ANDAMAN ISLANDS

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

Location: Bay of Bengal
Capital: Port Blair
Main Attractions: Water Sports, Marine Life
Best Time To Visit: October to May
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: Andaman’s District: 6,408-sq-kms
Nicobars District: 1,841-sq-kms
Total Area: 8,249-sq-kms
Distance: 1,255-kms From Calcutta (Kolkata)
1,190-kms From Chennai
1,200-kms From Vishakhapatnam
Language Spoken: English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil.
Altitude: Varies from sea Level to 732m
Climate: Tropical - Between 23°C (75-85 F) To 28°C (78-95 F)
The Emerald Islands: Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the
archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andean & 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 to Indonesia,
these undulating islands are 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 are 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 Mother Nature. Adventure tourism like
trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc., are the major attractions here. A
visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.
The History: Mythological, the name Andean is presumed to be derived from Hanuman,
the Monkey God, who was known to the Malays as "Handuman". Since pre-historic
times, these islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andean group
of islands are the great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinalese; all of Negrito
origin, while the tribes of Nicobars, the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid
stock.
The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in
1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, after
the first war of independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, "Moplas", some
tribes from central and united provinces, refugees from erstwhile east Pakistan, Burma
and Sri Lanka as well as ex servicemen.
People & Culture: In these islands people of all faiths Hindus, Muslim, Christians, Sikhs
etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu, Punjabi, Nicobari
etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter religion and inter regional
marriages are common. This amazing racial and cultural mix is aptly described as 'mini-
India'.

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The Green Paradise: Forests are 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 forests have been set aside as tribal reserves, national parks
and wildlife sanctuaries, which are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in
the world, occupy nearly 11.5% of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal species
are endemic to these islands. The Andean Nicobar Islands hold over 110 species of wild
orchids, which are about 10% of the known Indian orchids.
Marine Life: The surrounding seas are equally rich in marine bio-diversity. They harbour
more than 1,200 species of fish, 350 species of echinoderms, 1,000 species of Molluscs
and many more other forms of life. Among Vertebrates dugong, dolphin and whale are
common. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in Corals, varieties of colourful
Fishes, Sea Turtles, etc., besides other marine life.
Andean is also a bird's paradise. More than 246 varieties of birds inhabit the idyllic
landscape, out of which 39 are endemic. Birds Megapode, Seiftlet, Hornbill and Nicobar
Pigeon are mention worthy. The Avi faunal diversity has always attracted ornithologists
and bird watchers to these islands.
Sandy beaches of these islands are famous for turtles nesting. Important species of
turtles that are present on these islands include Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea Turtle,
Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle. Water Monitor Lizard, Salt-Water Crocodiles,
Reticulate Python etc. are also seen here.
Corals and coral reefs are the most fascinating part of marine ecosystem here. So far
179 species of corals belonging to 61 genera have been reported. Reefs are mostly of
the fringing type on the western coast. Coral reefs are important breeding and nursery
ground for fish and many other organisms.
A New Haven For The Tourists: Andean and Nicobar islands have recently been
recognized as a world-class Eco-friendly tourist destination and these islands have
something very special to offer to the tourists. Cellular Jail, Ross Island and Viper Island
create real interest in those, who love Indian history. The Andean tropical rainforests,
beautiful silver sandy beaches, serpentine mangrove-lined creeks, marine life abounding
in rare species of plants, animals, corals, etc., provide a splendid experience to the
tourists.
The environment lover finds absolute ease and tranquility in the lap of Mother Nature.
There is tremendous scope for enjoying the green nature, the virgin beaches, the
marvels of underwater, adventure water sports ad other activities like Elephant Safari,
Trekking, Lagoon Cruise, Island Camping etc.
Andean is a popular destination for Scuba Dive Tourists, Cruise Liners and Sailing
Yachts. The administration has formulated guidelines/procedures for operating Scuba
Dive Centers and Yachts.
The Andean and Nicobar Islands have become the center of worldwide attention thanks
to the first sunrise of the millennium at Katchal, an island in the Nicobar group. Now
these islands are emerging as one of the most sought after Eco-friendly tourist
destinations of the 21st Century.
DIGLIPUR
Location: 290-km From Port Blair, Andaman Island
Famous For: Oranges, Rice & Marine Life
Main Attractions: Mayabunder, Kalighat
Best Time To Visit: October to May

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 HOW TO GET THERE
One who comes by boat from Port Blair will reach Aerial Bay Jetty, which is very near to
places like Diglipur and Kalipur. Port Blair - Diglipur boat services are available twice a
week. Kalighat is well connected by daily two boat services from Mayabunder.
NEARBY CITIES
Port Blair Mayabunder Kalighat
Chennai - 1190 Km Calcutta - 1255 Km Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
Situated in North Andaman Island, Diglipur provides a rare experience for Eco friendly
tourists. It is famous for its oranges, rice and marine life. Saddle Peak the highest point
in the islands is nearby. Kalpong, the only river of Andaman flows from here. The first
hydroelectric project of the islands is coming upon this river.
One who comes by road from Port Blair has to take a boat from Mayabunder to Kalighat
and from their journey by road to Diglipur and from they’re to Kalipur for viewing, Kalipur
and Lamiya bay beaches. One can feel the innocent beauty of village life everywhere in
Diglipur. One who prefers to be away from the hustle and humdrum of urban life must
come here to enjoy unhurried holidays.

KALIGHAT
Location: Andaman Islands
Main Attractions: Radhanagar, Kalighat Beach
Best Time To Visit: October to May
HOW TO GET THERE
In principle, four buses per day run north from Kalighat to Diglipur and the trip only takes
45 minutes. Heading south, the boat leaves at 5.00 am for Mayabunder.
NEARBY CITIES
Port Blair Mayabunder Kalighat
Chennai - 1190 Km Calcutta - 1255 Km Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
Until the new road is finished, Kalighat, where the river becomes UN-navigable and the
ferryboat from Mayabunder turns around, serves as the main entry point to North
Andaman. A cluttered little bazaar unfolds from the top of the spillway, hemmed in by
dense mangrove swamps.
The one worthwhile place to visit in this area is Radhnagar, 10-km out of town and
served by hourly buses, where there's a beautiful sandy beach backed by unspoilt forest
where camping is feasible. Try to rent a cycle from one of the stalls in Kalighat though,
as the beach is 2-km outside Radhnagar Bazaar, providing the nearest source of fresh
water.

MAYABUNDER
Location: 242-km From Port Blair, Andaman Islands
Significance: Home to A Former Burmese Karen Tribe.
Main Attractions: Karmtang Beach
HOW TO GET THERE
One can access Mayabunder 242-km by road and 157-km by sea from Port Blair. Until
the last stretch of the Andaman trunk Road is completed and a bridge across the narrow
strait to north Andaman Island constructed just west of Mayabunder, the shortest
crossing is the ferry ride to Kalighat. Once a week the Port Blair ferry also calls here en
route to Diglipur, but one’s find it less hassle, and a lot quicker, to catch the bus as this
boat stops at several off limits islands en route.

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Heading in the opposite direction, buses to Port Blair are regular but it is advisable to
book ahead, with tickets for the first of five daily government departures going on sale
from 3pm the previous day at the bus stand, 2-km from the jetty near the bazaar.
NEARBY CITIES
Port Blair Kalighat Chennai - 1190 Km
Calcutta - 1255 Km Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
Nearly three hours further north by road, perched on a long promontory right at the top of
the island and surrounded by mangrove swamps, is Mayabunder, springboard for the
remote northern Andaman Islands. The village, which is home to a large minority of
former Burmese Karen tribal people who were originally brought here as cheap logging
labour by the British, is more spread out and more appealing than Rangat.
PRIME ATTRACTION
Beach at Avis Island, Karmatang Beach and mangrove-lined Creeks are the prime
attractions of this place.
Karmatang Beach: Karmatang Beach is also a turtle nesting ground. One can view
nesting of turtles during December - February season. Swiftlet nest guesthouse of the
Directorate of Tourism is very near to the Karmatang Beach. One can go to Kalighat, for
Diglipur through the creek by boat from here. The Lagoon Cruise is an enchanting
experience.

PORT BLAIR
Location: Andaman Islands
Famous For: Capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Main Attractions: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and Viper Island, Andaman's Water Sports
Complex
Best Time To Visit: October to May
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: fights serve Port Blair, on South Andaman, from Calcutta (Kolkata) (Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) and Chennai (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Sea:
It's also possible to get to Port Blair by ship. The principle sailings leave Calcutta
(Kolkata) and Chennai every one of two weeks, and Vishakapatnam once every month
or so.
Tourists arriving by plane can pick up the permit necessary to visit the islands on arrival
at Port Blair airport; passengers travelling on a ship should obtain on at a Foreigners'
Registration Office before leaving India.
LOCAL TRANSPORT: Walking is tiring and time-consuming in hilly Port Blair, even
taking into account the minimal amount of sightseeing the place offers, making transport
essential. Yellow-top taxis gather opposite the bus stand and they all have meters. They
are the best option one can have for a trip from the center of town to Corbyn's Cove. No
rickshaws, auto-or otherwise, operates on the island.
Local buses run in frequently from the bus stand in central Port Blair to Wandoor and
Chirya Tapu, and can be used for day-trips, though it's best to rely on one's own
transport to get around South Andaman. Bicycles can be rented from Aberdeen Bazaar,
but the roads to the coasts are most easily covered on a Vespa or Motorcycle, both
available for rent. The petrol pump is on the crossroads west of the bus stand, and
there's another on the road towards the airport. Fill up before one leaves town, as gas is
hard to come by elsewhere.
The Ramshackle Airport is 4-km south of town at Lamba line. Entry permits are issued to
foreigners from the counter in the corner of the arrival hall while the baggage is being
transferred. Taxis are on hand for the trip into town.

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Road names are not used much in Port Blair, with most establishments addressing
themselves simply by their local area. The name of the busiest and most central area is
Aberdeen Bazaar, where one will find the Superintendent of Police (for permit
extensions), the SCI office for Onward Bookings by Sea, and the State Bank of India
NEARBY CITIES
Mayabunder Kalighat Chennai - 1190 Km
Calcutta - 1255 Km Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
SOUTH ANDAMAN: PORT BLAIR AND AROUND: South Andaman is today the most
heavily populated of the Andaman Islands, particularly around the capital, Port Blair.
Foreign tourists can only visit its southern reaches western shores at Wandoor, 35-km
southwest of Port Blair.
With one's own transport it's easy to find one's way along the narrow bumpy roads that
connect small villages, weaving through forests and coconut fields, and skirting the
swamps and rocky outcrops that form the coastline. Port Blair, a characterless cluster of
tin-roofed buildings tumbling towards the sea in the north, east and west and petering
into fields and forests in the suit, merits only a short stay.
PRIME ATTRACTION
Ross Island: Once the seat of British power and capital of Andaman Islands, it stands
now as a ruin of the bygone days with the old structure almost in debris. A small
museum named 'Smritika' holds photographs and the other antiques of the British’s
relevant to these islands.
Viper Island: The British’s used to harbour convicts here. The first jail was constructed
here which was abandoned after the construction of Cellular Jail. It has a gallows atop a
hillock, where condemned prisoners were hanged. Sher Ali, who killed Lord Mayo, the
Viceroy of India in 1872, was also hanged here.
Andaman Water Sports Complex: 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, Parasailing, Sailboats, Wind Surfers, Speedboats and Glass Bottom
Boats for Coral/ Shipwreck Viewing, etc. are 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., are available near to the beach. Historical remains like Japanese
bunkers can be seen here. Snake Island situated 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.
Marina Park: This Park, right on the seashore near to the water sports complex, has
amusements rides, children's traffic park and toy train. A suitable place for spending the
evenings.
Gandhi Park: This beautiful park near to the Raj Niwas has facilities like amusement
rides, safe water sports, and nature trail around the lake, garden, restaurant and historic
remains like Japanese temple as well as a bunker.
Anthropological Museum: This museum at Phoenix Bay depicts the life of the
Paleolithic Islanders. It also houses the models of the aborigines and their tools.

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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 are on display.
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.,
Situated at Haddo, this museum offers and insight into forest activities through scale
models and displays decorative pieces made of famous woods like Padauk, Marble,
Peauma, Gurjan, Satin Wood, etc.
MINI ZOO: Situated at Haddo (Delanipur - Chatham Road), it houses some of the rare
species of endemic birds and animals found n these islands.
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.
Cellular Jail Port Blair's only firm reminder of its gloomy past, the sturdy brick Cellular
Jail, overlooks the sea from a small rise in the northeast of town. Built between 1896 and
1905, its tiny solitary cells were quite different and far worse than the dormitories in other
prison blocks erected earlier. Only three of the seven wings that originally radiated from
the central tower now remain. Visitors can peer into the cells (3m by 3.5m), and imagine
the grim condition under which the prisoners existed. The Sound ad Light show outlines
the history of the prison, and a small museum by the entrance gate exhibits lists of
convicts, photographs and grim torture devices.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor (29-km. 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 ornamental fish
and marine life. Wandoor is the base to visit the islands in this park like Jolly Buoy and
redskin. Glass bottom boats help to take a closer look at the coral colonies. A perfect
place for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.
Cinque Islands (39-km. By Sea From Port Blair): Declared as a sanctuary, these are
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 are also available to this island and are suitable for Scuba Diving and
Snorkeling.
Mount Harriet (55-km, By Road 55-km/15-km By Ferry And Road From Port Blair)
One can take a ferry service from the Chatnam wharf to Bamboo flat. From there one
can take a vehicle to Mt Harriet, which is 365m. A natural trail takes to the top and one
can have a comfortable stay at the forest guesthouse. Towards the north are the Mt.
Harriet National Park and Madhuban. One can watch the elephants being trained to
carry logs over here.
Chidiya Tapu (25-km. 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 breathtaking sunsets over here.
Sippighat Farm (14-km. By Road From Port Blair): This farm sprawling over an area
of 80 acres, conducts research and development programs for cultivation of spices like
Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Coconut and Pepper. Research and demonstration farm of
the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CAIR) is nearby.

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Collinpur (36-km. 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.
Madhuban (75-kms. By Road/20-kms By Ferry And Road From Port Blair):
Madhuban is a trekking area on northeastern 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.
Neil Island (36-km. By Sea From Port Blair): This beautiful island with lush green
forest and sandy beaches is the vegetable bowl of Andamans. Connected by boat from
Port Blair four days a week, it provides an ideal holiday for Eco friendly tourists. Hawabill
nest guesthouse of the Directorate of Tourism provides comfortable accommodation
here. One can feel the sincerity and serenity of village life here. Beautiful beaches at
Lakshmanpur, Bharatpur, Sitapur and the natural bridge formations on the seashore are
the attractions.
Havelock Island (50-kms. By Sea From Port Blair - Via Neil Island 62-km): This
island, near to Neil Island, offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest.
Radhanagar Beach, 12-km from the jetty on the western side of the island, is one of the
most sought after tourist destinations in the islands. One can enjoy quite holidays in the
lap of Mother Nature over here.
North Passage Island (70-km. By Sea From Port Blair): Famous for Merk Bay - Coral
white sandy, shallow beach suitable for Snorkeling, Swimming and Sun Basking. The
sea around the island is famous for playful Dolphins. The island is not connected by
regular boat services. One has to hire boats from Long Island or Eratta Jetty - Rangat to
reach Merk Bay. It's a suitable for a day visit to enjoy the glorious solitude.
Long Island (82-kms. By Sea From Port Blair): Connected by boat four times a week
from Phoenix Bay Jetty, this island offers an excellent sandy beach at Lalaji Bay,
unpolluted environment and evergreen forests. Dolphin convoys frequent the sea around
the island. Lalaji Bay, 6-km away from the boat jetty, is accessible by 15 minutes journey
in Doonghies or trekking through the forest. Island camping (tent accommodation) is
available seasonally over here.
Baratang Island (100-km. By Road From Port Blair): This island between South and
Middle Andamans has a beautiful beach. Andaman trunk road to Rangat and
Mayabunder goes through this island. Mud volcanoes can also be seen in this island.
Mud volcano is a hole or vent in the ground that gives off volcanic gases.
Rangat (170-km. By road and 90-km. By Sea): One can enjoy the quiet village life and
solitude of virgin nature here. You can also breathe unpolluted air, a rare commodity for
the city dweller. Cutbert bay beach is a turtle nesting ground. One can view the nesting
of turtles during December - February season.
Mayabunder (242-km. By Road and 157-km. By Sea): Situated in the northern part of
Middle Andaman Island, Mayabunder offers excellent scenic beauty and beautiful
beaches. Inhabited by the settlers from Burma, East Pakistan and ex-convicts,
Mayabunder has a distinct culture. Beach at Avis Island, Karmatang Beach and
mangrove-lined creeks are some of the main attractions over here.
Diglipur (290-km By Road/185-km. By Sea): Situated in North Andaman Island,
Diglipur provides a rare experience for Eco friendly tourists. It is famous for its oranges,
rice and marine life. Saddle peak the highest point in the islands is nearby. Kalpong, the
only river of Andaman flows from here.
Barren Island (139-km. By Sea From Port Blair): This is the only active volcano in
India. Erupted twice in recent past, once in 1991 and again in 1994-95, after remaining
dormant for about 177 years. This island, about 3-km in diameter, has a big crater of the

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volcano, about half kilometer away from the shore. Special boats can visit Barren Island
and the visit is restricted to on board vessels only. Landing ashore is not allowed.
Little Andaman Island (120-km. By Sea From Port Blair): Little Andaman Island offers
a perfect mix of white sandy beaches bewitching waterfalls, boating through the creeks,
exciting elephant safari, elephant safari, elephant lumbering, elephant calls training,
surfing etc. All the places of tourist interest are approachable by the road, leading
northwards from the Hubby by Jetty.

RANGAT
Location: 170-km From Port Balir, Andaman Islands
Famous For: Curtbert Bay Beach, Amakunj Beach
Water Sport Attraction: Snorkelling
HOW TO GET THERE
Sea: Daily ferries to and from Port Blair dock at Rang at Bay 8-km east; some stop at
Havelock Island and Long Island, and there are also two daily lumber boats to Long
island. In addition, three daily buses serve the village to Port Blair, which passes through
around lunchtime en route from Mayabunder.
NEARBY CITIES
Port Blair Mayabunder Kalighat
Chennai - 1190 Km Calcutta - 1255 Km Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
Nicobar Islands
The Great Nicobar Island is where a large variety of wildlife thrives, splendidly
segregated from the rest of the Nicobar Islands by the six-degree channel. The
submarine life along the innumerable isolated beaches is indescribably beautiful. Most of
the nicer beaches with clear water ranging in colour from pale lime to cobalt blue are
found on the relatively more isolated western coast of these islands. Even if the tribal
population inhabits most of these islands it’s worth an adventure.
170-km by road from Port Blair, Rangat has untouched sandy beaches and rich foliage
of evergreen trees. 15-km away from here at Curtbert Bay beach is the turtle nesting
ground. Rangat is also a major staging post on the journey north of Andaman Islands.
Click here for Tours to Andaman & Nicobar Islands
PRIME ATTRACTION
If one visits this place, rather than staying put in Rangat, jump on a bus-heading north,
or find a jeep to Amakunj Beach, 8-km along the road to Mayabunder. On the right of the
road just beyond the helipad, a forest department signboard saying "Sand Collection
Point" marks the start of a track running the remaining 500m to the sea. The beach has
little shade to speak of, but the snorkelling is good and, best of all, there's a new and
very comfortable ANIIDCO Yatri Niwas hotel on the roadside.

NICOBAR ISLANDS
No. Of Islands: 28
Coverage Area: 1,841-sq-kms
Main Attractions: Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, and Nancowry Group Of Islands, Katchal
Island.
HOW TO GET THERE
Sea: Ferries are available to reach Nicobar Islands via sea from Port Blair, Car Nicobar
And Katchal Island.

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 NEARBY CITIES
Port Blair Mayabunder Kalighat
Port Blair & Chennai - 1190 Km Port Blair & Calcutta - 1255 Km
Port Blair & Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km
Comprising 28 islands, with an area of 1,841-sq-kms, the Nicobar group of islands is
separated from Andamans by the Ten-Degree Channel. The Nicobars abound in coconut
palms, caesarians and Pandanus. The Nicobar Islands can be divided in three groups -
Northern Most Group, Central Group and Southern Group.
Great and Little Nicobar have dark crab eating monkeys with long tails. Nicobare
Pigeons are found on these islands in plenty. Magapode, a rare bird, is found in Great
Nicobar. The southern most tip of India, "Indira Point" is in Great Nicobar Island.
Due to absence of collective memory it is not possible to trace Nicobarese past link, both
ethnic and cultural. "Bonington" (1932) referred to them as a branch of the Mon race.
They are believed to have been living in the Archipelago of Nicobar from time
immemorial. Later migrating people from Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, greater India and
China in ancient days settled there and they integrated with the indigenous people they
found on the island. But with regard to the origin of the Nicobarese, each island
possesses folklore of its own.
Historical Significance: Since time immemorial these beautiful Islands have been part
of India. Scholars connect early history of Andaman and Nicobar as the land of
Ramayan's Hanuman. Lord Ram, the hero of the epic Ramayana is believed to have
passed through these islands during his period of exile. Many of the Voyagers referred
Nicobar Islands as the 'Land of the Naked'. In Indian term it was called 'Nakkavar'.
In recent Indian history, an archeological inscription dated AD 1059 says that Nicobar
was part of overseas kingdom of Tamil Chola Kings of Tanjore. In 1869, British took
possession of the Nicobar Islands from the Danes and they became part of modern
India.
The Isolated Land: According to history Nicobar Islands have experienced all kinds of
external influences for centuries, because they are located along an ancient international
trade sea route and have been known to voyagers and scholars from ancient times. So it
proves they have been witnesses to fusion of blood and fusion of culture as well.
It was on 2nd April 1957 for some practical reasons to stop economic exploitation of the
islanders that the Government of India declared Nicobar Islands as Aboriginal Tribal
Reserve Area and Nicobar Islands became inaccessible to the people. Even Indian
people from the mainland need a special tribal pass to land on different islands.
PRIME ATTRACTION
The Great Nicobar (Distance 540-km. By Sea From Port Blair): The Great Nicobar is
865-sq-kms in area and is the largest of the Nicobar group. Its southern most point, the
Indira Point (Formerly known as Pygmalion Point) is also the southern most point of
India. The northern half of the Great Nicobar Island has hills and mountain ranges while
the rest of the Island is fairly flat. The Great Nicobar is the only Island in Andaman and
Nicobars, which has perennial rivers - the Galathea, Alexandria, and Doyma. The beach
near Galathia is the nesting ground for Giant Leatherback Turtles. The island also
houses the biosphere reserve area.
Great Nicobar is a 60-hour journey by ship from Port Blair. One has to rely on
government guesthouses at the Great Nicobar Island and reservations should be made
well in advance.
Car Nicobar (Distance 270-km. By Sea From Port Blair): A flat fertile Island, the Car
Nicobar is covered with a cluster of coconut palms and some enchanting beaches with a
roaring sea all around. It is also the headquarters of Nicobar district. The houses in the
Island are especially unique and fascinating. The Nicobarese built their houses on stilts

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about 2m off the ground, which have entrances through the floor. Some of these huts
look like beehives.
Car Nicobar is a 16-hour journey from Port Blair by sea. One can check out the Ship
Schedules available at the Shipping Office at Port Blair. One has to rely on government
guesthouses at Car Nicobar and reservations should be made well in advance before
starting from Port Blair.
Nancowry Group Of Islands: Nancowry Group of Islands is considered to be the most
beautiful islands in the Nicobar group. There are no hotels to stay and one has to make
one's own arrangements at the circuit house or village schools present over here.
Katchal Island (425-km. By Sea From Port Blair): Katchal is a tiny island in the
Nicobar group. It was this island, which heralded the new millennium with the first
sunrise on 1st January 2000. This island has beautiful beaches at East Bay Jhula and
West Bay.
Nicobar group of islands is out of bounds for tourists at present.

KATCHAL ISLAND
Location: Nicobar Islands, 300-km South Of Port Blair
Coverage Area: 1,74.4-sq-kms
Formerly Known As: Tihnyu La
HOW TO GET THERE
Sea: Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta
and Vishakhapatnam. There are several sailings every month from Chennai and
Calcutta to Port Blair and vice-versa, and from Vishakhapatnam too there are a number
of sailings to reach this group of islands. The voyage takes about three days and ships
normally berth at Port Blair for about two days.
Air: Port Blair is connected to Chennai and Calcutta by air and flights are operated
almost regularly from these cities. The journey time is approximately two hours for both
the sectors. Engage Spoken: Nicobari, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Santhali & English
History And Geographic Location: Earlier known as "Tihnyu", Katchal has been home
of both indigenous and non-indigenous people. Katchal Island with an area of 174.4-sq-
km is situated about 1,600-km away from the mainland of India. It is 300-km south of
Port Blair, capital of Andamans and Nicobar Group of Islands.
Katchal is the largest island of the Central Group of Islands. It is accessible by sea and
has a safe berthing place for vessels of considerable size. Katchal has fresh water
resources and it has a police station, a small post office, a Telephone Exchange, a PWD
Guest House, eleven school buildings comprising of modern and old structures and 805
houses with electrical connections.
It also has community health centers, veterinary facilities, cooperative societies, fair
price shops, and a bus service for 24-kms. The highest peak of Katchal is 835 ft. People
in Katchal speak Nicobari, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Santhali (a tribal language from
South Bihar) and English.
Cultural Heritage: Katchal has 35 villages of which 6 villages are main villages. Each
village has its own story of origin. Like the tribe of West Bay Katchal says: "There was a
great flood in the ancient period. The island was submerged. Only a tall tree, 'Kam Pong'
(a kind of softwood), withstood the flood. Some worms were fortunate enough to reach
the treetop and remain there until the waters had abated." According to the West Bay
Katchal Tribe, the present population of Katchal evolved from the worms - a
resemblance to the many of the stories of various civilizations!
Katchal And Sun: Like people of any other civilizations, indigenous people of Katchal
known as 'Som Eta' were also aware of the importance of the sun. They called the Sun

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"Heng", an object of light ("Yango") and now also one will find sun image in their ancient
worshipping places. Due to influence of Nicobari language from Car Nicobar, now they
call Sun "Tavevoi". They also have a calendar and they also celebrate their traditional
Calendar festivals.
Importance Of Pigs In Nicobari Society: For Nicobari tribe pig is the most important
aspect of their life. In their religion, custom, festivals and Social status, the pig occupies
a prominent place. In fact, tribal people of Katchal and Nicobar Islands have many
mythological and folklore stories on pigs. The Katchali tribe believes that the Universe is
sitting on the back of a pig.
Religion & Secular Traditions: As early history of Andaman and Nicobar Island is
related with Ramayan's Hanuman, perhaps that is why tribes of Katchal do not like to kill
monkeys. In ancient Katchal, a tribal priest known as 'Miluana' used to be the most
powerful man who saved people from devil and evil spirits. However, tribal queen Changi
of Katchal worshipped Lord Sri Krishna in a small ancient temple at West Bay Katchal
and on 16th September 1966 that temple was renovated and the temple is still being
maintained and looked after by her Christian children as a cultural, historical or spiritual
monument made by their tribal queen mother.
Muslim influence has also been found on the islands of Andaman And Nicobar when
"Minicoyans" from Laccadive Island in the Arabian Sea settled down over here but
Katchal has very few Muslims. The small Muslim population has also maintained a
Mosque on the island.
Economy And Future Plans: The Hills of Katchal are composed of Calcareous
Sandstone and marble slates, and in the beautiful tropical forest of Katchal one will find
lots of Pythons, Black Monkeys and Pigs. Katchal also has the most suitable soil for
paddy cultivation, which has been found quite satisfactory, and valuable timber for
commercial use is also found in the forest.
The main stay of their economy is Coconut and Arecanut trade. In 1968, rubber
plantation and subsequently red oil palm plantation were established here. Citizens of
Katchal want industrial development and modern infrastructure and the Millennium
Sunrise movement has given them a new hope for progress. One will find TV in their
homes and Disc Antennas outside their Nicobari huts. They play various sports including
football and cricket as well.

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