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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands-At a Glance

Presentation · October 2017

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34474.93129

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 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands -At a Glance

Welcome to the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

(Video Documentary Script)
By
Prof. A. Balasubramanian*
Centre for Advanced Studies in Earth Science,
University of Mysore, Mysore
*(Former Director: -Culture and Cultural Relations-Pondicherry University,
-Educational Multimedia Research Centre-University of Mysore)
2013

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Introduction

India is one of the mostly preferred destinations for international tourists. Tourism is a very promising
industry in India. India is a country with a large number of tourist spots and attractive features. India
is a country known for its culture, heritage, history and natural resources. All the states and union
territories have a good number of locations catering to the domestic and international tourists. The
Andaman Islands form an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal between India, to the west, and Myanmar,
to the north and east.

Most are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands belong to the Union Territory of India, while a
small number in the north of the archipelago, including the Coco Islands, belong to Myanmar. The
Andaman Islands are home to the Sentinelese, who have had little contact with any other people. The
name of the Andaman Islands is ancient.

Geography

The Andaman Archipelago is an oceanic continuation of the Burmese Arakan Yoma range in the
North and of the Indonesian Archipelago in the South. It has 325 islands which cover an area of 6,408
km2 (2,474 sq mi), with the Andaman Sea to the east between the islands and the coast of Burma.
North Andaman Island is 285 kilometres (177 mi) south of Burma, although a few smaller Burmese
islands are closer, including the three Coco Islands. The Ten Degree Channel separates the
Andamans from the Nicobar Islands to the south. The highest point is located in North Andaman
Island (Saddle Peak at 732 m (2,402 ft)). The subsoil of the Andaman islands consists essentially of
Late Jurassic to Early Eocene ophiolites and sedimentary rocks (argillaceous and algal limestones),
deformed by numerous deep faults and thrusts with ultramafic igneous intrusions. There are at least
11 mud volcanoes on the islands. The climate is typical of tropical islands of similar latitude. It is
always warm, but with sea-breezes. Rainfall is irregular, usually dry during the north-east, and very
wet during the south-west, monsoons.

State Profile

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India. It is located in the Indian Ocean, in the
southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal. It is comprised of two island groups -the Andaman Islands and
the Nicobar Islands. The capital of Andaman town is Port Blair. The capital of Nicobar Islands is Car
Nicobar. The total land area of the territory is approximately 2,508 sq miles. As of 2011 Census of
India, the population of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was 379944. The
languages spoken in these islands include Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi,
Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Gujarati, Karen. The common language is Hindi.

Physiography (Mountain and Forest)

Forests are the green gold of these 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, Natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are inviolate. The union territory of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of about 293 islands.

Climate

The climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is described as Tropical Climate. The Islands are
situated in the Hot or Torrid Zone. There are only two season, Rainy Season and Summer Season.
Islands are visited by South - West and North - East monsoons during the period from May to
December. Average annual rainfall in these Islands is 3000 mm. The period from January to April is
Summer Season. The mean relative humidity is 79%. The temperature is between 30.2°C and 23.8°C.

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Historical Significance

The Andaman islands have been inhabited for several thousand years, at the very least. The earliest
archaeological evidence yet documented goes back some 2,200 years; however, the indications from
genetic, cultural and isolation studies suggest that the islands may have been inhabited as early as the
Middle Paleolithic. The Andamans are theorised to be a key stepping stone in a great coastal
migration of humans from Africa via the Arabian peninsula, along the coastal regions of the Indian
mainland and towards Southeast Asia, Japan and Oceania. From 800 to 1200 CE, the Tamil Chola
dynasty created an empire that eventually extended from southeastern peninsular India to parts of
Malaysia. Rajendra Chola I (1014 to 1042 CE) took over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and
maintained them as a strategic naval base to launch a naval expedition against the Srivijaya empire (a
Buddhist-Malay empire based on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia).
In 1789, the British established their colony in this Island and they maintained this Island and they
used Island as a penal colony which was named as Kalapani or the cellular jail. The criminal convics
crime against the East India Company was sent to Andaman and Nicobar Island and Life sentenced
and they were forced to live in exile in Kalapani. After the end of British rule, The kalapani gave a
way to Become a beautiful Island. 17 May 1859 was another major day for Andaman. The "Battle
of Aberdeen" was fought between the Great Andamanese Tribe and the British. Today, a memorial
stands in Andaman Water sports complex as a tribute to the people who lost their lives.

Flora

The natural vegetation of the Andamans is tropical forest, with mangroves on the coast. The
rainforests are similar in composition to those of the west coast of Burma. Most of the forests are
evergreen, but there are areas of deciduous forest on North Andaman, Middle Andaman, Baratang and
parts of South Andaman Island. The Middle Andamans have mostly moist deciduous forests. North
Andamans is characterised by the wet evergreen type, with plenty of woody climbers. The South
Andaman forests have a profuse growth of epiphytic vegetation, mostly ferns and orchids. The
Andaman forests are largely unspoiled, despite logging and the demands of the fast-growing
population driven by immigration from the Indian mainland. Andaman forests contain 200 or more
timber producing species of trees, out of which about 30 varieties are considered to be commercial.
Major commercial timber species are Gurjan (Dipterocarpus spp.) and Padauk (Pterocarpus
dalbergioides).

Fauna

The Andaman Islands are home to a number of animals, many of them endemic. It includes mammals
and birds.
The islands also have a number of endemic reptiles, toads and frogs, such as the South Andaman krait
(Bungarus andamanensis) and Andaman water monitor (Varanus salvator andamanensis). There is a
sanctuary 45 miles (72 km) from Havelock Island for saltwater crocodiles.

State Is Well Known For

The one thing that takes Andaman and Nicobar is well known for the list of tourist destinations in
India is the adventure possibilities present here. The seas surrounding these islands are absolutely
perfect to indulge in sports like Scuba Diving and snorkeling. The lagoons are full of diverse species
of fishes and live coral that makes adventure in these waters a real treat. And there could not be a
better place than the hills of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a trekking experience that is heart
pumping and tranquil at the same moment.

Transportation

The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are well connected to the other parts of the country as well as
the countries by air and waterways. The islands have even got bus and other modes of road transport

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for traveling internally. Being islands, the place is not connected to the other parts of the country by
railways.

Airways:

The Airport in regular operation are located at Veer Savarkar Airport of Port Blair connects the
islands to the other parts of the country by airways. Air Deccan, Air Sahara, Indian Airlines, Jet
Airways are some of the airlines companies operating in the island.

Waterways:

In Andaman and nicobar island water ways serves both external and internal transportation. In Port
Blair, the intermediate port serves as the main port of these islands. There are more than 80 ships are
sailed by Directorate of Shipping Services. Ships are also sailed by the Shipping Corporation of India
from the major port cities of Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakapatnam. These ships generally sail two or
three times per month.

Roadways:

For travelling within the island road transportations are available. Taxis, cycle-rickshaws and other
private transportation companies are also available apart from the buses run by the state transport.
They even use motorcycles and bicycles for an easy and fast travel.

Time zone, Currency and No. of Districts

Throughout the India, the time zone is same for all the States i.e. Indian standard Time is +5:30
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is
controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new Indian rupee symbol INR is derived from
the Devanagari. The first series of coins with this new rupee symbol was launched on 8 July 2011.

The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise though this division is now theoretical; as of 30 June
2011, coin denominations of less than 50 paise ceased to be legal tender. Bank notes are available in
nominal values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and higher denominations. Coins of the rupee are available
in 1, 2, 5 and 10. Paise coins of the rupee have nominal values of 50, and lower denominations have
been officially withdrawn. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprises 3 districts.
North and Middle Andaman district, South Andaman district, Nicobar district.

Historical Monuments/ Architecturally Significant Bulding / Mansions

Most important monuments of the islands include Cellular Jail, Viper Island, Ross Island etc

The Cellular Jail

The Cellular Jail, also known as Kālā Pāani is situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Island. The prison
was used by the British for political prisoners to the remote archipelago. Many people fight against
British were imprisoned during the struggle for India's independence. Today, the complex serves as a
national memorial monument.

The Viper Island

Cellular Jail was constructed in Viper Island that was used by the British to inflict the worst form of
torture and hardship on those who strove to free the country from the British rule.

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The Ross Island

In olden days Ross Island was the administrative headquarters for Britishers and it was thickly
populated and adorned a beautyfull life. Britishers had a fine settlement here and apart from that many
else came here to spend some luxurious stay. It is due to that Ross Island was titled "Paris of the East"

Zoo / Parks / Jungles / Garden

The Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea National Park, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park,
Middle Button Island National Park, Mount Harriet National Park, North Button Island National Park,
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, Saddle Peak National Park, South Button Island National Park are
the national parks of this territory.

The Campbell Bay National Park

The Campbell Bay National Park is a part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. This national park is
spread over 426 km2 in the northern part of Great Nicobar. The park reserve's flora includes tropical
evergreen forest, tree fern, and orchids and fauna includes Crab-eating macaque, giant robber crab,
megapode, and Nicobar pigeon.

Galathea National Park

The Galathea National Park covers a total area of some 110 square kilometers, and it was gazetted
as a National Park in 1992. Galathea forms part of what has been designated as the Great Nicobar
Biosphere Reserve, which also includes the larger Campbell Bay National Park, separated from
Galathea by a 12-km forest buffer zone.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park covers 280 sq km and comprises 15 Islands of mangrove
creeks, tropical rainforest and reefs supporting 50 types of coral. The marine park’s snorkelling sites
at Jolly Buoy and Red Skin islands are popular.

Middle Button Island National Park

Middle Button Island National Park is an Indian national park situated close to Point Blair. The total
area coverd by this park is about 64 square kilometres. Deer is the only animal found in this national
park.

Mount Harriet National Park

The Mount Harriet Island National Park is a national park located in Ferrargunj tehsil in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. The park covers about 46.62 km². Andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles,
turtles and robber crab are the animals found in this park.

Wildlife Adventures:

There are 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 9 National Parks and 1 Biosphere Reserve in these Islands.
Some the important parks among them are, Wandur National Park, Saddle Peak National Park, Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Marine National Park. Boosting of rich and diverse range of wildlife,
these parks conducts exciting jungle safaris for the wildlife lovers. Some of the major attractions
found in the region are sus scrofa Andamanensis, S.S.nicobaricus, Andaman wild boar, feral
elephants, 26 species of rodents and 14 species of bat. The Islands also has 270 species of birds
including 14 species endemic birds.

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Palace/Fort/Museums/Art Galleries

Andaman and Nicobar Island has number of museums. They are Anthropological Museum, National
Memorial, Fisheries Museum, Samudrika, Forest Museum, and Zoological Survey of India Museum.

Anthropological Museum

This museum is located in Phoenix Bay which displays facts about the local tribes. The museum was
established in the year 1975. It is one of its kind museum that displays facts about the four Negroid
tribes of the Andaman Islands and two Mongloid tribes of the Nicobar Islands.

National Memorial
National Memorial in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the Cellular Jail. This jail is now converted
into a national memorial because till date it depicts the agonies of the Indian freedom fighters who
were ill-treated by the Britishers.

Samudrika

The Samudrika is a treasure house of items that provide important information to the tourists about
the geography and history of the Andaman islands. And is particularly famous for an exquisite
collection of shells, corals and other significant specimens.

Forest Museum

The Forest Museum was established by the department of forestry. This museum bears testimony to a
wide range of activities related to the forestry department. The collection of the Museum also includes
different decorative pieces made up of reputed varieties of timber which are found in these Islands.
Some of those varieties are Marble, Pedauk, Peauma, Satinwood and Gurjan.

Temple, Churches, Mosque, Jain

The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar is famous for its beautiful temples. Some of the famous
temples are Sri vetrimalai murugan, The Rajesthan temple, sri shiridi sai baba temple.

Sri vetrimalai murugan

Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple is situated behind the governor’s palace

The Rajasthan Temple: The Rajasthan Temple is on a hillock which is opposite to postal colony.
This is a grand temple which consists of many statues of gods and seems to be a common point for
both the North and South Indians. Hastinabad, a small village in Port Blair

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple: Sri Shirdi Sai Baba temple is located where people come to worship on
Thursdays. Apart from Temples, there are Churches and Mosques. A Historical and famous Mosque
is near the Aberdeen Bazaar. Other Mosques and Churches are spread all over the islands.

Shopping / Handicraft / Malls / Business centers

Andaman and Nicobar Island has Sagarika Government Emporium and Andaman Handicrafts
Emporium are the famous shopping places. And is filled with colorful bazaars and the shopping
experience would definitely be a thrilling one for the visitors.

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Sagarika Government Emporium

Island crafts such as fine wood carvings, shell jewellery, bamboo and cane furniture, are available
from a handful of emporiums and speciality shops. Most of the shells on sale are collected legally - a
good emporium can show proof of this - but, as always, be aware of your home countries' restrictions
on importing them.

Andaman Handicrafts Emporium

Island crafts such as fine wood carvings, shell jewellery, bamboo and cane furniture, are available
from a handful of emporiums and speciality shops. Most of the shells on sale are collected legally - a
good emporium can show proof of this - but, as always, be aware of your home countries' restrictions
on importing them.

Festivals/ Dance / Music:

Subhash Mela, Island Tourism Festival, Janamashtami are the most visible festival of all that are
celebrated here.

Janamashtami

The Janmashtami Festival is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotional songs and hymns
are sung in devotion to Lord Krishna. Homes of the devotees are painted and nicely decorated with
lights and flowers. The main attraction of the night is the Raas Leelas or plays enacting the life of
Lord Krishna which are organized by locales. Devotees generally keep a fast till midnight after which
the special food that is offered to the deity and shared among the devotees. It is a completely
vegetarian cuisine that is served.

Island Tourism Festival

Island Tourism Festival is a 10-day festival that which are full of events ranging from dance to drama.
There are many Exhibitions, and art displays along with added attraction of aqua sports and para
sailing. One can get the feel of splendid culture of Andaman and Nicobar, their languages, religion
and customs and beliefs during these 10 days. The fesetivals in organized mainly during December
and January by Andaman and Nicobar administration every year. The main motive of this festival is
to promote Andaman and Nicobar islands as a tourism friendly destination.

Subhash Mela

Subhash Mela is organized every year during January. It is celebrated to commemorate birth
anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The festival continues for a complete week which is
attended by not only locales but artists from other countries as well. One could enjoy numerous
cultural programmes during this beautiful fair.

Tourist Spot

Havelock Island

This island is considered as one of the best island tourist destination. It is a very beautiful island
which provides idyllic resort in the lap of virgin beach and unpolluted environment, and a guesthouse
of tourism department dolphin resort is available. The Island is filled with a school of dolphins or spot
giant sea tortoise and flying fish. It is situated at the distance of 54 kms from port Blair. Havelock
Island has crystal clear blue water and white sandy beaches.

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 Festivals/ Dance / Music

The person of these Islands celebrates special occasions like Durga Puja to Dipawali, and from
Christmas to Janmashtami. The colorful Holi festival. Even festivals in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
also include Onam and Pongal which are celebrated with equal enthusiasm.

Holi is the festival of color celebrated during the first or second week of March.

The Island Tourist Festival

The Island Tourist Festival is celebrated for ten days is a grand festival for large number of tourists
every year. This festival is celebrated during the chilly winter season and thus in this period the
islands sees a large number of tourists across the world.

Dance

Nicobari dance is one the most important and oldest traditional dances danced during the Ossuary
Feast of Andaman & Nicobar. It is practiced by the Nicobari tribe, who live in the Car Nicobar Island.
Which is more commonly known as the Pig Festival. This dance is a way of showing one's respect to
the departed head of the family. It is generally performed during the full moon, under the swinging
palm trees. The dancers wearing coconut leaves, sway to the rhythm of traditional songs sung by the
leader.There are many other dance forms in Andaman and Nicobar. Some folk dances can also be
seen during the Island Tourism festival that puts on display, the full range of cultural activities.

Music

In Andaman group of islands that the music is more prominent and important. The Andamanese are
highly fond of their own music. They give more importance to originality of their music and they
don’t pay attention to other styles. Even among the different tribes of Andaman, the rhythm and styles
differ drastically. Onge tribes developed all the songs. They sing generally to accompany a dance.
Both male and female participate in singing.

Educational Hub

The education hub has a great infrastructure for higher education in this territory. Above 200 primary
schools, number of vernacular schools, Various Ashram schools has been established in the tribal
areas to spread education among the tribal populace of the islands. The colleges are affiliated to the
Calcutta University. The higher education of this territory includes two training institutes, two
polytechnic colleges, a government B.Ed. College and a government college.
The important government college on this island is Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya. It is
under the control of the directorate of education. Established in 1967 in Port Blair, Presently the
college has 40 faculty members and a student enrollment close to 850. The only Courses offered are
BSc, BA, Bcom, Msc, and MA.

Hotels

Hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Island offer a wide range of choice of accommodation. A variety of
hotels are located in any tourist destination within the territory. Be it five star deluxe category hotels
or medium sized boutique hotels with a distinct character, or an economy class hotel with basic
amenities, a comprehensive list of hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Island cater to every budget and
taste.
Famous star hotels in this territory are,
 Barefoot at Havelock
 Munjoh Ocean Resort

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 Island Vinnie's Tropical Beach Cab.
 Barefoot Scuba Resort
 Cross Bill Beach Resort

Tourist Dept. Office / Conducted Tourist operators / Guide facility.

The famous tourist operators available in this territory are,

 Pan Asia Tourism
 First Resort Tour & Travels
 Majha Andaman Group
 Andaman World Travels
 Mountain Edge Tours and Holidays (P) Ltd
 Lets Go Andaman Travels
Each tourist operator has their own special guide, for describing all the information about the
specialty of the places.

Hospitals

The Island has the greatest hospital facility and it is categorized as District Hospitals, Area Hospitals,
Community Health Centers, Specialty Hospitals and civil dispensaries.
Some of the Premium and government hospitals that are available at any time are,
 INHS, Dhanvantri
 G.B. Pant Hospital
 C.H.C. Bambooflat
 C.H.C. Rangat
 P.H.C. Baratang

Cinema Halls /Film Cities

Eariler days Tourism Department of these lush green Islands started India’s first floating cinema
theatre. At present Andaman and Nicobar Islands have 4 cinema theatres. The theatres are equipped
with 2K Projectors (Highly Digitalized, Hollywood movies, HD).

Food Habits

Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a melting pot of Indian Culture. This is even reflected in the food &
Cuisine of the local people of these Islands.The finest of India's cuisines is as rich and diverse as its
civilization. It is an art form that has been passed on through generations purely by word of mouth,
from teacher to pupil or from mother to daughter. Andaman cuisine is heavily influenced by all the
cultures that came into contact with the region. Like many other aspects of Andaman culture, the
influence of the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Sikh religions in the traditional food is very strong.
You can observe this deep impact on the truly tasty and spicy cuisine of The Andamans.

The Andaman and Nicobar Island food is basically Non-vegetarian; it is completely a coastal region
fish is eaten with rice. Vegetables and most of the food items are imported from other states and
nearest countries.
Safety and precautions

There are many important features of vacation. It is not an option but a compulsory measure that has
to be taken while travelling anywhere. General safety and precautions are,
 First aid tool kid is the most important one that everyone has to carry while travelling.
 Travelling at night is unsafe.

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  Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.
 Don't share taxis with strangers.
 Make a note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans at hotels.
 And always have local police and ambulance number to make emergency call.

Conclusion:

Andaman and Nicobar Island has plenty of such tourist locations. Each location speaks in volume
almost its uniqueness. The pride of India lies in every tourist spot.

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