About Andaman Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India. The territory is located in the Bay of Bengal. The territory is made up of two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. The capital of the Union Territory is Port Blair. The total area of the territory is 8,249 km². The territory has a tropical rainforest climate.
The population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is estimated at 419,978 in 2022. The majority of the population is concentrated in the Andaman Islands. The main languages spoken in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
The first inhabitants of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the Negritos. The islands were discovered by the British in 1788. The British used the islands as a penal colony. The first prisoners were sent to the islands in 1789. The Cellular Jail was built in Port Blair in 1906. The jail was used to house political prisoners. The jail was closed in 1947.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands became a Union Territory of India in 1956. The first Indian administrators were appointed in 1957. The first elections were held in 1963. The first Chief Minister of the Union Territory was Lt. General A.K. Singh. The first Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory was Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
History of Andaman
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a chain of 572 islands, islets and rocks spread over an area of 8,249 sq km in the Bay of Bengal. Of these, only 38 are inhabited. The Andaman Islands are located in the eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 1,200 km from the Indian mainland. The Nicobar Islands are located in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 1,600 km from the Indian mainland.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to have been inhabited for several thousand years and there is evidence of human habitation from about 2,300 years ago. The first recorded mention of the islands is in the Arakanese chronicles of the 14th century.
The islands were first visited by the British in 1789 and were subsequently occupied by the British in 1790. The British used the islands as a penal colony and the first prisoners were sent to the Andamans in 1793. The Cellular Jail or Kala Pani was built in Port Blair in 1906 to house the prisoners.
The islands were transferred from the British to the Indian government in 1956. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are now a Union Territory of India.
The islands are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Jarawa and the Sentinelese tribes who inhabit the islands are among the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. The islands are also home to a variety of animals, including the Andaman wild boar, the dugong and the saltwater crocodile.
Culture of Andaman
The culture of Andaman is unique and one of a kind. It is a blend of different cultures and traditions. The people of Andaman are simple and friendly. They are known for their warm hospitality. The culture of Andaman is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of the people.
The Andamanese people are the original inhabitants of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are a tribal people and belong to the Negrito group. They are a hunter-gatherer people and their culture is based on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation. They live in harmony with nature and believe in the principle of sustainable development.
The culture of Andaman is based on the principles of community living. The people are closely knit and share a strong sense of community. They are known for their sense of humor and love of laughter. They enjoy music and dance and their festivals are a joyous occasion.
The Andamanese people are skilled craftsmen and their handicrafts are popular all over the world. They are also expert fishermen and their seafood is a delicacy. The culture of Andaman is a rich and colorful tapestry, woven with the threads of tradition, community, and cooperation. It is a culture that is based on the values of simplicity, friendship, and respect for nature.
Best time to Visit Andaman
The best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar islands is during the cooler season, from November to February. The days are cool and the nights are cold, and the rains have usually stopped. This is the time when the islands are at their most beautiful, with the green forests and the blue seas.
Top places to visit in Andaman
The Andaman Islands are an archipelago of around 350 islands, the majority of which are uninhabited. The islands are located in the Andaman Sea, between India and Myanmar. The Nicobar Islands are an archipelago of around 572 islands, the vast majority of which are uninhabited. The islands are located in the Nicobar Sea, between India and Indonesia.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a popular tourist destination. The islands offer a range of tourist attractions, including beaches, forests, wildlife, and historical and cultural sites. Some of the top places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include:
1. Havelock Island: Havelock Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is known for its beaches, including Radhanagar Beach, which is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
2. Ross Island: Ross Island is a former British settlement located in the Andaman Islands. The island is now a popular tourist destination, known for its historical ruins and its wildlife.
3. Viper Island: Viper Island is a small island located in the Andaman Islands. The island is known for its historical lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
4. Neil Island: Neil Island is a small island located in the Andaman Islands. The island is known for its beaches, including Bharatpur Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming.
5. Diglipur: Diglipur is a town located in the north of the Andaman Islands. The town is known for its beaches, including Kalapathar Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and surfing.
6. Campbell Bay: Campbell Bay is the capital of the Nicobar Islands. The town is known for its beaches, including Nancowry Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming.
7. Car Nicobar: Car Nicobar is the largest island in the Nicobar Islands. The island is known for its beaches, including Katchal Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and surfing.
8. Mayabunder: Mayabunder is a town located in the north of the Andaman Islands. The town is known for its beaches, including Avis Island Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming.
9. Little Andaman: Little Andaman is the largest island in the Andaman Islands. The island is known for its beaches, including Hut Bay Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
10. Baratang: Baratang is a town located in the south of the Andaman Islands. The town is known for its limestone caves, including the Baratang Caves, which are a popular tourist destination.
Andaman Travel Tips
Here are some tips for traveling to this beautiful destination:
1. The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry.
2. The currency is Indian rupees, and there are no ATMs on the islands, so be sure to bring enough cash.
3. There are no banks or currency exchange offices on the islands, so be sure to exchange your money before you leave.
4. The official language is Hindi, but English is also widely spoken.
5. The electric current is 220 volts, so be sure to bring an adapter if you need one.
6. There is no malaria on the islands, but there is a risk of dengue fever, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent.
7. The roads on the islands are narrow and winding, so be careful when driving.
8. There are no taxis on the islands, so be prepared to walk or take a bicycle.
9. The beaches are beautiful, but the water can be quite rough, so be careful when swimming.
10. The locals are friendly and welcoming, so be sure to enjoy the local culture and cuisine.