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Floating
in splendid, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 5272
emerald island, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar
Islands. This Union Territory is stretched over an area 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 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-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 aboriginal tribes. The tribes
of the Andaman group of islands were the home of aboriginal tribes.
The tribes of the Andaman group of islands are the Great Andamanese,
Onges, Jarawas, and Setinalese, 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, come criminal tribes
from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East
Pakistan, Burman and Sri Lanka as well ex-servicemen.
In
these islands people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, 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 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 the richest 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.,
beside other out of which 39 are endemic. Megaopde, Swiflet, Hornbaill
and Pigeon are some of the specialities of the Andanman & Nicobar
Islands.
Getting there :
Location: Bay of Bengal
92 to 94 East Longitudes
6 to 14 North Latitude
Area Andamans District: 6,408 sq. Kms.
Nicobars District: 1,841 sq. Kms.
Total Area: 8,249 sq. Kms.
Capital: Port Blair
Distance:
1255 Kms. From Calutta
1190 Kms. From Chennai
1200 Kms. From Vishakapatnam
Altitude Varies peak-732 meters
Climate Tropical throughout the year with mean minimum temperature
at 23 c and maximum at 31c . Humidity is relatively high -70 to
90 % with a gentle breeze blowing all the time. The weather is generally
pleasant with average annual rainfall at 3,000 mm at Port Blair
(May to mid-Sept. & Nov. to Jan.)
Floating
in splendid, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 5272
emerald island, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar
Islands. This Union Territory is stretched over an area 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 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-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.
these islands people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, 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 correctly described
as Mini-India.
