Geotourism around Fabulous Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India and are composed of two island groups – the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. The Andaman Islands are closer to the Indian mainland and are more developed than the Nicobar Islands. The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical forests. They are also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The islands have a rich history, having been inhabited for thousands of years. They were also an important site during the colonial era, serving as a penal colony for British India. Today, the Andaman Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ indigenous people and the Nicobar Islands are popular tourist destinations with visitors drawn to the islands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands indigenous people are various tribes collectively known as the Andamanese. These tribes have a unique culture and way of life and have largely remained isolated from the outside world.

Where are Andaman and Nicobar islands Located?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. They are situated about 1,200 kilometers east of the Indian mainland and about 1,000 kilometers  west of Thailand and Myanmar. The Andaman Islands are located to the north of the Nicobar Islands and are closer to the Indian mainland, while the Nicobar Islands are located to the south and are closer to Indonesia. Maps of Andaman and Nicobar Islands-Andaman and Nicobar island map shows the location and near by Sea.

Geography

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It is consisting of 572 islands, of which 37 are inhabited. The island comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 150 km wide 10 Degree Channel (10°N parallel), with the Andaman islands to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobar islands to the south. The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. The island chains are thought to be a submerged extension of the Arakan Mountains.

The Andaman and Nicobar islands are about 150 km. north of Aceh in Indonesia and are separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman Sea. The capital of Andaman and Nicobar is the city of Port Blair. The total land area of the islands is approximately 8,249 km². The territory is divided into three districts- the Nicobar District with Car Nicobar as its capital, the South Andaman district with Port Blair, and the North and Middle Andaman district with Mayabunder as its capital.

The Andaman Islands are also home to the Sentinelese people,who is not connected with rest of the world. The Sentinelese are considered to be the only people currently known to not have reached further than a Paleolithic level of technology, however, this is disputed, as evidence of metalwork was found on their island.

How are Andaman and Nicobar Islands formed

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands that were formed as a result of geological processes that took place millions of years ago. The islands are situated on the Andaman Sea Plate, which is a micro tectonic plate that is separate from the larger Indian Plate. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to have formed as a result of volcanic activity that took place between 60 and 25 million years ago. The volcanic activity led to the formation of a mountain range, which eventually eroded and submerged beneath the sea, forming the islands that we see today.

Also read- ‘Barren Island’ the only active volcano in South Asia, Incredible place with spectacular landscape

The islands are also home to a number of limestone caves and formations, which were formed by the gradual erosion of limestone rock over millions of years. The islands’ geological history has contributed to their unique landscape and biodiversity, making them a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and scientists alike.

Weather andaman and nicobar islands

The weather in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is generally warm and humid, with temperatures remaining fairly constant throughout the year. The islands have a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons – a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands lasts from May to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in June and July. During this time, the islands experience high humidity and occasional storms. The seas can be rough and some water activities may be restricted during this period.

Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from December to April, which is the dry season. During this time, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for sightseeing, beach activities, and water sports. The monsoon season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands lasts from May to September, and during this time, the islands receive heavy rainfall, which can lead to disruptions in travel plans and water activities.

Places to visit in andaman and nicobar islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a popular tourist destination, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the top Andaman and Nicobar islands tourism include-

Radhanagar Beach

Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is a historic prison located in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was built by the British colonial government in the late 19th century to house political prisoners and freedom fighters who were fighting for India’s independence.

The jail was designed to hold prisoners in solitary confinement, with each cell designed to hold only one inmate, who was not allowed to communicate with other prisoners. The jail was known for its brutal treatment of inmates, and many prisoners died due to harsh living conditions, torture, and disease.

Today, the Cellular Jail is a national memorial and a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to learn about the history of the Indian freedom struggle and pay homage to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. The jail has a museum that displays artifacts, photographs, and other exhibits related to the freedom struggle and the jail’s history. There is also a light and sound show that depicts the history of the jail and the struggle for independence.

Visitors can explore the jail’s seven wings, each of which housed different categories of prisoners, including political prisoners, women, and children. The jail also has a gallows where many freedom fighters were executed. The Cellular Jail is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and is closed on Mondays and national holidays. A visit to the Cellular Jail is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Indian history and the struggle for independence.

Ross Island

Ross Island is a small island located near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was once the administrative headquarters of the British colonial government, but was later abandoned after a massive earthquake in 1941.

Today, Ross Island is a popular tourist attraction, known for its scenic beauty and historic ruins. Visitors can take a short boat ride from Port Blair to the island and explore its many attractions. The island is home to several historic buildings and monuments, including the ruins of the British administrative buildings, a church, a cemetery, and a bakery. Visitors can also see the remains of a British-era hospital, a printing press, and a water treatment plant.

Visitors can also enjoy the island’s natural beauty, which includes lush green forests, scenic beaches, and panoramic views of the sea. There are several walking trails on the island, which take visitors through its many attractions and offer a glimpse into its rich history. Ross Island can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located in Wandoor, South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was established in 1983 and covers an area of about 281.5 square kilometers, including 15 islands and the surrounding sea.

The park is known for its rich marine biodiversity and is home to a variety of marine species, including coral reefs, fish, turtles, and sea snakes. The park also has several beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and tropical forests, which provide a natural habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The main attractions of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are its numerous islands, which offer opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water-based activities. Visitors can take a boat ride from Wandoor to Jolly Buoy Island or Red Skin Island, which are two of the most popular islands in the park. These islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and colorful coral reefs. The park also has a glass-bottom boat ride, which allows visitors to see the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet. Visitors can also go on a trekking trail in the park, which takes them through the lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the sea.

Baratang Island

Baratang Island is a popular tourist destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located about 100 kilometers from Port Blair. The island is known for its natural beauty and unique attractions, which include mud volcanoes, limestone caves, and mangrove forests. One of the main attractions on Baratang Island is the mud volcano, which is located in the heart of the island’s mangrove forest. Visitors can reach the volcano by a short trek through the forest and witness the bubbling mud, which is caused by the natural gases and minerals present in the earth.

Another popular attraction on Baratang Island is the limestone caves, which are located about 30 kilometers from the island’s main jetty. Visitors can take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and then walk through a narrow forest trail to reach the caves. The caves are known for their beautiful formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and offer a fascinating insight into the geological history of the region. Apart from these attractions, Baratang Island is also known for its pristine beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can relax on the beaches, go for a swim, or explore the nearby coral reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving.

North Bay Island

North Bay Island is a small island located near Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for water-based activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. One of the main attractions on North Bay Island is its beautiful coral reefs, which are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and starfish. Visitors can explore the coral reefs by taking a glass-bottom boat ride, which allows them to see the marine life without getting wet, or by going snorkeling or scuba diving.

Apart from the coral reefs, North Bay Island is also known for its sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the sea. Visitors can relax on the beach, take a swim in the sea, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the island. The island is also home to several historic landmarks, including a lighthouse, which was built in 1972 and offers a panoramic view of the island, and a Japanese bunker, which dates back to World War II.

Mount Harriet

Mount Harriet is a hill located on the Andaman Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the third highest peak in the Andaman Islands and is known for its natural beauty and breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. At the base of Mount Harriet is the picturesque Madhuban Beach, which is known for its tranquil waters, soft sand, and scenic beauty. Visitors can relax on the beach, take a swim in the sea, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore.

The hill is covered with dense tropical forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including exotic birds and animals. Visitors can take a trek through the forest to reach the peak of Mount Harriet, which offers panoramic views of the sea and the nearby islands. Apart from trekking, visitors can also enjoy other outdoor activities such as bird watching, nature walks, and picnics in the lush green forests.

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be reached by air and sea. Flights to Andaman and Nicobar islands-The easiest and most popular way to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is by air. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the main airport serving the islands, with flights available from major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. Direct flights are also available from Bangkok, Thailand. The airport is located about 2 kilometers from the city center and can be easily accessed by taxi.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can also be reached by sea, but this option is less popular and takes longer. There are regular passenger ships that operate between the Indian mainland and the islands, with departures from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The journey can take up to 3 days and is recommended only for those who have the time and the patience to travel by sea.