ANDAMAN
- – AN EMERALD BROUGHT ASHORE
The Andaman Islands, an archipelago of over 570 tropical islands is situated in the Bay of Bengal between India and Myanmar. 36 of the tropical islands are inhabited. Most of the islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India and a small number lying in the north of the archipelago, including the Coco Islands, forms the part of Myanmar. Sentenelese inhabit this island, who are completely cut off from the rest of the world. The harboring preferences differ in Middle and North Andaman. The Middle Andaman is more into harboring moist deciduous forests and the North Andaman is more into harboring wet evergreens and the woody climbers. The forests here are rich in timber producing trees and with mango groves and epiphytic vegetation like the ferns and the orchids. The island doesn’t fall back in fullness in fauna, varieties of rare animals and wide range of adventure activities like water sports, trekking, island camping, snorkeling and scuba diving. Andaman has some more goodies for her visitors to keep them amazed like sea aquarium, water theme park, wave surfing, marina yacht, convention centre, health resorts, sanctuaries, national park, inter-island cruise liner and more and its different and better each year. With all this features Andaman successfully serves as a worthy tourist spot. Tourism in fact is the major industry in the Islands.
History
Andaman has been inhabited for thousands of years. The earliest archaeological findings prove its existence which dates back as early as 2200 years. However, when studies were done regarding the genetic, cultural and isolation, it was again concluded that the island was indeed inhabited as early as the Middle Paleolithic. In 1789, Bengal Presidency established Port Blair on Chatham Island in the southeast bay of Great Andaman which again moved to the northeast part of Great Andaman after two years, and was named Port Cornwallis. In April 1998, an American photographer named John S Callahan organized, first surfing project in the Andaman Islands, starting from Phuket in Thailand and with the assistance of Southeast Asia Live aboards (SEAL). They crossed the Andaman Sea on the yacht Crescent with a crew of international professional surfers. They cleared formalities in Port Blair Then they proceeded to Little Andaman Island, where they spent another ten days surfing many spots for the first time, of which two were Jarawa Point and the Kumari Point. As a result there was an article in Surfer Magazine, titled “Quest for Fire” written by journalist Sam George. This gave Andaman Islands recognition on the surfing map for the first time. The footage of the waves of the Andaman Islands even appeared in the film “Thicker than Water”, shot by a documentary filmmaker Jack Johnson. Later he became famous as a popular musician.
Culture & Tradition
The culture and trade of Andaman is extraordinary and rich. That is what attracts the tourists all over the world. Andaman holds a population of around 343,125 most of which are of of Bengali, Hindustani and Tamil backgrounds. People here are categorized into two groups, the indigenous tribal people and the outsiders. The original inhabitants though are the aborigines the present culture and traditions are highly influenced by the visitors from around the world. The oldest tribes of this area are the great Andamanese who belong to the Old Stone Age. Its population has more of animists. They have very strong faith in Paluga. They believe that Paluga lives there in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with them in Saddle Peak is the only deity responsible or everything going on, on this earth. They are very superstitious people, who believe in souls and ghosts and another intriguing thing about them is that they take dreams very seriously. They even let it affect their future actions and decisions. There are other religions though in the island like Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Some of the tribes found here are Onges, people who originally belonged to Africa but migrated here long time back and though the Island has developed they still sick to their old life style. Next is the Jarawa. These people also migrated from Africa. They are very bold and violent. They use iron tips to sharp their lethal arrows for hunting. Then comes the Sentinelese. This group of people still goes around naked. They live in the coastal areas hard to reach and fish for their lives. The people here are extremely talented when it comes to art and craft, specially related to shell, bamboo, wood and cane. The dominant cuisine here is the sea food. Other meats are also eaten. Fruits are also common here. With more and more tourists visiting this Island now they are into other cuisines as well like the Indian and the Chinese.
Places to Visit
Bharatpur Beach :
This place is famous for its coral reefs and white shores. It is the best spot for snorkeling. It’s a perfect place to relax with a cool sea breeze and the calm environment. You can sit in one of the chairs and just give in sipping fresh coconut juice.
Limestone Caves :
This is a must visit place. This is a perfect wonder of nature. Unique shapes formed by the erosions and the stalagmites and stalactites will catch your attention immediately. The guide accompanying you will enrich you the history and the stories related to the cave. You can take a speed boat journey. The tour on the boat through the forest is just terrific. However you have to be careful with the crocodiles that inhabit the waters.
Marina Park and Aquarium :
The Park is also known as ‘Samudrika Marine Museum’. The purpose of establishment of the cave was to create awareness about the conservation of the aquatic life and resources in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Radhanagar Beach :
This is one of the most popular beaches in Asia as per the Time magazine 2004. It is known for its dazzling blue waters which shine proudly in the sun without a single wave action. You can enjoy the waters in any way you please, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, or fishing etc. The beaches are also beautiful surrounded by serene beauty. It serves as a perfect ambience for couples.
Viper Island :
The name is because of the viper snakes inhabiting the Islands. It is famous for the ruins of a jail which was used to lock up the political prisoners during the colonial period. However dull and uninteresting it may sound the place is blessed with a picturesque beauty.
