Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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Union territory of India, consisting of two island groups in the Bay of Bengal. The Andamans are separated from the Nicobars to the south by the Ten Degree Channel, which is 90 miles (145 km) wide. The capital of the territory is Port Blair. A brief treatment of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands follows. For full treatment, see India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.The Andaman group includes more than 300 islands and islets, of which 26 are inhabited. The three chief islands in the principal group--North, Middle, and South Andaman are so closely positioned that they have been known collectively as Great Andaman. The Nicobars are a group of 12 inhabited and 7 uninhabited islands; they include Great Nicobar (largest and southernmost), Kamorta and Nancowry (central group), and Car Nicobar (northern group). The principal harbours are Port Blair, Diglipur, Rangat, Neil, and Mayabandar in the Andamans and Car Nicobar and Kamorta in the Nicobars. Because of their position on the trade routes between India and Myanmar (Burma), their existence has been known from earliest times. After the mid-18th century the islands were associated with the British, who established penal colonies there. They were occupied by the Japanese (1942-45) and passed to India on the establishment of Indian independence (1947). In the 1950s the Andamans were colonized with displaced persons from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), evacuees from Myanmar, and Indian emigrants from British Guiana (now Guyana). Exports from the territory include timber (especially Andaman redwood, gurjan for plywood, and softwoods), coconuts, and copra. Area 3,185 square miles (8,249 square km). Pop. (1991 prelim.) 279,111.

Andaman Islands

District of Andamans is Northern Part of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and comprises of 550 Islands, Islets and rocks out which only 26 are inhabited. Some of these islands are large such as Middle Andaman, North Andaman, South Andaman, Baratang and Little Andaman islands. The Total Area of Andamans District is 6,408 Sq.Kms. The highest point of the territory is also situated in this District at Diglipur. There are four primitive tribes in Andamans District and they have been recognised as belonging to the Negrito stock, namely Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese.

How To Reach Andaman

BY AIR

Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air. Presently flights are operated by Alliance Air and Jet Airways. Alliance Air are operating on Chennai-Port Blair-Chennai sector on all of the 7 week days and on Calcutta-Port Blair –Calcutta sector on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday.

BY SEA

Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days. Further information on schedules and tariffs can be obtained from:

Nicobar Islands

Island group, Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory, India. The islands lie in the Bay of Bengal and have a land area of 711 square miles (1,841 square km). With the nearby Andaman Islands, they constitute a union territory of India (see Andaman and Nicobar Islands). The Nicobar group includes the islands of Car Nicobar (north), Camorta (Kamorta) and Nancowry (central group), and Great Nicobar (south). Though very little is known about the islands' earliest history, the Thanjavur inscription (1050) of the Cola dynasty describes the land as Nakkavaram ("Land of the Naked"). Danish missionaries visited the islands in 1756. In 1869-88 they were claimed by the British, who established a penal colony there. The islands were occupied by the Japanese during World War II. Car Nicobar is flat with rich, fertile soils; Nancowry, Camorta, and Great Nicobar are hilly. The highest peak is Mount Thullier, rising to 2,106 feet (642 m) on Great Nicobar. The islands are densely forested with coconut, betel nut, pandanus, mango, margosa, and casuarina. The population consists mostly of two ethnic groups, the Nicobarese and the Shompens. Agriculture is the principal occupation; crops include rice, corn (maize), fruits, vegetables, coconuts, and betel nuts. Copra making and oil pressing are the chief industries. The only important town is on Car Nicobar. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 39,022.

How To Reach Nicobar

Nicobar district is connected to Port Blair with ship as well as air. Car Nicobar the district head quarter is 250 kms. away from Port Blair. Nicobar district (except Campbell Bay) is a restricted area. Any one who is interested in visiting this district would require obtaining a LANDING PERMIT from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District. (03192-233089). Ship service is available between Port Blair and Nicobar district. Normally ship is available twice in a week. One can obtain the ship ticket from the office of the Director, Shipping services (03192-230480) at Port Blair. PAWAN HANS Helicopter Limited has started the inter-island helicopter service in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 2nd June 2003. Helicopter goes to Nicobar district on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and touches Car Nicobar, Katchal and Campbell Bay. One can reserve the tickets for PAWAN HANS from the office of the Director, Civil Aviation. (03192-230480.)