Andaman & Nicobars

Andaman & Nicobars, a group of 572 islands & islets spread over like a broken chain of pearls in Bay of Bengal covering an area of 8249 sq.km.
Over a distance of 780kms. of ocean from North to South, the Island , although a Union Territory of India, is very close to Rangoon(Burma), Phuket(Thailand) Malaysia & Sumatra.
However to reach these islands irrespective Indians or foreigners have to undertake journey from Chennai/ Calcutta / Vizag. Andaman is graded as one of the ideal destination for availing leave travel concession to cover a long distance journey.

General Information

Months : July & Aug.
Climate : Tropical & Humid 70% to 90%
Weather: Generally pleasant Min. 23C Max 30C.
Clothes : Cotton
Distance: Chennai - Port Blair - 1190kms.
               Calcutta - Port Blair- 1255kms.

Places of tourist Interest in Andaman

Forest & Wildlife

Chatham Saw Mill:
Owned by the forest department, one of the largest saw mills in Asia. This mill converts huge logs into timber of different sizes and supplies to private & government departments at reasonable price. Ornamental species used in manufacture of furniture and handicraft are processed here.

Forest Museum:
This museum displays a large variety of timber species and models of all activities undertaken by the forest department.

Chiriyatapu Beach:
Famous for enchanting views that it present to the visitors and a paradise for the bird watchers. Adorned with a beautiful beach, Chiriyatapu offers you a best picnic spot.

Tribal Life:
The Port Blair unit of department of Anthropological Survey of India displayed a large number of tools, inputs, models and photographs of habituals of aboriginal of the islands viz. Ongis, Jarawas, Sentinals, Shompens & Nicobaris.

Historical Monuments

Cellular Jail:
Known as the Bastille of India and relic of bygone years, Andaman is know mostly from Cellular Jail in which many freedom fighters were incarcerated during the British rule. The jail had 600 cells and was built during 1896 - 1906 with bricks transported from Burma.

Ross Island:
Located at the mouth of Port Blair harbour, Ross Island was the seat of Imperial Administration till the Island fell into the hands of Japanese in 1942. The Island is having old buildings and monuments of immense historical and archaeological value.

Viper Island:
Viper Island stands as a witness to the grim sufferings that the freedom fighters of our country had to undergo during the British Rule. The British used to keep dangerous prisoners who resorted to hunger strikes and non-cooperation, at a jail built in the Island.

Sound & Light Show:
The Sound & Light show at Cellular Jail depicts the history of Cellular Jail and important events during the British Rule. This show is sponsored and presented by the Department of Tourism.

Beaches, Coral, Marine Life

Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island:
Here one can watch underwater coral and marine life through a glass bottomed boat. To reach the Island, one has to first visit Wandoor National Marine park to embark a motor launch. Safe for swimming and snorkelling.

Corbyn's Cove Beach:
This is a small picturesque sea beach 7kms. away from Port Blair. A drive to the beach along South Point Road reminds a tourist of Goa or Kovalam in Kerala. Corbyns Cove is a palm fringed beach and an ideal place for swimming.

Marine Museum:
The museum maintained by the Department of Fisheries carefully presents  exhibits of marine life of Andamans.

Samudrika:
A museum displaying exhibits to create awareness among people on different aspects of oceanic environments and to educate them to protect & conserve it in a scientific manner.

Water Sports
Both safe water sports & adventure water sports are conducted at Aberdeen Water Sports Complex & Mahatma Gandhi Children's Park. Irrespective, children or adults can join the water sports to feel the thrill of going to open sea.

Handicrafts:
Sagarika Emporium is maintained by the Industries Department and displays a variety of handicrafts produced out of ornamental timbers and shells. The items produced by tiny handicraft units in the Islands are sold from this emporium.

Visits to other Islands with Minimum 1Night Halt Compulsory (Optional Tours)

Neil Island:
Situated in South Andaman group, to reach the Island one has to undertake 2-3 hours journey by boat. Stay at Guest House/Private accommodation.

Havelock Island:
Located in South Andaman group, to reach the Island it takes 4-5 hours by a motor boat. Radha Nagar beach is worldwide famous and it is ideal place for tent camping. At Havelock, the Tourism Department has accommodation.

Rangat Island:
Located in Middle Andaman at a distance of 210 Kms. from Port Blair, to reach the Island one can undertake boat journey or travel overland. Stay at Guest House/ Private accommodation.

Mayabunder:
Headquarters of North Andaman, at a distance of 300kms. from Port Blair. One can undertake boat journey or travel overland. Stay at Guest House/ Private accommodation.