Andaman-Nicobar Islands(Union Territory)

Overview

Mild breeze, beautiful palm leaves, serene white beaches with the tranquil sound of waves gushing on the a coral reef- Andaman and Nicobar islands truly are a galore of picturesque extra vengeance. These islands are as shimmery as the emeralds in the Bay of Bengal. The dense forest cover in these islands and the uncountable exotic flowers and birds create a highly romantic and poetic atmosphere. The white beaches on the edge of a wavering coastline have palm trees that groove to the rhythm of the Sea. The beat of tribal drums startles the stillness and multicolor fish, their way through crystal white water.

The Andaman & Nicobar islands are basically a group of 572 picturesque Islands, big and small, inhabited and uninhabited, islets and rocks lying in the South East of the Bay of Bengal. These are home to some of the oldest tribes in the country. For the adventure freaks, Andaman Water Sports Complex provides facilities for trekking, diving and snorkelling. Even simply relaxing by the sea in this paradise is a memorable experience.

Location- Andaman and Nicobar are a group of islands lying in the Bay of Bengal and lies 150 km north of Indonesia.

Tourist Attractions in Andaman Nicobar

Sightseeing

The capital of the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands- Port Blair offers several spots worth visiting.

1. The Cellular Jail-as suggested by its name, it is entirely made up on individual cells for the solitary punishment of the prisoners. The jail, now a place of heritage for all freedom loving people, has been declared as a National Memorial. The legend of the epic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Sound & Light show in the evenings.
2. The Marine Museum and the Fisheries Museum bring to us the natural heritage of the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.
3. Forest Museum- Situated at Haddo (quite close to the Mini Zoo), offers an insight into forest treasure of these islands.
4. The Aberdeen Bazaar is another famous spot of Port Blair from where one may collect some shells and wood handicrafts as souvenirs and gifts.
5. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is at a distance of 29 Kms. From Port Blair. 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.
6. Chatham Saw Mill- Chatham Island, at the northern tip of Port Blair, resides the Asia’s largest saw mill. Dating back to 1836, the gigantic workshops are built in the durable and expensive Padauk wood. Nowadays, logging on the islands is banned and most of the wood now comes by ship from other countries like Malaysia and Myanmar.
7. Mini Zoo-Situated at Haddo (Delanipur - Chatham road), it houses some of the most rare species of birds and animals found here.
8. Mount Harriet -Mount Harriet was once the summer headquarters of  the Chief Commissioner during the Colonial times. This highest point near Port Blair is the perfect place for a picnic or a trek. Situated about 55 km from Port Blair by road, it takes 15 minutes to travel by ferry and road.  It has a Forest Guest House with lovely huts at a height of 365 m. Ideal for sunrises as well as sunsets.

Must visits include-

1. Neil Island (situated 36 kms from Port Blair) - This beautiful island with emerald green forest and sandy beaches is the bowl of vegetables for Andaman. Connected by boat from Port Blair running for four days a week, it provides  an excellent holiday for eco-friendly and nature loving tourists.
2. Long Island (situated 82 kms from Port Blair)- Connected by a boat which sails four times a week from the Phoenix Bay Jetty, this island offers an excellent sandy beach at Lalaji Bay. It offers pristine environment and evergreen forests. The sea around the island is frequently visited by dolphin convoys. Lalaji bay is accessible by 15 minute journey in dinghies or trekking through the forest.
3. Rangat (situated 170 km by road and 90 km by sea from Port Blair)- One can enjoy the solitude village life and quietness of nature here. You can also smell unpolluted and clean air, something not quite easy to get for a city dweller. Cutbert Bay beach (situated 20 km from Rangat bazaar/jetty) is a nesting ground for turtles. One can watch the nesting of turtles during the months of December, January February.
4. Mayabunder (situated 242 km by road and 136 km by sea from Port Blair)- Situated in the Middle Andaman, Mayabunder offers breathtaking beauty and exquisitely beautiful beaches. Home to the settlers from Burma of  Pakistan and ex-convicts, Mayabunder has a distinct culture. It has a beach at Avis Island (a beautiful 30 minute boat journey from Mayabunder), Karmatang beach (just13 km) and creeks lined with Mangroves are the attractions. The Karmatang Beach is also a nesting ground for turtles.

Adventure Sports

Andaman and the Nicobar Islands are a great option for adventure lovers. A large variety of water sports are available here. These are amazing experiences to add into your life. Some of the details are given below-

1. Andaman Water Sports Complex- This complex has is a center of attraction for sport lovers. It provides safety in water sports like Rowing Boats, Aqua-glide, Aqua-cycle Bumper boats Paddleboat, Kayaks, etc. Besides this, the complex also facilitates adventure through Water scooters, Water-skiing, Gemini boats, Sailboats, Speedboats Wind-surfers, Glass-bottom boats, etc.
2. Surfing- Indian ocean blesses crystal clear water provides excellent options for surfing.
3. Trekking – The way from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban is an excellent trekking trail, lined with rich forest life and treasures of flora and fauna. One could hire the trekking equipment along with tents from the Andaman Teal House.
4. Island Camping - They are ideal dwellings travelers who want to sit in the lap of mother nature and enjoy the freshness and beauty of the Sun, moon and the beach.
5. Scuba Diving- These islands are blessed with abundant underwater treasures. One can Explore its marine flora and fauna- the diversities of colorful fish, extravagant coral reefs, collection of sunken ships, and a lot more. This entire heaven under water is explored by Scuba diving. The Scuba Diving Society situated at Wandoor provides Scuba Diving services to its tourist, also some private divers do the same.
6. Snorkeling- These islands facilitate Snorkeling in order to view its marine life as well as the coral fields. The Andaman Water Sports Complex, Havelock, and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, are some of the ideal spots for Snorkeling from dawn to dusk.

Festivals

Island Tourism Festival- Every year the Andaman & Nicobar administration organizes a two week long festival (from December to January) fills festivity in these Islands. Cultural groups and artists from all over the world are invited to perform along with performances by the tribe. Competitions in Water sports like Nicobari Hodi race are also organized. Other attractions include Puppet show Magic show, Baby show, Floating restaurant, Canoe Race, Scuba Diving, Dog show, etc. This festival portrays these islands as eco-friendly tourist destination.