Destination
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| Destination / Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Introduction
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Fast Facts
Full Name: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory
of India
Capital City: Port Blair
Area: 8,250 sq km
Population: 357,000
Time zone: GMT/UTC + 5,30
Language: Nicobarese, English, Tamil
Religion: Hinduism
Currency: Rupee
Electricity: 230V / 50HzHz
Country dialing code: 66
Floating in splendid isolation, cast of the Indian mainland
in the Indian Ocean is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets
and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory
is stretched over an area of more than 700 Km. from north to south
with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from 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 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. These islands
attract any nature-lover, who seek absolute peace and tranquility
in the lap of mother nature. A visit to these islands is a memorable
lifetime experience.
Climate: Like elsewhere in the Indian Ocean the Andamans has two monsoon seasons. The
North-East Monsoon from Nov-April brings beautiful weather with moderate
breezes and dry, sunny conditions. From May to Oct the Andamans is
effectively "closed" with strong winds, torrential rain
and rough seas. |
| How
to get there |
The Andaman group of islands is well connected
by Air and Sea. While regular passenger ship services are available
to Port Blair from the Indian cities of Madras (Chennai), Calcutta
(Kolkata) and Vizag (Vishakapatnam), there are regular domestic flights
to Port Blair from Calcutta, Madras and New Delhi.
You can check flights on the websites below:
www.jetairways.com
www.airsahara.net
www.airdeccan.net
www.indianairlines.in |
| Places
to See |
Description
by Captain Paul Johnson
Port Blair: The administrative
centre of the Andamans and the location of the airport. It is
a bustling Indian market town with a number of good hotels, great
restaurants, 1950s taxis and a busy natural harbor.
Havelock: Havelock island boasts
a small jetty, a tiny market and a daily ferry service to Port Blair.
The islands many secluded beaches make for a variety of superb anchorages.
Narcondum Island: Narcondum Island is
an extinct volcano that soars up from the ocean depths. This is a
fantastic dive and snorkeling site with sheer drop-offs and dramatic
underwater scenery.
Invisible Banks: This extensive area
of shallow offshore banks is teeming with marine life. This remote
area has hardly ever been dived or fished and is characterized by
huge shoals of inquisitive fish.
Barren Island: This spectacular active
volcano last erupted in 1998. The island has now reopened for trips
ashore.
Sister Islands: The magnificent Sister
islands provide fascinating snorkeling and superb beach walks. These
islands are a favorite turtle nesting site.
Dugong Creek: Dugong Creek on Little
Andaman is an Onge village. The "Stone-Age" Onge tribe is
one of the original inhabitants of the Andaman Islands.
Hut Bay: Hut Bay at the south
of Little Andaman has miles and miles of pristine beaches. This is
a great place to cycle along the tiny dirt track that fringes the
coastline.
Interview Island: This area is characterized
by gleaming white beaches with a magnificent jungle backdrop. This
area is inhabited by the "Stone-Age" Jarawa tribe. Interview
Island is also home to a herd of nomadic elephant that swim from island
to island across the open sea. |
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