauna and marine life from place to place. This island is especially liked by people interested in marine life and water sports. The island was ruled by the Marathas in the 17th century, then the British took their possession here. Products made of pearls and seashells attract tourists here. Let us tell you that to reach here, one has to take flight or ship facility, not train or bus. So let us tell you today about one of the beautiful islands of India “Andaman and Nicobar Island”.

History of Andaman And Nicobar

The history of Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains a mystery till date. No one knows when and how the first inhabitants came to the island. But it is said that in 1789, the British established their colony in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island was abandoned by the British in 1796. Then the British started controlling the Andaman Islands again in the 19th century. According to the history of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the British used Andaman and Nicobar as a penal colony, which was named “The Cellular Jail”.

It is completely proved by history that those who raised their voice against the British were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in Kalapani. It was a dangerous prison for Indians, but after independence, things changed and Kalapani gave way to a group of beautiful islands. In 1947, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were made a part of the Union of India, which is today one of the seven union territories of India.

Interesting Facts About Andaman And Nicobar

Brain Island is the only active volcano in Andaman and Nicobar not only in India but in the whole of South Asia. Located about 135 km northeast of Port Blair, this tiny island has a 1.6 km wide crater partially filled by a cinder cone or ash cone that has been the source of eruptions since it was recorded in 1787.

The image of the bay shown on the reverse side of the 20 rupee note is of North Bay Island of Andaman. A similar scene can be seen on the way to Mount Harriet. Mount Harriet is the second highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Commercial fishing is banned in Andaman. It is such a place on the earth where fishes get an opportunity to fulfill their life.

Butterflies will be seen a lot in Andaman. Andaman is known as the ‘Happy Island’ for butterflies. Many butterflies reach here from the surrounding islands.

The first European to establish his colony in the Andaman was the Danish. It reached Andaman in 1755. The British first reached the Andaman in 1789, that too on Chatham Island. The British built their colony and naval military base here.

Two islands are very famous in Andaman. Havelock and Neil Island. These two islands are named after two officers of the East India Company.

Indonesia and Burma have more Andaman than India. Andaman’s distance from Indonesia is 150 km while India’s border is 800 km away from it.

Top Tourist Places in Andaman And Nicobar

Havelock Island

This island located in Andaman and Nicobar is named after the British General Sir Henry Havelock. It is one of the major tourist places in Andaman and Nicobar, which attracts lakhs of tourists every year.

Radhanagar beach on this island was declared the most beautiful beach in Asia by Time magazine in 2004. Havelock Island is located at a distance of 55 km from Port Blair. Good transport facility is available to reach here.

Along with scuba diving, a variety of sea creatures can be enjoyed at Havelock Island. Along with this, hand made local things can also be bought here. Along with this, the seafood here is quite famous.

Historic Cellular Jail, Port Blair
The Cellular Jail built in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar, is known for the punishment of ‘Kala Pani’ given here. Its construction period started in 1896, which was completed in 1906, which has 694 cells. The jail is spread over seven branches, which have a total of 694 rooms.
Even today the names of brave bravehearts are written on the walls of this jail and here in the museum those weapons can also be seen from which atrocities were committed on the freedom fighters. The Japanese destroyed many parts of the Saluzer Prison during World War II, but the prison still serves as a reminder of our forefathers and heroes. This jail is open for tourists to visit from 9 am to 5 pm. Please note that the jail is closed on Mondays.

Mangrove Creek
Baratang Island is located at a distance of 100 km from Port Blair. The island offers boat safaris between the nature-made tunnels of dense mangrove plantations. There are limestone caves in Mangrove Creek, where you have to carry a torch to go.

Mount Harriet And Madhuban
If you are traveling to Andaman with friends, then trekking in Mount Harriet is very popular. You will get a trek of 16 km between Mount Harriet to Madhuban. This is a spectacular route where you will get to see fauna along with exotic flora. You can also enjoy elephant safaris in the forests of Mount Harriet.

Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
You can enjoy water sports like banana ride, parasailing, jet skiing, robot paddling, speed boat ride etc. by visiting Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. Here the fee for each water sports activity starts from Rs.300 to Rs.5000.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
You can get a good experience of snorkeling, glass bottom boat ride and scuba diving in Mahatma Gandhi Marin National Park. There are 15 islands in this national park spread over 281.5 sq km.

Neil Island
Known for its spectacular wildlife diversity, coral reefs, white sand beaches and tropical woodlands, Neil Island is perfect for spending a peaceful time. The area of this island is only 13.7 square kilometers. Given the flat landscape and small area, Neil can be cycled around with little effort. The island is very different from its neighboring Havelock because of its laid-back atmosphere and charm.

Neil Island is the most suitable place for those who want to spend time relaxing on the long sandy sea beaches. With little hustle and bustle, few activities and resorts, this island is best for those who want to explore the island villages. Here you can spend time at places named after characters from the Ramayana, or enjoy water sports in the crystal clear waters – Neil Island is the most famous island in the Andaman.

Diglipur
Diglipur in Andaman is a very good place for tourists who love nature. This place is the highest peak of Andaman, where you will find crocodile sanctuary and caves.

Chidiya Island
Chidiya Island is a quiet place for birds. Here you will get a chance to spend some good time with the birds amidst the splendor of nature. The sunset here is mesmerizing. This place is at a total distance of 25 km from Port Blair, which is easily accessible by road.

Ross Island
Ross Island is also known as the Paris of the East. Ross Island is said to have been evacuated after the 1941 earthquake and Japanese invasion. After this the beauty of Ross Island was completely ruined. You can enjoy a lot here with English architecture and machine gun nest.

Local Food In Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If we talk about the food of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then the food here is completely different than other states of India. The food here mainly consists of sea creatures. Since it is a tourist destination, almost everything to eat and drink is available here, but if we talk about the special food here, then it mainly includes sea creatures like fish, khekra, shrimp, lobster etc. South Indian food is mainly included in the hotels here. Apart from this, keeping in mind the tourists, the main food of other provinces of the country is also included.

What can You Do On Andaman Nicobar Island
One can enjoy snorkeling on Andaman Islands, sunbathing along North Beach and Elephant Beach, scuba diving, kayaking in Mayabunder, beach walks, volcano tour in Barren Island, parasailing and jet skiing.

Do Not Miss What To See In Andaman

1. Light show in Cellular Jail.
2. Glass boat ride on Jolly Buoy Island.
3. Spectacular sunset at Chidiya Island.
4. Scuba diving in Havelock Island.
5. Swim with elephant at Radhanagar beach.
6. Natural Bridge on Neil Island.

What Luggage Must Be In The Bag To Go To Andaman
Sunglasses, hat.
Light cotton clothing, sunglasses, light shorts or pants, light shirts.
Board shorts, bikini etc.
Slippers and comfortable open shoes.
Smart casual for an evening meal.
Night Dress.
Raincoat / Poncho.

Shoping in Andaman and Nicoba

The most famous market of the Andaman Islands is the Aberdeen market, where you can find souvenirs, seashell products, pearl jewelery and even fruits and vegetables and everything the island has to offer. This is the most famous market of Andaman.

Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar

The best time of the year to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is between October and May. It is also the time for the “Annual Tourism Festival”. Post monsoon is the perfect time for snorkelers and swimmers to visit Andaman and Nicobar.

How To Reach Andaman And Nicobar

Many people have a question that how to travel to Andaman and Nicobar or how to reach there. So let us tell you that Andaman cannot be reached by train. There is no station here. Nor is there any bus service to this place. You can go to Andaman only by flight or ship. Many flights to Andaman Islands are available from major cities. Flights to Andaman are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai. Only domestic flights operate here. However, if you want, you can reach Andaman by ship to enjoy a little more twist and fun in your journey. To go by ship, first you have to reach Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag port. Every month two to three ships go to Andaman from these cities.