The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are considered to be the oysters of the Indian subcontinent because to the fact that they provide visitors with sights that are bigger than life. The sheer grandeur of nature in Andaman and Nicobar are baffling enough to tempt even the most adamant visitors to the islands. Due to the inaccessibility of these islands, the heroic tales of Indian heroes who were punished with ‘Saza-E-Kala Pani’ under British rule and were left alone on these islands for the rest of their lives are slowly being revealed as the enigma surrounding these islands is being unravelled.
There are 572 individual islands that make up the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory. The islands first rose to prominence when they became a well-known passage for merchants heading to the Far East. It is thought that the Portuguese brought Christianity to the indigenous of these islands, which led to the islands’ cultural development. Port Blair is the capital of these islands and is home to many sights that are known all over the globe as well as an isolated port.
Main Tourist Attractions of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Cellular Jail
Former British authorities put Indian independence fighters on trial and imprisoned them in the Cellular Jail at Port Blair. This jail was built in the 18th century. It was given the term “Cellular Prison” due to the fact that the whole facility consisted of separate cells that were designed for the solitary confinement of criminals. The building of the prison started in 1896 and continued until 1906, when it was finally finished. The former prison at Port Blair is now a National Memorial and is a notable site in the city.
Anthropological Museum
Photographs and scale models of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ indigenous peoples may be seen on display at the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair. The museum was established in 1916 and is home to an extensive collection of artefacts and displays. The museum displays the distinctive attire and artefacts that were used by the indigenous peoples who inhabited this area. In addition, this location has a stockpile of various implements, including firearms. In order to showcase all of the museum’s artefacts in an innovative manner, life-size huts have been employed around the building.
Samudrika Naval Maritime Museum
The Samudrika Naval Maritime Museum in Port Blair is home to an extensive collection of artefacts, some of which showcase the way of life and traditions of the island’s inhabitants. The Indian Navy is in charge of the museum, which has a total of five distinct areas to explore. In the museum, there is a sizable collection of corals and shells for visitors to peruse. The museum also has an extensive collection of aquatic life, with over 350 different species represented there. The enormous clamshells, which are part of the collection of unique artefacts housed here, are among the most popular draws.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
This is the renowned beach that is located nearest to Port Blair. The whole beach area is encircled by palm trees, which provide an aesthetically pleasing contrast to the expansive stretches of white sand beach. Because the waves aren’t too intense and the water is nice and warm, this beach is a favourite with visitors that come to Port Blair. A broad range of water activities may also be enjoyed, and the necessary facilities can be found in close proximity to the beach. In addition, sunbathing and swimming are also activities that are well suited for the beach.
Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park
In the Andaman Islands, the Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park is dispersed among 15 different islands. The park has a variety of ecosystems, ranging from streams to the sea, tropical jungles to mangrove forests, and beaches to tropical woods. Through the bottom of a glass-bottomed boat, vacationers may get a glimpse of the vast array of aquatic life that inhabits the area. In addition, this location has amenities for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. In addition, there are a variety of animals and birds that may be found here.
Chiriya Tapu (Bird Island)
This island may be found near the very end of the South Andaman peninsula. The woodcutters’ route winds inward from the shore on the island, providing lots of opportunities for peaceful hikes through the surrounding forest. However, the water at the beach is not quite as clear as it may be, so serious snorkelers will need to go elsewhere to enjoy themselves.
Ross Island
Ross Island, which is situated close to Port Blair, is the site of some of the most heinous abuses that occurred during the time of British colonial rule. The majority of the criminals who were transferred to this location succumbed to illnesses or were tortured to death. You may go back in time and explore the island by going to one of the many colonial buildings. It’s a great place to get away from the noise and bustle of Port Blair and enjoy some quiet time.
Neil Island
Neil Island is the most southernly inhabited island in the Ritchie’s archipelago. It is a very small island in the form of a triangle and is quite remote. On the island, there are three different beaches, all of which can be reached by bicycle in a short amount of time from the main marketplace. One of the nicest places to go swimming is in Neil Kendra, which is a bay with white sand that curves softly. Sitapur beach is another beautiful beach that can be seen on the island.
Havelock Island
Havelock is Ritchie’s largest island, and it is also the most heavily populated island in the archipelago. The beach in Radhnagar, which is located in Havelocks and is often regarded as the most stunning beach in the Andamans, may become quite busy during the high season. The trip on the boat from Neil Island to Havelock Island is an amazing experience. Neil Island is the starting point.
Cinque Island
Cinque Island is really composed of two smaller islands. These are joined together by a narrow strip of sand that acts as an isthmus. Both sides of the isthmus are surrounded by seas that are rather shallow. Around the reefs, the island provides some of the best options for scuba diving and snorkelling. There are no ferries that go to Cinque; but, if you want to go to the Cinque island, you may make arrangements to take dinghies from Chirayu Tapu.
Little Andaman
The breathtaking Butler Bay beach on Little Andaman Island is one of the island’s most famous attractions. The coastline of the island is lined by a multitude of other sandy beaches in many different locations. There is also a grove of oil palms and a waterfall among the other features. In addition to this, the island is the principal provider of veggies for the Nicobar archipelago. In addition to early immigrants who came from other parts of the world, the Onge tribal people and the Nicobarese are considered to be the island’s original occupants.
Car Nicobar
The islands of Car Nicobar are known for their expansive beaches, lush vegetation, and towering coconut trees. Within such an atmosphere, village life goes about its business in a way typical to Nicobar. The limitless beaches are adorned with lovely Nicobari huts that remain still on the seashores and exude a certain allure that is exclusive to the area. The cottages feature a chic entrance with a traditional wooden ladder that is found in the Nicobar Islands; climbing to the top of the ladder reveals a breathtaking panorama. Car Nicobar is located more than a half day’s journey away from Port Blair, which contributes to the town’s elevated profile as a result of its function as the district headquarters for the Nicobar Islands.
Great Nicobar
The most southernmost point of the Nicobar Islands is known as the Great Nicobar Island. The Galathia beach is the most popular destination for visitors to the island. The Giant Leatherback Turtles are responsible for making this beach renowned since it is where they come to lay their eggs. On the island there is also a biosphere reserve area that you may visit. The Indira Point is another landmark that makes Great Nicobar renowned (formerly Pygmallion Point). The most southern point of India may be found at this particular position.
