Native Bird of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A Blue-Footed Booby Bird, which is a native Bird Watching in Andaman and Nicobar islands, was rescued from the Juhu beach by the local police Saturday night. The bird is said to have floated across as a result of migration or trade. According to bird helplines, this is the fourth time such a bird has been rescued in the state this month.

The bird was not seen in the area for more than a decade. The helplines also said this pattern is being noticed only in the state. “We have called most of the bird helplines in India. But this trend is being seen only in Maharashtra, where the bird has been rescued once from Deonar, the other time from Ratnagiri and twice from the city this month,” said Nitin Valmiki, zoologist from the organisation Ecoecho.

The bird was rescued by police officials near the beach. “On Saturday there was sparse crowd on the beach due to which we were able to see the small bird floating across the high tides,” said Prakash Katake from the Juhu police station.

The bird had to be kept in the police station for the entire day and while it was rehabilitated in the evening, its life couldn’t be saved.

“The bird is not found on the shores of islands and flies over deep sea. The bird therefore may have been brought to the city by some boat or ship, which was sailing in the deep waters and might have caught hold of it,” said Mr Valmiki.

He also added that the bird could not survive, as the environment of the city must have proved stressful for it. “When we had brought it back, the bird was already dull and looked lifeless and even when there were no external injuries on it, it could not be saved,” he added.

The Beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of 572 islands which are located at the junction of Andaman Sea and the BlueBay of Bengal. With a total combined area of the island spanning across 8073 square kilometres, these islands are probably one of the best kept nature’s secrets. Once used as a place where the convicts were sent to live in exile by the British (Kalapani), the post British era islands have blossomed into a beautiful bunch of islands which have managed to grab enough andaman tourist attraction.

Government

Andaman and Nicobar are the Union Territory of India and are directly governed by the State of Head of India. However in practice it is the Lt. Governor is appointed to administer the territory directly.

History

The earliest known record of these islands has been reported by the Arab merchants way back in the 9th century when they were sailing past them while they were on their way to Sumatra. Although these islands were spotted in the 9th century very little historical evidence is available since then. Marco Polo has been said to be the very first westerner to set foot on these islands. The islands were captured by the Marathas in the late 17th century and were later converted into a navy base. It was then captured by the British and Japanese and later was returned back to India on gaining independence.

Geography

These islands are all situated in the Bluebay of Bengal and lie towards the Southeastern section of India. The island is sprawled across the sea. The largest city among the islands, Port Blair, is also its capital. These islands have a number of picturesque beaches which are a big hit among the tourists. The two most important islands here are Labyrinth Islands and Ritchie’s Archipelago. To the south of Andaman are the Nicobar Islands. These islands have been formed by submarine mountain ranges which also happen to separate the Andaman Sea from the Bay of Bengal. The Saddle Peak on the islands is the highest at 730 m and is largely formed of clay, sandstone and limestone.

Climate

Since these islands are surrounded by the sea, they experience a fairly moderate temperature all around the year. The warm tropical climate means that the humidity is always high with an average of 80% but the sea breeze which blows in helps in maintaining the temperature between 23 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius. Other than some occasional storms or rains, these islands do not experience any extreme climate. However, the monsoon may be a little rough on these islands.

Language

Most of the natives of these Islands are found to be talking in Hindi. The official languages are English and Hindi. The other languages widely spoken are Bengali,Telugu,Tamil,Malayalam and Kannada.

People

Though these islands comprise of a few hundred islands, it is sparsely populated. Only about 12 Islands of Andaman and Nicobar are inhabited by people. Due to diseases most of the indigenous population of the Andaman has been wiped out and very few of them survive today. The majority of people living here are settlers from the Indian mainland. The majority of people living in Nicobar group of Islands are Nicobarese.

Food

Until recently most of the tribes living on these islands practised hunting and hence ate what they caught. This is probably the reason why there is no cuisine that has been developed in this region. With all the immigrants that have moved in to the Islands, they got with them their local cuisine which now has been adopted by the natives as well. Since there is water all around, sea food is available in plenty and to an extent it dominates the diet of the people.

Transport

The connectivity in these islands is made possible by several roads and water transport. Several buses ply between south Andaman and Port Blair. Apart from these, there are call taxis, maxi cabs and tourist taxis which are present for travelling within the island. To travel in between islands there are several ferries and ships which help the people move about. Reaching a particular place usually requires both a bus and a ferry ride and the islands are connected by an interisland boat service. These islands are connected to mainland India by air route as well as sea route. The capital, Port Blair, is connected to the mainland by these routes.

Festivals

The festivals celebrated on the islands are heavily borrowed from mainland India. Onam, Panguni Uthiram, Pongal and Durga Pooja are the most important festivals while Pongal, Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali, Mahashivratri, Christmas etc are also celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. The most fun festival celebrated on the island is Island Tourism Festival which is celebrated for 15 days every year in Port Blair between the months of December and February. Troupes from different islands congregate to display their skills and entertain people.

Tourism Andaman India 

Tourism is an ever growing sector of the Islands with several hotels scattered all across the entire territory to for the comfort of the visitors. The most popular tourist attractions include the remains of the British colonial era like the Cellular Jail of Andaman. It also has a number of sanctuaries, garden and parks which appeal to the trekkers and ecotourists. Due to the abundant presence of water bodies, all sorts of water sports are also practised here and they have been a huge hit with both the locals as well as visitors.

Culture

There are two very distinct cultures in the islands. One belongs to the Negrito people from the Andamans while the other belongs to the Autochthones from the Nicobar. Irrespective of the number of influences that the islands faced, these tribes have managed to hold on to their culture. The settlers brought with them the culture from their home lands which influenced the natives greatly. The folk traditions which are still alive include several different kinds of ritual tribal dance and sea – farers. A few tribes even today remain in complete isolation and do not entertain a visit from outsiders. These tribes have managed to keep their tribal rituals and cultures alive. The beauty of these islands is a well kept secret which is slowly being realised by people. With the encouragement of the Indian government, they are fast emerging as a popular destination for tourists.

Tourist Review About His Trip To Andaman And Nicobar Islands on Social Media

April-May being the most sought after months for vacations I was fortunate to put together the time table of all for an andaman family vacation trip and hop to Andaman and Nicobar islands. Even luck was on my side as I was able to get tickets without hassles, may be because it was the 4th week of May and end of the vacation period. Once the tickets were booked I was prioritizing my wish list of places to visit there.

The very mention of the Cellular jail (also known as Kala Pani) of Port Blair gives goosebumps to all those who know the history of this colonial prison. Naturally a visit to this prison, now declared a national monument, topped the list of my itinerary during my recent visit to this archipelago. Though I had seen the pictures and had and read about it especially the agony and cruelty suffered by the inmates and had conjured a vision of it, there is nothing like seeing it face to face.

The crystal clear waters of the spotless beeches, getting a close look at the underwater marine life, trying to get a glimpse of the indigenous Jarawa tribes in the thick forests and having a look at the historical ruins of the British at Ross Island and enjoying the clean environs topped the list of my priorities. This visit to this non-polluted island where crime rate is zero remains an unforgettable experience of my life.

We left Mangalore on 20th May and our Air India flight to Port Blair was scheduled at 5 am on 22nd. The driver of our Innova taxi who had taken us around Chennai the previous day almost ruined our holiday plan as he came 35 minutes late and we had to cover a distance of 15 km to the airport. Even that early morning the route to the airport was quite busy and we managed to reach the airport at the nick of time and frantically barged into the check in counter and heaved a sigh of relief.

It is a two hour journey from Chennai to Port Blair over the BlueBay of Bengal covering a distance of 1190 kms. It is interesting to note that the distance to some South East Asian countries is much less than from India. The closest country from Andaman Indonesia which is 147 kms, Burma is 193 kms and Bangladesh is 805 kms from this archipelago.

Though Andaman Islands comprise 572 islands only 37 islands are inhabited. My colleagues in Port Blair had suggested that could spend five days in Andaman Nicobar islands and my traveler also had arranged the itinerary accordingly. Our schedule did not include visit to Nicobar Islands. The first day of the tour began on the arrival day in the afternoon with a visit to coconut palm fringed Carbyns Cove Beach just 9 kms from Port Blair followed by a visit in the evening to the much awaited Cellular Jail.

Mesmerizing yet nauseating

Though outwardly the jail fails to impress, once inside what we see is a massive three-storied structure. We were told by the guide that four of the original seven wings of the jail were damaged in the 1941 earthquake and were subsequently demolished. The remaining three wings have been preserved and it has been declared as a national monument. But even this truncated structure looks massive and deadly and I did feel a bone-chilling moment when the guide began to give explicit details about the torture and brutality inflicted on the political prisoner’s nay our freedom fighters. The cellular jail was called so because it had 698 solitary cells measuring 4.5X2.7 meters. Standing down the guide showed us the cell that had housed Veer Savarkar for 12 long years in solitary confinement. His cell was the last in the row in the third storey and was intentionally given to him so that he could see and hear the cries of those prisoners who were sent to the gallows.

It was really sickening to see the “Fansi Ghar” with three ropes with noose standing testimony to the merciless and brutal treatment given to prisoners, who sacrificed their lives. A visit to the dark room down from where the wooden board was displaced to hang convicts was quite a nauseating experience. Every inch of the Cellular prison is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by these freedom fighters, be it the sight of the flogging stand, the oil mill, the sight of different kinds of iron chains, uniform made of gunny bag or the neck ring shackle. Interestingly most of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in this Cellular Jail were from Bengal and Punjab, clearly showing that these people were in the forefront of freedom movement. A sound and light sound show late in the evening was worth a dekho as it gave a glimpse of the dark moments of the history of this island.

The second day was scheduled for Port Blair city tour and shopping. The day started off with a visit to the Chatam Saw Mill, believed to be the largest and oldest saw mill in Asia. It was established by the British in 1833 and is still functioning. A forest museum a bomb crater and Japanese bunkers are the other attractions at the premises of the mill. Evening was meant for shopping where we ended up buying some sea-shell jewellery which is a major industry here. We took time off to the busy schedule to visit local fish and vegetable market. .

Joy ride to Bartang Island

Another keenly awaited tour in our itinerary was to Bartang Island, passing through the no overtake zone of evergreen Jarawa Reserve forest, a 90 km journey from Port Blair. The day began at 3.30 am as all vehicles heading to Bartang have to go through police escort from Jirkatang check post, a 40 km drive from Port Blair. The experienced driver of our tempo told us to be alert to spot the tribes as we pass through. Though others in the tempo could get a quick glance of two Jarawa men I was fortunate to get a full glimpse of a family of four during the return journey. The woman holding a small child in her arms beamed a smile at us with her white teeth against dark skin flashing like a fluorescent bulb. Unlike the popular belief all the four were fully dressed like normal people. Since photographing Jarawas is prohibited I could only capture that scene in the lens of my eyes.

Once in Bartang we had a joy ride on a boat and our eyes feasted on some of the dense mangrove forest before reaching Lime stone cave, a major tourist destination. We cruised through the same backwaters and went to see the mud volcano, the only known examples of such live mud volcano in India. Though it looks normal without any activity on careful observation one could see mud oozing out in small quantity. It can be said the volcano has deleterious impact on surrounding vegetation as all trees in its vicinity are dead.

Havelock Island – A earthly paradise

Havelock Island was our destination on the 4th day and once again our day began early morning at 5.30. We had to catch the inter-island ferry to go to Havelock covering a distance of 57 km by sea. It is a two hour journey and ticket cost is quite expensive even for economy class Rs. 1000/- per ticket one- way journey.

Nevertheless it was worth it because we cruised through a rough sea which encountered heavy breeze and good rains and travelling in the middle of the sea in such a situation is a treasured experience. On arrival we headed to Radhanagar beach, one of the top beaches of Asia. It has crystal clear blue-green waters resembling a rainbow from a distance and the beach is so spotlessly clean even the silver sand of the beach is visible through the water. My children who knew swimming enjoyed skylarking in the sea for nearly three hours along with a big crowd of tourists.

The beach is an ideal destination even for those who just love to watch the waters from a distance sitting under the shades of huge trees that we usually don’t see in beaches. Our guide had told us to be ready to catch the same ferry back scheduled at 4 pm and after a good lunch and some shopping we travelled back to Port Blair. The back journey was quite entertaining as enthusiastic tourists danced to the tunes of popular numbers.

The much awaited water sport - scuba diving was part of our itinerary for the final day of our tour and the destination was North Bay Island. In the morning we visited Ross Island, the former residential and administrative island of the British Empire. Ross Island which once upon a time was the luxurious abode of the British today is in ruins with overgrown vegetation on the walls of those once majestic structures. Yet there is so much to see and savoir those splendorous edifices that speak of the might of the British Empire. Scuba diving was quite an exhilarating experience andaman tourism and we came back with those memories intact.

The place attracts tourists from all over India and abroad. It is surely favorite andaman honeymoon package destination and we spotted many lovebirds there. The place is clean and its scenic beauty is incredibly idealistic. The weather was just perfect when we went and so was the tour itinerary. We were back in Chennai by early morning flight next day and from there boarded an evening train to reach in Mangalore the next day morning.

For Andaman Bluebay Holidays Tour Packages.
Call: +91-9933215764 (24/7)
+91-9474212831
+91-9474287596
+913192-250133
Email:- andamanbluebay@gmail.com
Web:- www.AndamanBluebay.com

www.AndamanTourismOnline.com

Exotic Andamans Host Some Amazing Hidden Gems

Andamans appears like a piece of beads strung together in the Bay of Bengal, straight out of a dream. It is flanked by the beautiful and mesmerising North and South Andaman Islands and stretches up to the Nicobar group of islands in the south. Consisting of about 556 islets, this magical land hosts some remarkable gems that are far away from the usual touristy hotspots.

Take an offbeat tour in Andamans to Long Island and Guitar Island, Rangat, Ross and Smith Islands and Little Andaman. I went during the monsoon. Imagine flying on a chopper through rain-laden clouds and seeing their dark reflection in the sea below! I was surprised to see a steady flow of tourists even in the rainy season. Contrary to popular belief, the spells of rains don’t last too long in the Andamans. A splash of rains for few minutes and then it’s bright and sunny as before! However, the waves remain choppy throughout the monsoons.

You can easily fly to Andamans from any city through Chennai or Kolkata (usually a two-hour journey). International travellers and tourists would, however, need to have a permit to enter the islands which can be availed from the authorities on arrival. If you want to experience Andamans in a new way or something completely different, here is my itinerary to nudge the adventurer in you.


Long Island & Guitar Island

Guitar Island—tucked away off the eastern coast of the North and Middle Andamans—has an exquisite, white, sandy beach that you can have all to yourself. It is not inhabited by humans; but you can find fishing boats cruising nearby. The entire beach is yours: just you, the sun, the sand, the sea and the rich forest cover. Where else on earth can you find such a place? But why this name? It’s in the shape of a guitar.

Located off the Long Island, Guitar Island has a picturesque and exotic aura that spells a magical charm. There is another beach you should visit once you are here—Lalaji Bay Beach. This is situated on the northeast coast of Long Island and one would need a country boat (a ride of 45 minutes from Long Island jetty) to travel here. You can reach Long Island by boarding one of the Andaman & Nicobar administration-operated ships from Port Blair. It would roughly take four to five hours (and about Rs600-Rs700) to reach Long Island from Port Blair by ship (via Havelock/Strait Island). This place is off a ‘touristy’ itinerary and, quite understandably, there are few options to stay on this island. I stayed for a night at the Forest Guest House (make sure you book it in advance). There is also a privately-owned resort on this Island. The Forest Guest House has four basics: airy rooms, a manicured garden with flower plants, sandalwood trees and a view of the sea. You can get the most amazing fish fry here. The staff is courteous and would provide your choice of the meal on time.

We came by a dinghy (country boat), with a dark, rain-laden cloud cover above us. After a quick 15-minute sail, our boat anchored on the coast and I set my footprint on the sands. The pervasive silence surrounding the beach is infectious: perfect for spending a quiet morning. You could only hear the birds chirping, sight the possible playing of fish on the waters and an amazing marine life. Lots of sea creatures, sand crabs, hermit crabs and shells came through to the beach and I hurriedly captured them on my lens. One has to be really fast to photograph them. One blink of an eye and they are gone, immersed beneath their sandy holes.


Rangat

Rangat is blessed with a few remarkable eco-tourism spots such as Aamkunj Beach, Morice Dera Beach and Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway. I first stopped at Aamkunj Beach (8km from Rangat towards Mayabunder and Diglipur) which is a long, sandy and patchy stretch interspersed with pebbles.

You can enjoy watching the sea waves, or sit quietly for some time on the eco-friendly benches such as log sofas and log teapoys. From Aamkunj, head towards Morice Dera Beach, 12km from Rangat. This has been developed by the tourism and forest department as an eco-tourism hotspot. It has a unique twin rock formation right on the beach; you can walk along the ridges through a pathway and indulge yourself for some time in solitude.

The most exciting part was the 700-metre-long Mangrove walkway at Dhani Nallah. It is an exemplary display of mangrove conservation efforts by the Andaman and Nicobar administration. The walkway takes you through the rich biodiversity of mangroves, palm trees, breathing roots and hathi kaan (elephant’s ears) orchids. The walkway ultimately leads to a pretty long and exciting beach called the Dhani Nallah Beach. It is a vast expanse of sand stretching from Cuthbert Bay at one end to as far as my eyes could see on the other hand. You may like to take rest at one of the eco-huts on the log sofas and benches at the beach.


Ross & Smith Islands

A boat ride, of almost 15-30 minutes, from Aerial Bay jetty in Diglipur (North Andaman) brings you to the exquisite Ross and Smith Islands. The Andaman & Nicobar administration has maintained some remarkable eco-tourism initiatives on Smith Island. These are bare minimum, given that the two islands are yet to take off in the national and international tourism circuit as a popular tourist destination. But I felt that these were adequate—there were about 10-15 thatched huts, sitting arena, adequate hygiene facilities, changing room, a couple of jhulas (swings) set romantically amidst coconut trees and reclining beach chairs. Quite interestingly, the west side of Ross and Smith Islands was extremely windy while the east side was, unexpectedly, calm and quiet. The waters on the eastern side were still and peaceful as if it were a swimming pool. Ross and Smith Islands are perfect for witnessing the sunrise, beach combing and sunbathing. You can literally walk across the sandy stretch connecting the duo islands at low tide. Do take proper precautions and advice of the tourism and forest officials, in case you want to attempt swimming in the waters.


Hutbay

Get yourself a chopper ticket from the State-run Pawan Hans Limited inter-island chopper services, to fly from Port Blair to Hutbay. This would cost you Rs2,625 and you can comfortably reach there in 45 minutes. However, there are daily ships from Port Blair that will take you five to eight hours, depending on their speed. The inter-island fare from Port Blair to Hutbay through the administration’s ship services is between Rs85 and Rs320, depending on the class (deluxe, first class, second class, bunk). Hutbay boasts hosting the best surfing destination in India. It’s not an exaggeration.

Located in Little Andamans, Hutbay hosts the longest beach of Andaman and Nicobar group of islands—22km stretch—from Netaji Nagar at one end up to Butler Bay Beach at the other via Kalapathar (black rock). The Butler Bay Beach, which is gaining popularity among domestic and international surfers for its exquisite sea surfing opportunities, is teeming with activities during the winter and summer months. A host of private resorts, flanking the Netaji Nagar, offer surf boards on rent; however, do check availability with them prior to your arrival. Although infrastructure facilities on this beach are not quite adequate, you would be mesmerised by the golden sandy stretch that this place offers. If you are not a surfer, you can go for snorkelling, sun-bathing or boating in its clear waters.

Once you have had your fill of the sea and the sand, you can head to a nearby waterfall—the only surf waterfall in the Andamans. It is located inside a forest and would require you to make a jungle trek of 10 minutes from the main gate, passing through some nallahs (creeks). There is an entry fee of Rs20 per person and a vehicle charge of Rs20. The sight of this bewitching 20-metre pristine waterfall will surely enthral you. You can take a dip in its crystal clear waters, surrounded by bamboo and banana plantations.

While on your trip to Little Andaman, you can stay at one of the private eco-resorts at Hutbay or the government-owned APWD guest house. Room tariffs at private resorts are extremely reasonable at around Rs400 per night, while the APWD guest house (which can be booked through the Directorate of Tourism) charges about Rs500 per bed per night. Most private resorts also offer two-wheelers to tourists for sightseeing at Rs300 per day. There aren’t any luxury or high-end resorts in Hutbay, yet.


FACT FILE

Places to see in the Andamans: The A&N archipelago consists of 556 islands. Your itinerary should include Ross & Smith Islands, Baratang Caves, Havelock Island; North Bay and Ross Islands (multimedia sound and light show) in Port Blair; Hutbay (Little Andaman).

Things to do: Nature walk, jungle trekking, snorkelling, banana skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, kayaking in Havelock; sea walking in North Bay Island. Light & sound show in Ross Island; surfing in Hutbay.

Hotels: You can choose to stay at any of the hotels and resorts owned and operated by Andaman & Nicobar administration or from a range of budget- to luxury-category facilities offered by private players. Book through reputed tour companies or websites. For booking government resorts, you have to contact the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism in Port Blair.

Best time to visit: I would suggest October to April. But the weather is unwaveringly enjoyable throughout the year and you may choose to visit any time of the year. I chose to visit in the monsoons to see the magical Andamans during the rains.

How to travel: You can fly from any city of the world to Port Blair via Kolkata or Chennai. There are direct flights from New Delhi via Kolkata/Chennai.

Permits: Foreign tourists and travellers to the Andamans need a restricted area permit which can be easily obtained on arrival at Port Blair. However, domestic and international tourists and travellers are not allowed to visit the Car Nicobar group of islands. Domestic tourists are allowed to visit Campbell Bay—the southern-most tip of the archipelago—which has the landmark Indira Point, the southern-most tip of India.

Andaman Scuba Diving

Get into the adventure of Scuba Diving In Andaman!

Feel The Rush ​o​f Adrenaline In Andaman And Nicobar Islands If you are one of those people who love to feel the adrenaline rush through your veins then these islands of Andaman and Nicobar are the place to be. There are a number of adventure sports available on these islands for you to choose from. Whether it is plunging deep into the sea, snorkeling on the surface or just camping and enjoying the nature, they have it all. Given below are some of the most famous and widely available sports on these islands.

The Andaman Islands are probably the only place in all of India that offers Scuba Diving. The islands are home to a rich coral reef ecosystem in the world and hence diving here is an experience of a lifetime. What sets these corals apart is that they have remained untouched by human activity and hence have remained undamaged. The period between December and April is considered to be the most ideal season for diving.While diving in these waters you are most likely to find hammerheads, leopard, nurse, white tip and grey sharks. Manta rays are also visible though not regularly. Havelock has always been the best place to scuba dive and continues to be so.

The Andaman and Nicobar Island surely is the land of paradise where you get to experience some of the finest adventures here, which include water sports. These are a group of more than 572 Islands that have abundant of rocks and islets. These Islands are situated in the Bay of Bengal in the south east to the Indian mainland. These Islands stretch over 700 kms from the north to the south. Some of the large Islands present here are the middle Andaman, south Andaman, baratang and the little Andaman Islands.​ ​The richness in the aquatic life of Andaman is what makes it a popular place for tourists. Many tourists are dying to see what it feels like to be underwater. We have a lot of experience being on land but venturing into the depths of the water is something unique and different. The coastal water that surrounds these Islands is what makes it the abode of coral reef. Moreover, the formations underwater is totally undamaged by human activity.

If you are considering Scuba Diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then the best time is usually from December to April. All you need to do is to get some Scuba Diving equipment's from a dive shop that sells a good quality of diving equipment's to make sure that your safety is ensured. You can also get a standard renting gear at the best costs and experience the adventure underneath. These equipment's include balanced regulators, open heel fins, masks, shoes, web suits, sea quest BCDs, etc which will protect you from any danger and ensure safety as you dive.You can also get an underwater digital camera for rent if you wish to keep some of those unforgettable memories.

Andaman Bluebay Holidays is a complete T​ravel​ M​anagement​ C​ompany​ teamed by hardcore professionals & the leading travel and tour operator in Andaman Islands, India. Our core competence lies in ground handling of tourists visiting the place (Business & Leisure both), no matter how logistically difficult the reach be to far flung island, we play hard to cater the clients requirements. We cater Holiday Tour Packages to Port Blair and other nearby Islands. Offering our services to Corporate and Retail segment including Foreign National, Indian, corporate, Leisure travelers, Holiday Crunch and others (including other travel companies). We offer tour packages and arrange customized trips, hotel bookings, Air Ticket bookings, and Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Sport Fishing and car rental arrangements in Andaman's.

We strive to deliver you the best travel services today in Andaman's. The head office is at Port Blair and a network of travel associate offices throughout the islands manned by professionals. The company is associated with leading hotels and resorts in Andaman Islands enables us to give our clients the best of the services.
The firm is registered (Reg:-No-3641/LC/2011) and also is a member of (ATO) Andaman Tour Operators Association, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands & in All India Companies Act.

For Andaman Bluebay Holidays Tour Packages.
Call: +91-9933215764 (24/7)
       +91-9474212831
       +91-9474287596
       +913192-250133
Email:- andamanbluebay@gmail.com
Web:-  www.AndamanBluebay.com
          www.AndamanTourismOnline.com

Andaman Tourism

Andaman & Nicobar Islands  is a group of over  572 Islands, islets and rocks(36 of which are inhabited) in the Bay of Bengal, South-East of the Indian mainland.  The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is  nearer to Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand than to the Indian  mainland. Andaman & Nicobar Islands stretches over a length of more than 800 kms from North to South. Some of the large Islands are Middle Andaman, North Andaman, South Andaman, Baratang and Little Andaman islands. The northern most point is Landfall Island and the southern most, Indira Point. The Nicobar group of Islands is out of bounds for Tourism activities. i.e., only the Andaman group of Islands  are open for Tourism. This is because the majority of people living in Nicobar Islands are Tribals.

Fact File

Location  Bay of Bengal 92 to 94o East Longitude 6o to 14o North Latitude

Total  Area 8,249 sq.km. (Andaman-6408 sq.kms., Nicobar-1841 sq.km.)

Total Islands572

Inhabited Islands 36

Capital    Port Blair

Districts  3 (Andamans, Nicobars & North and Middle Andaman)

Altitude  Varies from Sea level to 732 metres Highest Point

Andaman Islands  Saddle Peak (North Andaman Island : 732 Metres)

Nicobar Islands    Mount Thullier (Great Nicobar Island : 642 Metres)

Forest Cover   92 %

Climate   Tropical and Humid. Humidity ranges between 70% and 90% with a gentle breeze blowing at all times. The weather is generally pleasant   with a minimum temperature of 23°C and maximum 30°C.

Ideal Tourist SeasonOctober to May

For Monsoon Holidays June to September

Rainfall  3000 mms (May to mid-September & November to January)

Relative Humidity  70% to 90%

Total Population3,56,152 (As per  Census-2001)

Literacy Rate  71.07% (As per Census-2001)

Clothing  Cotton throughout the year

Languages spoken  Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobarese, English

Distance     

Distance by Sea (In Kilometres) 

Between Port Blair & Chennai  1190

Between Port Blair & Calcutta   1255

Between Port Blair & Visakhapatnam1200

Distance by Air (In Kilometres)   

Between Calcutta & Port Blair    1303

  


The capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is Port Blair. Most of the islands are in the Andamans group, 26 of which are inhabited. The Nicobars comprise some 22 main islands, 10 of which are inhabited. The Andamans and Nicobars are separated by the Ten Degree Channel, some 150 km wide.The territory's population as per the year 2001 Census of India is 356,152. The total land area of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is approximately 8,249 Square kms. The total area of the Andaman Islands is some 6,408 km² & that of the Nicobar Islands approximately 1,841 Square kms. The major languages spoken in Andaman & Nicobar Islands are Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, English, Tamil, Nicobarese and Telugu.


Since pre-historic times aboriginal tribes have lived on these Islands. The Andaman group is inhabited by tribes of Negrito origin, while the Nicobar Islands are inhabited by tribes of Mongloid origin. There are 4 tribes in the Andaman District and they are Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese, while 2 other tribes, Nicobarese & Shompens of Mongloid origin live in Nicobar district. The topography of the Andaman islands is hilly and they abound in evergreen forests. Timber is plentiful and of a vast variety. These undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flora and fauna. However, the Timber of Andaman & Nicobar Islands cannot be commercially extracted due to the order & ruling of the Supreme Court of India.
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 has been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
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 of aboriginal tribes. The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement, established in 1858, after the First War of Indian Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, Moplas, some criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka as well as ex-servicemen. People of all faiths like Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter-religion and inter-regional marriages are common. This amazing racial and cultural mix is correctly described as Mini-India. The sandy beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are fringed with coconut-palms. The sea around the islands offer excellent scope for water sports. Adventure tourism like trekking, Camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc., are the real attractions.
A visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a memorable lifetime experience. The Indian government is trying to develop the Andaman Islands into a low volume, high yield tourist zone. To promote eco-friendly tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is developing 36 beach sites on the islands. India’s first ever marina is to be developed in A&N islands.The Government is starting unique projects like introduction of seaplane service for the first time in India. The administration will set up canopy walkways, luxury cottages, and procure luxury boats to attract high-end tourists. Plans are afoot to start more sound and light shows and setting up de-compressions chambers for scuba drivers in the islands in the near future. Annual tourist arrivals at the Andaman & Nicobar Islands increased to 130,000 in 2009 as compared to 33,716 tourist arrivals recorded in 1990.

30 Best Tourist Places and Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

If you are imagining the white sandy beaches in the Emerald isles kissing the crystal clear cyan water then Pardon Me!!! You don’t have any other option other than the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar. These islands can even change your lewd mood to an adventurous one as they provide you a host of splosh-gosh pelagic activities. And then you are out in the heathen emerald world… and your Jove-dove-judo persona will seethe to a treasure trove perk just when you enter the battle history of the ill-reputed ‘Cellular Jail’, which is now a World Heritage site and a memorial to the prisoners (freedom-fighters) of the Indian Independence Movement.

The indigenous cultural life of the original inhabitants lacks having a halo of vehement apostasy. Some of the tribes have become extinct because of unregulated deforestation and few others, the Jawara and the Sentinelese, have spawned to be of knockdown-dragout nature to survive against the outside world and few having assimilated into the contemporary Indian society. The other inhabitants living in the heathen hone harmony are the Indians and immigrants of Myanmar and Sri Lanka. A treasure chest is simply waiting for you to be discovered in these mystic islands.

Amidst the sylvan ambience rejuvenate once again out from the wonky-wispy imagery and trail to the salmon shoal of coral reefs and adhere the colorful world of sprinkling hues including dolphins and varieties of turtles like The Green Sea Turtle, The Hawksbill Turtle, The leather Back Turtle and The Olive Ridley Turtle. If you are of sposh-gosh nature then you are just about to be entertained by jellyfishes and poisonous sea snakes like Laticauda colubrine and Sea Krait. These reptiles are the “Reel Life of Andaman”.

1. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island

Extolled as “Asia’s Best Beach” in 2004 by the TIME Magazine, the Radhanagar Beach is one of the must visit beaches in Andaman that lies on the western coast of Havelock Island. The clean and composed ambiance, far from the tourist hum drum, with farseeing white and silky sand gleaming beneath the turquoise blue waters is a perfect beachscape to take those long walks at an ideal sunset brimming over the horizon. The Radhanagar Beach is also known for hosting underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving that lets the adventure seekers to explore the colourful marine world.

2. Ross and Smith Island Beach

The unmatched and paradisaical beauty of the Ross and Smith island beach, which is a natural sandbar connecting the two lonely islands, is yet another unruffled beaches in Andaman… rolling up beach lovers from all over the world. The Ross and Smith Island beach is a few nautical miles from the Diglipur Jetty and one can enjoy boat rides on the crystal clear blue water tinged with green. It is a haven for leisure and adventure activities like sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

3. Laxmanpur Beach, Neil Island

One of the popular beaches in Andaman, the Laxmanpur Beach, which is close to the Bharatpur Beach… is the perfect getaway on your trip to Andaman, as you are left with sufficient time and space to be on your own and enjoy the privacy even during the peak tourist season. The Laxmanpur Beach is comparatively longer and wider than Bharatpur Beach, hence ideal for a long and refreshing walk.

4. Lalaji Bay Beach, Long Island

Another serene and spectacular beach in Andaman that is located in the western coast of Long Island and is well connected by regular ferries from Rangat, Middle Andaman, the Lalaji Bay Beach is a must-visit destination for the skinny-dippers. From Long Island jetty one need to hire a dunghi or walk for over an hour through a mangrove creek to reach the Lalaji Bay beach.

5. Guitar Island Beach

One of the least travelled beaches in Andaman, the Guitar Island beach is a long, narrow and creamy beach that can only be accessed from Long Island Jetty by dunghi. This beach is an ideal escape for couples looking for some privacy and seeking to build some impractical romantic ideals and attitudes.

6. Wandoor Beach, Port Blair

Although it is one of the popular beaches in Andaman… the Wandoor Beach is still known for its scenic panorama that is ideal for swimming and coral sighting. Close to the Wandoor Beach… one can go for snorkeling and scuba diving at the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park that covers roughly 15 small nearby islands including Jolly Buoy, Boat, Alexandra, Red Skin, and Tarmugli and explore the beautiful coral world.

7. Aamkunj Beach, Rangat

The Aamkunj beach in Rangat is one of the best eco-tourism destinations in India that is managed by the forest officials at Rangat under the guidance of the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer). Being one of the turtle nesting beaches in Andaman, the Aamkunj beach pulls in a large number of environmental enthusiasts. Close to the beach is the Eco Park that provides a friendly environment and is equipped with eco huts, trunk benches, log sofas, log teapoys and log stools.

8. Karmatang Beach, Mayabunder

The party animals will turn this dull beach wild and eventful. Yes! There is nothing much to explore at Karmatang Beach BUT if you are travelling to Andaman with a group of hippies then this beach must not be missed. Nonetheless… the Karmatang beach, unlike other beaches in Andaman, is a beautiful and clean beach with lush coastal vegetation and having several small huts. It is approximately a 30 minutes drive from Mayabunder.

9. Merk Bay Beach, North Passage Island, Long Island

The narrow and long Merk Bay beach is a place SOMEWHERE ELSE than other popular beaches in Andaman. Access to the Merk Bay beach is only possible by a dunghi from Long Island jetty is as enjoyable (during low tide) as it is hazardous (during bad weather condition). The Merk Bay beach lies in the North Passage Island, one of the uninhabited islands in Andaman, which is close to Strait Island (home to the Great Andamanese tribe,one of the indigenous tribes of India), Guitar Island and Long Island. It is also an ideal beach where one can go for scuba diving and snorkeling.

10. Butler Bay Beach, Hut Bay Island

If you are one of the soul surfers then the Butler Bay beach in Little Andaman is a must visit for you; the beach can be accessed from Hut Bay. It is a fairly exposed beach with soft brown sand and dense greenery around and reef break that has fairly consistent surf. Further… activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are also possible at Butler Bay beach. It is a concave shaped beach; hence one can see the entire beach from any given point.

11. Pathi Level Beach, Diglipur

One of the sprawling white sand beaches in Andaman and close to the Alfred Caves… the Pathi Level Beach is a must visit place in Andaman for all travellers. Being an isolated beach, it is known for its abundant and unspoilt natural beauty and can be accessed by a dunghi from Kishorinagar via Ram Nagar beach.

12. Casurina Beach, Diglipur

The Casurina beach is yet another sprawling white sand beach in Diglipur and is a retreat for adventure freaks heading to climb the Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

13. Lamiya Bay Beach, Diglipur

Unlike other beaches in Andaman, the Lamiya Bay beach in Diglipur is little known to travellers and is layered with brown sand, rocks and dead corals. The environment of this beach builds an intense moment of solitude to travellers paying their visit. The Lamiya Bay beach can be reached via the same road that heads to Kalipur beach.

14. Raman Bageecha Beach, Rangat

The Raman Bageecha beach leaps out from the dense grove making it an ideal beach to relax and enjoy the seizing ocean breeze and eye catching horizon. The beach can be accessed by foot after a few minutes’ drive from Rangat Jetty.

15. Stewart Island Beach

Close to Mayabunder, the Stewart Island beach is yet another isolated beach in Andaman in the midst of the uninhabited island. It can be accessed from Mayabunder Jetty and is recommended to start early in the morning and be back before sunset.

16. Avis Island Beach, Mayabunder

It is a small and marooned beach that is located in the uninhabited Avis Island, known for coconut plantation… some 30 minutes by boat ride from Mayabunder Jetty. The beach provides a serene atmosphere, and although it is not an ideal beach for swimming it still makes for a good excursion.

17. Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island

It is another popular beach in Andaman that is famed for coral viewing. Leisure travellers can hire a glass bottom boat for coral viewing and further adventure seekers may go for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling to explore the coral world in details.

18. Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair

One of the closest beaches from Port Blair that is dipped in natural beauty, the Corbyn’s Cove beach is the most visited beaches in Andaman and is popular for several water sports and activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass bottom cruises. The beach, brimming with dense palm groves, is further arrayed with several restaurants and bars and there are several resorts… thus making it a whooping tourist hub in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Close to the beach is the famous Cellular Jail… one of the heritage attractions in Andaman that fleshes out the gore colonial era. On your visit to Corbyn’s Cove beach… don’t miss the colourful Snake Island nearby.

19. Limestone Caves, Baratang Island

Not to be missed!!! A real feast for the travellers’ eyes… the natural Limestone Caves in Baratang Island is among the major tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The route to these caves passes through the Tribal reserves and a dense forest that is crisscrossed by several creeks… making it an exciting trail. If you are lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of a sun-bathing crocodile with its jaws wide open.

20. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Covering approximately 282 square kilometers and dotted with 15 small islands, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is home to some of the endangered marine species including the sea turtles. Activities like scuba diving and snorkeling at the Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands respectively… allows tourists to explore the beautiful and colourful aquatic world. Further… a leisurely cruise on the glass bottom boats makes it an ideal way for children and elderly people to seek the beauty of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Islands like Tarmugli, which is the biggest island in the area; and Twins, an important breeding ground for turtles, are worth visiting on your trip to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

21. Mount Harriet National Park

Named after the third highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet… the Mount Harriet National Park is known for its Andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles, turtles, Tytler’s leaf warbler and robber crab. The park covers an area of approximately 47 square kilometers which is covered with a dense tropical moist montane forest.

22. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

Access to this reserve requires a permit from the government as the island is home to the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen people. Nonetheless… the reserve covers a vast area of about 885 square kilometers providing shelter to many endemic animal, bird and plant species. Some of the major wildlife attractions are the Nicobar scrubfowl, the Edible-nest Swiftlet the Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque, saltwater crocodile, giant Leatherback Sea Turtle, Malayan box turtle, Nicobar tree shrew, reticulated python and the giant robber crab.

23. Kaala Pathar Beach, Havelock Island

Teeming with tourists and aligned by a dense forest… the Kaala Pathar beach, like the Corbyn’s Cove Beach and Radhanagar Beach, is one of the best beaches in Andaman. The beach is comparatively small, yet the silvery sand and turquoise water make the place exquisite and idealistic for beach lovers.

24. Ray Hill, Mayabunder

It is one of the newly developed eco-tourism destinations in Andaman that houses eco guesthouses and one can indulge in several activities like elephant safaris, wilderness trail, rock climbing and angling. The Ray Hill thus allows you to explore the forest in detail, laying bare the beauty of nature and wilderness at its best.

25. Austin Creek, Mayabunder

A cruise along the Austin Creek is a must for environmental enthusiasts. The voyage through the evergreen mangrove fringed creek… lets the traveller to get acquainted with the exotic flora and fauna all around that includes several species of birds and crocodiles.

26. Katchal Island, Nicobar

Home to the Nicobari Tribes and migrant Tamilians… Katchal Island is a must visit place on your tour to Andaman and Nicobar islands if you are an ardent traveller seeking to experience the lifestyle of the indigenous people. A visit to this island requires special permit from the government but if ever you get a chance, visit Katchal Island … the Katchal Island won’t let you down as it offers and eye-catching scenery, unspoiled nature, spine-chilling wilderness and indigenous lifestyle.

27. Cellular Jail, Port Blair

Built in between 1896 and 1906 by the British, the Cellular Jail was used to exile political prisoners during the struggle for India’s independence. Today it is a national memorial and is open for tourists.

28. Anthropological Museum, Port Blair

If you are keen to know about the history of the indigenous people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands… then a visit to the Anthropological Museum is a must. The place houses several artifacts, models, and pictures exhibiting all the aspects of tribal life in detail.

29. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Port Blair

Managed by the Indian Navy… the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum gives you a complete knowledge about the history and geography of Andaman and Nicobar group of islands along with beautiful corals and fishes.

30. Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple, Port Blair

The most famous temple in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple in Port Blair represents the lost Dravidian style of architecture and is one of the major tourist attractions.