THIS WEB SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
THE LAND
Floating is splendei isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS. This Union Territory stretches over a length of more than 700 Kms. From North to South with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands is covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flora and fauna. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline is fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offers excellent scope for adventure water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, crystal clear water and mangrove-lined creeks, offer a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature. The clean roads as well as unpolluted fresh air attract any nature-lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of Moter Nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc., is the major attractions here. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.
THE HISTORY
Mythologically, the name Andaman is presumed to be derived from Hanuman, who was known to the Malays as Handuman. Since pre-historic times, these islands were the home a boriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands is the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinalese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars is the Nicobarese and Shimpens, both of Mongoloids stock. The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1896. The second settlement of convicts, Moplas, some tribes from Central United Provices, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burma and sri Lanka as well as ex-servicemen.
THE PEOPLE
In these islands people of all faiths-hindus, Muslim, Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter- religion and inter-regional marriages is common. This amzing racial and cultural miz is aptly described as "MINI-INDIA".
THE FLORA AND FAUNA
Forests is the green gold of the islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forest have been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, which is inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world, occupy nearly 11.5% of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal aspecies is endemic to these islands. The Andaman Nicobar Islands hold over 110 species of wild orchids, which is about 10% of the known Indian orchids.
The surrounding seas is equally rich in marine bio-diversity. They harbour more than 1200 species of fish, 350 species of echinoderms, 1000 species of mollusks and many more other forms of life. Among wetebrates dugong, dolphin and whale are comm.. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varities of colourful fishes, sea turtles etc., besides other marine life.
Andaman is a bir`s paradise. More than 246 varieties of birds inhabit the idyllic landscape, out of which 39 is endemic, out of which Megapode, Swiftlet, hornbill and Nicobar Pegeon is mention worthy. The avi-faunal diversity has always attracted ornithologists and bird watchers to these islands.
Sandy beaches of these islands is famous for turtle nesting. Important species of turtles include: Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle. Water Monitor Lizard, Salt Water Crocodiles, Reticulate Python etc. is also seen here.
Corals and coral reefs is the most fascinating part of marine ecosystem here. So far 179 species of corals belonging to 61 genera have been reported. Reefs is mostly of the fringing type on the western coast. Coral reefs is important breeding and nursery ground for fish and many other organisms.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location : Bay of Bengal
92 degree to 94 degree East Longitude
6 degree to 14 degree North Latitude
AREA :
Andaman District: 6,408 Sq.Kms.
Nicobars District : 1,841 Sq.Kms.
Toatal Area : 8,249 Sq.Kms.
Capital : Port Blair
Distance :
1255 kms. From Kolkata(Calcutta)
1190 kms. From Chennai (Madras)
1200 kms. From Vishakhapatnam
Altiude : Varies from sea level to 732 Metres.
Highest Peak: Saddle Peak- 732 Metres
CELLULAR JAIL (NATIONAL MEMORIAL)
Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this Jail. The Jail, completed in the year 1906 acquired the name, `cellular` because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the prisoners. It originally was a seven pronged, pucecoloured building with central tower acting as its fulcrum and a massive structure comprising honeycomb like corridors. The building was subsequently damaged and presently three out of the seven prongs is intact. The Jail, now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving people, has been declared a National Memorial.
The penal settlement established in andamans by the British after the First war of Independence in 1857 was the beginning of the agonizing story of freedom fighters in the massive and awful jails at Viper Island followed by the cellular Jail. The patriots who raised their voice against the British raj were sent to this Jail, where many perished. Nataji Subash chandra Bose hoisted the tri-colour flag to proclaim Independence on 30th. December, 1943 at a place near this jail. Also there is a Museum, an Art gallery, and a Photo gallery, which is open on all days except Monday from Monday from 9.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM. Entry fee:- Rs.5/=, Camera-Photo-Rs.10/=, video-Rs.50/=
SON-ET-LUMIERE(SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW)
The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving son-et-Lumiere, shown daily inside the Cellular jail compound at 6.00 PM(hindi) and 7.15 PM (English).
Entry fee: adult Rs.10/=, child Rs.5/=
ROSS ISLAND
Ross Island, the erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime, is a tiny island standing as guard to Port Blair harbour (10 minutes boat journey from the Phoenix bay Jetty, Port Blair). The island peresently houses the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, chief commissioner`s House, Govt. House, Church, cemetery, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all in dioapidated condition, reminiscent of the old British regime.
Ever since Dr. James Pattison Walker arrived in Port blair aboard the East India Cimpany`s steam frigate `Semiramis` on 10th. March 1858, this island remained under British occupation till 1942. From 1942 to 1945, the island was under the occupation of Japanese. However, the British re-occupied the island in 1945 and later abandoned it.
During British occupation, this island was the seat of power of the Britishers. It was developed into self-equipped township with all facilities required for a civilized colony. Dr. Walker, Chairman of the Andaman Committee, established the infamous and the dreaded Penal Settlement with 200 convicts. The Britishers persuaded the aborigines to come and live in some huts at Ross Island and even established an Andaman Home for them in 1863. Later on the services of these Andamanese were used to catch the escaping convicts from Ross Island.
The island with historical background and preservable ruins is spread along an area of 0.6 sq.kms. With the ruins and also with the historical background, the island has gained a lot of popularity among the tourists. Ross island is open for the tourists to visit during day time except Wednesday. Boat services is available from the Phoenix Bay Jetty at 8.30 AM, 10.30 AM, and 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM. Navy has established a museum on the Island known as `Smritika` depicting the history of the Island.
VIPER ISLAND
The tiny, serene, beautiful island of Viper is situated inside the Pofrt Blair harbour ( 20 minutes boat journey from Phownix bay Jetty). The island derives its name from the vessel `Viper` in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to the islands in 1789 with the purpose of establishing a Penal Settlement. The vessel, it is believed, met with an accident and its wreckage was abandoned near the island. Viper Island witnesded the untold sufferings the freedom fighters has to undergo. Dangerous convicts found guilty of violating the rules of the Penal Settlement, were put in fetters and were forced to work with their fetters on in this island. Freedom fighters like Nanigopal and Nandlal Pulindas, who had resorted to hunger strike at the cellular Jail, were imprisoned at Viper island. Sher Ali, the Pathan, quilty of murdering Lord Mayo, was condemned to death and hanged in Gallows at the Viper Island. The Jail at Viper, where prisoners deported from the mainland were confined, was built by the British under the supervision of Major Fort. Work on the prison was started in 1867. Owing to the working conditions, the jail earned the notorious name Viper Chain Gang Jail.
The Harbour cruise, available daily Phoenix bay jetty (at 3.00PM), provides a panoramic view of different points around the harbour and includes trip to Viper Island.
OTHER PLACES IN AND AROUND PORT BLAIR
ANDAMAN WATER SPORTS COMPLEX (NEAR CELLULAR JAIL)
This is a unique sports complex of its kind. Facilities for safe water sports and adventure water sports such as water-skiing, water scooters, Gemini boats, para-sailing(subject to wind/weather conditions), sail boats, wind-surfers, speed bats and glass-bottom boats for coral/ship wreck viewing,etc., is available here. Saline water swimming pool, promenade for morning / evening walk, change room & food plaza are available near to the complex. There is a Memorial built to commemorate the battle of Aberdeen, fought between the British and Andamanese aborigines in May 1859 in which many andamanese died.
CORBYN`S COVE
Corbyn`s Cove, the coconut palm fringed beach, ideal for sun-basking, is 7 kms away from Port blair town. Facilities like hotel, restaurant and bar, changing room etc., is available near to the beach. Historical remains like Japanese bunkers can be seen here. Snake island nearby is famous for scuba diving.
CHATHAM
The Chatham Saw Mill, one of the oldest and largest mills in Asia, is built on a tiny Island connected to Port Blair by a bridge. It is a storehouse of timber like Padauk, Gurjan, marble, Satin Wood, etc. This Island has the second largest wharf of these islands, where island-mainland ships can berth. The island is near the Haddo Wharf, which is the largest wharf in the islands.
PARKS
MARINA PARK
This park, right on the sea shore near to the water sports complex, has amusements rides, children`s traffic park and toy train. Suitable for spending the evenings.
GANDHI PARK
This beautiful park near to the Raj Niwas has facilities like amusement rides, safe water sports, nature trail around the lake, garden, restaurant and historic remains like Japanese Temple as well as a bunker.
MUSEUMS
ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM
This museum at Phoenix bay( Bus stand- Delanipur road) depicts the life of the Paleolithic Islanders. It also houses the models of the aborigines and their tools. Closed on Mondays and holidays.
SAMUDRIKA(NAVAL MARINE MUSEUM)
Situated opposite to Andaman Teal House, Delanipur this museum is meant to create awareness on various aspects of oceanic environment. A good collection of shells, corals and a few species of colourful fishes found in these islands is on display.
Time: 8.30 AM - 12.00 Noon, 2.00PM - 5.00 PM, Monday & holiday closed. Entry fee-Rs. 10/-
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA MUSEUM
Situated near to Andaman Teal House, this museum and research library exhibit a good variety of sponges, corals, butterflies, centipedes etc.,
Open on all woring days.
FOREST MUSEUM
Situated at Haddo (near to the Zoo), this museum offers an insight into forest activites through scale models and displays decorative pieces made of famous wood like Padauk, Marble, Peauma, Gurjan, Satin wood, etc., Open on all working days.
ZOO / AQUARIUM
MINI ZOO
Situated at Haddo ( Deplanipur- Chatham road), it houses some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands.
Time: 8.00 AM - 5.00 PM Monday closed.
Entry fee: adult- Rs.2/-, child- Rs.1/-
AQUARIUM (FISHERIES MUSEUM)
Situated near Andaman Water Sports Complex, it exhibits species of marine life peculiar to the islands and found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Closed on Mondays and Holidays.
Entry Fee: adult- Rs.2/- , Child(upto 12 years) Re. 1/- Wideo without focul light- Rs.25/-
EXCURSIONS OUTSIDE PORT BLAIR
MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK, WANDOOR
( 29 Kms. By Road from Port Blair)
This Park is made up of open sea, creeks and fifteen small and large islands covering an area of 281.5 Sq.Kms. One can see mangrove forests along the creeks and magnificent tropical forests, beautiful beaches, fascinating coral reefs and schools of ornmental fish and marine life. Wandoor is the base to visit the islands in this park like Jolly Buoy and Redskin. Glass bottom boats hep to take a closer look at the coral colonies. A place suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling. Conducted tour to Wandoor is available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair. Private boats is available from Wandoor for the coral Islands-Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.
Entry fee at the National Park- adult Rs.10/-, Child Rs. 5/-,
Scuba diving- Indians Rs.500/-, Foreigners Rs.1000/-
CINQUE ISLANDS( 39 KMS. BY SEA FROM PORT BLAIR)
Declared as a sanctuary, these is enchanting islands with rare corals and under-water marine life and tropical rain forest. There is a beautiful sand bar joining the North Cinque and South Cinque islands. Private boat services is available to this Island. Suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Private boat operators(Port Blair)
S.M.Travels, Dairy Farm, Ph: 39454
S.R.Travels, Haddo , Ph: 30077
Kamal Travels, Babu Lane, Ph: 34840
MOUNT HARRIET (55 KM, By Road/ 15 KM by Ferry and Road from Port Blair)
The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, this place is an ideal place for having a nice and fascinating over view of the outer islands and the azure sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 metres high). One can trek from Bambooflat to Mount Harriet and from there upto Madhuban through nature trail. Mount Harriet is a National Park also. Rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies can be seen during the trekking. Conducted tours to Mount Harriet is available from Andaman Teal House. Enroute one can stop at Hopetown, where Sher ali, Pathan killed Lord Mayo.
Entry Fee at National Park: Rs.10/-
CHIDIYA TAPU(25 KMS. BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)
Chidiya Tapu is the southern most tip of South Andaman Island. The lush green mangroves, forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands and Munda pahar beaches make it an ideal picnic site. One can witness breath-taking sunsets here. Conducted tours is available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair.
SIPPIGHAT FARM(14 KMS BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)
This Farm sprawling over an area of 80 acres, conducts research and development programmes for cultivation of spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut and pepper. Research and Demonstration farm of the Central Agricultural Research Institute(CARI) is nearby.
COLLINPUR (36 kms. BY ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)
Situated near to Tirur, this place has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water. Suitable for swimming, sun basking and viewing sunset.
KHURMADERA
Situated near to Collinpur, 37 Kms. By Road from Port Blair, this place has beautiful sandy beach with Shallow water. Suitable for swimming, sun basking, viewing sunset and sunrise. The road is passing through deep forest(Jungle). Jungle lovers can take the pleasure to see Jungle and deepsea at the same time. The dead corals(A type of small part of corals are make in such a way which are similar to a sweet item called KHURMA in local language) can be seen in the seashore of khurmadera.There was the japanes base during the year 1942 war, the japanes mourcha can be seen here in khurma dera.
MADHUBAN(75 KMS. BY ROAD/ 20 KMS. BY FERRY AND ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)
Madhuban is a trekking area on north eastern side of Mount harriet in South Andaman Island. Exotic beach, endemic birds, animals, butterflies, and elephant lumbering are the most interesting part of the trek.
More details can be obtained from:-
E-mail:-info@falia.net
Phone # 0091(03192)284601(Resi)
0091(03192)288194(offi)
0091(03192)244427(Resi)