Indian
States
Andaman
& Nicobar
Attraction
Marine
Life
The richness of the marine life at the Andaman and the Nicobar
Islands can only be experienced and enjoyed. Talking of corals,
you can come across the Brain coral, finger coral, antler coral,
Plate coral, vase coral and leather coral amongst other corals at
the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. Fish, crab, lobsters, sea urchins,
shrimps, cleaner wrasse, anemone, clownfish are some of the easy
spots at the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. Here it is noteworthy
that the Andaman and the Nicobar islands are home to over 110 species
of wild orchids. Various tribal reserves, national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries dot the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. The bird sanctuary
at Chiriyatapoo is another must visit at the Andaman and the Nicobar
Islands.
You
may trek from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban and enjoy the rare forest
life, flora and fauna. There are other trekking routes also. Tents
for island camping are locally available at various places in the
Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. Thus you may enjoy the pristine
beauty of nature and the marine life.
Adventure
Sports
Andaman and the Nicobar Islands are the best options for the
adventure seekers and the merry makers alike. There are a variety
of water sports that you may indulge in while at the Andaman and
the Nicobar Islands. The most popular sports though are scuba diving
and snorkeling. You must check out the Wandoor or the Mahatma Gandhi
Marine National Park, Carbyns Cove Tourism Complex and the
Havelock Island for snorkeling at the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.
Similarly to enjoy the marvelous marine life and get entangled in
the mysteries of the wrecked ships you may try scuba diving. The
Andaman Scuba Club trains amateurs in scuba diving. In fact right
from Water Skiing, Water Scooters, Boats, Parasailing, Sail Boats,
Wind Surfers, Speed Boats to Glass Bottom Boats For Coral/ Ship
Wreck Viewing Andaman and the Nicobar Islands have it all. Elephant
Safari, Island Trekking and Lagoon Cruises are other adventure activities
you may enjoy at the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.
Other
Tourist Spots
The
Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park, Wandoor at a distance of
29 kilometers from Port Blair is the place to check out the mangrove
forests, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, captivating coral reefs
and schools of ornamental fish and marine life besides the right
spot for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. Jolly Buoy and
redskin islands are other tourist spots worth visiting in Wandoor.
You
may visit some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals
found in the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands at the Mini Zoo of
Haddo.
Amongst
the many islands of the Andaman and the Nicobar group is the Ross
Island with several reminiscences of the British administration
including a Church, Cemetery, swimming Pool et al. Similarly you
may visit the Viper Island renowned for its old jail where the British
used to keep the prisoners.
You
may even visit the Sippighat Farm where the research & development
programs for cultivation of spices are run by the government.
The
easiest accessible islands from the capital are Neil and Havelock.
Small boats leave the Phoenix Bay Harbor four times a week to Havelock,
usually docking at Neil on the way. One can be escorted by a school
of dolphins or spot giant sea tortoise and flying fish. It is worth
spending a few days on Neil. Basic accommodation is provided in
the small settlement near the jetty.
Havelock,
lying north of Neil is one of the islands chosen by the government
to turn into a luxurious tourist destination. The coral reef here
is still intact and is what makes snorkeling a great pleasure. Only
the northern part of Havelock is populated. To make it easy to remember
locations, they are numbered from one to seven. The boat docks at
no 1. The best accommodation is at no 5 and when one plans to take
a stroll on a beautiful beach he should head for no 7 then turn
left at the junction at no 3.
The
first sunrise of the millennium at Katchal has brought the Andaman
and the Nicobar Islands in limelight further of the tourist destinations
of India. |