The Union Territory of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of 572 islands floating in complete
isolation off the Indian mainland. The islands extend to a length of 700 km
from north to south. Dense woods, exotic species of flowers and birds are
the major travel attractions of the place. The hilly terrain is covered with
evergreen forests. The sandy beaches bordered with coconut palms attract
legions of tourists and travellers from all across the country. A range of
water sports, varieties of flora and fauna, an exotic marine life crystal
clear water and mangrove-fringed creeks offers to see various aspects of
nature here. For those seeking absolute tranquility amid the wonders of
nature, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the place to travel.
Adventure travel is spreading its arms
extensively in the region and the huge influx of tourists is a testimony to
the fact. There are as exciting water sports as island camping, snorkelling,
trekking, scuba diving etc. Spending some time in complete peace on these
islands is surely an experience of a lifetime.
History
The word Andaman is believed to be derived from Hanuman, who the Malays
called Handuman. Nicobar (Malay) means the land of the naked. Since time
immemorial, the islands harboured a number of aboriginal tribes who were
either of the Negrito or Mongoloid origin. Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas
and Sentinatese are a few of the tribes that found their home in these
islands.
It was only in the year 1789, when the first settlement of the British
occurred here. However, it was later abandoned in 1796. The second one was a
penal settlement that took place in 1858 after the First World War. And
these settlements were followed by convicts, Molpas and other criminal
tribes fleeing from United Provinces, East Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka.
Retired servicemen also settled here in good numbers.
Persisting Harmony
The eclectic mix of religions, castes and creeds give it the apt
appellation of Mini India. People of all faiths from Hindus, Muslims,
Christians and Sikhs to Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Nicobari exist here in
complete peace and harmony. And this harmonious combination is so very
strong that even inter-religion and inter-region marriages are practised
with undiminished joy and fervour.
Andaman Nicobar Travel Attractions
Almost 92% of the whole area of islands is covered by forests, 86% of which
is covered with reserved and protected forests. Tribal reserves, national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries have taken up an 50% of the whole area. One
must see thing here is the Mahatama Gandhi National Park that preserves a
huge variety of corals, fish, sea turtles etc. For bird fanciers, the
islands set forth a total 271 varieties of birds. Most popular bird species
include Megapode, swiftlet, hornbill and Nicobar pigeon among others.
Besides one of the finest water sports travel destinations, Andaman &
Nicobar Islands also offer a great deal in terms of beaches, monuments,
museums, picnic spots etc.
