Welcome to Andman Nikobar
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been inhabited for several thousand years, at the very least. The earlier archaeological evidence yet documented goes back some 2,200 years; however, the indications from genetic, cultural and linguistic isolation studies point to habitation going back 30,000 – 60,000 years, well into the Middle Palaeolithic. In the Andaman Islands, the various Andamanese people maintained their separated existence through the vast majority of this time, diversifying into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups. By the 1850s when they first came into sustained contact by outside groups, the indigenous people of Andamans were: the Great Andamanese, who collectively represented at least 10 distinct sub groups and languages; the Jarawa: the jungle (or Rutland Jarawa); the Onge; and the Sentinelese (the most isolated of all the groups). The indigenous peoples of the Nicobars (unrelated to the Andamanese) have a similarly isolated and lengthy association with the islands. There are two main groups: the Nicobarese, or Nicobari living throughout many of the islands; and the Shompen, restricted to the interior of Great Nicobar.
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
The islands have a tropical climate. The South-west Monsoon sets in Andaman Nicobar islands towards the end of May and the North-east Monsoon in November. There is no fury of hot summer, no chilling winter, no water clogging or traffic jams. For those who want to enjoy boating, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing all 12 months is season. North Indians find relief from burning heat and chilling winter if they visit the island from May/June/July and in December/January. Season for nature lovers is May to December when forest is lush green and waterfalls are at their prime. Divers can enjoy the best during December to April and bird watchers during winter times.
Normal rainfall at Port Blair : 3900 mm
Mean Minimum Temperature : 23.2° C
Mean Maximum Temperature : 25° C
Mean relative Humidity : 80 %
Download Brochure on the Unique Biodiversity of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1.82MB)
ADMINISTRATION
Administratively, the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has three revenue Districts. Port Blair- the capital and gateway to the islands lies in South Andaman Island and falls under South Andaman District. The latest North & Middle Andaman District with Mayabunder as headquarters lies separated from South Andaman District by a creek. Car Nicobar is the District Head quarter of Nicobar District. As per 2011 Census, the total population of Andaman & Nicobar stands 3,79,944 and the literacy rate is 86.27%.
PORT BLAIR - THE CAPITAL OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
Port Blair is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is the gateway to the pristine islands. Port Blair, an Island town offering water-based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea-cruises, and glimpses of the history and culture of the region. The Aberdeen Bazaar forms the centre of the town.
About Andman Nikobar
How to reach
BY AIR
The Veer Savarkar Airport, an International Airport is located in the capital town of Port Blair, the gateway to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair, is connected with Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar by air. Air India, Jet Airways, Go Air, Spice Jet, Indigo & Air Vistara Airlines operate regular flights. Foreign chartered flights are also permitted to land at Port Blair subject to the fulfillment of guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
BY SHIP
Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is only one sailing for Visakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours during fair weather.
Festival
No Name of the Event Tentative Schedule
1 Island Tourism Festival 15 days in January
2 Beach Festival 03 days in April
3 Music Festival / Monsoon Festival 03 days in August
4 Food Festival 04 days in September
5 World Tourism Day celebrations 27th September
6 Film Festival 03 days in November
ISLAND TOURISM FESTIVAL
The Island Tourism Festival is the annual cultural event organized for promotion of tourism and entertainment for islanders. The main events are held at Port Blair. However, small programme, as a part of festival are also organized in other places like Wimberlygunj, Wandoor, Neil, Havelock, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Hut Bay, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Campbell Bay etc. The 10 -day festival is held annually from 5th January
BEACH FESTIVAL
The beach festival is the recent addition of festivals made by the department to cater to the needs of beach lovers. The venue of the festival may vary. Composition of this festival are beach activities like beach volley ball, and other beach sports like tug of war, kabaddi etc. Food-courts, variety entertainment programmes, fun activities are also arranged depending up on venue and facilities near the beach.
FLEA MARKET
Weekend market has been organised from time to time in the islands at various places providing opportunity for the locals to showcase their produce also tourists to enjoy the local cuisine, buy local handicrafts and produce.
The event has been launched for entertainment of tourists and Islanders.
MONSOON FESTIVAL
To provide round the year tourism activities in the Island, Monsoon festival is organized in the month of May – June with ingredients like Music, food kiosks etc.
Music Festival together with Monsoon festival has become a celebrated event in the islands.