Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tripoto
11th Mar 2014
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 1/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 3/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 4/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 5/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 6/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 7/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 8/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 9/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 10/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 12/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 13/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 14/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 15/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 16/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 17/18 by Aashna Jain
Photo of Offbeat India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 18/18 by Aashna Jain

Lying to India's southwest, the Andaman and Nicobar islands shine like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal, showing off their immense treasure of flora and fauna. Notorious for being home to one of the most infamous prisons in India during the British occupation, the islands offer an interesting mixture of history and nature. From the white sand beaches to the crystal clear water, the chaste beauty of the islands creates a rather romantic atmosphere. These islands are a perfect escape from the mundane life that most of us lead today.

Cellular Jail, the most popular site in Port Blaire, was built by the British to house political prisoners far away from the mainland. All prisoners were kept in isolated cells and subjected to a brutal work regime, with regular whippings and executions. Briefly taken over by the Japanese during WW2, who added outright torture to the palette. Today, however, the jail has been transformed into an immaculately kept national monument complete with a garden that seems very much at odds with the horror of the place.

Photo of Cellular Jail by Aashna Jain
Photo of Cellular Jail by Aashna Jain

This mill, owned by the Forest department, is credited as one of the biggest and oldest saw mills all through Asia. It dates back to 1836 and is a big store house for different varieties of wood, including Marble, Padauk, Gurjan and Satinwood. This mill processes many types of ornamental wood suitable for making furniture and handicrafts.

Photo of Chatham Saw Mill, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

This market is famous for its catholic churches and the variety of goods available there. It is lined with stalls selling cheap clothing and household goods. It has been entirely constructed out of wood. The bazaar boasts of a large number of restaurants. Venison is a special delicacy offered here.

Photo of Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

This is a well-known sports complex in India. The unique sports complex offers many adventurous water sports activities. Sail boats, para sailing, water scooters, rowing boats, kayaks, paddle boats, scuba diving and water skiing facilities are available in plenty here in this complex.

Photo of Water Sports Complex, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Water Sports Complex, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Water Sports Complex, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

Chidiya Tapu, well known for its rich collection of birds, white spotted deer and orchids, draws many visitors, and is a perfect place for nature lovers. It is worldwide famous for its thick, green vegetations, enchanting beaches, collections of corals, colorful butterflies and most importantly, the view of the sun setting in the wine red horizon. The place also offers excellent sites for snorkeling.

Photo of Chidiya Tapu, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Chidiya Tapu, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Chidiya Tapu, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

Also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a grandeur tourist attraction in Andaman. The pristine beauty Jolly Buoy Island is a part of this National Park. It encloses a stunning golden beach with soft sands and lush green surroundings dense with bushes and coconut palms. This is one of the world known scuba diving locations in the Andaman. One can get a close look of underwater marine life on the beaches of this National Park, including corals and sea weeds.

Photo of Wandoor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Wandoor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

This displays facts about the local tribes of the region. The museum was established in the year 1975. It is a one of its kind museum that displays facts about the four Negroid tribes of the Andaman Islands and two Mongloid tribes of the Nicobar Islands.

Photo of Anthropological Museum, Phoenix Bay, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

Rich in marine life, the island has tropical dense forests of all kinds which range from tidal swamp forest to Evergreen, and littoral forests bordered by sandy beaches like Baludera and Roglachang. The Mud Volcano and limestone caves, located in this island are truly wonders of nature and rarely found attractions in other places. Baratang Island is an ideal place for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the wild nature and its beauty.

Photo of Baratang Island, North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Baratang Island, North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Baratang Island, North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

A breathtaking island with beautiful sandy beaches, coconut plantations and evergreen forests. Lalaji Bay and Marg Bay are two pristine beaches famed as a popular picnic spot in this Island. The Island is an ideal location for beach camping in makeshift tents due to its unpolluted environment and calm atmosphere. Fleets of dolphins can be viewed very often from the beaches of this Island.

Photo of Long Island, North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain

It was during the British rule that the island was developed to a perfect township. Many reminiscent of the old British regime are still alive in this stunning Island. The island presently houses the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner's House, Govt. House, Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all in dilapidated condition, reminiscent of the old British regime.

Photo of Ross Island by Aashna Jain
Photo of Ross Island by Aashna Jain

This island is known for its beaches and eco-tourism. Beach No. 7 on the western coast, better known as "Radha Nagar" Beach, is one of the most popular beaches on Havelock and was named "Best Beach in Asia" by Time in 2004. Other notable beaches include Elephant Beach on the northwest coast and Vijaynagar Beach (No. 5), Beach No. 3 and Beach No. 1 on the east coast.

Photo of Havelock Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Havelock Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain
Photo of Havelock Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Aashna Jain