Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism

Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism

Anyone visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the first time will find it difficult to believe that they are on earth! It is a truly a paradise on earth and a boon for nature lovers! Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a part of India and is a Union Territory. It covers a total area of 8,293 sq km and has a population of over 356,000. The Andaman Group of Islands lie to the north of 10º north latitude while the Nicobar Group of  Islands are those lying to the south of the 10º north latitude. It has a tropical climate between 24ºC and 35º C with irregular rainfall throughout the year.  It is a nature lover’s dream come true to visit this truly fascinating group of over 550 emerald islands and  islets with rocks stretching over hundreds of kilometers. The 38 islands that are inhabited have something or the other to offer for tourists of any age or interest! Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism plays an important part in the revenue of the island. One can see many types of forests in the islands like the tropical semi-evergreen, tropical wet evergreen, littoral, moist deciduous, mangrove and swamp forests which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and a treasure trove of information for researchers. Saddle Peak, which is the highest point of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is about 730 m above sea level.

Another great spot worth mentioning are the breathtaking beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the marine life with its exotic and colorful fishes are a true delight to the eye! The islands boast of over 350 species of echinoderms, 1,200 species of fish and a lot more of other lower forms of life! Nature lovers will be thrilled that there is a Biosphere Reserve, 9 National Parks and 96 Wild Life Sanctuaries in these islands. The ideal time to visit this tourist destination is from October to April. Being an ideal tourist destination to pursue outdoor activities, which include swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours for those fond of water activities to trekking, camping, hiking or just cycling around, for the adventurous ones who prefer to remain on safe grounds, it would be an ideal way of having a memorable once a life-time holiday!

The capital of these paradise islands is Port Blair. Though there are 350 islands very few of these are inhabited. Your trip would be incomplete if you don’t visit some of the special sights here like the Ross Island where you find old ruins of buildings or Corbyn’s Cove if you love the beaches, Viper Island which has great historical importance or the Mount Harriet National Park which is sure to be a favorite for the nature lovers with all the butterflies and moths wherever you turn. The Cellular Jail is another sight worth visiting. You find people belonging to all faiths here – Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and many more – all living in peace and harmony! Languages like Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Nicobari, etc are common languages you can hear being spoken here.

With all that this “Heaven on Earth” virgin islands have to offer, there is nothing surprising that Andaman and Nicobar Islands have become one of the most popular tourist destinations of both the young and old. It is particularly a favorite among honeymooners. The peace and quiet, with the lovely beaches and the spectacular scenery all around, not to forget the exotic seafood  that one can choose from, will be a reason for anyone to want to relive the experience over and over again for a lifetime!

The top most hotels in Port Blair are to be found here.