It is only since the last decade or so that the traveller has begun   discovering that India is too vast a country and holds in its belly many places worth seeing. The doors are  beginning to open up  to yet another Indian world, Anadaman and Nicobar Islands.

An emerald in the deep blue sea, Andaman and Nicobar island lies deep in the south eastern waters of the Bay of Bengal. It is an archipelago with its capital -Port Blair. This wild land with scenic beauty stands isolated from India, by some 1,300 kms from Calcutta and 1,200 kms from Chennai. Originally known as Kalapani or black waters , Andaman and Nicobar islands were  used as a penal settlement by the British rulers. Today, they are known as islands of the marigold sun. It is one the most unexplored parts of India and also the most unexpected and  offers a quiet holiday in a serene setting.  

Here the air is pure and unpolluted; the pace of life unhurried; the people gentle and hospitable. Surrounded by coral reefs and shallow seas, these islands boast of numerous long and narrow stretches of sandy beaches. Endless opportunities exist for those who are interested in water sports.

The Andaman is a group of five large islands; North Andaman, Middle Anadman, Baratang, South Andaman and Rutland. Each island is separated by shallow seas. To the south is the island of Little Andaman. Further south is the Nicobar group. The important ones are : Car Nicobar, Nancowry, Chowra, Katchal and Great Nicobar.

The Andamans are populated by Indians, Myanma people and the Negritotribles- still untouched by civilisation. The Onghies in the little Andaman are amongst the world’s rarest and fastest – vanishing tribes. The Jarawas on the west coast of South Andaman are a closed community that shun overtures from outside and resist attempts at modernisation.

Nicobar Islands have friendly tribals all of whom speak native dialects and worship the deities of rocks, trees, snakes and eggs. The islands and the waters around them provide rare sights – gambolling dolphins, flying fish and sea – crocodiles seven to ten metres long. Herbs of deer and galaxies of rare birds fluttering in the sky will gladden the heart of many a conversationalist.

Exploring these islands for Japanese war relics and beach, combing for fancy driftwood and corals and shells of various shapes and colours can be absorbing pursuits.  There is much to see in the Anadaman and Nicobar Inslads – The Cellular Jail; the Bastille of India – a relic of bygone days – where India’s freedom fighters were incarcerated. Every cell has a tale to tell. The Chatham Saw Mill: The largest saw mill in Asia. Chiriya Tapu: this southernmost tip of South Anadaman – the Bird Island – is a beautiful spot for picnic and fishing-it is an ornithologists’ paradise. A must see is  Madhuban where elephants are trained for lumbering of timber; Mount Harriet where you witness the setting of the sun; Rose Island that has the ruins of what was once the British Administration’s headquarter; Corbyn’s Cove Sea Beach- a place for long lazy afternoons and sea – bathing, yachting and fishing; Anthropological Museum- the ‘habitat’ of aboriginal tribes in miniature; Marine Museum-it preserves over 350 species of sea-life; Zoological Gardens hold in captivity salt-water crocodile, robber crab and crab-eating macaque, green lizards horn bills and a variety of deer and fish.

Permits to visit this island are issued by the Naval Office, Port Blair. Getting to the Andaman and Nicobar islands is easy; Indian Airlines operates a bi-weekly Boeing 737 service between Kilkata and Port Blair. The Shipping Corporation of India operates regular shipping services from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair. Occasionally, ships also ply between Vishakhapatnam and Port Blair. Also, the Shipping Corporation of India and the Marine Department of the Government of Anadaman and Nicobar Islands operate several services for inter-island movement of visitors. Small motorboats are  available on hire;And for accommodation there is a Beach Resort at Corbyn’s Cove, Port Blair, a Tourist Home and Government rest house and inns in several islands. For those looking for an off-beat quiet holiday away from the din and noise of the modern world, Andaman and Nicobar islands will be a rewarding choice.

JIMS VK II is provides you  a platform such as this where you can enhance your knowledge after taking admission in Hotel Management & make a great career in hospitality & travel industry.

Submitted by Vaibhav Gaur, Assistant Professor, Department of Hotel

Management.