What once used to be infamous as ‘Kalapani’ and considered a taboo is now famous and loved for its exotic locations, pristine sea beaches, and yes, the mouth-watering seafood. With people of all cast and creed – from refugees from Bangladesh to migrants from Burma and Srilanka- Andaman & Nicobar islands indeed is a colorful land. And what’s more, there is undying adventure, excitement and all that that one would look for on a holiday trip.
Places of Attraction
Andaman
Sightseeing In Andaman - Of late, Andaman & Nicobar Islands have become one of the most coveted destinations for holidaying. The most visited city of Andaman is Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which lures people for the numerous sightseeing opportunities – Cellular Jail where history and struggle unfold; Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park that is made up of fifteen islands and is also spread with exotic corals; Anthropological Museum housing the ethnicity of Andaman, Sippighat Agricultural Farm, Mount Harriet, Mini Zoo, and Chidiya Tapu, Water Sports Complex, Fisheries Museum, Samudrika Museum, Forest Museum, Marina Park, and Gandhi Park.
Nicobar
Sightseeing In Nicobar – Nicobar is synonym to magnanimous beauty. The sandy beaches, mangrove forests, fleet of birds and colorful flowers, all make Nicobar truly a nature’s gift to man. Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Indira Point, Katchal, and Ten Degree Channel are a few locations that need a sure visit. Although a petite island, Nicobar is a world unto itself. If you are a nature lover, you would miss out something if you don’t witness the grandeur that Nicobar is gifted with.
Islands
Islands – The Islands of Andaman & Nicobar are the major attraction for tourists to visit this union territory. The Jolly Island, Barren Island, Ross Island, Viper Island and Chatham Island form the group of breathtakingly beautiful Islands. The natural splendor of these Islands and recreational activities attract people from all over the world. Barren Island is famed to have the only Volcano in India that is active; and Snorkeling at the Jolly Island can be a refreshing activity.
Beaches
Beaches - The beaches there have a lot to offer tourists -the breezy weather; various species of turtles, salt water crocodiles, reticulate python; water sports like swimming, scuba diving etc. Quite a lot!
What sets beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands apart is inexistence of any man-made developments at these beaches. With no beach side stores and cafes, one can witness nature at its best. Radhanagar beach, Harminder beach, Karmatang beach and Ramnagar beach are few famous beaches that shouldn’t go unvisited by anyone who is touring the twin Islands.
Water Sports
Water Sports - known for its adventurous water sports, the twin islands are a repository of fun activities. The Andaman Water Sports Complex is a special water sports centre with options like water skiing, Aqua-cycles, speed boating, Gemini boating, Snorkeling (swimming on the sea-surface with one’s head immersed in water), wind-surfing, etc. Other exciting sports are Scuba diving, trekking (best place is the rocky stretch of terrains) and island camping. Who would ever want to avoid such a thrilling trip to Water Sports Complex?
Bon Appetit
The geography of the twin Islands makes it obvious for the seafood to be the specialty of the area – the seas around it thrives with varieties of fish, prawns, lobsters, crabs etc. Though popular for seafood, finding diversity in food in these Islands is not a problem -North Indian, South Indian, vegetarian, continental, Chinese dishes are easily available. Among beverages, Andaman & Nicobar Islands boast of world’s best liquors including the red wine and the James Bond Martini shaken not stirred.
Shopping
Although Andaman & Nicobar is not a shopping paradise, there are a couple of items that would easily find place in your bag packs - Shell jewelry like earrings, bracelets; Mother of pearl jewelry and artifacts, Palm mats, Coconut shell lamp-shed, wood, Bamboo cane craft, Nicobaree Mats; and woodcrafts like walking sticks, bowls and trays, ashtrays and furniture made of mostly local Padauk.
To shop all these items, markets of Port Blair have the best offerings. Aberdeen Bazaar, Government Emporia and other numerous private shops present enjoyable experience while shopping in Andaman and Nicobar.
Climate
The climate of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is tropical though out the year, with months between May to October witnessing heavy rainfall. This torrential rain often takes the shape of violent cyclones destroying the flora of beaches. As a tourist, the most apt time to walk travel across Andaman & Nicobar Island would be from the springs of mid November to warmth of April.
Transport
There is never dearth of transport facilities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There are local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and taxis available for local traveling on the islands. For inter-island commuters, regular inter-island foreshore and harbor ferry services are arranged for easy and comfortable moving between the islands.
The geography of the twin Islands makes it obvious for the seafood to be the specialty of the area – the seas around it thrives with varieties of fish, prawns, lobsters, crabs etc. Though popular for seafood, finding diversity in food in these Islands is not a problem -North Indian, South Indian, vegetarian, continental, Chinese dishes are easily available. Among beverages, Andaman & Nicobar Islands boast of world’s best liquors including the red wine and the James Bond Martini shaken not stirred.
Although Andaman & Nicobar is not a shopping paradise, there are a couple of items that would easily find place in your bag packs - Shell jewelry like earrings, bracelets; Mother of pearl jewelry and artifacts, Palm mats, Coconut shell lamp-shed, wood, Bamboo cane craft, Nicobaree Mats; and woodcrafts like walking sticks, bowls and trays, ashtrays and furniture made of mostly local Padauk.
The climate of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is tropical though out the year, with months between May to October witnessing heavy rainfall. This torrential rain often takes the shape of violent cyclones destroying the flora of beaches. As a tourist, the most apt time to walk travel across Andaman & Nicobar Island would be from the springs of mid November to warmth of April.
