Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar is one of the union territories of India have almost 836 beautiful islands. Its Capital name is Port Blair which is the largest city as well. Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been divided into two parts. The first one is the Andaman Islands situated on the northern side and the other is the Nicobar Islands on the southern side.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are prime destinations for tourism in India which offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Its beautiful beaches, lush green forests, historical landmarks, and vibrant marine life cater to all kinds of travelers.
Etymology
The name Andaman possibly originated from “Handuman,” referencing the Hindu deity Hanuman from the epic Ramayana. The Malay, historically involved in the region’s slave trade, also used a similar name.
Nicobar, situated along the sea route connecting South India to Southeast Asia, was originally known as “Nakkavaram,” meaning “open/naked land” borrowed from the Tamil language, which later evolved into “Nicobar.”
History
Due to the historic trade path connecting India and Myanmar, the Andaman Islands were first explored by the navy of the English East India Company in 1789. Later, in 1872, administrative ties were established between the Andamans and the Nicobar Islands under British rule. In 1956, both island groups were merged into a union territory of the Republic of India.
Throughout its history, the territory has been renowned for its indigenous communities, who have deliberately minimized contact with outsiders from different ethnic backgrounds for over a century.
Tourism
Tourism is a key factor in boosting this island’s economy. A rough idea is that over 400,000 visitors in 2106 visited here. This is 70% of the local population. In 2018, the Indian government took serious steps to increase the facilities for tourists across various islands under the National Institute of Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, to attract tourists.
Foreign tourists have some limitations and need special permits from Restricted Area Permits (RAP) to visit certain places while domestic tourists can visit every part of the islands without a permit. However, entry into tribal reserves is prohibited and requires special authorization.
The islands have numerous beaches with their extensive coastline, where visitors can enjoy different sports activities. Besides this, there are several places a visitor should visit including;
- Cellular Jail
- Chatham Saw Mill
- Forest Museum
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
- Anthropological Museum
- Fisheries Aquarium
- Science Center
- Corbyn’s Cove in Port Blair.
Moreover, Shaheed Dweep offers attractions like Bharatpur, Lakshmanpur, and Sitapur beaches, while Swaraj Dweep features Elephant and Radhanagar beaches. Rangat boasts Hudi Tikri, Red, Bird, Bat Islands, and Amkunj Beach.
Mayabunder offers Dhaninallah mangroves and Karmatang beach, while Diglipur features limestone caves and mud volcanoes. Craggy Island and Ross & Smith Islands, along with various national parks and protected sanctuaries, further enhance the islands’ appeal to visitors.
Top Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Undoubtedly, both these islands have awesome beauty and attractions. I strongly recommend visiting here to make unforgettable memories. I will discuss very few places out of many notable options as it is not possible to discuss all of them in a single article.
Here are some notable attractions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Cellular Jail
- Radhanagar Beach
- Neil Island
- Ross Island
- Baratang Island
- North Bay Island
- Chidiya Tapu
- Anthropological Museum
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Barren Island
Hotels
Here are some hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- SeaShell, Havelock
- Barefoot at Havelock
- Fortune Resort Bay Island
- Symphony Palms Beach Resort
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
On these Islands, you will find every type of hotel e.g. 5-star hotels to budget-friendly options available. Now it is up to you and your budget which one you select for your stay.
Restaurants
Here are some Restaurants in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- Full Moon Café (Havelock Island)
- Anju Coco (Port Blair)
- Bonova Café and Pub (Havelock Island)
- New Lighthouse Restaurant (Port Blair)
- Sea Dragon (Havelock Island)
- Mandalay Restaurant (Port Blair)
Geography
The islands are present between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. On its northernmost side about 901 km of Hooghly river is present. The islands share boundaries with Indonesia to the south, Myanmar, to the northeast, and Thailand to the southeast side.
Demographics
The Islands have an area of around 8,249 km2 and have a population of 550,000 according to the census. From an administrative perspective, the region has three districts, Nicobar, South Andaman, and North and Middle Andaman, each with its capital situated at Car Nicobar, Port Blair, and Mayabunder respectively.
Languages
The Andamanese communicate in about twelve different languages which shows that the people who live on these islands belong to different cultures and civilizations. These languages are different from each other and do not have any relation to other language groups.
Here we will discuss some most used languages with percentages.
| Bengali | 28.49% |
| Tamil | 15.20% |
| Telugu | 13.24% |
| Hindi | 12.91% |
| Nicobarese | 7.60% |
| Malayalam | 7.22% |
| Others | 15.33% |
Languages
Climate
The weather in these islands is normally tropical but strong ocean breezes blow almost yearly. throughout the year the daily temperatures vary from the low 70s F (about 23 °C) to the mid-80s F (about 30 °C). The region receives approximately 120 inches (3,000 mm) of rainfall annually.
The Nicobar Islands experience notably higher rainfall compared to other islands.
Transportation
In South Andaman normally people love to walk. However, An interisland boat service, Air service, and bus services are also available to link Port Blair with North, Middle, South, and Little Andaman islands. Local transport gives the facility to cover distance inside the city.
In the end, I must say the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical climate moderated by the sea breeze. From lush rainforests to beautiful beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the islands offer a rich tapestry of natural beauty. With important harbors, interisland boat services, and air connectivity, the islands cater to both tourists and locals alike.
Additionally, the islands hold historical significance and provide essential meteorological data for the Bay of Bengal region. Overall, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand as a captivating destination blending natural wonders, cultural heritage, and strategic importance.
