Andaman and Nicobar islands are located
in Bay of Bengal (India). These islands spread
across the total distance of 780Kms. The total geographical
area of these islands is 8300Sq.Kms. Nearly 6400 Sq.kms land
areas of Andaman group consists of reserve forest and are
protected areas. 35 percent of this land is tribal reserves.
The groups of Andaman Islands are made up of North, middle
and South Andaman Islands.
There are nearly 300 islands and 200 rocky outcrops. But,
only 24 islands (11 in Andaman and 13 in Nicobar) are inhabited.
The nearest landmass in the north side is Myanmar, about 300kms
from the Landfall island which is the north most island. At
the south, the nearest land to Nicobar is Sumatra (Indonesia)
at a distance of 150Kms.
The total area of Nicobar islands is about 1800Sq.kms. Nearly
1500 Sq.kms is forest area. This group of islands consists of
24 islands. These groups are northern(Car Nicobar, Batti Malv),
central or Nancowry( Tillangchong, Chowra, Teressa, Bompoka,
Trinkat, Kamorta, Katchal and Nancowry) and southern (Little
Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Pigeon, Megapode, Kondul, Pilo Milo,
Menchal, Teris, Trak, Meroe) groups. The entire Nicobar is a
tribal reserve. The Andaman group of islands are originally
inhabited by the Great Andamanese, the Onge, the Jarawa and
the Sentinelese. These have lived and flourished here for
more than 20,000 years. Though the total population of Andaman
and Nicobar islands is more than 4 lakhs, the population of
these four communities put together is not more than 500.
People interested in aerial photography of Andaman islands
can sit at the left side of the flight (back seats are still
better) while travelling towards Andaman. SLR camera with
medium telezoom lens is better for taking quality photos.
The capital city of this place, Port Blair is about 1200Kms
from Chennai (India) and Kolkata (India). Daily flights are
available from Chennai and Kolkata. Weekly once ship service
is also available from Chennai and Kolkata. The Andaman and
Nicobar islands are famous for the pristine clean coral beaches.
These islands were in mystery for many years and condemned
as forbidden land, also called the Kalapani.
All varieties of accommodations are available to suit all
kind of budget people. Both government and private agencies
operate accommodation business. Tourist information centers
are available at Port Blair to avail the required information
about all kind of details. All kind of brochures are available
at this center. Booking for various hotels can also be made
here.
There is water scarcity during summer season if rain is not
there. The main source of water is ground water only. All
kind of Indian food is available here.
There are so many travel agents in India providing information
and arranging package trips to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
For Andaman INR 25000 is sufficient (transportation, food,
accommodation and entry fees) for a family with parents and
two kids below 12 years. If possible bargain with the agents
to reach Andaman via Chennai and return to Kolkata. The trip
plan can include local site visit at Chennai and Kolkata also.
The best season to visit these islands is from October to
early May. Avoid traveling in these islands during rainy season.
There will be transportation problems by road in many of the
areas, especially in South Andaman area. This is because of
the Tsunami which had hit during December-2004.
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