Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Difference between revisions

The '''[https://www.andamantourism.gov.in/ Andaman and Nicobar Islands]''' are a group of nearly 600 islands in the Bay of Bengal. Although part of [[India]] politically, they are closer to [[Indonesia]] and [[Myanmar]] than to the Indian mainland. They were just north of the epicentre of the earthquake in 2004 and were the site of dozens of aftershocks. The Nicobars were badly hit by the resulting [[tsunami]], while the Andamans escaped with a few bruises.

| name=Sri Vijaya Puram/[[Port Blair]]

|wikidata=Q203476}} —— the laid-back capital of the archipelago and the only entry and exit point. Spend a day or two here walking around and enjoying fresh seafood and seeing a couple of the nearby sites like Ross Island, Viper Island & Bambooflat Island leading to Mount Harriet.

|wikidata=Q5276296}} —— the largest town in the far north of the archipelago, it is a base for trips to the nearby [[Smith and Ross Islands]] – but check legality and rules of visits.

|wikidata=Q4389855}} —— It is around 210 km from Port Blair, connected by boat and Andaman Trunk Road.

|wikidata=Q55265695}} —— a relaxed destination, but known more as the gateway to the [[Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park]]

In 2018, many islands were officially renamed. The new names have not been widely adopted, but are listed below in bracketsparentheses.

| wikidata=Q2338592 }} —— mud volcano, limestone caves and mangrove creeks in backwaters

| wikidata=Q248212}} —— the island with the only active [[volcano]] in the whole of India. It is a restricted area within the Andaman Islands.

| wikidata=Q5121081 }} — great reefs for diving

|wikidata=Q1591501 }} —— the most visited of the islands, with the most (although still limited) infrastructure. Famous for its beautiful beaches, especially Radhanagar, Elephant Beach and Kalapatthar, and great for snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, etc.

|wikidata=Q1579619}} —— badly damaged from the 2004 tsunami, the island has recovered but is still among the less visited.

|wikidata=Q14222960 }} —— great if you're looking for Robinson Crusoe-style camping; no facilities, so you must bring all of your own gear and food – except that camping is illegal on public land and on beaches.

|wikidata=Q1965316}} —— a volcanic island that is home to the narcondam hornbill. Normally restricted for tourists by the Indian Coast Guard.

|wikidata=Q6988773}} —— A small, beautiful island with amazing beaches like Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach and Sitapur Beach and a natural bridge. Snorkelling, jet skiing, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, etc.

|wikidata=Q3521265}} —— the former headquarters of the Indian Penal Settlement

|wikidata=Q926543}} —— beautiful mangrove forest and coral reefs welcome you to this little visited and pristine island

|wikidata=Q14234160}} — legality of visits unclear.

1,400  km from mainland India and 1,000 km from Thailand, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most remote spots on the planet. The original inhabitants are various aboriginal tribes, ethnically [[Melanesian]], who exist more or less out of the mainstream. There are some tribes, most notably the Sentinelese, who have had almost no contact with the rest of the world. Of nearly 600 islands, only 930 are open to foreign tourists, and all of these are in the Andamans.

The main spoken languages are [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]], [[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]] and [[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]. [[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]] and English are widely understood by the inhabitants of the islands that are open to tourism. '''Nicobarese''' is the mother tongue of the Nicobar Islands and is understood by the tribes.

'''Indian nationals''' do not require a permit to visit the Andamans. However, permits are required to visit the [[Nicobar Islands]] and other tribal areas, which are rarely given. Application on an official form should be addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District, Port Blair.

The primary way to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by air is from the Indian mainland to [[Port Blair]]. There are talks of opening up flights from [[Bangkok]], which could drastically change the situation in the islands, but as of 20222024 these remain just plans. Flights can fill up in peak season and immigration doesn't look kindly on people arriving without confirmed flights back, so book a return ticket and change the flight date if you decide to stay longer.

{{warningbox|In order to protect the indigenous Sentinelese tribe, it is '''illegal''' to visit North Sentinel Island. A {{convert|3|km|mi|adj=on}} [[exclusion zone]] is enforced by the coast guard. Do not approach the island as you pose a deadly risk to the islanders through disease. There is also danger to your own life: the islanders '''kill''' people who attempt to visit the island.
|lastedit=2021-12-15permanent
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