Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A Virtual Tour

The archipelago (cluster of islands scattered in a body of water) is one of the most sought after tourist destinations. It has a beautiful amalgamation of bountiful nature and rich heritage.

Let us kickstart our journey with the general information and also look at the fascinating facts which make the island chain an integral part of our country!

Declared a Union Territory on 1st November 1956, by the Republic of India.

A chain of 572 islands of which only 37 are inhabited.

Capital City: Port Blair

Languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu. Several dialects of Andamanese and Nicobarese are spoken by the indigenous population like the Onge, Shompen, Jarawa, Sentinelese, and the Great Andaman Tribes

Did You Know?👀

The first sunrise of the millennium was received by the Katchal island near Nicobar.

The first commercial seaplane Jal Hans was launched in Andaman in 2013.

The first and the only joint tri-service command exists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Has India’s only active volcano Barren Island.

Ranked the best performer along with Gujarat in terms of the startup ecosystem by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade for the year 2019 (DPIIT).

Great Nicobar Island declared as a World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO

The islands are home to a variety of flora and fauna and it is truly a wonderful opportunity to admire and respect the other forms of life. It is this coexistence of different ecosystems that truly makes us believe in the magic of the Universe. Did you too grow up watching National Geographic and Discovery on TV? Then this is your Dream Land!

State Animal: Dugong or the sea cow which is the only herbivorous marine animal on Earth that feeds on seagrass. 

State bird: Wood Pigeon endemic to the islands 

Over 5100 animals have been discovered in these islands.

State Tree: Andaman Padauk with its unique burr wood and buttress roots (a platelike outgrowth of trunk supporting the tree). 

State Flower: The Pyinma flower from the Pema Tree also known as the Pride of India or the Queen Flower. 

The islands harbor around 3000 species of plants.

These breathtaking islands with its lush greenery, pristine beaches, and adventure activities rejuvenate the soul. The seamless blend of various cultures at this place is absolutely incredible!

Port Blair:

• Bird watching at Chidiya Tapu

• Experience the rush of patriotism while looking at Cellular Jail which stands tall and mighty as a piece of evidence to all the struggles undergone by the brave hearts of motherland India

Havelock Islands

• Scuba Diving at the Elephant Beach
  
  
• Night Kayaking through the Mangrove Forests

Diglipur

• Magnificent view of the Ross and Smith twin islands connected by a sand patch. 
  
  
• Mud emitting volcano of Shyam Nagar

Neil Islands : 

• Coral viewing from glass-bottom boats and water sports at the Bharatpur beach 
  
  
• Snorkeling at the Laxmanpur Beach

CRAFTS

Basket and Mat Making with pandanalus leaves and coconut stem, Sea Shell Decors, and Furniture with Burr wood from the Andaman Padauk.

CUISINE

Seafood is the main delight along with other Bengali, Punjabi, and Tamilian Preparations who form most of the mainland population.

FESTIVALS

The Island Festival is a prominent festival showcasing the culture of the islands like the Nicobari Dance and the Hodi Race. The pig festival (Ossuary Feast) is unique to the islands. All other festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, etc are celebrated with pomp and show!

The best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar islands would be between the pleasant months of May and October to create cherishable memories of a lifetime. 

We hope you enjoyed this virtual safari with us. Do let us know which holiday destination you'd want us to cover next!😀

- Er. Krithika Jayasankar