Profile Andaman and Nicobar islands are located in Bay of Bengal ( India ).

These islands spreads across the total distance of 780Kms. The total geographical area of these islands is 8300Sq.Kms. Nearly 6400 Sq.kms land area of Andaman group consists of reserve forest and are protected areas. 35 percent of this land is tribal reserves. The group 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 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. 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. 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, accomodation 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. Places to visit The various places which can be visited in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are, 1. City trip consisting of,Cellular jail, Fisheries museum(called aquarium, situated near the Andaman water sports complex. Varieties of corals and lot of marine life collections can be seen here), Samudrika - Marine museum(This is run by Indian Navy. Varieties of shells and marine life collections can be seen here too), Anthropological Museum ( situated at Port Blair. Details of tribes living in Andaman can be seen here. Arts and handicrafts of these tribes are also can be seen), Forest museum (Depicts the forest activities and the sawmill miniature models. This museum is set by the forest department), Mini zoo , Sagarika cottage industry and emporium (shopping place), Khadi gramodoyg Emporium (Wooden crafts, shell crafts and khadi items are available for shopping), Gandhi park (a relaxing place situated at the heart of Port Blair. Japanese temples, water sports are available here), Chatham saw mill (This is the oldest and biggest saw mill in Asia), Corbyns cove beach (Nearer to this beach, resorts (both government and private) are also available), Water sports complex (All kind of water sports facilities like wind surfing, scuba diving, speed boat round etc are available here). 2. Viper island. One hour sea journey (Harbour cruise) from Phoenix Bay Jetty of Andaman. Main interest in this island is the open space jail which was constructed before the construction of Cellular Jail. It is also called Women jail. 3. North bay, This beach is 15 to 20 minutes journey by sea from Phoenix Bay Jetty at Port blair. 4. Ross island, the then capital of Andaman And Nicobar islands. This island is now under Indian Navy. This is just 20minutes sea journey from Phoenix Bay Jetty of Port Blair. 5. Mahatma Gandhi marine national park, around 30 Kms from Port Blair. This is situated at the place called Wandoor. The place Wandoor, has got an excellent beach. 6. Jolly buoy. This place is very famous for under water corals and the pristine clear beach. This place is one hour sea journey from Wandoor. Snorkeling and scuba diving available here. 7. Red skin island. Available in the same Mahatma Gandhi Marine national park. This island is also famous for under water corals and marine life. 8. Havelock island. This island is famous for its golden sand beach and bluish sea water. Four hours Sea journey from Port Blair. 9. Baratang , Located at Middle Andaman. The journey is through thick, dense forest area. The forest area journey is about 50Kms. 10. Limestone caves near Baratang jetty. The Sea journey is through boats, 45minutes to one hour journey. 11. Mud Volcano, near Baratang jetty. 20 minutes journey by road. 12. Rangat. 170Kms (6 hours journey) by road and 90 Kms by sea from Port Blair. Biggest town in the middle Andaman. 13. Diglipur. North Andaman, 290 Kms away from Port Blair. Journey runs through Jarwan tribal reserve.

14. Chidiyatapu. Approximately 30Kms from Portblair city towards south. A must visit place for Sun set. 15. Hut bay islands. Over 100Kms from the main city Port Blair. The transportation is provided by inter island shipping services. 16. Mount Harriet. 55Kms from Port Blair by road. Ferry facility available to reach the place. Forest guest house (huts) at a height of 365 mts (above sea level) are available for staying.

There are some good tourist packages available locally in Andaman also. Travellers who wish to visit without any package booked from India can also consider booking at Andaman arranging only their tickets to Andaman from India. Below is some information about standard trip packages at Andaman. Beaches Corbyn's cove beach, Wandoor and Radhanagar beach at Havelock island Coral islands North bay, Jolly buoy and Red skin Geographically important places Mud Volcano and Limestone caves at Baratang Historical and National monuments Cellular jail with Light and Sound show, Ross island, Viper Island, Chatham Saw mill Museums Fisheries, Samudrika, Sagarika and Anthropological museums The budget for the package including accomodation and tour varies from INR 3800 to INR 4000 for a 5 days and 4 nights in AC Room. For Non AC rooms, it varies from INR 3500 to INR 3800. Packages are also available for 4 days and 3 nights. The cost would vary from INR 3200 to INR 3500 for AC rooms and from INR 2900 to INR 3200 for NON AC rooms. The Northest point covered in these packages is Baratang only which is at Middle Andaman. Tourists who wish to visit North Andaman have to book separately. The tour package also covers one day local site seeing at Chennai and Kolkata. Places covered at Chennai are, Kapeleshwara temple, Marine beach, Snake park, Museum and Vivekanda house. Visiting places at Kolkata are, Science city, Victoria Memorial, Metro train, Kali temple, Swamy Vivekananda Mission Tourists are free to select visiting Chennai during their onward journey and Kolkata while returning or travelling through Kolkata and returning via Chennai. Facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 1.Indira point is the southern most place for India 2.Volcano in Barren island is still active 3.Middle Andaman is the largest ocean island