Andaman Islands

Andaman Islands

Description

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.

When to Go
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.

Routes
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.

Access
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
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