ANDAMAN NICOBAR ISLANDS

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were shrouded in mystery for centuries because of their inaccessibility. These are the paragon of beauty and present a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. These islands shimmer like emeralds in the South Eastern part of Bay of Bengal. The islands were once known as Kalapani- Black Waters for their role as a feared penal settlement during the age of British colonial rulers. They lie along an arc in long and narrow broken chain, approximately North-South over a distance nearly 800 kms.

There are a group of picturesque Islands, big and small, inhabited and uninhabited, a total of 572 islands, of which only approximately 38 are permanently inhabited. Most of the islands (about 550) are in the Andamans group, 26 of which are inhabited. The smaller Nicobars comprise some 22 main islands (10 inhabited). The Andamans and Nicobars are separated by a channel (the Ten Degree Channel) some 150 km wide. The highest point is located in North Andaman Island (Saddle Peak at 732 metres (2,402 ft)).
 

Tourists from other countries who wish to visit these Islands have to get prior permission from the Indian government. They are granted a visa for 30 days to visit the Islands.

Best time to visit Andaman Nicobar
The best time to visit Andaman Nicobar Island is between mid November and April as the weather is quite pleasurable during these months. People planning to visit Andaman Nicobar after February can expect slightly humid and warm conditions. December and January are the peak season for Andaman Nicobar tourism.

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands ?

 By Ship

Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days

By Air

Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air and takes about 2 hours.

PAWAN HANS Helicopter Limited has started the inter-island helicopter service in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Helicopter goes to Nicobar district from Port Blair.

Nicobar district is connected to Port Blair with ship as well as air. Car Nicobar the district head quarter is 250 kms. away from Port Blair. Nicobar district (except Campbell Bay) is a restricted area. Any one who is interested in visiting this district would require obtaining a LANDING PERMIT from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District.

The most northerly island of the group is Car Nicobar, which is 143 miles from Port Blair.

THE ISLANDS

Biggest Island in Andaman Group                Biggest Island in Nicobar Group
Middle Andaman Island                             Great Nicobar Island
1536 Sq.Km                                           1045 Sq.Km.
 

Smallest Island in Andaman Group              Smallest Island in Nicobar Group
Ross Island                                            Pilomillow Island
0.8 Sq Km.                                            1.3 Sq.Km
 

Activities at Andaman and Nicobar

Scuba Diving in Andamans is a unique lifetime experience. The coastal water surrounding theses islands is the abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystem is the world.

Snorkeling - One can enjoy the under-water marine life and view the rarest varieties of corals by snorkeling in the North Bay, Jolly Bouy, Red Skin,Havelock, Wandoor or the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

Trekking - Trek through the nature trail from Mt. Harriet to Kalapathar and enjoy the rare forest life, flora and fauna. There are other trekking routes also at places like Chidiya Tapu.

Yacht -  If you want to discover the beauty of the islands you need a boat. Only from the deck of a yacht will this tropical paradise you have always dreamt of reveal itself to you. With the constant winds fanning welcome refreshment, inviting bays with pristine white sand beaches. This cruising ground is certainly one of the most fascinating in the world.

We know your time is precious, therefore, we ensure your cruise is well planned and perfectly organised from start to finish. We are here to make your vacation the best carefree one you have ever had!

Island Camping
Island camps are just the right choice for the nature lovers, who wish to enjoy sun, sea and pristine beauty of nature by spending quiet holidays right on the beach. Tents are available locally on hire from October to May.

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