The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the east of the Indian mainland geographically, float in splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal. Once a hill range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia, these picturesque undulating islands, islets numbering around 572, are covered with dense rain-fed, damp and evergreen forests and endless varieties of exotic flora and fauna. Most of these islands (about 550) are in the Andaman Group, 28 of which are inhabited. The smaller Nicobars, comprise some 22 main islands (10 inhabited). The Andaman and Nicobars are separated by the Ten Degree Channel which is 150 Kms wide.
These islands also boast of freedom fighting days’ historically significant landmarks viz. Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Viper Island, Hopetown and Mount Harriet. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been declared as two of the 218 endemic bird area of the world. As many as 270 species and sub-species of birds have been reported existing in these islands, 106 of them being endemic. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk and Dugong are declared as State Bird, State Tree and State Animal respectively. There are about 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries, nine National Parks and one Biosphere Reserve in the islands. These islands are blessed with the bounties of both south-west and north-east monsoons.
Sports & nature
1.PORT BLAIR IN AND AROUND
PORT BLAIR - THE CAPITAL OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is located on the east coast of the South Andaman Island. Port Blair is the gateway to the pristine islands.
Port Blair is also an Island town offering water based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea-cruises, and glimpses of the history and culture of the region. The Aberdeen Bazaar forms the centre of the town. Most of the restaurants and hotels are around this area. The main bus station is just west of the bazaar and the Airport 4 Kms. to the south west. The main passenger dock for ferries-the Phoenix Bay Jetty is 1 Km. to the North West.
2.HAVELOCK ISLAND
Havelock is a picturesque natural paradise with beautiful white sandy beaches, rich coral reefs and lush green forest. It is one of the populated islands in the Andaman group with an area of 113 sq. km. and is located 39 km of north-east of Port Blair.
This island, with beautiful sandy beaches fringed with green canopy of the rain-fed forests beckons everyone to enjoy the frolic and fun at the azure sea.
3.NEIL ISLAND
Neil is a tiny but beautiful island located 37 Kms. to the south of the Andaman Islands. With unexplored coral reefs, brilliant bio-diversity, white sandy beaches and tropical forest and vegetation, it is one of the hot tourist spots in the Andamans.
Neil Island is known as the ‘vegetable bowl’ of the Andamans. The settlers named the beaches after mythical characters of the epic Ramayana (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, Ramnagar etc.) The island, with its very relaxed vibes and long, deserted beaches is a place to chill out after the "bustle" of Havelock. The widest part of the island is about 5 km in length. You can walk the whole island in about two hours.
Sports
1. Banana Boat Rides
Out of all adventure activities in Andaman, banana boat rides are splendidly fun and exciting. At a time six people can ride these boats that are shaped like a banana and are tied behind a speed boat to gain rush. They are perfectly safe as you’re given life jackets and instructor is always sent along on the trips.
2. Snorkeling
If you haven’t tried snorkeling before, give it a go and you’ll know what you’ve been missing. As the colourful reefs of Havelock Island shimmers through your goggles you’ll know what made Ringo Starr sing “Octopus’s Garden”. See the underwater marine life and view the rarest of corals while enjoying one of the best water activities in Andaman at the North Bay Island.
3. Scuba Diving
There are numerous scuba diving centres in Andaman from where you can get your PADI certificate and no, you don’t have to know swimming for that. For other tougher levels and to go into open waters you have to be a little skilled in swimming but not for PADI. So, what are you waiting for, those colourful corals and enchanting water life is waiting for you. It is after all one of the best water sports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
4. Parasailing
Another one of the incredible water sports activities in Andaman that non swimmers can enjoy. Parasailing is a sport that is a wonderful mix of water and air borne adventure. You’re tied behind a motor boat while harnessed in a parachute. So, you fly like a kite behind the boat as it speeds off into the sea. Superbly thrilling it is!
Book Tour Packages in Andaman With Geshna Prakriti Yatra
5. Undersea Walking
Undersea walking is another superbly fun adventure sports in Andaman. Absolutely no experience required, no complicated equipment to handle and you get to walk on the smooth and clean sand of the sea floor with a helmet which offers a close up view of the underwater world without any hassle. No wonder it’s one of the most popular water sports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Quick Fact: It’s perfectly safe as well because the instructors are constantly available. Also, you could keep your glasses or contact lenses on and your fancy hairdo wouldn’t mess up either.
6. Jet Skiing
Out of all the adventure activities in Andaman, jet skiing definitely stands out! However, the sport is best enjoyed during good weather only. During heavy downpour or riding during a storm could be dangerous.
7. Speed boating
Ok, so you want to be in the waters but don’t want to get in; want to experience the thrill but still be secured- Don’t worry we’ve just the sport for you. Be inside the safety of a speed boat as it splashes through the waters at pulsating swift. It’s one of the coolest water sports activities in Andaman that you just can’t miss, swimmer or otherwise.
8. Sport Fishing or Angling
Not all water sports require you to get drenched. Try sport fishing, one of the most popular water sports in Andaman. Go on a fishing trip in one of the swanky yachts. Mostly these trips begin in the afternoon, post lunch. Oh and yes, you can cook and eat the prizes you catch on your fishing trip.
9. Glass bottom Boating
Tiny boats with glass bottoms for you to have a glimpse of the water life as it sails through the sea, that’s glass bottom boating for you. You can take glass bottom boat rides from Water Sports Complex to North Bay Coral Island or Port Blair is to Jolly Buoy Island.
10. A Ride In The Seaplane
Andaman is the first place in India to recently introduce, commercial Seaplanes. A ride in one of those is something you just can’t miss; it is easily one of the best adventure sports in Andaman. These sea planes can carry 9 passengers at a time and ply between Port Blair and Havelock Island. The ride takes only 15 minutes which otherwise by ferry would take 2 hours.
11. A Day In The Sea With Rajan, The Swimming Elephant
Snorkeling or diving with superstar Rajan is one of the coolest water sports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that you can enjoy. He is 63 years old and like any other elephant is friendly and loves the company of people. Diving or snorkeling with Rajan needs to be booked ahead of time so that the bookings can be sorted.
Nightlife info
The Andaman Islands and Night Life
Just the name of the Andaman Islands resonates a feeling of rejuvenation, tranquillity, and beauty. The conglomerate of Islands allures a person to take a break from the chaotic city life, grueling work pressures, and city traffic. The turquoise blue water beneath the feet and the clear blue sky above the head will make one instantly connect with the inner self. But often people ask about the nightlife of the islands? What are the options available for Night Life adventures? Are there any nightclubs in Andaman?
Lifestyle of Andaman Islands
The life of natives of Andaman Islands is mundane and starts around 4 am to 5 am. People go to work early and return by sunset. Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman has many hotels, and markets yet most markets close by 9 PM. The nightlife of Andaman is not very happening and there are no nightclubs even in the capital city to hang out and enjoy but there are private pubs in the hotels with live music to relax and enjoy.
Apart from Port Blair, even if we talk of Havelock and Neil Islands, there are no nightclubs. Though in Summer Sands, Coral Reef Resort, Silver Sand Beach Resort or Corbyn’s Resort one can enjoy at the pub or have private parties in the halls.
Night Life options in the Andaman Islands
The Eco-friendly Islands are ideal to enjoy the walks on sandy beaches, indulge in water activities and rejuvenate with spa treatments, but when it comes to nightlife there are few options available:
- Marine adventure at night: Are you a pro scuba diver or certified in snorkeling? Going underwater at night is an experience in itself but it is advisable that only advanced divers should go for diving at night or late in the evening. Night time diving is a perfect way to feel the adrenaline rush but night diving cannot be done around the year. It is only seasonal and is not operational during monsoon seasons.
- Andaman Dolphin Evening Cruising: The ideal way to enjoy the nightlife in Andaman is by opting for a cruise. Wine and dine on a cruise with live music will make the night hammering and lively. The only downside of this is that you get to do the pre-booking and confirmation is given only a few days before the trip, clearly depending on the number of people who will be traveling.
- Floating restaurant: You can go to the floating restaurant run by the Government for a different experience. Though the restaurant is a basic one, with nothing much special, having dinner in a floating restaurant is in itself an experience.
- Bar Hopping: Sea Sip and Nico Bar are the bars to try. These bars make innovative and string cocktails that are served in coconut shells. The whole vibes of the place are enticing as the sea waves crashing, earthly smell and cocktails make the person relax and feel the beat.
- Candle Light Dinners: Couples can enjoy candlelight dinners on the beach and the arrangements are done by the hotel staff on special requests.
A couple can go for a nice long walk on the beach after dinner, gaze the moonlight and enjoy some personal space as the beaches are not crowded at night. It’s the perfect time for them to create some romantic moments and cherish them for life.
What about Christmas and New Year’s Eve?
Andaman is crowded during New Year as many people are visiting these exotic islands to enjoy some time with self or host private parties on the beaches. Most of the hotels in Andaman are booked and host New Year’s Parties. Especially Havelock Islands from 24th December to 1st January never sleeps and is very crowded. The 4-star hotels in Havelock like Havelock Beach Resort, Symphony Palm Beach resort, Sea Shell Havelock or Barefoot host best of the parties and welcome New Year in a grand manner.
One can also organize destination parties in 4-star hotels of Andaman if visiting the islands in a group and enjoy New Year’s Eve in style. These parties can also be organized on the ships or cruises as it is different from the routine parties back home.
In a Nutshell
The Andaman Islands are known for their natural vivacity and are perfect to recharge mentally and physically. But one should not forget that these islands are not known for their urban lifestyle. The relaxed lifestyle of the Islands will make you love its simplicity as nightlife of the Islands is not what one can expect in cities or other beach destinations. So, if you plan to visit the Islands, be prepared to leave the urban trend aside and enjoy the simple pleasures of life walk on the beach, make sandcastles, enjoy candlelight dinners with and of course take a break from the internet. As internet and phone signals are restricted only to some parts of the Islands.
Culture and history info
HISTORY
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been inhabited for several thousand years, at the very least. The earlier archaeological evidence yet documented goes back some 2,200 years; however, the indications from genetic, cultural and linguistic isolation studies point to habitation going back 30,000 – 60,000 years, well into the Middle Palaeolithic. In the Andaman Islands, the various Andamanese people maintained their separated existence through the vast majority of this time, diversifying into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups. By the 1850s when they first came into sustained contact by outside groups, the indigenous people of Andamans were: the Great Andamanese, who collectively represented at least 10 distinct sub groups and languages; the Jarawa: the jungle (or Rutland Jarawa); the Onge; and the Sentinelese (the most isolated of all the groups). The indigenous peoples of the Nicobars (unrelated to the Andamanese) have a similarly isolated and lengthy association with the islands. There are two main groups: the Nicobarese, or Nicobari living throughout many of the islands; and the Shompen, restricted to the interior of Great Nicobar.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the popular traveler’s destination in India for the people who are in search of peace and comfort. The beautiful long beaches, exciting landscape, calm coastline, hospitality by the local people and various luxurious accommodations make this place ideal for travelers from all over the world.
CULTURE
People: The native people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are tribal communities. These tribes are one of the oldest tribal communities in the world. Several tribal communities are residing in different parts of these islands. The northern Andaman is full of refugees from Burma and Nepal. In the British colonization era, a number of people people from mainland settled in these islands.
Language and religion: The civilized people are mostly residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are from the mainland. The place is known for various religions and languages. The official language of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Hindi, English and Tamil. The tribal people follow their own traditions and customs and speak in their own set of languages.
Local Festivals & Art and music: Many festivals are celebrated in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The most common festivals are Janamashtami, Island Tourism Festival and Subhash Mela. The tribal people celebrate their own festivals to please their gods. The tribal culture and music are most famous in this island.
Food: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are very famous for its seafood. The vegetables and grocery items are imported from the mainland and these items cost more here. The famous foods available in all hotels are south Indian food and Chinese recipes.
