ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLAND

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated in the Indian Ocean, and Port Blair, an Andamanese town, is the capital of this Union Territory.

Dwelt in for more than several thousand years proof of life on these islands goes back to about 2000 years. Totally there are 572 islands in this territory of which only 38 are permanently habitated.

Home to numerous aboriginal tribes, Andaman is derived from the Mythological God Hanuman.

Nearly 86% of the total area of this territory is covered by lush forests. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is plentiful in its assortment of animals, fish, turtles etc.

The best season to visit these islands is from October to May
A tour among the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands should actually start from its capital : Port Blair offers several interesting venues and attractions.

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park comprises of 15 small and large islands. Experiencing the screening of underwater marine life, snorkeling and scuba diving is a memorable experience for the first time visitor.

Gandhi Park, Sippighat Farm, Mount Harriet and the Mini Zoo at Haddo are the main attractions which shouldn’t be missed.

As for the main islands of Andaman and Nicobar, Ross Island remnants from the 1941 earthquake which devastated this small island are still visible. They are inclusive of a Church, a swimming pool, a cemetery and the Chief Commissioner’s mansion.

Also present is a small museum named Smritika which has an excellent anthology of old records.

Viper Island is situated very close to Port Blair instead. This island was the old Jail which was used during the British Raj to harbor convicts. Ruins atop a hillock are visible.

Corbyn’s Cove : this beautiful beach is fringed with palm trees. This beach is ideal for swimming, sun basking and surfing. Different facilities like water sports are obtainable.

Chatham Saw Mill is considered to be one of the Largest and Oldest saw mills in Asia, this mill, built on a tiny island is joined to Port Blair by a bridge.

This island has the second biggest jetty where island mainland ships can moor.
Places to visit
The various places which can be visited in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are,
City trip – consisting of,Cellular jail, Fisheries museum(called aquarium, situated near the Andaman water sports complex. Varieties of corals and lot of marine life collections can be seen here), Samudrika - Marine museum(This is run by Indian Navy. Varieties of shells and marine life collections can be seen here too), Anthropological Museum ( situated at Port Blair. Details of tribes living in Andaman can be seen here. Arts and handicrafts of these tribes are also can be seen), Forest museum (Depicts the forest activities and the sawmill miniature models. This museum is set by the forest department), Mini zoo , Sagarika – cottage industry and emporium (shopping place), Khadi gramodoyg Emporium (Wooden crafts, shell crafts and khadi items are available for shopping), Gandhi park (a relaxing place situated at the heart of Port Blair. Japanese temples, water sports are available here), Chatham saw mill (This is the oldest and biggest saw mill in Asia), Corbyn’s cove beach (Nearer to this beach, resorts (both government and private) are also available), Water sports complex (All kind of water sports facilities like wind surfing, scuba diving, speed boat round etc… are available here).
Viper island. One hour sea journey (Harbour cruise) from Phoenix Bay Jetty of Andaman. Main interest in this island is the open space jail which was constructed before the construction of Cellular Jail. It is also called Women jail.
North bay, This beach is 15 to 20 minutes journey by sea from Phoenix Bay Jetty at Port blair.
Ross island, the then capital of Andaman And Nicobar islands. This island is now under Indian Navy. This is just 20minutes sea journey from Phoenix Bay Jetty of Port Blair.
Mahatma Gandhi marine national park, around 30 Kms from Port Blair. This is situated at the place called Wandoor. The place Wandoor, has got an excellent beach.
Jolly buoy. This place is very famous for under water corals and the pristine clear beach. This place is one hour sea journey from Wandoor. Snorkeling and scuba diving available here.
Red skin island. Available in the same Mahatma Gandhi Marine national park. This island is also famous for under water corals and marine life.
Havelock island. This island is famous for its golden sand beach and bluish sea water. Four hours Sea journey from Port Blair.
Baratang , Located at Middle Andaman. The journey is through thick, dense forest area. The forest area journey is about 50Kms.
Limestone caves near Baratang jetty. The Sea journey is through boats, 45minutes to one hour journey.
Mud Volcano, near Baratang jetty. 20 minutes journey by road.
Rangat. 170Kms (6 hours journey) by road and 90 Kms by sea from Port Blair. Biggest town in the middle Andaman.
Diglipur. North Andaman, 290 Kms away from Port Blair. Journey runs through Jarwan tribal reserve.
Chidiyatapu. Approximately 30Kms from Portblair city towards south. A must visit place for Sun set.
Hut bay islands. Over 100Kms from the main city Port Blair. The transportation is provided by inter island shipping services.
Mount Harriet. 55Kms from Port Blair by road. Ferry facility available to reach the place. Forest guest house (huts) at a height of 365 mts (above sea level) are available for staying.