About Andamans

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the seven Union Territories of India, located at the southeastern edge of Bay of Bengal. Although it is located close to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the rich culture and heritage of India thrive throughout these islands. Port Blair is the capital of these islands headed by the President of India and Lt. General of the territory.

History

The Andaman Islands are home to the Sentinelese people. They are considered as the world’s last contacted tribe of people. They inhabit areas around the North Sentinel Islands. In 1956, the Government of India declared North Sentinel Island a tribal reserve and prohibited travel within 3 miles (4.8 km) of it. It further maintains a constant armed patrol to prevent intrusions by outsiders.

Cellular Jail

In 1858, the British established a colony at Port Blair after gaining rights from the Danish colonial rule. The primary purpose was to set up a penal colony for criminal convicts and anybody who rose their voices against the British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent.

The colony came to include the infamous Cellular Jail, popularly known as the kaala paani.

World War II

During the second world war, the Andamans were basically ruled by the Japanese, nominally under the authority of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. He visited these islands during the War and renamed them as Shaheed-dweep (Martyr Island) and Swaraj-dweep (Self-rule Island).

Tsunami

On 26 December 2004, the coasts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands were hit by massive sea waves following the undersea earthquake off the Indian Ocean. The impact of the tsunami was extremely huge on the inhabitants of these islands. People lost their families, loved ones, children, and most of all it destroyed their soul. More than 2,000 people lost their lives, close to 4,000 children were left orphaned, and a minimum of 40,000 people were left homeless. A major part of the area is now submerged in the ocean. However, most of the properties were repaired and reconditioned.

Climate

The area receives minimum fluctuations in the temperature and is always pleasant. The climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is tropical but is moderated by sea breezes. The territory receives most of the annual rainfall by the southwest monsoon, which blows from May through September, and by the tropical cyclones that follow in October and November. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island is considered to be from November to May. Monsoon visits to Andaman are always avoided because of the strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high tidal waves.

Wildlife and Exotic Sea Creatures

The islands are inhabited by a few dozen species of terrestrial and marine mammals, a number of which include dugongs, spotted deer, whales, shrews, dolphins, and macaques.

The island is home to more than 200 species of birds, including many endemic varieties. Numerous types of snakes and lizards inhabit the tropical forests, and saltwater crocodiles, a wide variety of fishes, turtles, and sea snakes are abundant in the coastal waters.

Turtle Nesting in Diglipur

To witness turtle nesting you need to head to Diglipur. Here, you can get to the picturesque Aamkunj beach, the Dhaninallah beach or head to Karmatang which is called the ‘Turtle Paradise’ of India.

You’ll see four types of turtles nesting in Andaman – Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green Turtle and Olive Ridley. The turtle nesting activity is trending to make a comeback after the setback of the 2004 Tsunami.

One should be extremely cautious while visiting these sites so as to not disturb the natural phenomena of the turtles. Be noiseless, do not throw plastic waste on the beach as most turtles mistake it to be jellyfishes and consume them. It is our responsibility to conserve them for future generation.