The Andaman Islands are part of a small archipelago in the Bengal Sea between India and Burma. The Andaman Islands have long been inhabited by fierce island tribes known for attacking explorers or other people daring to land upon their shores. Over the years, the islands have been occupied by the British and the Japanese as recently as World War II in the 1940s. As recently as the 1990s there have been hostile encounters with the tribal people of the island.
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| Andaman Islands |
The population of the Andaman Islands today is just over 350,000 and only 50 or so of those are original tribesmen. The majority of them have died of disease, old age or from fighting. The islands are beautiful, secluded and enjoy year round warm temperatures with very little rainfall. In recent years, the tourism industry has grown tremendously in the islands. That growth has led to some expansion and the creation of more accommodations for guests. We’re going to take a look at some of the most popular things to do among tourists in the Andaman Islands.
- Explore The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national preserve comprised of creeks, the sea and fifteen islands of various shapes and sizes. For snorkeling and SCUBA diving enthusiasts, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is home to some of the best diving and most beautiful underwater scenery in the world – including many coral reefs. - Spend An Afternoon In Gandhi Park in Port Blair
Gandhi Park is a great place to while away an afternoon with the family. It has everything you’d expect from a traditional park like walking trails and picnic facilities, but it also has some additional perks, like water sports, a restaurant and amusement park-style rides. Gandhi Park is open every day of the year and there is never an entry fee. - Meet The Islands’ Most Endangered Animals At The Mini Zoo
The Andaman Islands are home to some of the rarest animals in the world. Sadly, most of them are facing extinction. The Mini Zoo in Haddo is home to a variety of these unique and endangered creatures. It’s really worth a look. - Hike Along Manhuban
Manhuban is a hiking/walking trek along the countryside of the islands. Along the way you will, of course, encounter some fabulous scenery, but you may also catch a glimpse of some of the islands most famous inhabitants – like elephants, birds and butterflies of all varieties. - Step Back In Time At The Cellular Jail in Port Blair
The Cellular Jail was constructed by the British in 1906 as a place to imprison, torture and sometimes execute the native freedom fighters of the islands. The jail gets its name from the fact that the entire three story building is made from individual cells instead of larger holding facilities. Today, the jail is a national landmark and haunting reminder of the islands past, which comes to life in a slide presentation shown daily inside the walls of the jail. There is also an art gallery and photo gallery on site. - Indulge Your Senses At Sippighat Farm
Sippighat Farm is an 80 acre governmental farm dedicated to cultivating and studying spices of all kinds. Researchers at the farm study new ways of cultivating plants like pepper, cloves and nutmeg. At the demonstration facility on site, the researcher put on various displays and exhibits to show the public what the have been working on and how it will impact the future of farming. - Have A Picnic In Chidiya Tapu
It’s the southernmost region of Andaman. It’s a wonderful nature area with terrain that spans from hilltop forests to white sandy beaches. Locals and tourists alike flock to this area for the breathtaking views and sunsets. There is also a nature preserve in the area teeming with local wildlife and flora. Tours of the nature preserve area are offered by guides for a fee through the adjacent Teal House. Be advised that an additional fee is charged per video camera that is brought onto the premises and that if you are not an island native, your entry fee is higher than the normal posted rates. - Study Local Trees At The Forest Museum
Some of the rarest trees in the world are native to the Andaman Islands and the Forest Museum puts them on display. It brings the forests of the islands to life through miniature scenes depicting forested parts of the islands. There are also many decorative displays on exhibit that have been carved from some of the native woods – like padauk and peauma. - Look Back In Time On Ross Island
No visit to the Andaman Islands is complete without an excursion to Ross Island. This tiny island is steeped in history, dating back to the 1700s. It was the site of the British and Japanese command during their occupation of the islands. Today, fantastic ruins of an ancient bustling, prosperous town lay beneath the forest trees, some of them still in pristine condition. Entire buildings are still evident today – like a bakery, hospital and swimming pool. Ross Island is one of the most popular attractions in all the Andaman Islands and is open to greet tourists daily during daylight hours. - Walk Among Criminals On Viper Island
Viper Island was where the ‘worst of the worst’ were sent during the early British settlement of the Andaman Islands. Criminals who could not abide by the rules of the aforementioned Cellular Jail were transported to this remote outlet to live out their days in shackles, working on a chain gang. On a hilltop near the compound on Viper Island, there was a gallows. It reminded the prisoners of their fate, should they ever try to escape. - Learn Something New At The Science Center
The Science Center at Port Blair is a fantastic way to learn about the Andaman Islands. The center is filled with interactive displays that teach visitors about every aspect of life in the islands – from the aboriginal people to which stars shine in the sky. The inside of the center focuses on waves, space and rock formations while the outside of the center offers an entirely different learning environment on everything from dinosaurs to making music. In addition to all the permanent displays and exhibits, the center also puts on varying types of educational shows and presentations during the year. - Peruse The Wood At Chatham Sawmill
Chatham Sawmill is the biggest and the oldest sawmill in all of Asia. It very well may be the most unique as well, being that it’s built on an island and connected to a larger island by a wooden footbridge. Dating back to the mid 1800s, the Chatham Sawmill stores precious and rare woods like marble and satinwood. - Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Corbyn’s Cove Beach is the proverbial tropical tourist beach. Not only does it have white, sandy beaches and clear shallow waters for swimming, it has amenities like changing rooms and fresh water showers. It’s a beautiful and picturesque beach – very similar to one you’d see in a travel magazine.
Helpful Tips and Information
Some areas of the Andaman Islands are still home to various tribal groups. These tribal areas are off-limits to visitors so do not venture too close to them. Always be sure to carry proper immigration documents and identification with you because officials in the islands are very ardent when it comes to checking them. Simple activities that you take for granted in other locations require explicit consent by island officials and are otherwise against the law. For example, you cannot collect sea shells from the beaches without permission, nor can you enter national parks without permission. Camping on the beaches or in the forests is also prohibited as is lighting fires in any of the forested areas. Ignorance of the laws is no excuse so be sure you educate yourself on them thoroughly before you go to avoid potential legal issues that may arise.