Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A Perfect Getaway
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been inhabited for several thousand years and the archaeological evidence goes back some 2,200 years.
Climate and Geography
The islands have a tropical climate. There is no fury of hot summer, no chilling winter, no water clogging or traffic jams. One can enjoy boating, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing all 12 months is season. Minimum Temperature: 23.2° C; Maximum Temperature: 25° C
Port Blair, Capital Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Port Blair is the capital and gateway to the islands and it lies in South Andaman Island. This island town offers snorkelling, scuba diving, sea-cruises, and glimpses of the history and culture of the region. The Aberdeen Bazaar forms the centre of the town.
Sights in Port Blair
Cellular Jail, is a mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters.
Ross Island, less than a square kilometer stands right across Port Blair. This island served as the capital to the Britishers from 1858 to 1941.
The Anthropological Museum in Port Blair, started in the year 1975-76, is an ethnographic museum. It showcases the four Negrito Tribes of the Andaman viz. the Jarawas, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese and the Onges and two Mongoloid Tribes of the Nicobar viz. the Nicobarese and the Shompens.
Other sites to visit are Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum); Zoological Survey of India Museum and Kalapani Museum.
The beaches like Carbyn's Cove Beach; North Bay Beach, Chidiyatappu; Mundapahar Beach and Mundapahar Trek route; Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park offer something for everyone.
Havelock is a picturesque natural paradise with beautiful white sandy beaches, rich coral reefs and lush green forest. It is one of the populated islands in the Andaman group with an area of 113 sq. km. and is located 39 km of north-east of Port Blair.
The North & Middle Andaman District with Mayabunder as headquarters lies separated from South Andaman District by a creek. Car Nicobar is the District Headquarter of Nicobar District.
How to Reach
Andaman Islands are accessible only by air or by boat. Regular flights to Andaman Islands are available from Chennai and Kolkata.
By Air
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is connected via flights to Kolkata Airport as well as Chennai Airport. Only domestic operators offer flight service to Andaman Islands. Two major domestic aircraft operators Air India and Jet Airways offer services on a regular basis.
By Ship
There are three to four ships every month that leave from Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag.
Accommodation
There are different types of accommodations available to suit and fit varied pockets and budgets starting from Rs 1500 and going up to Rs 18,000 per night on a twin-sharing basis.
