ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS ::: Exotic Destinations

ort Blair is the gateway to the tropical paradise of Andaman & Nicobar Islands - a submerged mountain range forming an archipelago of 572 evergreen coconut palm fringed islands...

Islands where hardly anyone lives. Most of the times the silver-sandy beaches are all yours. PRISTINE is the first word which will come to your mind. Peace is the only sound that you will hear. Island hopping is the favorite pastime and doing nothing is the biggest activity. Of course, the magnificent corals and spectacular marine life demand that you be much lesser of a spoilt sport.

Now you know where those picture postcards guys go!

Of all the islands, only a few are inhabited and a few of them are open to tourists. Rest are reserved for dense forests and aboriginal tribes - the original inhabitants of these islands. The Jarawas, Sentinelese, Andamanese, Shompens, Nicobarese and Onges lead their own distinct lifestyles and are now kept protected in their sanctuaries.

The British rulers of India found these islands strategic and made a beautiful settlement at Ross Island

The interiors of a church at Ross Island (See pic of exterior below).

which is now in complete ruins and spells eerie silence. Unfortunately, they chose Port Blair as a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters. The historic Cellular Jail narrates tales of their horror and terror. The surviving gallows at nearby Viper Island were made even before Cellular Jail.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (the ONLY marine national park in the world!) offers a stunning insight of marine ecology through glass-bottom boats, snorkeling and scuba diving. The islands of Jolly Buoy, Red Skin and Cinque (Two beautiful islands joined by a permanent sand bar) are perfectly preserved samples open to tourists.

An entirely different experience - inside the Cellular Jail.

For those seeking even more leisure, uncountable virgin beaches at Havelock island, Neil Island, Rangat, Long Island, Middle Andaman and Little Andaman are perfect for Sea, Sun, Sand and Surf. Camping is permitted. Sailing through crystal clear waters itself is a fun when scores of dolphins join your ship to match its speed. The active volcano at Barren Island can be seen though disembarkation is not allowed.

Port Blair itself has several attractions besides its glorious history. The Corbyn’s Cove beach, Chiriya Tapu, a number of interesting museums and a well equipped water sports complex will keep you well entertained. An excursion to Mount Harriet gives a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding islands. Besides these, the amazing variety of seafood at various hotels will not let you leave the place in a hurry.

The dense canopies of evergreen jungles, mangrove forests overhanging the creeks and crystal clear waters still displays a virgin beauty which only a few other islands in the world now possess.

QUICK FACTS
Getting there	Port Blair is connected by air with Chennai and Calcutta. Ship travel is not advisable for reliability and hygienic factors.
Foreign nationals	Foreign nationals need permits which are issued at the time of arrival at Port Blair airport for 30 days only. Those arriving by ship will have to obtain permits at Chennai or Calcutta at Foreigner’s registration office.
Best time to visit	December to February. Andamans and Nicobars are tropical islands. The temperature remains almost the same whole of the year. It rains heavily from April to November.
Important	Bring all your essentials from the mainland. Port Blair market is expensive and small.