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Andaman And Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union territory of India comprising 572 islands,islets and rocks, out of which 38 are inhabited.  Located at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, the territory lies about 1,000 miles southeast of the Indian mainland and covers an area of around 8,249 square kilometers.  The capital and the largest city of the territory is Port Blair. Administratively, the islands are  divided into three districts: Nicobar District with Car Nicobar as capital, South Andaman district with Port Blair as capital and North and Middle Andaman district with Mayabunder as capital.

The name of the islands have intriguing origins. The word “Andaman” is believed to derive from “Handuman”, the Malays form of the Hindu God Hanuman from the epic Ramayana. On the other hand, “Nicobar” is said to come from the Tamil word “Nakkavaram” which means “Open/Naked land”. Hindi and English are the official languages, but Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Nicobarese are also widely spoken.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess a rich history, with references found in ancient texts. The indigenous Andamanese are believed to have remained isolated since the Middle Paleolithic era over 30,000 years ago, while archaeological evidence shows civilization from about 2,200 years ago. In the 11th century, the Chola dynasty used the islands as a naval base for their Southeast Asian campaigns. The Danish were the first Europeans to arrive in 1755, followed by British control in 1868. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the islands. After India gained independence in 1947, the islands became part of the nation in 1950 and were formally declared a Union Territory in 1956.

Culturally, the islands reflect a fusion of Indian traditions and the customs of the indigenous tribal communities. The  traditional dress of the Islands varies across communities. The Indigenous tribes such as Great Andamanese, Onge, and Jarwa traditionally wore very little clothing, often using leaves, bark fibers, and ornaments made of shells, bones, and wood. The Nicobarese tribe wore coconut-leaf outfits and later adopted sarongs, skirts and shirts. Settlers and the urban population, however, wear regular Indian attire, with tribal costumes mostly seen during cultural festivals and events.

Dance and music play a vital role in the cultural life of the islands. The Nicobarese Dance, commonly performed during festivals and weddings, is a well-known folk tradition accompanied by tribal songs and drum beats. The music blends tribal rhythms with influences from settlers, creating a vibrant mix of folk, devotional, and modern styles.The cuisine of the islands highlights their coastal lifestyle, with seafood as the main staple. Dishes like fish curry, coconut-based curries, and preparations of lobsters, crabs, and prawns are popular, along with tropical fruits such as pineapple and banana. The region is also rich in art and craft, with locals creating wooden carvings, shell jewelry, cane and bamboo products, and handicrafts made from coconut.

The islands celebrate the Island Tourism Festival, the biggest event held in January at Port Blair highlighting local culture, music, dance, and crafts. Other notable festivals include the Subhash Mela in Havelock, the Beach Festival, and the traditional Ossuary Feast of the Nicobarese tribe. Along with these, popular Indian festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Pongal are observed with equal zeal and joy.

The territory also has its own symbols: the Dugong as the state animal, the Andaman wood pigeon as the state bird, and Pyinma as the state flower.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are famed for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, tropical forests, and diverse marine life. Popular attractions include Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Baratang’s limestone caves, and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The region also offers adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, and trekking.  The islands also offer glimpses of rich tribal culture and colonial history, making them a perfect mix of natural beauty and heritage. Nicobar Islands (The southern group) are mostly inaccessible to tourists.

Indian tourists don’t need a permit except for tribal areas, which require special permission from the Deputy Commissioner in Port Blair. Foreign nationals, however, need permits, which are issued on arrival at Port Blair for those traveling by air.

TOUR PACKAGES OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

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