The
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal and a
main Union Territory of India. This union territory is often abbreviated to A
& N Islands, or ANI.
The
territory is located geographically 150 km (93 mi) north of Aceh in Indonesia
and separated from Thailand and Burma by Andaman Sea. It comprises two island
groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands- which separate the Andaman
Sea to the east from Indian Ocean. The Andaman Sealies to the east and the Bay
of Bengal to the west. The territory's capital is the Andamanese town of Port
Blair.
Andaman
and Nicobar Islands (6º30'-9º30'N; 93-94ºE) are high islands forming the
southward extension of this mountain chain. Floating in splendid isolation,
east of the Indian mainland, is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets
and rocks known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory is
spread over a distance nearly 800 Kms. from North to South with 38 inhabited
islands. A hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these
undulating islands are covered with dense forests and an endless variety of
exotic flora & fauna.
These
two groups are separated by the 10° N parallel, the Andaman’s lying to the
north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south. The capital of Andaman
and Nicobar islands is the Andamanese island town of Port Blair. The Andaman
and Nicobar island's population as per the most recent (2001) Census of India
was 356,152. Added together, the total land area of the territory is approximately
8,249 km².
Andaman
and Nicobar Islands have also recently been recognized as a world-class
eco-tourist destination to discover the under-water treasures of marine life.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands has many sandy crystal clear beaches and it’s an eco-friendly
tourist destination with all sorts of comforts ranging from five star
accommodations to cheap youth hostels.
Andaman
& Nicobar Island offers beautiful island vacations and beach tours. Each
island in Andaman’s has its own uniqueness and beauty. The beaches in Andaman’s
are very clean &crystal clear. In no place, we can find both island
vacations and beach tours in a same place.
The
surrounding seas are equally rich in marine bio-diversity. They harbour more
than 1,200 species of fish, 350 species of echinoderms, 1000 species of
mollusks and many more other forms of life, among vertebrate’s dugong, dolphin
and whale are common. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals,
verities of colourful fishes, sea turtles, etc., besides other marine life,
Andaman is also a bird's paradise.
Sandy
beaches of these islands are famous for turtles nesting. Important species of
turtles that are present on these islands include leather back turtle, green
sea turtle, hawksbill turtle and olive ridly turtle. Water monitor lizard,
salt-water crocodiles, reticulate python, etc are also seen here. Corals and
coral reefs are the most fascinating part of marine eco-system here.
The
emerald islands-Andaman and 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 to
Indonesia, these undulating varieties of exotic flora and fauna, beautiful rain
forests, clean roads as well as unpolluted fresh air may attract any nature
lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility. Busty adventure tourism like
trekking, island camping, snorkeling, diving, etc is also major attractions
here.
Forests
are the green gold of these 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, Natural parks and
wildlife sanctuaries, which are inviolate. The union territory of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands consisting of about 293 islands [39 of which are inhabited] is
situated in the Bay of Bengal.
Places to
visit in Andaman and Nicobar
The
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a veritable Garden of Eden and a naturalist's
heaven. The clean environment, roads, greenery as well as unpolluted fresh air
attract all nature lovers. The tropical rain forests and waters of Bay of
Bengal are the home of a vast collection of plant, animal and marine life.
Topographically the islands are hilly in places fringed with coconut palm,
covered with tropical jungle and interspersed with flat stretches of crescent
shaped beaches. Adventure tourism like trekking, Island camping, snorkeling,
SCUBA diving etc. and other water sports are the real attractions. A marvelous
mix of nature's most precious delights, the Andaman& Nicobar Islands are a
once in a lifetime holiday experience.
Sandy Beaches
Sandy
beaches of these islands are famous for turtle nesting. Important species of turtles
include: Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive
Ridley Turtle, Water Monitor Lizard, Salt Water Crocodiles, Reticulate Python.
Some of the popular beaches which are frequently visited by the tourists are
followings:
Port
Blair’s Beaches
There
are several beach places for visiting around Port Blair, the main city of
Andaman like Corbyn’s Cove, Chirya Tapoo, Wandoor Beach, North Bay Beach, Jolly
Buoy etc.
Corbyn's
Cove
The
unspoiled soft sandy beach is near to Port Blair in Andaman. One of the most
picturesque sea-beach is set in the background of lush green coconut palms and
is ideal for swimming, sun basking and surfing. The Waves Restaurant, The
Peerless Resort nearby and the Hornbill Nest Guest House at a stone's throw,
provide a kaleidoscopic view of the blue water front.
The
main attractions in this beach are the inviting water sports activities. This
beach and the water close to the beach are perfect location for surfing, scuba
diving and boating. Many bunkers established by Japanese add the attraction of
the beach.
Corbyn's
Cove is the best beach within easy access of the capital Port Blair in Andaman
& Nicobar island. Corbyn's Cove beach in Andaman & Nicobar lays 10-km
southeast of Port Blair. The beach is very popular among the locals equally.
Chirya
tapoo
Chidiya
Tapu is the southernmost tip of South Andaman, around 35 Km south of Port
Blair. The lush green mangroves, forest cover with numerous chirping birds and
the Sylvan Sands and Munda pahar beaches make it an ideal picnic site. The
forest guesthouse situated on top of a hillock provides a fabulous view of
isolated islands, submerged corals and the breath-taking sunset. Conducted
tours are available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair.
Wandoor
Beach
The
beautiful Wandoor beach is situated at Mahatma Gandhi marine national park,
around 30 Kms from Port Blair. For travelling to Jolly buoy and Red skin
islands, people have to reach this place by road and board the ship (port
charter boats).
Nearly
15 islands are located surrounding this stretch of pristine coastline. The
Mahatma Gandhi National Marine part stretches about 282 Sq.Km. Small ships
(port charter boats) start from this Wandoor beach towards Jollybuoy and Red
Skin islands.
North Bay
Beach
North
Bay Beach is located nearer to Phoenix jetty of Port Blair. This beach is also
very famous for under water corals, snorkeling and scuba diving Sports. All
sort of facilities are available around the beach like food, clothes for rent,
lockers, huts for taking rest etc. The coral at North Bay are rather good and
spread over large area. The one day package trip includes North Bay, Viper
Island and Ross Island. Some travelers prefer to stay more time in North Bay to
enjoy the sea corals through snorkeling and scuba diving. Unlike Jolly buoy and
Red skin beaches, the North Bay coral beach is more crowded.
Jolly Buoy
An
island in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, it offers a breath taking
underwater view of coral and marine life. It has a golden shining beach with a
canopy of hanging branches of dense bushes. The underwater marine life is
fantastic and indicates a sharp reflection of the corals and sea weeds in the
beautiful designs of plants and flowers. It is an ideal place for snorkeling,
sea bathing and basking on the sun kissed beach.
Collinpur
Beach
Situated
near Tirur, 36 Kms. from Port Blair, this place has a beautiful sandy beach
with shallow water. It is suitable for swimming, sun basking and sunset
viewing. It is a suitable spot for those who find pleasure in retreat and
natural environs. Well connected through road, the beach can be easily reached
from Port Blair.
Havelock
Island’s Beaches
Radhanagar
and Vijaynagar Beach in Havelock are real exposures of unpolluted nature for an
environment lover. Vijaynagar beach is just infront of Dolphin Yatri Niwas and
Radhanagar beach is 7km away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas.
Radhnagar
Beach
The
Radhanagar beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore
the nature of different places. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna
and flora for exploration.
The
main attraction of the Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is its calm
and clean surrounding which offers you a soothing environment, relieving from
all worldly worries. The beach is also a favorite hangout of love birds as the
place has nothing to hinder their privacy.
The
beach is good for spending time for swimming, fishing and trying some hangout
with water sports. The sun bath is equally good just for having relaxation.
Tourists from across the globe frequent this beach in search of peace and
relaxation under sun on a serene beach.
Vijaynagar
Beach
Located
on Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Vijaynagar beache is known
for its stretches of clean water and white sand. These beaches are recognized
as the intimate spots for environment lovers.
Vijaynagar
Beach (Beach No.5) is one of the best suited places for family holidays. The
beach is located amidst nature. It is isolated from the city crowds and good
place for peaceful relaxation.
Hut Bay
Island - Harminder Bay Beach
Harminder
Bay Beach is counted amongst one of the most exquisite beaches of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. These beautiful beaches are situated at Hut Bay Island at a
distance of 100kms from Port Blair and are connected by Inter Islands shipping
services.
The
local residents have played extravagant role in attracting tourists towards it.
The sandy beaches are unspoiled and have not any large development such as
parks, restaurants, etc. but it is still one of the favorite tourist hangouts.
Harminder
Bay Beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands not only just offer you scenic
pleasure but also offer you opportunities to explore the nature. You can check
out the marine life in the waters of the sea or go out for fishing. If you like
adventurous sports, then Harminder Bay Beach are the perfect venue.
Karmatang
Beach- Turtle Nesting Beach
Karmatang
beach, a turtle nesting ground is being developed as tourist complex. The beach
which is famous for the turtles is a perfect retreat for the city dwellers who
visit the beach for small vacations. The weather of the Karmatang Beach is very
pleasant. Situated at Mayabunder, northern part of Middle Andaman, 240 kms by
road and 136 kms by boat from Port Blair.
Diglipur
Island - Ramnagar Beach
A
sandy beach situated at Diglipur Island, Ramnagar Beach is a picturesque beach.
It is connected by two daily boat services from Mayabunder and from Port Blair
twice a week.
The
beach has tourists flowing in from not only India but from throughout the
world. The beach which is famous for its widely scattered grains of sand offers
the travelers a chance to spend some quality time there and rest on the sandy
beach.
Ramnagar
Beach is the abode of the turtles. And you can also explore the marine life by
going for a scuba diving or snorkeling. These two adventurous water sports
activities are very famous.
Little
Andaman - Butler Bay Beach
Butler
Bay Beach is a beautiful beach of Little Andaman. The northern side of this
beach provides an excellent site for surfing. It is also an ideal site for
camping. A picturesque waterfall and coconut plantations are some of the nearby
attractions of this beach. The beach is also featured in the documentary film “Thicker
than water”.
Butler
Bay is a beautiful beach suitable for Sun Basking, Coral Viewing, Tourist huts
are available right on the seashore flanked by the coconut plantation.
Little
Andaman island is the fourth largest of the Andaman Islands with an area of 739
km², lying at the southern end of the archipelago. It is home to the Onge tribe
and has been a tribal reserve since 1957.
Red Skin
Island Beach
The
Redskin Island offers the lure of underwater coral gardens and unspoiled
beaches. If you are really lucky you might even end up catching a view of the
dolphins merrily playing in the emerald waters of the sea. This island is a
great place for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling.
A
boat departs Tues to Sun from Wandoor village to Red Skin and Jolly Buoy
islands at 10 am (1½ hr) and returns around 5 pm. The boat should be booked in
advance. It can be approved through a travel agency or your hotel.
Neil
Island – Sitapur Beach
Sitapur
beach is one of the best beaches of Neil Island Neil Island. It is a long
shallow beach basically used for timbering operations as it is exposed to open
sea and thus prone to high tides.
Cinque
Island
The
lure of underwater coral gardens and unspoiled beaches, especially a sand bar
joining two islands is irresistible. Cinque Island in Andaman is the best place
to relax and rejuvenate and a super place for scuba diving, swimming, fishing
and camping.
Cinque
Island is very rapidly developed into a favorite tourist center. Best known for
its coral and beach, this pristine island provides excellent views of nature
nurtured in the calm and tranquil ambience untouched of the daily clamors and
clutters of urban India. Situated about South of Chirya Tapu, Cinque Island is Andaman’s
uninhabited place. It is very ideally surrounded by finest coral reefs located
few hundred meters into the deep sea.
