How to reach
Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Kolkatta by air.
Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkatta and Vishakhapatanam and back. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours.
More about Andamans
In Port Blair the capital city the prime attraction is the Cellular Jail the torture chamber for freedom fighters. The seven winged structure of which only three remain was constructed by the British in 1906. Now a national museum it hosts a spectacular light and sound show every evening.
Port Blair's other attractions are Haddo Zoo the anthropological museum which depicts the lives of the Paeolithic islanders and displays models of the aborigines and their tools. Samudrika the naval marine museum and the forest museum. Then there is the Ross Island a naval base and the Viper Island where convists were sent before the Cellular jail was built.
If history does not excite you much the islands have plenty to offer for other activities. There is the Jolly Buoy island for snorkelling, Cinque Island for Scuba diving, fishing and camping, Red Skin Island for snorkelling and getting a tan and Havelock island which is a good alternative to the base camp Port Blair. Not to forget the Barren Island - India's only active volcano last recorded activity in April 5, 2006. In the Great Nicobar Indira Point is the southernmost tip in India while Katchal island added India's first sunrise to the new millennium.
Each of these islands demand atleast a day each so plan well ahead. Nut be rest assured a day out here will give you a unique experience apart from an inevitable tan. You may rent a bicycle which can be easily ferried between islands with you. But considering the smallest island measures 0.8 sq km, try not to cycle too hard.
The most exotic and mystical part of these islands are its tribes. The Andaman group of islands in the north is home to four tribes of the Negroid race the
- Great Andamanese - in Strait Island, numbering a few dozen,
- Onge - in the Dungong Creek and South Bay in Little Andamans, semi nomadic and famous for their canoe making skills,
- Jarawas - previously very hostile race though no incidence of killing or violence has been reported in a year now, and the
- Sentinelese - in north Sentinel Island the only Paleolithic people still surviving without any contact with outsiders, very hostile and never leave their island.
The Nicobar group of islands in the south is home to two tribes, of the Mongloid race, Shompen in Great Nicobar are firendly and very shy, and the Nicobarese who are outgoing and friendly speak Hindi, English and Nicobari.
Beaches
Sandy beaches of these islands are famous for turtle nesting. Important species of turtles include: Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle. Water Monitor Lizard, Salt Water Crocodiles, Reticulate Python etc. are also seen here.
Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex
One of the most picturesque sea-beaches, it is ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. The Waves Restaurant, The Peerless Resort nearby and the Hornbill Nest Guest House at a stone's throw, provide a kaleidoscopic view of the blue water front.
Radhnagar Beach
Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beach in Havelock are real exposures of unpolluted nature for an environment lover. Vijaynagar beach is just infront of Dolphin Yatri Niwas and Radhanagar beach is 7km away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas.
Harminder Bay Beach
These beautiful beaches are situated at Hut Bay island at a distance of 100kms from Port Blair and are connected by Inter Islands shipping services.
Karmatang Beach
Karmatang beach, at turtle nesting ground is being developed as tourist complex. Situated at Mayabunder, northern part of Middle Andaman, 240 kms by road and 136 kms by boat from Port Blair.
Ramnagar Beach
A sandy beach situated at Diglipur Island. It is connected by two daily boat services from Mayabunder and from Port Blair twice a week.
