New Delhi, Nov 13: Andaman and Nicobar islands lie on the eastern coast of India in the Bay of Bengal. The rich forested islands comprise of 362 volcanic islands of which only 37 are inhabited.
They form a pleasing archipelago of gleaming white sandy beaches, a crystal-clear turquoise sea teeming with fish, and picturesque coral reefs. The lush green islands have a colourful historical past, with strings of invasions by the French, Dutch, Japanese and British, setting off raging wars between the settlers and the native tribes.
The Cellular Jail, where hundreds of Indian revolutionaries were imprisoned during the Indian freedom struggle, still stands. Descendents of these political prisoners and the local tribes of the area are the inhabitants of modern day Andaman and Nicobar.
The tropical rain forests that loom close to the seashore are home to unique species of birds, and to tribes that still haven`t learned to use fire. Andaman is an experience quite unlike any other.
Sunbathe in the mellow sun as you sip from a fresh coconut. Then swim out into the waves where dolphins and many-hued fish will give you company. The clear waters of the Andamans are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. The best beaches are at Wandour, Corbyn`s Cove, Jolly Buoy and Ross Island.
Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil
Best Time to Visit: Between November and May.
Climate: Tropical - between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Bureau Report
