If there is a naturalist’s heaven then undoubtedly we can name it as Andaman and Nicobar islands. The fresh and clean environment and the healthy green feel in the air of islands of Andaman and Nicobar are beyond description. One of the major tourist attractions of Bay of Bengal are the dense and impenetrable tropical forests. The rain forests here have bountiful of animal, marine and plant life. The crescent shaped shores and the various activities encouraged on them such as island camping, Scuba Diving, trekking, snorkeling, etc make the beach life on the islands of Andaman and Nicobar interesting. With the blessing of Mother Nature, in Andaman and Nicobar islands you’ll find a perfect blend of picturesque locations and sporty activities at the same time. Have a look at some of the places one should not miss out in a trip to Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Tourists generally underestimate Andaman and Nicobar only for Islands and Beaches. However, the versatile nature of these islands offers a lot more to the tourists. The historical Cellular Jail, Sippighat Farms, Mangroves, Tribal Reserves, and a host of other unique things offer interesting sightseeing options in Andaman. In the following section we have tried to provide comprehensive information on sightseeing in Andaman.
1.Cellular Jail- The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Paani (Black Water), was a colonial prison situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The prison was used by the British especially to exile political prisoners to the remote archipelago. Many notable dissidents such as Batukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar, among others, were imprisoned here during the struggle for India’s independence. Today, the complex serves as a national memorial monument.
2.Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is amongst the major attractions of Andaman Islands. Its coral reefs are world famous. More than ten luxuriant green islands, creeks and open sea space comprise this marine park. It stretches over 280-sq. km. of mangrove forests, sandy beaches, tropical jungles and exotic marine life under sparkling water. Scrolling down will bring you more information on this National Park.
3.Chidiya Tapu- Chiriya Tapu is an exotic place seated joyfully on the luscious land of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located at a distance of just 25 km from Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman. Tucked with care in the southernmost tip of South Andaman, this island is a heaven for bird watchers. The luxurious collection of birds is the major attraction of Chiriya Tapu in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. No wonder, Chiriya Tapu is also known by the name of the Bird Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
4.Little Andaman- Little Andaman Island is the fourth largest island of the Andaman Island group. It covers an area of 734.39 km sq. It is alienated from Rutland Island in Great Andaman by the Duncan Passage. They call the island Egu Belong and has been a tribal reserve since the year1957. According to the census of 2001, the population is 17,528 in 4093 households, living in eighteen villages. The village of Kwate-tu-Kwage is on the east coast of the island and is located on Hut Bay. It has a deep water jetty. You can reach it through a gap in the coral reef.
5.Zoological Survey Of India Museum- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Zoological Survey of India Museum is located in the district of Andaman Islands. The Zoological Survey of India Museum of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a part of the national association of Zoological Survey of India. This renowned museum has a prime location close to the well-known Andaman Teal House.
6.Forest Museum and Mini Zoo- Mini Zoo is the only zoo in Andamans situated at Haddo in Port Blair. Though it is a small zoo but houses some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands.
7.Chatham Saw Mill- Chatham Saw Mill, once Asia’s largest Saw Mill is located in Chatham Island & is connected to Port Blair by a Sea bridge. Since the Supreme Court of India banned logging in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, most of the wood now comes by ship from Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. Chatham Saw Mill converts huge Logs into different sizes of timber. It also processes ornamental species which is used in the manufacture of furniture and handicraft.
8.Science Centre- The Science Center is an interesting place to visit. A visit to this museum makes one aware of the complete history and geography of Andaman and Nicobar islands. The place illustrates how initially these islands were a part of the South Asian mainland and had mountain range stretching from Arakan Yomas in Burma through Sumatra, Java and Indonesia.
9.Son-Et-Lumiere (Sound & Light Show)- The saga of the heroic freedom struggle, brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere, in the cellular jail. Is very pipular among the tourist, Every day, the Hindi show and Monday,Wednesday and Friday on Second show are English.
10.Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum)- The Samudrika Marine Museum at Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a treasure trove of items that offer imperative information to the tourists regarding the history and geography of the Andaman Islands. The museum is under the administration of Indian Navy.
11.Wandoor- 25 kms from west of Port Blair is Wandoor Beach famous for swimming & Coral Viewing. One can also go to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park from Wandoor by boat. Conducted tours are available to Wandoor from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair.
12.Fisheries Museum- The Fisheries Museum in Port Blair is in proximity to the Andaman Water Sports Complex which makes one of the very popular tourist destinations of the place. If you are someone who is even a bit interested in marine life then the fisheries Museum here is a must place for you.
13.Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sport Complex is centrally located in the Port Blair It has a small harbour from where tourist boats depart for nearby islands, namely Ross Island, Viper Island, and North Bay (Coral Island).
14.Madhuban- Madhuban in Andaman and Nicobar Islands also provides perfect background for trekking. Thousands of enthusiasts flock to Madhuban every year to trek. The pristine natural beauty of Madhuban with its variety of flora and fauna, the tropical climate of the place is just what the trekkers long for. The route from Mount Harriet to Madhuban is one of the famous route to the trekkers.
15.Sippighat Agricultural Farm- Sippighat Farm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is only 15 kms away from the capital city of Port Blair, on the way to Wandoor. The farm covers a vast stretch of about 80 acres of cultivated land.Sippighat Farm in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is run by the Government of the place and it is a part of the Research and development program.
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