Sep 10, 2010 08:39 AM
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Andaman Islands
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Andaman Islands
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Andaman Islands
Geographical Location
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, better known as the ‘Emerald Islands’ of India, is a haven for naturalists. The Andaman and Nicobar 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 linguistic isolation studies point to habitation going back 30,000 to 60,000 years, well into the Middle Paleolithic.
The territory is located in the Indian Ocean, and geographically is considered part of Southeast Asia, close to Aceh in Indonesia and separated from them by the Andaman Sea. It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 10° N parallel, with the Andamans to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south. The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. The territory's capital is the Andamanese town of Port Blair. The territory's population as per the most recent (2001) Census of India was 356,152. Added together, the total land area of the territory is approximately 6,496 km˛ or 2,508 sq mi.
Accommodation, Transport & Tourist Season
Unpolluted air, emerald green waters and a bountiful nature in its most beautiful hues are the main attractions here. Made up of several smaller islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is approachable only by air or sea. Port Blair, the capital of this Union Territory, is a small place but well accommodated with hotels, restaurants, guides, ships, ferries, boats, cars, buses and all the comforts that a tourist requires and yet it is not over crowded. The tourist season on the islands begin mostly after the monsoon season, i.e. from July onwards till March of the next year. Travel agents and online sites help tourists with cheap airfares and hotel bookings. Reservations are done throughout the year but the best fares and rates are available much before the season starts.
Places to Visit
Jolly Bouy, Cinque Island, Red Skin Island, Havelock Island, Barren Island (the only active volcano in South Asia) are only some of the places of attraction in the Andaman Islands. Sandy beaches are famous for turtle nesting including the Scott Ridley turtles. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a rich historical past and various museums helps the tourist to relate to what the Emerald Islands were like years ago. The islands are also home to some of the world’s indigenous tribes like the Jarwas, Onges, Sentinelese and Nicobaries. However, not all places on the islands are open either to tourists in the interest of these tribal people.
The Emerald Islands also have some very rare plants and aquatic life forms which open another dimension to nature for those who visit these places. Colourful, pure and simple, it is one in a lifetime experience to visit these islands.
