One of the union territories of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a breathtaking archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal. The exotic beaches blessed with coral reefs and amazing marine life making the landscape breathtakingly exquisite, cater a perfect beach holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. This group of islands is an empyrean for both nature admirers and adrenaline junkies alike.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a group of 3000 islands, which includes chain of mountains and ridges with moderate heights and gradients that are indeed the major tourist attractions here. The geography at Andaman and Nicobar Islands states that the archipelago comprises of North Andaman, South Andaman, Middle Andaman, and Little Andaman in the Andaman group of islands, as well as Great Nicobar, Nancowry, Car Nicobar, Chowra and Katchal in the Nicobar group of islands. Amongst all the islands, Great Andaman and Ritchie Archipelago are the top tourist destinations with some surreal beaches for the holiday. Andaman features thrilling watersports like snorkeling, sea walks and scuba diving amongst several others in many of islands’ beaches, hence calling adventure junkies from far and wide. Visitors would also enjoy their time basking in the sun on the white sandy beaches overlooking the azure blue waters while sipping on a refreshing drink. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset is certainly an unbeatable experience, which indeed adds to a memorable beach holiday here. The tourism of Andaman is not only confined to a memorable beach holiday as the archipelago is also blessed with lush flora including evergreen tropical rainforest canopy making a holiday for nature lovers quite a memorable one too. These forests engross an assorted a jumble of Indian, Malaysian and indigenous floral stretches that attract a lot of wildlife lovers. There are more than 2000 varieties of plants found here. These islands are extremely profuse with fauna and around 50 species of forest mammals are found here among which 26 rat species and 14 bat species are primarily notable.
Tourist Attractions
The beautiful and pristine islands are home to number of gorgeous beaches, rich flora and fauna and underwater life. Amongst the top attractions of the islands are Barren Island, which is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia; Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Anthropological Museum, Indira Point, Car Nicobar, Katchal. The islands are perfect for a holiday and have stunning beaches like Radhanagar, which is amongst the top beach destination in Asia.
Cellular Jail
Cellular village has seen a lot of bloodsheds – it was made by the freedom fighters so that they can be tortured here. Even before the construction of the Jail, the island was a prison of India’s First War of Independence of 1857. This jail reflects one of the murkiest chapters of in the colonial rule’s history. It is a mute witness of many heinous acts that British soldiers put on the villagers. In 1906, the jail was completely constructed and was named as ‘Cellular’ because there cells made for each prison rather than accommodating them in one documentary. Originally, there were seven prolonged, puce-coloured building with a central tower. Later, the building was subsequently damaged, leaving behind three wings intact. In the daily life of prisoners, executions were frequent, and many were made to undergo hard labor. Each cell of the prison is 13.5 feet high 7 feet wide and housed one convict in solitary confinement. Without a doubt, this structure is one of the most historically prominent buildings in India. For this reason and intent, Cellular Jail is a must-visit spot while on the trip to Andaman.
Forest Museum
Located on the outskirts of Port Blair, Forest Museum is a famous attraction for its wide collection related to forest and the assortment of trees. This prominent museum is a must visit place in Port Blair and it is managed by the forest department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The major attractions that are set on display in this museum include the artefacts that are made from timber, gurjan, oak, satin wood and paduak. These displayed artefacts reflect the rich and dense flora found in the islands. The forest department also carries out researches and the outcomes of these research activities can be clearly seen in this museum. To add flavour for the tourists, the museum also incorporates a mini zoo and a small zoological garden inside the building.
Havelock Island
Among the islands of Andaman, the one that is most visited is the Havelock. Spread in an area of 113 sq. km. and located 39 km of north-east of Port Blair, Havelock Island offers a perfect beach vacation in Andaman. The white sand beaches of this congenial and imposing island are fringed with rain-fed forests making them quite a beautiful destinations to see in India. Famous Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach are also part of Havelock Island along with Kalapather and Vijaynagar Beach.
In addition to the extraordinary ambiance and hypnotizing tranquility, Havelock Island also proffers enthralling adventure activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling and trekking. Equipped with several recreational and other pleasant services for tourists, Havelock Island is a supreme destination for a vacation in nature’s lap.
Neil Island
On the Northeast side of Port Blair, Neil Island is the Vegetable bowl of Andaman, owing to the farming practices that take place here. A long and the immaculate island of Andaman, Neil Island is endowed with exquisite settings, which makes it just right the holiday. For tourists in quest of chilling out after the humdrum schedule, this island is no less than an empyrean. The azure sea and verdant foliage make it treat to the eyes. There are six beautiful beaches in Andaman like Sitapur, Lakshmanpur-I & II, SIR HUGH ROSE ISLAND and Bharatpur – each with the best view of the sun gliding below, and above the horizon. Also, the beaches of Andaman are quite famous for adventure activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. If the idea of adventure activity doesn’t sound exciting then do visit the beachside to soak in the cool breezy air, read a book and sip the natural coconut water. Do visit the spectacular corals and reefs in Neil Island.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Secluded, and unspoilt, the Corbyn’s Cove beach is just 8 kilometers from the City center, and a prominent sightseeing place in Andaman. With pleasant blue sea water and lush green coconut palms, the beach allows visitors to relax alongside and enjoy several water sports available on the shore of the beach. Some of the water activities that one can undertake and enjoy over a visit to Corbyn’s Cove Beach include scuba diving, surfing, and boating. Further, the beach is also a perfect location for taking pleasure of sunbathing, swimming and surfing. This coconut palm fringed beach is surrounded with a hotel and small offering refreshments and food. From here, tourists can also visit the Snake Island, which claims to have a lot of deadly snakes. The snake island is also known for colourful corals, mesmerizing fishes and rock faces. One can take a motorboat to land at this island.