Archipelago means an extensive group of islands that is rarely to be seen. Hundreds of islands on the Bay of Bengal, full of palm-lined beaches, mangroves, tropical rainforests, and white sand beaches are known as Andaman and Nicobar Islands. An Indian Union Territory in Incredible India, it is also popular for its coral reefs and ocean life.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are comprised of two island groups, one is the Andaman Islands and the other is the Nicobar Islands. These two are separated by a ten-degree channel, due to which Andaman is in the north and Nicobar is in the south.
Port Blair is the capital city. This Indian Union Territory is separated into three separate districts with three different capitals. The Nicobar Islands has Car Nicobar as its capital. Port Blair is the capital of the South Andaman District whereas Maya bander is the capital of North and Middle Andaman.
Geographical Details of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
The highest point of Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be found in North Andaman Island named Saddle pick with an elevation of 732 m or 2402 ft. The Andaman group consists of 325 islands and the Nicobar group has 247 islands.
The only volcano in India, Barren Island, is here which is a mud volcano, the major eruption of which occurred on 13th February 2003.
Nowadays, Ross Island is renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island to give respect and tribute to our great leader. Havelock Island is also now renamed Swaraj Island.
East Sister Island and West Sister Island are two uninhabited islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During the British period, the islands were frequently visited by the Onge people of the Little Andamans for fishing. In 1987 the islands are designated in the name of a wildlife refuge.
Flora and Fauna of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
A special tropical rainforest canopy that is made of flora is another sign of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in our Incredible India. Epiphytic vegetation is the benchmark of South Andaman forests. Wet evergreen-type woodlands are the characteristic of North Andamans. Grasslands are common in Nicobar while deciduous is the landmark of the Andamans. The total forest area coverage is approximately 87%.
The Andaman and Nicobar are the home of the 50 varieties of forest mammals including the Andaman wild bear. Twenty-six species of rodents and 14 species of bats are the specialty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Dugong is the state animal which is also known as the sea cow. There are two endemic varieties of wild boars. The saltwater crocodile is another important feature of this Indian Union Territory. For timber, extraction elephants were brought here and now become part of the Island.
About 270 species of birds and 225 species of butterflies and moths are the residents of this place. In Mount Harriet Park the varieties are easily found.
The prized shellfish like Tube, Trochus, etc. can be found here. Ninety-six wildlife sanctuaries, nine National Parks and one biosphere is the specialty here.
History of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
The first Andamanese people are found long ago but they have isolated themselves from the outer parts of the world since the middle Paleolithic Age, which is nearly 30000 years ago.
The people of the Nicobar Islands are of different backgrounds. They conversed in an Austroasiatic language with an uncertain affiliation and without having a relationship with the Andamanese.
The Cholas, in the time of Rajendra Chola, used the Andaman and Nicobar as a naval base strategically. Marco Polo, the European traveler, described the island in the name of ‘Necuverann’. The modern name Nicobar is derived from Nakkavaram during the British colonial period.
In December 1755, the Nicobar Islands becomes a Danish colony. Due to the outbreak of Malaria, the island had been abandoned. From 1778 to 1784 Austria assumed wrongly that Denmark refused the claim of the Nicobar Islands, so they tried to establish a colony renamed Theresia Islands.
A British Naval Base was set up in 1789 and a colony was established on Challam Island which was next to Great Andaman. Port Cornwallis became the second colony which was later abolished due to some diseases.
On 16th October 1868, Denmark sold the island to the British, and right on from 1869, it became a part of British India.
A penal colony was made up by the British in 1858 at Port Blair for the convicts from the Indian Subcontinent which consisted of the infamous Cellular Jail.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands became united in the year 1872 under the surveyance of a single chief commissioner at Port Blair.
Japanese controlled the island during World War II. At this time Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited the island and called it Swaraj Dweep. In 1944 general Logonathan left the islands and never came back. Japanese surrendered to the Indian Infantry Brigade in 1945 at a ceremony in Port Blair.
During the Independence of India, It was not included as a part of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. In 1950 it became a part of India as an Indian Union Territory.
In 2004 archipelago was devastated by a high tsunami and an undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean. A large land portion was submerged. The locals and the tourist suffered a lot but the aboriginal people survived due to teaching of how to save themselves from the huge waves which follow the earthquakes.
Demographics of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
The population of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar is near about 4 lacs. The sex ratio is 878 females against males. Only 10% of the population lives in the Nicobar Islands. About 500 indigenous and monies have remained in the Andaman Islands including the Jarawa and Sentinelese people. The Nicobarese are living throughout many islands. The Shompen people have restricted themselves in the north Andaman district.
Local Language of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
Bengali is the most spoken and Hindi is the official language of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. English is the additional official language. Some local languages are also used to communicate.
Religion in Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
Hindus are the majority whereas Christians and Muslims are a significant minority in Andaman-Nicobar.
Local life of Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
The released prisoners of cellular jail and traders are the earliest inhabitants of free Andaman and Nicobar Island. After that people from different parts of India gathered there and the place is typically called Mini India. Indian culture and religion can be found here. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the home of the tribals too. They are living in remote areas away from the Hustle and bustle.
The weather of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
Type of tropical climate prevails here which is hot and wet throughout the year. It is a typical beach destination. Sunblock and occasional umbrellas are a must in this place.
Local food of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
Plenty of options for seafood is the specialty of this place. This place is called the Melting Pot of Indian culture, the assembling of different types of cuisines found here.
The lifestyle of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
The people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a very simple life. Weaving baskets and making the ornaments with the help of leaves and shells are their art craft. The living cost is high but manageable. The local enjoys picnics during weekends but late-night Hangouts is not allowed here.
Music and dance: The integral part of the lines of the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Music and dance. Nicoberse folk dance is one of the most important dance forms.
It is done by forming a circle and by keeping the arms on each other’s shoulders. During the local festivals, the essence of their culture can be smelled.
Fairs and festivals of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have any such religious festivals of their own. As the economy of the place is very much dependent on tourism music and beach festival are held to entertain the tourist’s island tourism festivals are held to entertain the tourists island tourism festival are quite popular. It is performed in different places for 15 days reputed music bands, singers, and dancers from different centers are invited. Beach festivals, Music festivals, monsoon festivals, etc. are also other attractions. Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Shivaratri, etc. Are some other religious festivals take place here? The religious festivals of different religions are getting an important position here.
Attire:
The attire is very much interesting. The Sentinelese doesn’t wear any cloth. The Jarwa’s were dressed in necklaces, armbands, other traditional clothes, and pieces of jewelry mostly made up of seashells and bark of trees. Car Nicoborese wears some modern clothes instead of their traditional dress which is made up of coconut leaves. Onge tribes also have given up their no-dress culture and now they are wearing dresses. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians wear their traditional dresses, which are modern also.
Best Time to Visit:
The Andaman and Nicobar Island has very pleasant weather year-round. During summer and winter, the weather is pleasant, days are clear and humid. The monsoon season should be avoided because of the heavy rainfall by which the sea has become rough and unpredictable.
List of Places to Visit:
Lots of places are there to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite the reputation of being a penal colony in the British period, the place is now one of the most desired tourist destinations for its white sandy beaches with sparkling Blue Water.
Port Blair:
The Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair bears the resemblance to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters. The cellular jail is situated here which reminds us of the struggle of the freedom fighters. It is also the gateway to other attractions of these islands. Ferries are mainly operated on the other parts of the islands from here.
Havelock Island:
It is mainly famous for its sea beaches. Radha Nagar beach is one of the major attractions here. Sparkling blue water and the beach is devoid of any waves. Different types of water games are available here. This beach is very much popular among couples because of its serene environment.
Baratang Island:
The island is famous for the Jarwa’s. The boat ride in between the forest is a must for all. Be careful of the sea crocodile. The limestone cave is a place that will win your heart. Mud volcano, parrot Island, and Baludera beach are some places of attraction.
Neil Island:
Famous for its coral reefs and white shores. To visit the coral reef morning is the proper time. It is called the Coral Capital of Andaman. The calm and cool sea breeze here soothes you.
Ross Island:
It is famous for the reins of the penal Colony. The island also has the ruins of British colonial times like a Bakery, bungalow, etc. The location is picturesque despite its notorious past.
Rangat:
Famous for its flora and fauna the location of this place is in the middle and the month. It is the breeding ground of Turtles. The Cuthbert Bay Wild Life Sanctuary is the place to see the young Turtles going towards the sea.
The Great Nicobar Island:
The sparsely populated Island is greatly known for its rainforest with diverse wildlife. It is the house of the indigenous tribe called Shompen, one of the oldest tribes in the world. Campbell Bay is very much popular among photographers. Indira Point the southernmost point of India is situated here. Those unique faunas including crab-eating macaque, robber crab, etc. can be seen here.
Best Time to Visit for Tourism:
The Andaman and Nicobar Island has very pleasant weather year-round. During summer and winter, the weather is pleasant, days are clear and humid. The monsoon season should be avoided because of the heavy rainfall by which the sea has become rough and unpredictable.
Time Duration:
Time depends on how you want to visit the place. It differs from person to person. 7 days and a 6-night tour are enough but if somebody wants to stay more it is according to his choice.
Where to Stay:
Many hotels are there to stay in Andamans and Nicobar islands. They are pocket friendly. They are also neat and clean.
Vehicles:
Different types of vehicles are available with expert hands for sightseeing. You can get lots of cars according to your need. The driver can be your guide also.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Port Blair. The shipping facility is also available from Kolkata. Port Blair is well connected with other parts of the country.
You should experience visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of Incredible India at least once in your life. We are sure that this Indian Union Territory must win your heart.
