|
Andaman islands
Our country is endowed with enormous natural wealth and beauty. The towering Himalayas, the evergreen forests of Assam, the barren Rajasthan, the luscious green coastal plains are all a feast for one's eyes. Apart from these, we have a place of distinct in its beauty -- the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago of 572 islands, are located in the Bay of Bengal. Most of the islands are uninhabited. The northern group is the Andaman and the southern group is the Nicobar Islands. The total area occupied by these islands is 8,249
sq. km. In the 19th century these islands were used by the British to imprison the freedom fighters in the cellular jail.
About 92% of the land area in the Andaman islands is covered by forests. Coral reefs, crystal-clear water and staggering sandy beaches hem in these islands. The only volcano that India can boast of is seen here on Barren Island. There are a number of picturesque places in the Andamans that are worth seeing. An attempt has been made here to give a detailed report on these islands and enjoy the flight of fancy as you read this.
 When you hear the word Andaman what is that comes to your mind?
The Cellular Jails. Now a national memorial, it also houses a wonderful light and sound show. This huge monument has been a silent spectator to the perfidious punishments undergone by the freedom fighters.
The most popular sports activities in summer are water sports. The Andaman Water Sports Complex, the first such in India, offers a range of aqua sports activities like paddle boats, row boats, water cycle, wind surfing, water scooter, wind skiing etc.
Located at the centre of the capital city, Port Blair, is the Gandhi Park. It includes a deer park, children's park, an amusement park and a temple. The government-owned Sabarmati Restaurant situated here is noted for its cleanliness. This park was laid in a record time of three weeks.
Situated at a distance of 29 km. from Port Blair is the M G Marine National Park at Wandoor. It comprises 15 islands and is made up of open sand creeks. Travel for about an hour by boat and you reach Jolly Buoy Island, which is surrounded by exotic coral reefs and colourful fish at a depth of just 10 feet. Enjoy the sight using snorkeling equipment or by travelling in a boat which has a transparent base.
The largest sawmill in Asia, the Saddam Saw Mill, can be seen near the Port. There are people here who can tell the type of the tree, its age and other details just by smelling
it
|
The British, who were unwilling to live along with the prisoners in Port Blair, had developed an island exclusively for themselves. Known as Ross Island, it was once the capital of these islands.
 Ross Island had its own church, mess, hospital, post office, bakery, swimming pool and a place to supply them with pure drinking water and was called the 'Paris of the East'. But today it is in ruins, the only reminder of the past being a small museum with some photos and antiques relevant to the island.
Apart from this, there is the Corbyn's Cove Complex for sunbathing. It has the added attraction of a wide range of water sports.
The Cinque Island is ideal for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and camping.
If you want to have a feel of an unpolluted environment, visit the virgin beaches of the Havelock Island.
Regular services by air and sea are available from Chennai and Calcutta to Port Blair. Want to have a leisurely trip, travel by ship to the Andamans. It is indeed an experience.
So, adventure lovers when are you planning to visit the Andamans and have a feel of the scenic beauty and the sandy beaches?
How to get there
 Air: Port Blair is connected to Calcutta and Chennai by Alliance Air.
Sea: Regular passenger ship services viz. M.V. Akbar and M.V. Nicobar and M.V. Nancowry are plying between Port Blair and Chennai (1190 kms), 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 Vishakapatnam every 3 months. The Voyage takes about 3/4 days and the ships normally berth at Port Blair for three days.
Where to stay
The capital has several hotel resorts, which provide accommodation for tourists. There are a number of government guest houses, two tourist homes, and a circuit house. Besides, there are a number of resorts, cottages, and hotels run by private sector- and, the expenditure will definitely not burn a hole in any pocket. Metered taxis are available and regular ferry services connect Port Blair to other inhabited islands. Port Blair offers a variety of delicious sea food, besides Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Burmese cuisine.
Foreign tourists are permitted to visit only the Andaman group of islands, while access to
Nicobar is restricted only to Indians. Though situated in the tropics, the islands have a pleasant temperate climate, due to the sea breeze blowing in
continuously. The best time to visit these islands, is between November and May.
|
