The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are truly spectacular as the qualities possessed by them deserves some sincere appreciation. Eager holiday-makes assemble here from all over the world to experience the grandeur of mother natural at her very finest. As a matter of fact, the islands of Andaman and Nicobar actually are the chief tourist attractions.
The most frequently visited islands in Andaman and Nicobar are mentioned in the list below:-
The Jolly Buoy Island
The gorgeous twin islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are blessed with the presence of another petite island designated as Jolly Buoy which is regarded as one of those majestic and enticing locales which virtually beckons with its irresistible charm and splendor. In fact, the Jolly Buoy is cautiously cradled in the heart of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
If you happen to possess a mellow spot for exploring the enigmatic and intriguing underwater life, the venue of Jolly Buoy in Andaman and Nicobar islands will certainly not disappoint you. As a matter of fact, an entire array of diverse corals and baffling marine life dwells in the emerald blue waters of the immense seas.
Corals are belong to the taxonomic group of Anthozoa which produce ample qualities of calcium carbonate to assist in building reefs frequently encountered in tropical oceans. They mostly acquire the shape of sea-anemone resembling polyps. The corals are extremely fragile as they easily succumb to even minute rises in the temperature of the water. They are also susceptible to slight drop in the salinity level of the water.
Another variety of water sports is also practiced at Jolly Buoy of Andaman and Nicobar islands, known as snorkeling. At the amateur level, snorkeling can be described as the swimming on the surface of water while being fitted with a diving mask regarded as a snorkel. The individual performing this nerve-wrecking feat also wears swim fins for assistance. Sometimes, if the water is too chilled, it is advisable to put on a wet suit.
Among other activities that are performed at the Jolly Buoy at Andaman and Nicobar islandsare sea-bathing and just chilling out on the sunny beaches.
Being situated in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, this island allows its visitors to witness the gorgeous corals and experience recreational activities like snorkeling.
Chatham Island
Chatham Island is widely popular for the saw mill that lies there. The mill is counted amongst one of the largest and ancient in the whole of Asia. The island is very small and is connected with Port Blair by a bridge over the narrow strip of sea water.
Another significant feature of Chatham Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is that it has the second biggest dock among all the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Moreover, the blue water and the various forms of vegetation is an added attraction. While you are strolling across the bridge you can check out the various creatures in the water below. Chatham Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islandsis a picture perfect destination for tourists who want to be away from the noise of the main land. The island has been an attraction for its small size. The view of the island amidst the sea water from the bridge is mesmerizing. You only need a few hours to finish the sightseeing of the whole island.
You cannot stop praising the nature, once you are at Chatham Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Moreover, a visit to the saw mill there might add up to your knowledge quotient as you get a whole lot of details on how saw is made and what are its different uses. Do check out the harbors at Chatham Island. One of the very famous is Haddo. Go and enjoy the lavish atmosphere of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chatham Island.
Barren Island, which is located in the Andaman Sea, has the distinction of being the only active volcano in India. The volcanic island lies only 135 kilometers away from the capital city Port Blair. The island that measures around 3 kilometers has a large crater of the volcano that rises around half kilometers away from the shore of the sea. The depth of the crater is measured around 150 fathoms.
Though there is no monuments or any such thing on Barren Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but still people like to have a glimpse of it. So they travel through ships and without getting down on the island they get the whole enchanting feeling of the island.
The volcano at Barren Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Stratovolcano with pyroclastic cones. The volcano at this island is covered. The place is many a times visited by scientists for some research work.
The first volcanic eruption was recorded in the year 1787. Since then the Barren Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has witnessed many such eruptions. This is one reason why the place is not accommodated by any life except few goats, birds, bats, etc. who can live in the tough conditions.
In the south eastern part of the Barren Island, two cold water fountains have been located in the dry drains. The distance between the two springs are 100 meters. The largest specie of fauna available at Barren Island is feral goat. They are believed to have been left over by some sailors. But the most amazing thing about these wild beasts is that they survive in such tough environment.
Ross Island
Ross Island had been the administrative headquarters of Britishers at some point of time. During those days, it was thickly populated and adorned a beauty which is not descriptive. Britishers had a fine settlement here and apart from that many else came here to spend some luxurious stay. It is due to these that Ross Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was titled "Paris of the East".
Now a days, Ross Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands are under the supervision of the Navy. Though the island does not boasts of the same thick population, it is thickly covered by a wide range of fauna and flora. Most of the ancient buildings and monuments have been destroyed by the 1941 earthquake that rocked the island and brought everything on a stand still at this picturesque locale.
The earthquake took away all the man made beauty but the nature's scenery was less affected. Hence, till date Ross Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the favorite tourist locales. At Ross Island, you must check out the golden days of the island at the small museum of the Indian Navy named "Smritika".
Ross Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is spread over an area of 0.6 square kilometers, is approachable through ship from Port Blair to Phoenix Bay jetty from where one has to take a short boat journey to the main island. You can reside at the accommodations offered by the Directorate of Tourism at reasonable prices in Port Blair.
Viper Island
Viper Island is of much historical importance because the first jail was constructed at this island where the offenders were sent to serve their punishment. After the Cellular Jail was made, the convicts were transferred there.
You can go and explore the cells where the prisoners were kept in Viper Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The gallows is sited at the top of the mound. It is the place where the people sentenced to death were hanged till death. One of the very famous freedom fighter Sher Ali, who killed the Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India in 1872 , was hanged here.
Once you are at this historic island, you feel the touch of past among the flowing breeze. Viper Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands derived its name from the vessel "Viper" which carried Lieutenant Archibald Blair to this island in the year 1789 for instituting a punishable laws. As per the punishable laws, any convict who disobeyed the rules were gagged and made to work on the island.
The scenic beauty of the Viper Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also commendable. You would be fascinated by the charming vegetation and natural beaches there. The small piece of land that is surrounded by waters is accessible only through water and is one of the favorite tourist hangouts.
Go and enjoy your quality time at Viper Island. But do check out the cells and gallows so that you can learn about how the inhumanity faced by our freedom fighters from the Britishers even in jail.
Cinque Island
The Andamans are truly a heavenly delectable locale and are blessed with an entire caboodle of exotic islands which will beyond a shadow of a doubt blow your mind. The Cinque Island which is considered to be an appendage of the Marine National Park is most certainly one of the gorgeous islands which attracts a hefty bulk of holiday-makers virtually all throughout the year.
The Cinque Island is also very comfortably approachable from any distant corner of Andaman as it takes approximately 3:30 hours to reach from Wandoor if you are traveling by a boat. Actually, the Cinque Island at Andaman is completely devoid of any sort of human life but exquisite corals and baffling marine life dwells at the abstruse depths of the opulent seas.
Another attraction at the Cinque Island in Andaman is the humongous and at the same time bizarre bar constructed from sand which acts as a rendezvous point for the twin islands of South and North Cinque. The sunset scene at the Cinque Island also deserves a huge round of applause owing to its unparalleled beauty accompanied by a pristine ambiance.
You can quite easily spend a night at the Cinque Island of Andaman without any sort of hindrance, but in case you desire to extend the period of your stay, you will have to seek for permission which would be granted by the Forest Department. Another convenient means to reach the Cinque Island is from the venues of Chidiya Tapu or Port Blair.
Havelock Island
Havelock Island is situated 38 kilometers away from the capital town of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair. It is sited in the north east of Port Blair. The island, far away in between the ocean, is a perfect retreat.
The serene environment of the beaches at Havelock Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the major attractions of this region. The calm and cool ocean beaches not only offer you scenic pleasure but also provide you a good opportunity to explore the nature.
Havelock Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands are renowned for the greenish blue water, white sandy beaches and coral reefs including marine creatures such as turtles, dolphins, etc. The calm and pleasant water bodies there are ideal for getting into water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling.
Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also favorable for wildlife excursions in the deep jungles. The dense vegetation of the island has attracted many botanists and zoologists who get lots of material to research on. Another important fact about Havelock Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is that only one third of the northern island is populated.
But the most fascinating of all the sightseeings at Havelock Island are its beaches. The two charming beaches that are the visitor's delight are the Radhanagar Beach, also known as Beach No.7, and Vijaynagar Beach, also known as Beach No. 5.
Havelock Island is accessible only through water. An AC Speed Boat departs daily from Port Blair at 7 in the morning. It reaches the island by 9.30 am. At 10 am it leaves the shores of the island and returns to the capital town by 1 pm.
Red Skin Island
It is the exotic locale of the Red Skin Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands that attracts visitors from all across the globe due to its unique and enigmatic beauty that will surely captivate you in a state of trance. Being positioned inside the premises of the Marine National Park, the Red Skin Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is bequeathed with a varied range of natural marvels which truly dazzles the on-lookers.
The diverse species of corals can be observed in their natural ambiance. If you happen to be an adrenaline freak and enticed by water sports, the Red Skin Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands will surely live up to your expectations as there is plenty of scope for snorkeling. Basically, snorkeling is the name dowered to the gliding over the surface of the water while being half-submerged. It is absolutely essential to have a diving mask on so that you do not miss viewing the marine fauna and flora that exists beneath the surface of the water. You can also have swim fins on to facilitate you to in swimming.
While, snorkeling keep in mind that a wet suit is compulsory if the temperature of the water is low.
From every Tuesday to Sunday, boats depart from the rural settlement known as the Windsor Village destined for the Red Skin Island. It approximately takes 1:30 hours to reach the Red Skin Island. But you have to return at 5:00 P.M., as one can only spend a few hours there.
If you wish to avail this trip you will have to make your booking in advance.
Last Updated on: 2nd April 2013
