Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman dn Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory is stretched over an area of more than 800 kms. from north to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma(Myanmar) to exotic flowers and birds. 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 offer excellent scope for water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, with crystal clear water and mangrove-lined creeks, offer a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature. The clean and wide roads, free of filth as well as unpolluted fresh air attract any nature-lover, who seek absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of mother nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc., are the real attractions. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.

Mythologically, the name Andaman was presumed to be derived from Hanuman, who was known to the  Malays as Handuman. Since pre-historic times, these islands were the home of aborginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands are the Great Andamenese, 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 criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burma and Srilanka as well as ex-servicemen.

In these islands people of all faiths-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, 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 correctly 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 has been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, which are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps one of the riches in the world, occupy nearly 11.5% of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal species are endemic in nature. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varieties of coloured fishes, sea turtles etc., besides other marine lift. It is a bird's paradise - more than 271 varieties of birds inhabit the idyllic landscape, out of which 39 are endemic. Megapode, Swiflet, Hornbill and Nicobar Pigeon are some of the specialties of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

General Information

Top

Entry Formalities 

     All foreign nationals can stay in the islands for 30 days. The stay can be extended by another 15 days with permission. They require a permit to stay from the immigration authorities. In addition, permits can also be obtained from: Indian Missions Overseas, Foreigner’s Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and the immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.

    The places covered by this permit for night halt are: South Andaman Island, Middle Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island (except tribal reserve), Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang, North Passage and islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding islands – Boat Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto) Night halt in the Park is with permission only.

    For Day Halt  South Cinque Island, Ross Island, Narcondum Island, Interview Island, Brother Island, Sister Island and Barren Island   ( Barren Island can be visited on board vessels only).

    Indians  Indian nationals need no permit to visit Andamans. However, permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, which are given in exceptional cases. Application on a prescribed form may be addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District, Port Blair.

Top

Accessing Port Blair

Air: Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Kolkata by air. Presently flights are operated by Indian Airlines/ Alliance Air  on Kolkata –Port Blair and Chennai –Port Blair  sector and  Jet Airways operates and Chennai and Port Blair  sector.

Indian Airlines/Alliance Air : Middle Point, Port Blair city office,       Ph: 233108, Airport Ph-232983

Jet Airways : Junglighat, Port Blair city office, Ph: 236922/236933 Airport Ph.235911

Foreign Tourist Charter  flights: Charter flights are allowed to land at Port Blair  subject to DGCA guidelines. Recently Barefoot Group, Chennai  operated  chartered flights  from Thailand, Ph-237656

 Sea : Passenger ships are available to Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatinam and the journey time is about 55-65 hours. Shipping Corporation of India, Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair Ph: 233347/233590, Chennai Ph-25231401, Kolkata - 22482354 Directorate of Shipping Services, Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair  Ph- 232528/232742,Chennai –25220841.

Inter Island Boat Services : Directorate of Shipping Services operates inter island passenger ferries from Phoenix bay/ Chatham  Jetty to tourist places like Bamboofalt (for Mount Harriet), Havelock, Neil, Diglipur, Little Andaman and private operators run boat services from water sport complex and Wandoor for North Bay and Jolly Bouy/ Red skin respectively.

Road: State Transport Department and private operators run regular city and suburban  bus services from Bus stand in Aberdeen Bazar to connect  Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur.

Tourist Information Centers

·    Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd., Port Blair, Ph-232098, 232207

·    ANIIDCO Branch office, TTDC complex, Wallajah Road, Chennai Ph-044-25360952.

·    Director of Information and Publicity and Tourism, Port Blair, Ph -  232747

·    India Tourism, Junglighat, Port Blair, Ph- 233006

Top