Andaman

Andaman Islands are like emeralds that are blessed with sparkling turquoise waters fringed by forest and sun-toasted beaches that dissolve under purple sunsets. This is a unique place and is a perfect getaway for those seeking some Adventure Water Sports, game-fishing, bird-watching, trekking, island camping, snorkelling, scuba diving or just enjoying the peace and quiet of the nature around.

Andaman Islands is an archipelago of over 572 islets and islands with 37 inhabited islands that stretch over a length of more than 700kms from North to South. Three quarters of these islands are covered with forests, outstanding beaches and undulating creeks, crystal clear water and clean environment.

The Andaman descends from the mythological character, Hanuman or Handuman (by the Malays) which in turn gave the islands its present name. These islands have been home to the aboriginal tribes like the Great Andamanes, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese, since pre-historic period. The British occupied these islands in 1789 and left the place abandoned in 1796 till about 1858 when it was taken up as a penal settlement after the First War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts that mostly included Moplas, some tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burman and Sri Lanka as well as ex-servicemen. The islands no more hold the reputation of being the kala pani, instead they have become one of the most sought-after destinations of the world.

Andaman Islands are charmingly beautiful with its pristine beaches and is considered a traveller’s paradise. Possessed by it’s own countless natural marvels the isolated group of islands have a lot to boast about. The languages spoken by the inhabitants here are Bengali, Hindi, Telegu, Tamil and Malyalam. The place is embraced by perpetual marine life, the most popular being the famous sea turtles and one can even witness the Dermochelys Coriacea that are considered to be the biggest sea turtles in the world. The Andaman Sea is also the nesting ground for the Olive Ridley turtles. Birgus Latro is the biggest living arthropod found in the region which is also called the coconut crabs as they gorge on tender coconuts. Since these crabs are known to despise water, they reside at the Andamans and are found in large numbers in the area. Commercial fishing is banned in the islands.