Andaman and Nicobar is located in the Indian Ocean, and geographically
is considered part of Southeast Asia., It comprises two island groups,
the Andaman Islands and the
Nicobar Islands, separated by the 10° N parallel,
with the Andamans to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south.
The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the
Bay of Bengal to the west.
HISTORY
The Andaman and Nicobar 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
linguistic
isolation studies point to habitation going back 30,000 to 60,000 years, well into
the Middle Paleolithic.
In the Andaman Islands, the various Andamanese people maintained their separated
existence through the vast majority of this time, diversifying into distinct
linguistic, cultural and territorial groups. By the 1850s when they first came into
sustained contact by outside groups, the indigenous people of the Andamans were:
the Great Andamanese,
who collectively represented at least 10 distinct sub-groups and languages. the Jarawa the Jangil (or Rutland Jarawa). the Onge and the Sentinelese (most isolated of all the groups).
In total, these people numbered somewhere around 7,000 at the time of these first;encounters.
GEOGRAPHY
The territory's capital is the Andamanese town of Port Blair.Added together, the total land area of the territory is approximately 6,496 km² or 2,508 sq mi.
There are 572 islandsin the territory, of which only approximately 38 are permanently inhabited. Most of the islands (about 550) are in the Andamans group, 26 of which are inhabited.
The smaller Nicobars comprise some 22 main islands (10 inhabited). The Andamans and Nicobars are separated by a channel
(the Ten Degree Channel ) some 150 km wide.
ATTRACTIONS
The Chatham Saw Mill
One of Asia's oldest sawmills, featuring rare species of timber (such as kokko, chulgam, marblewood and satinwood)
M. G. Marine National Park
The Marine Park made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands, is one of
the best found anywhere in the world. Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats,
Scuba diving and snorkeling are lifetime experiences for anyone. Coral reefs, exotic varieties of beautifully
coloured coral fishes and other marine life abound the area.
Andaman Water Sports Complex
This unique complex, first of its kind in India, has all possible aqua sports facilities
including safe water sports and adventure sports with sea water swimming pool etc.
Safe water sports are paddleboats, rowboats, glass-bottom boats, aqua-glide, kayaks,
water cycle, etc. Adventure water sports include water skiing, wind surfing, speed boats,
sail boats, para-sails, gemini boats, glass bottom boats, water scooter, kayak etc
Wandoor Beach
Wandoor Beach (an hour’s drive) is the right place to go for snorkelling and diving. There
are many islands around Port Blair, Viper Island, Neil Island, and Long Island.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR
Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air. Presently flights are operated by Alliance Air/Indian Airlines and Jet Airways.
Jet Airways flights are operating every day on Chennai - Port Blair - Chennai sector.
Foreign tourist charter flights are also permitted to land at Port Blair subject to the fulfillment of guidelines of the Director General of Civil Aviation.
BY SEA
Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back.
There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa.
There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally
berths at Port Blair for about two to four days
Dos & Don'ts for the Visitors Do’s
Contact Tourist Information Centres/Tourist Police personnel for any assistance required.
Treat the National Parks as they are sanctum sanctorum of our precious natural heritage.
Obtain permits from the Chief Wildlife Warden for those having interest in photography/ videography/ investigation inside a sanctuary or a Marine National Park .
Make use of the service of authorized tourist guides.
While driving, follow the traffic rules, keep left. Carry legal documents like driving licence, permit, passport etc.
Consult life guards before entering the sea.
Swim in safe areas only.
Learn more about reefs, other marine life and tropical forest. This will make your visit more enjoyable.
Help us to keep the beaches and the environment clean.
Dispose off the garbage and plastics at proper places/dustbins.
Take care of the coral reef, not just for yourself, but also for all who follow.
Give your valuable comments and observations for ensuring better management of the tourist places/attractions.
Take back only photos and sweet memories, leave only footprints and ripples.
Encourage efforts to save coral reefs and tropical forests.
Obtain a transit pass from the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Port Blair ,to transport any wild animal/trophy/article etc. outside the islands.
Foreign nationals are requested to obtain the required permit before entering /
soon after landing on the islands.Avail the services of authorized scuba dive centres only.
Avail the service of Scuba Dive Instructors having certification of international professional organizations like PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC or SSI for safe diving experience.
Your concern for nature conservation is highly appreciated. Please inform local authorities/staff positioned in protected areas if you notice any undesirable activity.
Dont’s
Foreign nationals may not enter the islands without permit.
Do not enter the National Parks without permission.
Do not take pictures of the airport, government dockyard, defence establishments, naval wharf, Dhanikari Dam and Chatham Saw Mill.
Do not collect, destroy or remove any living or dead animal/plant.
Do not collect dead coral or touch/break live coral. Please do not stand on the coral reef while snorkeling/Scuba diving.
Do not take video or film without permit, wherever such permits are required.
Do not take video, film or photographs inside Tribal Reserve areas or of the indigenous tribes.
Do not carry sea fans and seashells unless specific permits are obtained from the Fisheries Department.
Do not throw garbage and plastics in public places, beaches and into the sea.
Do not swim after consuming liquor.
Do not swim in unsafe waters during monsoon.
Nudity on beaches and public places is forbidden.
Do not Light fire in Protected Areas as it not only destroys forests but also damages wild life habitat.
Person who commits breach of any of the conditions of the Wildlife protections shall be punishable by law.
Indigos Society 
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