Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are a group of archipelagic islands located in the Bay of Bengal between India to the west and Burma to the north and east. Of the 572 islands, islets and rocks that constitute the Andaman and Nicobar chain, as little as 36 are inhabited. Ritchie’s Archipelago is the name given to the 9 emerald islands east of South Andaman. Of these, Havelock Island is the largest and the most popular holiday destination.
Virtually inaccessible for centuries and long shrouded in mystery and legend - these undulating islands have just started to emerge on the independent traveler's list of must see places in the world. Due to the government's strict controls, the added stigma of a former 'penal colony', and the untiring efforts of environmentalists, the Andamans still retain their original wild untamed character and remain breathtakingly pristine and beautiful till date.
Ever since Jacques Cousteau showcased the stunning underwater landscapes and marine life of this remote destination in his film “Andaman Islands: Invisible Islands” in 1991, scuba divers and snorkelers alike have jumped at the rare chance of being able to dive in these unexplored waters. Don’t miss the opportunity while on these islands to don that tank of air, snap on that mask and view the colourful world beneath the waves.
Wander for miles on practically isolated beaches, simply relax in a hammock or experience a fun-filled family holiday. Complete with an array of exciting activities for all age groups, Havelock has it all and is definitely the place to be!
Tropical throughout the year the Andaman’s have a mean minimum temperature at 23oC and maximum at 30oC. Humidity is relatively high - 70% to 90% with a gentle breeze blowing all the time. The weather is generally pleasant with average annual rainfall of 3,000 mm in Port Blair.
Some places to visit include ;
Andaman Water Sport Complex - It is located close to the Cellular Jail in the north-west Port Blair and offers facilities for safe water sports such as water skiing, water scooters, Gemini boats, parasailing, sail boats, wind surfing, speed boats and glass bottomed boats. There is a saline water swimming pool, promenade for walking, changing rooms and a food plaza available near the complex.
A monument built to honour the historical Battle of Aberdeen (fought between the British and Andaman aboriginals in 1859) as well as an artificial waterfall and a children’s park nearby are added attractions.
The Chatham Sawmill - is one of the oldest and largest mills in Asia, built on the tiny island of Chatam and connected to Port Blair by a bridge. The second largest wharf is on these islands and it also houses a Forest Museum within its premises.
Owned by Forest department and dating back to 1836, the mill cuts massive wood into different sizes and shapes of timber. Processing many types of ornamental wood suitable for making furniture and handicrafts it is a big store house for different varieties of wood including Marble, Padauk, Gurjan and Satin wood.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park - also known as Wandoor Marine National Park is at a distance of 29 Kms. from Port Blair and covers an area of 281.5 sq kms. Made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands the park was created on 24 May 1983 to protect marine life such and nesting sea turtles prevalent in the area.
Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats and snorkeling are a lifetime experience for anyone visiting this National Park. The National Park encloses a stunning golden beach with soft sands and lush green surroundings.
Chidiya Tapu - is the southernmost tip of South Andaman and is at a distance of 25Km from Port Blair. The dense mangroves, thick forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the white sand beach make it an ideal site for snorkeling as well as little picnics. The forest guesthouse situated on top of a hillock provides a fabulous view of isolated islands and submerged corals. One of the best sunset points in the Andamans, Chidiya Tapu is popular with tourists and romantics alike.
Madhuban - in Hindi means ‘Forest of Honey’. Primarily a trekking area, Madhuban is complete with a beautiful beach in front guarded by lush green hills at the back. 75 Kms by road and 20 Kms by ferry from Port Blair, the area also comprises of the Mount Harriet Peak and the Mount Harriet National Park. Exotic birds, animals, butterflies, and elephant lumbering are the most interesting part of the trek. Birds like the parakeet, swift, dove, white bellied sea eagle, local teal, kingfisher, reef heron, wader, tern and whistling teal make the trip well worth it and butterflies of contrasting colours flutter all along the route of the trek.
Mount Harriet - The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, Mt. Harriet is 55 Km by road and 15Km by ferry from the capital city of Port Blair. It is the highest peak in the South Andaman (365 metres high) and provides a fantastic view of the cobalt waters and emerald island clusters. One can trek up to Madhuban through a nature trail viewing en-route the endemic birds, animals and butterflies species here. Conducted tours to Mt. Harriet are available from Andaman Teal House.