Andaman

Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory stretches over a length of more than 700 kms. from North to South with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flora and fauna. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offers excellent scope for adventure water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, crystal clear water and mangrove-lined creeks, offer a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature. The clean roads as well as unpolluted fresh air attract any nature-lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of Mother Nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc., are the major attractions here. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.

Mythologically, the name Andaman is presumed to be derived from Hanuman, who was known to the Malays as Handuman. Since pre-historic times, these islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands are the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinalese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars are the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid stock. The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, after the First War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, Moplas, some tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka as well as ex-servicemen.

In these islands people of all faiths-Hindus, Muslim, Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter-religion and inter-regional marriages are common. This amazing racial and cultural mix is aptly described as Mini-India.

Forests are the green gold of the Islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forests have been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, which are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world, occupy nearly 11.5% of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal species are endemic to these islands. The Andaman Nicobar Islands hold over 110 species of wild orchids, which is about 10% of the known Indian orchids.

The surrounding seas are equally rich in marine bio-diversity. They harbour more than 1200 species of fish, 350 species of echinoderms, 1000 species of molluscs and many more other forms of life. Among vertebrates dugong, dolphin and whale are common. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varieties of colourful fishes, sea turtles etc., besides other marine life.

Andaman is a bird’s paradise. More than 246 varieties of birds inhabit the idyllic landscape, out of which 39 are endemic, out of which Megapode, Swiftlet, Hornbill and Nicobar Pigeon are mention worthy. The avi-faunal diversity has always attracted ornithologists and bird watchers to these islands.

Corals and coral reefs are the most fascinating part of marine ecosystem here. So far 179 species of corals belonging to 61 genera have been reported. Reefs are mostly of the fringing type on the western coast. Coral reefs are important breeding and nursery ground for fish and many other organisms.

The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere, shown daily inside the jail compound at 6.00 PM (Hindi) and 7.15 PM (English). Also there is a Museum, an Art gallery, and a Photo gallery, which are open on all days except Monday from 9.00 AM to 12 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

This is a unique sports complex of its kind. Facilities for safe water sports and adventure water sports such as water-skiing, water scooters, gemini boats, para-sailing, sail boats, wind-surfers, speed boats and glass-bottom boats for coral/ship wreck viewing, etc are available here. Saline water swimming pool, promenade for morning/evening walk, change room, food plaza, children’s traffic park, toy train, etc. are available near to the complex. There is a Memorial built to commemorate the Battle of Aberdeen, fought between the British and Andamanese aborigines in May 1859 in which many Andamanese died.

Corbyn’s Cove, the coconut palm fringed beach, ideal for swimming, surfing and sun-basking, is 7 kms away from Port Blair town. Facilities like hotel, restaurant and bar, changing room etc., are available here. Historical remains like Japanese bunkers can be seen here. Snake Island nearby is famous for scuba diving.

The Chatham Saw Mill, one of the oldest and largest mills in Asia, is built on a tiny island connected to Port Blair by a bridge. It is a storehouse of timber like Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satin Wood, etc. This island has the second largest wharf of these islands, where island-mainland ships can berth. The island is near the Haddo wharf, which is the largest wharf in the islands.

This Park is made up of open sea, creeks and fifteen small and large islands covering an area of 281.5 sq. kms. One can see mangrove forests along the creeks and magnificent tropical forests, beautiful beaches, fascinating coral reefs and rare underwater marine life. Wandoor is the base to visit the islands in this park like Jolly Buoy, Red Skin and Cinque. Glass bottom boats help to take a closer look at the coral colonies. A place suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling. Conducted tour to the park is available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair (Tel: 34060/32642/34061). Private boats are available from Wandoor for the coral islands - Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.

Declared as a sanctuary, these are enchanting islands with rare corals and under-water marine life and tropical rain forest. The most fascinating part is a rare sandy beach with a sand bar joining the North and South Cinque islands. Chartered boats of permitted category are allowed, which are available from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu and Wandoor. For information regarding chartering of boat contact:

Havelock Island (54 kms. from Port Blair)

This island, near to Neil Island, offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest. Island camping at Radha Nagar beach is a real exposure to the unpolluted nature. Havelock is connected by daily boat services from Port Blair. Dolphin Yatri Niwas guesthouse of the Directorate of Tourism provides cosy accommodation and transport (Tel: 282411, 282444). Private sector accommodation includes Jungle Resort - Radha Nagar, Sea View Tourist Complex - near boat jetty, (Tel: 82367), M.S. Guest House, near boat jetty (Tel: 82439), Coconut Groves, near Dolphin Yatri Niwas, (Tel: 282427).

Barren Island: (135 kms. by sea)

This is the only active volcano in India erupted twice in recent past, once in 1991 and again in 1994-95, after remaining dormant for about 177 years. This island, about 3 kms. in diameter, has a big crater of the volcano, about half kilometer away from the shore. This island can be visited by special boats. Visit is restricted to on board vessels only. Landing ashore not allowed.

Accommodation: APWD Guest House.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Water Sports: Andaman Water Sports Complex at Port Blair is a unique water sports centre run by Directorate of Tourism. It offers adventure water sports like sailing, skiing, para-sailing, water scooters and speedboats. Trips for coral and shipwreck viewing are operated from here (Tel: 230799).

Adventure Water Sports 12.30 PM to 5PM

Holiday/Sunday - Adventure 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM

Safe water sports are available at Gandhi Park, Port Blair from 8 AM to 8 PM (Tel: 230898)

Diglipur: Water sports centre run by Directorate of Tourism at Kalipur, offers water scooters, speedboats etc. Time: 9 AM to 4 PM.

Scuba Diving: Andaman waters offer a fascinating world of under-water marine life, varieties of colourful fishes, rarest of the coral reefs in the world, mysterious remains of sunken ships, etc. All these can be explored through Scuba Diving.(for information regarding the dive centres check the list of private hotels in this book)

Snorkeling: One can enjoy the under water marine life and view the rarest varieties of corals by snorkeling near the Andaman Water Sports Complex, Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex, islands in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, (Jolly Buoy, Redskin), Cinque island, Havelock and other islands on all days from dawn to dusk depending on weather. Snorkels are available on hire at the guest houses/water sports centres of Directorate of Tourism.

Trekking: One can go trekking through the evergreen forest from Mount Harriet to Madhuban and Durgapur (Diglipur) to Saddle peak and experience the rare forest life, flora and fauna. There are other trekking routes also. Trekking equipment and tents are available on hire at the guest houses of Directorate of Tourism.

Island Camping: Island camps are just the right choice for the adventurous nature-lovers, who wish to enjoy sun, sea and the pristine beauty of nature by spending quiet holidays right on the beach. Tents are available on hire at Radhanagar beach in Havelock island and also at other islands/places like Diglipur, Neil island etc. at moderate rates from October to May, depending on weather.

SHOPPING

The islands offer a wide variety of handicrafts made of wood, sea shells and pearls in the form of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc. There are coconut shell lamp shades, ashtrays, Nicobari mats apart from wood items like walking sticks, trays, bowls, tables and chairs. These items are available at Sagarika, Cottage Industries emporium and Khadi and Village Industrial show room at Middle Point, Port Blair and several private show rooms in different parts of the town.

Accommodation at Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor & Mount Harriet available at Forest Guest Houses. For reservation contact:

v Chief Wildlife Warden, Van Sadan, Haddo, Port Blair.

Do not forget to try the natures cooling tonic – the cool water of tender coconut- to quench your thirst and refresh yourself. Tender coconuts are available everywhere in Andamans.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

Port Blair is an excellent destination for organizing corporate meetings, conferences and get togethers. Let such events be refreshing and rejuvenating, in the cradle of nature. For details regarding conference facilities contact:

1. Hotel Bay Island, Tel: 234101, Fax: 231555

2. Megapode Nest, Tel: 233659,232207, Fax: 232702,232076

3. Peerless Beach Resort, Tel: 233461-64,240201-03, Fax: 233463

4. Hotel Sinclairs Bay View, Tel: 233159,232937, Fax: 231824