Andaman Islands

Island Life

Experience the vibrant culture and serene beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form a tropical archipelago and Union Territory of India located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. With around 572 to 836 islands, islets, and rocks, merely 31 to 38 of them are permanently inhabited. The capital and largest city is Port Blair, which has recently been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.

Geography and Nature

• Archipelagos: The islands are categorized into the northern Andaman group and the southern Nicobar group, divided by the 150 km wide Ten Degree Channel.

• Biodiversity: More than 80% of the land is covered with dense tropical forests, housing unique wildlife such as the Dugong (State Animal), Andaman Wood Pigeon (State Bird), and the Leatherback Sea Turtle, the largest turtle species globally.

• Volcanic Activity: Houses India's only active volcano on Barren Island.

• Southernmost Point: Indira Point on Great Nicobar is the southernmost point of India.

History and Culture

Indigenous Tribes: For millennia, the islands have been inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, and Great Andamanese (of Negrito descent) in the Andamans, along with the Nicobarese and Shompen (of Mongoloid descent) in the Nicobars. The Sentinelese are among the last uncontacted tribes in the world.

• Colonial Era: Referred to as 'Kala Pani' (Black Water) during British colonialism, mainly due to the Cellular Jail in Port Blair where Indian freedom fighters were detained.

• Demographics: After independence, migrants from mainland India (mainly from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala) have transformed the islands into a multicultural "Mini India". Bengali is the predominant language, followed by Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Tourism and Travel Highlights

The islands serve as an exceptional destination for eco-tourism and adventure activities.

• Top Islands:

  • Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Renowned for Radhanagar Beach, often highlighted as one of Asia's finest.

  • Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Famous for its laid-back atmosphere and natural rock formations.

  • Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island): Showcases ruins from the British era and free-ranging deer.

• Key Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling at Elephant Beach, kayaking through mangroves in Baratang, and hiking to Saddle Peak (the tallest point).

• Best Time to Visit: From October to May for enjoyable weather and clear waters ideal for diving.

• Access: Reachable via flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from major Indian cities or by passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.

Are you considering a visit? I can assist you with a 7-day itinerary or information on permits for foreign travelers.