Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a union territory of India, located in the Bay of Bengal. It’s a treasure trove of natural beauty, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and unique tribal communities.

Geography and Formation

• The archipelago comprises 836 islands, grouped into two main clusters: the northern Andaman Islands and the southern Nicobar Islands.
• These islands are separated by a 150 km (93 mi) wide channel, and interestingly, only 31 of them are inhabited.
• The capital and largest city is Port Blair, situated approximately 1,190 km (740 mi) from Chennai and 1,255 km (780 mi) from Kolkata on the mainland of India.
• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie between the Bay of Bengal (west) and the Andaman Sea (east), with the northernmost point located 901 km (560 mi) from the mouth of the Hooghly River.
• The southernmost point of India, known as Indira Point, lies at 6°45’10″N and 93°49’36″E on Great Nicobar Island.

Maritime Borders

• Indonesia (located about 165 km or 103 mi to the south)
• Myanmar (located 280 km or 170 mi to the northeast)
• Thailand (located 650 km or 400 mi to the southeast)

land area and populations

• The islands cover a total land area of approximately 8,249 km² (3,185 sq mi).
• As per the 2011 census, the population stands at 380,581.
• The demonyms for the inhabitants are Andamanese and Nicobarese.
• The most widely spoken language on the islands is Bengali, followed by Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam

Natural Beauty and Biodiversity

• Evergreen rainforests teeming with unfamiliar plants and trees.
• Endemic species like the Andaman wild pig, Andaman macaque, and Andaman horseshoe crab.
• Marine life includes colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, dugongs, and a variety of fish species.
• Efforts are underway to conserve the unique ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the establishment of marine protected areas and conservation programs for endangered species.
• The highest point is Saddle Peak, rising to 737 m (2,418 ft), while the lowest point is the Andaman Sea at sea level (0 m).
• The Andaman Backarc Basin, situated in the northeast Indian Ocean, is an active marginal basin. It consists of trench-arc-backarc elements.
• The extension in the Andaman Sea results from the oblique subduction of the Indian-Australian plate beneath the Southeast Asian/Sunda plate.
• Barren Island, part of the Andaman archipelago, is home to India’s only active volcano. It has erupted several times in recent history 

Symbols

• Emblem: The emblem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands represents their identity.
• Bird: The Andaman wood pigeon.
• Flower: Pyinma.
• Mammal: Dugong.
• Tree: Andaman Padauk.

Beaches

• Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island: Consistently ranked among the best beaches in India, Radhanagar Beach offers soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees.
• Elephant Beach, Havelock Island: This unique beach is accessible only by boat and is famous for its resident herd of wild elephants.
• Neil Island Beach, Neil Island: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and shallow waters, Neil Island Beach is perfect for swimming and relaxation.
• Lalaji Bay Beach, Little Andaman: This secluded beach offers a tranquil escape with stunning natural beauty.
• Katchal Island, near Nicobar, received the first sunrise of the millennium.

Tourism and Adventure

• Explore attractions, indulge in water sports, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of these tropical gems.
• Scuba diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs Kayaking and paddleboarding in the mangroves Trekking through the rainforests Visiting historical sites like the Cellular Jail in Port Blair
• Experiencing the culture of the Indigenous Jarawa and Sentinelese cohorts (from a safe distance)

Important Tips:

• A permit is required to visit some of the islands, particularly those inhabited by indigenous cohorts.
• Be respectful of the local culture and environment.
• Be aware of the strong currents and tides in the Andaman Sea.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and fascinating culture, it’s a destination that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Read Also

• Volcanic Islands of India
• Physical features of Lakshadweep Islands
• Indian earthquake
• Physical Features of India
• India’s States and UTs: A Colorful Tapestry of Nicknames
• Coastal Landscapes of Indian States and the Nation
• India’s International Borders
• A Glimpse into Pondicherry
• Top Eco-Tourism Destinations for Nature Lovers

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