Amazing Andaman

Floating in splendid isolation, cast of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory is stretched over an area of more than 700 Km. from north to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flowers and birds.

The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The seas around the islands offer excellent scope for water sports.


The rare flora and fauna, with crystal clear water and mangrove-lined creeks, offer a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature.


The clean and wide roads, free of filth as well as unpolluted fresh air attract any nature-lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of Mother Nature.

Andaman waters offer a fascinating world of under-water marine life, varieties of colorful fishes, rarest of the coral reefs in the world, mysterious remains of sunken ships, etc. All these can be explored through Scuba diving.

One can go trekking through the nature trail from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban and enjoy the rare forest life.

Andaman plays host to a good network of resorts and hotels with a wide range of choice in terms of luxury and cuisine. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.


Where is Andaman?

• Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the islands are:
• About 1,200 km from Chennai and Kolkata.
• 726 km in length and 58 km in width.
• Made up of 572 islands, of which only 38 are inhabited.
• The population is about 400,000.
• The original settlers of the islands are the Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges and Sentinalese. The other two tribes are Shompens and Nicobarese.
• The non-tribal population consists of Bengalis, Tamilians, Malayalis, Telugus and North Indians.
• Has two districts, Andaman and Nicobar.
• Only Andaman island is open for tourism.

The first outsiders to arrive in the islands were the British who came in 1789 but daunted by diseases, left in 1796. They returned in the early 19th century and succeeded in establishing themselves and constructed the Cellular Jail, a prison for Indian political prisoners, at Port Blair. The Japanese annexed the islands between 1942 and 1945.
After Independence, Andaman and Nicobar was deemed a Union Territory. Its highest constitutional authority is the Lieutenant Governor.

Entry Formalities

• Foreigners: Foreign tourists need a special permit to visit the Andaman Islands. This can be obtained from Indian Missions abroad or the immigration authorities in Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madras or on arrival at Port Blair Airport. It can also be obtained from The Director, Ministry of Home Affairs (ANL Division), Government of India, 2nd Floor, North Block, New Delhi- 110 001, through Indian Missions at least 3 months in advance. Foreign Nationals are not allowed to visit Nicobar Islands. This permit is valid for Port Blair Municipal Area; Havelock Islands; Long; Neil Islands; Mayabunder; Diglipur; Rangat for a period of one month where night halt is permitted. However only a day's visit is allowed to places like Jolly Buoy; South Cinque; Red Skin; Moun Hariet and Madhuban.
• Indians: Indian nationals need no special permits to visit Andamans. However, permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands, issued by The Deputy Commissioner, Andamans at Port Blair.

How to get there?

• Air: Port Blair is connected by Indian Airlines with Madras, Calcutta and Car Nicobar. East-West Airlines operate flights on Madras-Port Blair route on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
• Sea: Regular passenger ship services viz. M.V.Harshavardhana, M.V.Akbar and M.V.Nicobar are plying between Port Blair and Madras (1190 km), Calcutta (1255 kms), Vizag (1200 kms). There are 2 sailings in a month each from Calcutta and Madras to Port Blair & vice versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam every 3 months. The voyage takes about 3 / 4 days and the ships normally berth at Port Blair for three days.
• Internal Transport: There are four inter-island passenger cum cargo vessel operating between Port Blair and other islands. Details regarding schedules can be obtained from the Director, Shipping Services, Port Blair.