Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Guide to Andaman and Nicobar Islands





Welcome to Andaman and Nicobar Islands - a nature lover's paradise! Isolated in the Indian Ocean in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of over 570 emerald islands, islets and rocks scattered over 800 km from north to south with 38 inhabited islands. These undulating (rising and falling) islands are home to many types of forests, including tropical wet evergreen, moist deciduous littoral, mangrove and swamp forests rich in exotic flora and fauna, spectacular sandy beaches fringed with swaying coconut-palms and unpolluted fresh air that attracts visitors from different corners of the globe.

Blessed with breathtaking beauty, lush greenery and beautiful marine life teeming with colorful fish, nearly 180 species of corals and other underwater habitats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer an endless variety of land and water adventures, including camping, hiking, trekking, scuba diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours, swimming and other activities to create once-in-a-life holiday experience to long a lifetime.

The amazing Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the world's few hidden treasures waiting to be explored and discovered. Covering a total land area of 8,293 sq km and with a population of over 356,000, this union territory of India is divided into two districts, the Andaman district and Nicobar district with the aptly known Great Andaman, the main island, composed of three portions - North Andaman, Middle Andaman and South Andaman. The terrain is mountainous with long hills and narrow valleys. The highest point of the islands is the Saddle Peak, about 730 m above sea level. The entire island territory enjoys a tropical climate with irregular rainfall and temperature hovering between 24°C and 35°C throughout the year. The best season to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is between late October and April.

Port Blair is the capital of the islands containing 350 islands of which only a few are inhabited. Known for its scenic beauty, mesmerizing ocean and a variety of attractions Port Blair is a traveler's heaven. Nature lovers will find 246 species and sub-species of birds with 99 being endemic, 76 species of terrestrial reptiles of which 24 species are endemic, 46 species of mammals, etc. The city highlights, which worth a special visit, include the Cellular Jaik overgrowing with plants and moss, Gandhi Park, Mount Harriet National Park famous for its wide range of fascinating butterflies and moths, Sippighat Farm, Mini Zoo, Collinpur and Madhuban. While in Port Blair you should also visit Ross Island, housing the ruins of old buildings like Church, Cemetery, the Ballroom, etc, Corbyn's Cove, an ideal spot for sun-bathing and Viper Island, another place of historic significance. People of all faiths-Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, etc, live in these island in peace and harmony. Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, Nicobari, Telugu and Bengali are some of the languages spoken throughout the islands.

In recent years Andaman and Nicobar Islands has become a very popular dream destination for honeymooners and romantic couples. The beauty of these virgin islands, crystal-clear waters, delicious seafood, picturesque sea-beaches, the myriad accommodation options and a wide array of unique natural and cultural attractions will make your honeymoon the most memorable event of your life. Activity-oriented honeymooners can take advantage of all possible aqua-sport facilities to explore the fascinating marine life, rarest of the coral reefs in the world and mysterious remains of sunken ships. Spend holidays in the stunning islands of Andaman and Nicobar and enjoy the 'Garden of Eden' at its very best!