The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the seven union territories of India, are a group of islands. The territory is 150 km north of Aceh in Indonesia and separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman Sea. It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, with the Andamans to the north of this latitude. The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west.
The territory's capital is the Andamanese town of Port Blair.Capitalconsists of more than 570 islands and islets is spread over 8,249 sqkms. The Andaman Islands are home to the Palaeolithic people, the Sentinelese people, who have no contact with any other people.
Principle attractions of islands are unspoilt beaches, clear sapphire sea water, the golden shores, the breath taking coral formations, the flora and fauna, the endlessly fascinating marine life and the tribal native people.To water sports enthusiasts, the Andaman Islands lay out a rich spread of para – sea walk, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking.
More than 90% of the islands are dense forests. Climate is tropical and humid, with a gentle breeze blowing at all times. The weather is generally pleasant, with Mean Min Temp 23°C and Mean Max Temp 30°C.
Accessibility: There are direct flights from Chennai & Kolkata to Port Blair, which is the only operational airport in the island for civilians.
Clothing: Cottons throughout the year.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Commutation between the islands:
The main islands that travellers visit apart from Port Blair are Havelock Island and Neil Island. To reach these islands, Government-operated ferries and Private cruises are available. Note that the timings at which the ferry sails changes as per weather conditions so make sure you contact respective ferry operators a day prior to the sailing.
PORTBLAIR: This is the entry point for visiting Andaman. Port Blair is connected with mainland India by both air and sea. Though it is a 2 hours’ flight from mainland India to Port Blair, but it takes 3-4 days by sea to reach Chennai, Kolkata or Vishakhapatnam. It is home to several museums and a major naval base INS Jarawa of the Indian Navy, along with sea and air bases of the Indian Coast Guard and theIndian Air Force. Port Blair is also famous for the historic Cellular Jail and other small islands like Ross, Viper etc. Major attractions in & around Port Blair are as below -
1. Cellular Jail:
Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), presently a respected memorial dedicated to the great Indian freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the Indian Independence. The Cellular Jail meant to imprison the freedom fighters of India was built in 14 years beginning in 1886 by the British rulers. The original Cellular Jail contains seven regions with the central region having a tower. There were four floors with first three floors for cells and the fourth floor functioned as the watch tower. One can see here the execution room where the freedom fighters were hanged by the colonial rulers.
The visitors can see the light and sound show depicting the sacrifice of freedom fighters and also showing up the brutal history of the Cellular jail. The Martyr’s memorial, a gallery and a museum are also located here, reminiscing Indian independence struggle.
Timings: 0900 hrs to 1230 hrs & 1330 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Closed on Monday and national holidays
Light & Sound show timings: 1800 hrs (Hindi) and 1915 hrs (English)
2. Chatham Saw Mill:
Owned by Forest department, is credited as one of the biggest and oldest saw mills in Asia. The mill, dating back to 1836, is a big store house for different varieties of wood including Marble, Padauk, Gurjan and Satin wood. The mill cuts massive wood into different sizes and shapes of timber and is functioning as the main source of timber for government and private agencies at a moderate price. This mill processes many types of ornamental wood suitable for making furniture and handicrafts.
Timings: 0830 hrs to 1430 hrs.
Closed on Sunday and public holidays
3. Samudrika Marine Museum:
This museum, run by Indian navy is aimed at generating awareness among the visitor about the environment in the ocean and the marine life. This has five sections dealing with history of Andaman Islands, Geographical information, people of Andaman, Archaeology and finally the Marine life. The museum houses wide collections of corals, shells and fish fauna.
4. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:
This national park in Wandoor is situated about 30 km. fromPort Blair City. The park covers about 280 km² made up of 15 islands and the open sea creeks running through the area. The islands Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, which are open during some seasons offers glass bottom boats,scuba diving and snorkelling as a way to see the park's coral reefs and marine life.Both Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are situated next to each other & remains open for tourists for 6 months alternately.
Jolly Buoy Islandis known for under water corals and the pristine clear beach. This Place is one hour journey from Wandoor beach. The normal time leaving to Jolly Buoy Island at Wandoor beach is 9.00am. All the ships leave at the same time and come back together. Jolly buoy is a No Plastic zone. Boats from Jolly Buoy would return by 3 pm and then you can watch the sunset at Wandoor beach and return to Port Blair by bus.
5. NorthBay Island:
This is about an hour ferry ride away from Port Blair jetty (speed boat takes much less time) and is a lovely place to go for a day’s trip. What makes it even more tempting to visit is the wide array of water activities that one can enjoy. Sea walk, jet skii, speed water boat ride, snorkelling are the major water sports activities possible at this island.
6. Ross Island:
Ross Island is located just 2 kms east of Port Blair.It was the Administrative Headquarters for the islands, before an earthquake rocked it in 1941.One can see leftovers of rich past in the ruins of the church, swimming pool and the chief commissioner's residence with its huge gardens and grand ballrooms.There is also a cemetery and a small museum managed by the Indian Navy. The museum has on display a collection of old records.Ross Island can be reached by a short boat ride from Water Sports Complex in Port Blair. The island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering. New highlight of the island is upgraded version of Light & Sound show (a saga of Indian freedom struggle bought to live through moving light and sound effects) which starts around 1745 hrs. You are expected to be back to the hotel in Port Blair by 1900 hrs.
7. Chidiyatapu:
is about 25 kms from main Port Blair city and is well connected by road. It is the southernmost point of South Andaman district. Place is known for the best views of Sunset.
It is one of the few places that the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has permitted and encouraged development of tourism, with a focus on promoting eco-tourism. Havelock is situated 57 km north east of the capital city Port Blair. Beach No. 7 on the western coast, better known as "Radha Nagar" Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on Havelock and was named "Best Beach in Asia" by Time in 2004. Other notable beaches include Elephant Beach on the northwest coast and Vijaynagar Beach (No. 5), Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 1 on the east coast. Kalapathar is another famous beach for a pit stop.
One can go snorkelling at Elephant Beach. It is one of the most preferred snorkelling destinations. Havelock Island has become a destination for honeymooners. The island has a lot of resorts by the beach to cater to tourists.
The island is located 40 kilometres north-east of Port Blair. There are regular Government ferry& private Cruises from Port Blair to Neil Island. Usually the timings are at 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The cruise are fast and takes around 90 minutes to reach Neil Island from Port Blair and around 60 Minutes from Havelock Island. Ferry details and timings regularly changes in Andaman based on season and weather conditions.
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