The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands lies off the India’s eastern coast, a spectacular and memorable holiday destination quite unlike any other in India. The hills are terribly crowded with tourists, everyone has already been to Goa; so if you're looking for an exotic, stunning place for your next holiday head to the Andamans.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are an archipelago that consists of a total of 572 islands with an area of over 8000 sq. km.; located about 1300 km off the eastern coast of India. Only 38 of these islands are inhabited. There are passenger ships to get you there; however the easiest way is to fly to the capital city of Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata or Vishakhapatnam. Most of the islands are restricted, and only some islands of the Andaman Group can be visited. The Nicobar Islands are generally out of bounds, some being under military control.
We all learned about Kaala Paani in school, the dreaded jail for freedom fighters and political prisoners set up by the British in colonial times. This jail still exists though there are no prisoners. It is known as the Cellular Jail of Port Blair. You can also catch the Sound & Light show on the jail premises in the evening.
The island of Havelock to the east of Port Blair can be accessed by tourists only by ferry (about 2 hour ride). It has spectacular beaches with crystal clear, cerulean waters: Kaala Patthar beach, Radhanagar beach, Elephant Beach and Vijaynagar Beach. While some of the beaches are rocky, others have high waves and some are calm as a millpond.
Snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, water scooter rides, sea-walking, semi submarine ride and other activities are available for the thrill seekers. You don’t even have to be a swimmer to enjoy these.
The Jaravas, Sentinels, Onges and Shompens are tiny indigenous tribes that continue to live in isolated tribal communities even today. It is possible to visit some such as the Jaravas after taking appropriate permissions from the authorities; since it is the stated policy not to interfere with or disturb the lives of these tribes in any way. However, the Sentinels are still extremely hostile and do not permit people from the outside world to land on their island.
It was a vanity of the British: a tiny island just off the coast of the cellular jail in Pt. Blair is where the British set up the Officer’s Mess, churches, barracks, bakery, swimming pool and even a desalination plant. The island was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War and later abandoned. The forest reclaimed all the structures on Ross and this is what it looks like today. A simply fascinating place to visit!
As a tourist destination, these islands are still not crowded and the natural habitats are largely intact. The mangroves thrive undisturbed and are protected by the authorities as well as the local populace.
The limestone caves and mud volcanoes at Baratang Island and Barren Island, India’s only active volcano are some other natural attractions.
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