General Information about Andaman
LAND AND PEOPLE OF ANDAMAN ISLANDS
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were shrouded in mystery for centuries because of their inaccessibility. These are the paragon of beauty and present a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. These islands shimmer like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal. The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere. "Here the white beaches on the edge of a meandering coastline have palm trees that sway to the rhythm of the Sea. The beat of tribal drums haunt the stillness and technicolour fish steer their way through crystal clear water." This addition of strangeness to beauty which is responsible for creating the infinite romantic impact may be described in the following famous lines of Keats.
"Charmed magic casement opening on the foam Of perilous seas in fair lands forlorn."
The scenic beauty of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, would create a sense of dissatisfaction and the human mind would rebel against "the whole mass of the motley facts of life". He would be guided by an irresistible desire to this paradise on earth, with invincible faith on the philosophy of Wordsworth:
"Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold is full of blessing".
The Andaman & Nicobar are a group of picturesque Islands, big and small, inhabited and uninhabited, a total of 572 islands, islets and rocks lying in the South Eastern Part of the Bay of Bengal.They lie along an arc in long and narrow broken chain, approximately North-South over a distance nearly 800 kms. . It is logical to presume a former land connection form Cape Negris at South part of Burma to Achin Head (Cape Pedro) in Andalas (Sumatra). The flora and fauna of these islands, however, indicate that this land connection if it existed, should have been prior to the development of their present life form.
Entry Formalities IN ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Foreigners
All foreign nationals can stay in the islands for 30 days. This can be extended by another 15 days with permission. They require a permit to stay from the immigration authorities. In addition, permits can also be obtained from: Indian Missions Overseas, Foreigner’s Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and the immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.
The places covered by this permit for night halt are: South Andaman Island, Middle Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island (except tribal reserve), Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang, North Passage and islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding islands – Boat Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto) Night halt in the Park is with permission only.
For Day Halt South Cinque Island, Ross Island, Narcondum Island, Interview Island, Brother Island, Sister Island and Barren Island ( Barren Island can be visited on board vessels only).
Indians Indian nationals need no permit to visit Andamans. However, permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, which are given in exceptional cases. Application on a prescribed form may be addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District, Port Blair.
OTHER STATS ABOUT ANDAMAN ISLANDS
LOCATION: Bay of Bengal
92 deg. to 94 deg. Longitude
6 deg. to 14 deg. North Latitude
AREA: Andamans District: 6,408 Sq.Kms.
Nicobars District : 1,841 Sq. Kms.
Total Area: 8,249 Sq. Kms.
CAPITAL: Port Blair
DISTANCE: 1255 Kms. from Calcutta
1190 Kms. from Chennai
1200 Kms. from Vishakhapatnam
ALTITUDE: Varies from sea level to 732 meters
HIGHEST PEAK: Saddle Peak - 732 metres
CLIMATE: Tropical throughout the year with mean minimum temperature at 23 deg. C and maximum at 31 deg.C. Humidity is relatively high - 70 to 90% with a gentle breeze blowing all the time. The weather is generally pleasant with average annual rainfall at 3,000 mm at Port Blair (May to mid-Sept. & Nov. to Jan.)
FOREST COVER: 92 %, Forest area 86%
BEST SEASON: October to May
CLOTHING: Cottons throughout the year
IDD CODE: ++91-3192 (STD 03192)