ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS ( PORT BLAIR) .

The Andaman Archipelago is an oceanic continuation of the Burmese Arakan Yoma range in the North and of the Indonesian Archipelago in the South. It has 325 islands which cover an area of 6,408 km2 (2,474 sq mi), with the Andaman Sea to the east between the islands and the coast of Burma. 

North Andaman Island is 285 kilometres (177 mi) south of Burma, although a few smaller Burmese
islands are closer, including the three Coco Islands. 

The Ten Degree Channel separates the
Andamans from the Nicobar Islands to the south. The highest point is located in North Andaman
Island (Saddle Peak at 732 m (2,402 ft)). 

The subsoil of the Andaman islands consists essentially of
Late Jurassic to Early Eocene ophiolites and sedimentary rocks (argillaceous and algal limestones),
deformed by numerous deep faults and thrusts with ultramafic igneous intrusions. There are at least
11 mud volcanoes on the islands. 

The climate is typical of tropical islands of similar latitude. It is
always warm, but with sea-breezes. Rainfall is irregular, usually dry during the north-east, and very
wet during the south-west, monsoons.

State Profile 

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India. It is located in the Indian Ocean, in the
southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal.

 

 It is comprised of two island groups -the Andaman Islands and
the Nicobar Islands. The capital of Andaman town is Port Blair. The capital of Nicobar Islands is Car
Nicobar. The total land area of the territory is approximately 2,508 sq miles. As of 2011 Census of
India, the population of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was 379944.

 The
languages spoken in these islands include Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi,
Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Karen. The common language is Hindi.

Physiography (Mountain and Forest) 

Forests are the green gold of these islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area
of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forests have been set aside as tribal reserves, Natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are inviolate.

 The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of about 293 islands. 

Climate 

The climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is described as Tropical Climate. The Islands are
situated in the Hot or Torrid Zone. There are only two season, Rainy Season and Summer Season.
Islands are visited by South - West and North - East monsoons during the period from May to
December. Average annual rainfall in these Islands is 3000 mm. The period from January to April is
Summer Season. The mean relative humidity is 79%. The temperature is between 30.2°C and 23.8°C.

Historical Significance

The Andaman islands have been inhabited for several thousand years, at the very least. The earliest archaeological evidence yet documented goes back some 2,200 years; however, the indications from genetic, cultural and isolation studies suggest that the islands may have been inhabited as early as the Middle Paleolithic. 

The Andamans are theorised to be a key stepping stone in a great coastal migration of humans from Africa via the Arabian peninsula, along the coastal regions of the Indian mainland and towards Southeast Asia, Japan and Oceania.

 From 800 to 1200 CE, the Tamil Chola 
dynasty created an empire that eventually extended from southeastern peninsular India to parts of Malaysia. Rajendra Chola I (1014 to 1042 CE) took over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and maintained them as a strategic naval base to launch a naval expedition against the Srivijaya empire (a Buddhist-Malay empire based on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia).

In 1789, the British established their colony in this Island and they maintained this Island and they 
used Island as a penal colony which was named as Kalapani or the cellular jail. The criminal convics 
crime against the East India Company was sent to Andaman and Nicobar Island and Life sentenced 
and they were forced to live in exile in Kalapani. After the end of British rule, The kalapani gave a 
way to Become a beautiful Island. 17 May 1859 was another major day for Andaman. 

The "Battle of Aberdeen" was fought between the Great Andamanese Tribe and the British. Today, a memorial stands in Andaman Water sports complex as a tribute to the people who lost their lives.

Flora

The natural vegetation of the Andamans is tropical forest, with mangroves on the coast. The 
rainforests are similar in composition to those of the west coast of Burma. Most of the forests are 
evergreen, but there are areas of deciduous forest on North Andaman, Middle Andaman, Baratang and 
parts of South Andaman Island. 

The Middle Andamans have mostly moist deciduous forests. North Andamans is characterised by the wet evergreen type, with plenty of woody climbers. The South Andaman forests have a profuse growth of epiphytic vegetation, mostly ferns and orchids. The Andaman forests are largely unspoiled, despite logging and the demands of the fast-growing population driven by immigration from the Indian mainland. 

Andaman forests contain 200 or more 
timber producing species of trees, out of which about 30 varieties are considered to be commercial. 
Major commercial timber species are Gurjan (Dipterocarpus spp.) and Padauk (Pterocarpus 
dalbergioides).

Fauna

The Andaman Islands are home to a number of animals, many of them endemic. It includes mammals 
 birds.

 
The islands also have a number of endemic reptiles, toads and frogs, such as the South Andaman krait 
(Bungarus andamanensis) and Andaman water monitor (Varanus salvator andamanensis). 

There is a 
sanctuary 45 miles (72 km) from Havelock Island for saltwater crocodiles.

State Is Well Known For

The one thing that takes Andaman and Nicobar is well known for the list of tourist destinations in 
India is the adventure possibilities present here. The seas surrounding these islands are absolutely 
perfect to indulge in sports like Scuba Diving and snorkeling.

 The lagoons are full of diverse species 
of fishes and live coral that makes adventure in these waters a real treat. And there could not be a 
better place than the hills of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a trekking experience that is heart 
pumping and tranquil at the same moment.

Transportation

The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are well connected to the other parts of the country as well as the countries by air and waterways. The islands have even got bus and other modes of road transport for traveling internally. Being islands, the place is not connected to the other parts of the country by railways.

Airways: 

The Airport in regular operation are located at Veer Savarkar Airport of Port Blair connects the
islands to the other parts of the country by airways. Air Deccan, Air Sahara, Indian Airlines, Jet
Airways are some of the airlines companies operating in the island.

Waterways: 

In Andaman and nicobar island water ways serves both external and internal transportation. In Port
Blair, the intermediate port serves as the main port of these islands. There are more than 80 ships are
sailed by Directorate of Shipping Services. Ships are also sailed by the Shipping Corporation of India
from the major port cities of Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakapatnam. These ships generally sail two or
three times per month.

Roadways: 

For travelling within the island road transportations are available. Taxis, cycle-rickshaws and other
private transportation companies are also available apart from the buses run by the state transport.
They even use motorcycles and bicycles for an easy and fast travel.

Time zone, Currency and No. of Districts 

Throughout the India, the time zone is same for all the States i.e. Indian standard Time is +5:30
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is
controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new Indian rupee symbol INR is derived from
the Devanagari. The first series of coins with this new rupee symbol was launched on 8 July 2011.
The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise though this division is now theoretical; as of 30 June
2011, coin denominations of less than 50 paise ceased to be legal tender. Bank notes are available in
nominal values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and higher denominations. Coins of the rupee are available
in 1, 2, 5 and 10. Paise coins of the rupee have nominal values of 50, and lower denominations have
been officially withdrawn. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprises 3 districts.
North and Middle Andaman district, South Andaman district, Nicobar district.

Historical Monuments/ Architecturally Significant Bulding / Mansions 

Most important monuments of the islands include Cellular Jail, Viper Island, Ross Island etc

The Cellular Jail 

The Cellular Jail, also known as Kālā Pāani is situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Island. The prison was used by the British for political prisoners to the remote archipelago. Many people fight against
British were imprisoned during the struggle for India's independence. Today, the complex serves as a national memorial monument.
The Viper Island Cellular Jail was constructed in Viper Island that was used by the British to inflict the worst form of torture and hardship on those who strove to free the country from the British rule.

The Ross Island 

In olden days Ross Island was the administrative headquarters for Britishers and it was thickly
populated and adorned a beautyfull life. Britishers had a fine settlement here and apart from that many
else came here to spend some luxurious stay. It is due to that Ross Island was titled "Paris of the East"

Zoo / Parks / Jungles / Garden 

• The Campbell Bay National Park, 

• Galathea National Park, 

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, 

• Middle Button Island National Park,

•  Mount Harriet National Park

• , North Button Island National Park, 

• Rani Jhansi Marine National Park,

•  Saddle Peak National Park,

• ..... South Button Island National Park the national parks of this territory. 

The Campbell Bay National Park 

The Campbell Bay National Park is a part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. This national park is spread over 426 km2 in the northern part of Great Nicobar. The park reserve's flora includes tropical evergreen forest, tree fern, and orchids and fauna includes Crab-eating macaque, giant robber crab, megapode, and Nicobar pigeon. 

Galathea National Park 

The Galathea National Park covers a total area of some 110 square kilometers, and it was gazetted
as a National Park in 1992. Galathea forms part of what has been designated as the Great Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve, which also includes the larger Campbell Bay National Park, separated from
Galathea by a 12-km forest buffer zone.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park covers 280 sq km and comprises 15 Islands of mangrove
creeks, tropical rainforest and reefs supporting 50 types of coral. The marine park’s snorkelling sites
at Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands are popular.

Middle Button Island National Park 

Middle Button Island National Park is an Indian national park situated close to Point Blair. The total
area coverd by this park is about 64 square kilometres. Deer is the only animal found in this national
park.

Mount Harriet National Park 

The Mount Harriet Island National Park is a national park located in Ferrargunj tehsil in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. The park covers about 46.62 km². Andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles,
turtles and robber crab are the animals found in this park.

Wildlife Adventures: 

There are 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 9 National Parks and 1 Biosphere Reserve in these Islands.
Some the important parks among them are, Wandur National Park, Saddle Peak National Park, Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Marine National Park. Boosting of rich and diverse range of wildlife,
these parks conducts exciting jungle safaris for the wildlife lovers. Some of the major attractions
found in the region are sus scrofa Andamanensis, S.S.nicobaricus, Andaman wild boar, feral
elephants, 26 species of rodents and 14 species of bat. The Islands also has 270 species of birds
including 14 species endemic birds.

Forest Museum 

The Forest Museum was established by the department of forestry. This museum bears testimony to a
wide range of activities related to the forestry department. The collection of the Museum also includes
different decorative pieces made up of reputed varieties of timber which are found in these Islands.
Some of those varieties are Marble, Pedauk, Peauma, Satinwood and Gurjan. 

Temple, Churches, Mosque, Jain 

The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar is famous for its beautiful temples. Some of the famous
temples are

Sri vetrimalai murugan

The Rajesthan temple, 

sri shiridi sai baba temple.
Sri vetrimalai murugan
Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple is situated behind the governor’s palace
The Rajasthan Temple: The Rajasthan Temple is on a hillock which is opposite to postal colony.
This is a grand temple which consists of many statues of gods and seems to be a common point for both the North and South Indians. Hastinabad, a small village in Port Blair
Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple: Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple is located where people come to worship on
Thursdays. Apart from Temples, there are Churches and Mosques. A Historical and famous Mosque
is near the Aberdeen Bazaar. Other Mosques and Churches are spread all over the islands.

Shopping / Handicraft / Malls / Business centers 

Andaman and Nicobar Island has Sagarika Government Emporium and Andaman Handicrafts
Emporium are the famous shopping places. And is filled with colorful bazaars and the shopping
experience would definitely be a thrilling one for the visitors
Sagarika Government Emporium
Island crafts such as fine wood carvings, shell jewellery, bamboo and cane furniture, are available
from a handful of emporiums and speciality shops. Most of the shells on sale are collected legally - a
good emporium can show proof of this - but, as always, be aware of your home countries' restrictions
on importing them.

Andaman Handicrafts Emporium 

Island crafts such as fine wood carvings, shell jewellery, bamboo and cane furniture, are available
from a handful of emporiums and speciality shops. Most of the shells on sale are collected legally - a
good emporium can show proof of this - but, as always, be aware of your home countries' restrictions 
on importing them.

There are many Exhibitions, and art displays along with added attraction of aqua sports and para sailing. One can get the feel of splendid culture of Andaman and Nicobar, their languages, religion and customs and beliefs during these 10 days. The fesetivals in organized mainly during December and January by Andaman and Nicobar administration every year. The main motive of this festival is to promote Andaman and Nicobar islands as a tourism friendly destination. 

Subhash Mela
Subhash Mela is organized every year during January. It is celebrated to commemorate birth
anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The festival continues for a complete week which is
attended by not only locales but artists from other countries as well. One could enjoy numerous
cultural programmes during this beautiful fair.

Tourist Spot 

Havelock Island 

       This island is considered as one of the best island tourist destination. It is a very beautiful island
which provides idyllic resort in the lap of virgin beach and unpolluted environment, and a guesthouse
of tourism department dolphin resort is available. The Island is filled with a school of dolphins or spot
giant sea tortoise and flying fish. It is situated at the distance of 54 kms from port Blair. Havelock
Island has crystal clear blue water and white sandy beaches.

Festivals/ Dance / Music

The person of these Islands celebrates special occasions like Durga Puja to Dipawali, and from Christmas to Janmashtami. The colorful Holi festival. Even festivals in Andaman and Nicobar Islands also include Onam and Pongal which are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. 

Holi is the festival of color celebrated during the first or second week of March. 

The Island Tourist Festival 

The Island Tourist Festival is celebrated for ten days is a grand festival for large number of tourists every year. This festival is celebrated during the chilly winter season and thus in this period the islands sees a large number of tourists across the world. 

Dance

Nicobari dance is one the most important and oldest traditional dances danced during the Ossuary 

Feast of Andaman & Nicobar. It is practiced by the Nicobari tribe, who live in the Car Nicobar Island. 

Which is more commonly known as the Pig Festival. This dance is a way of showing one's respect to the departed head of the family. It is generally performed during the full moon, under the swinging palm trees. The dancers wearing coconut leaves, sway to the rhythm of traditional songs sung by the leader.There are many other dance forms in Andaman and Nicobar. Some folk dances can also be seen during the Island Tourism festival that puts on display, the full range of cultural activities. 

Music

In Andaman group of islands that the music is more prominent and important. The Andamanese are
highly fond of their own music. They give more importance to originality of their music and they
don’t pay attention to other styles. Even among the different tribes of Andaman, the rhythm and styles
differ drastically. Onge tribes developed all the songs. They sing generally to accompany a dance.
Both male and female participate in singing

Educational Hub

The education hub has a great infrastructure for higher education in this territory. Above 200 primary
schools, number of vernacular schools, Various Ashram schools has been established in the tribal
areas to spread education among the tribal populace of the islands. 

The colleges are affiliated to the
Calcutta University. The higher education of this territory includes two training institutes, two
polytechnic colleges, a government B.Ed. College and a government college.
   The important government college on this island is Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya. It is
under the control of the directorate of education. Established in 1967 in Port Blair, Presently the
college has 40 faculty members and a student enrollment close to 850. The only Courses offered are
BSc, BA, Bcom, Msc, and MA.

Hotels

Hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Island offer a wide range of choice of accommodation. A variety of
hotels are located in any tourist destination within the territory.

 Be it five star deluxe category hotels 

or medium sized boutique hotels with a distinct character, or an economy class hotel with basic
amenities, a comprehensive list of hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Island cater to every budget and
taste

.
Famous star hotels in this territory are,

 Barefoot at Havelock 

Munjoh Ocean Resort

 Island Vinnie's Tropical Beach Cab. 

Barefoot Scuba Resort 

 Cross Bill Beach Resort 

Tourist Dept. Office / Conducted Tourist operators / Guide facility.

The famous tourist operators available in this territory are,

Pan Asia Tourism 

First Resort Tour & Travels 

Majha Andaman Group 

 Andaman World Travels 

Mountain Edge Tours and Holidays (P) Ltd 

Lets Go Andaman Travels 

       Each tourist operator has their own special guide, for describing all the information about the
specialty of the places.

Hospitals

The Island has the greatest hospital facility and it is categorized as District Hospitals, Area Hospitals,
Community Health Centers, Specialty Hospitals and civil dispensaries

.
Some of the Premium and government hospitals that are available at any time are,
INHS, Dhanvantri
G.B. Pant Hospital 

 C.H.C. Bambooflat
 C.H.C. Rangat
P.H.C. Baratang

Cinema Halls /Film Cities

Eariler days Tourism Department of these lush green Islands started India’s first floating cinema theatre. At present Andaman and Nicobar Islands have 4 cinema theatres. The theatres are equipped with 2K Projectors (Highly Digitalized, Hollywood movies, HD). 

Food Habits

Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a melting pot of Indian Culture. This is even reflected in the food & Cuisine of the local people of these Islands.The finest of India's cuisines is as rich and diverse as its civilization.

 It is an art form that has been passed on through generations purely by word of mouth, from teacher to pupil or from mother to daughter. Andaman cuisine is heavily influenced by all the cultures that came into contact with the region. Like many other aspects of Andaman culture, the influence of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Sikh religions in the traditional food is very strong. 

You can observe this deep impact on the truly tasty and spicy cuisine of The Andamans. The Andaman and Nicobar Island food is basically Non-vegetarian; it is completely a coastal region fish is eaten with rice. Vegetables and most of the food items are imported from other states and nearest countries.