These emerald Islands, blessed with natural beauty, 86% forest cover, world class beaches, undulating creeks, crystal clear water and unpolluted environment command the first place to visit for tourists. This archipelago of more than 572 islets and islands with 37 inhabited islands stretches over a length of more than 700 kms, from North to South. The topography of the islands is hilly with exotic flora and fauna. The sandy beaches, fringed with coconut palms, and the sea around the islands offer excellent scope for Adventure Water Sports and game-fishing. These green islands attract many nature-lovers, and bird-watchers from all over the world. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc, are the major attractions here.
Mythologically, the name Andaman is 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 are the Great Andamanes, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars are the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid stock. The first settlement in the islands by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement which was basically a penal settlement, was taken up in 1858, after the first War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts including Moplas, some tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burman and Sri Lanka as well as ex-servicemen. The Islands no more carry the sobriquet of 'Kala pani' and have become one of the most sought after destinations of the worlds.
Tropical and humid. Humidity ranges between 70% to 90% with a gentle breeze blowing at all times. The weather is generally pleasant with a mean minimum temperature of 23°C and mean maximum of 30°C.
Bay of Bengal | ||
Location | 92° to 94° East Longitude | |
6° to 14° | ||
Area | South Andaman Dist. | 3,106 Sq Kms. |
Middle and North Andamans Dist. | 3,302 Sq Kms | |
Nicobars Dists. | 1,841 Sq Kms. | |
Total Area | 8,249 Sq. Kms. | |
Capital | 1255 Kms from Kolkata | |
1190 Kms from Chennai | ||
1200 Kms from Vishakhapatnam | ||
Highest Peak | Saddle Peak - 732 meters |
Port Blair is connected by air from Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag. There is also a daily hopping flight of Jetlite Delhi with Port Blair via Kolkata. Presently flights are operated by Indian Airlines, Jet airways , Goair and Spicejet. The number of flights are increased during the peak tourist season based on demand, (journey time: 2 hrs). Foreign tourist charter flights are also permitted to land at Port Blair subject to the fulfillment of guidelines of the Director General of Civil Aviation. For more details visit. www.dgca.nic.in . The Islands are also interconnected and operated by Pawanhans.
Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam. There are three to four sailings for Kolkata and Chennai and one sailing to Vishakhapatnam every month.