It is an absolute pleasure to spend a few days in the gorgeous Islands of Andaman and Nicobar which are silhouetted against the background of immense blue seas of the Bay of Bengal. These islands showcase some of natures wonders like the mud volcanoes in Baratang, and the Barren Island volcano which is the only active volcano in South Asia. They are also home to a number of aboriginal tribes.
The capital city of Port Blair can be reached through ship and by air from Chennai or Kolkata. Taxis, autos and buses can be used for local travelling, on roads that are relatively clean and not very crowded. Ferries can be taken for trips to other islands and these need to be pre-planned.
A visit to the Andaman and Nicobar islands is incomplete without a visit to the Cellular Jail and the accompanying sound and light show. Havelock Island and Neil Island are famous for their corals viewed through glass boats, scuba diving and snorkelling. Viper Island and Ross Island house the ruins of the old buildings of the British regime and Japanese bunkers that narrate stories better than any history lesson.
Best time to visit: January to April
Languages Spoken: Due to the cosmopolitan nature of these Islands many of the Indian languages are spoken here. Hindi is a common language and a large number of people speak Bengali.
Climate: The Islands have only two seasons. Hot and humid tropical summer lasts from January to April and heavy rains characterise the monsoon months from May to December.
Places of interest: Cellular Jail, Gandhi Park, Water Sports Complex, Wandoor beach, Mini zoo, Corbyns cove, Marina Park, Chatham Saw Mill, Mount Harriet, Chidiyatapu Forest
Islands: Baratang Island, Barren Island, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Ross Island, Viper Island, Cinque Island, Long Island
Museums: Forest museum, Samudrika museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum
