Things to know before you Travel to Andaman Nicobar Islands

The charm of the Andaman and Nicobar islands is 2nd to none when it pertains to beach locations in India. That it also holds an extremely considerable place in Indian history further fuels the curiosity of numerous Indians and immigrants alike who wish to see and experience the chain of islands– which in numerous methods, is much various from the India as we understand– first hand. However, that there’s not as much clarity about checking out the island chain as there is about a lot of other parts of India makes it a little harder (and confusing) for numerous. I have actually been asked lots of a times, questions about going to the Andaman Islands few which, and their answers, I share listed below.

Andaman Trip

Do I need a VISA to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island?

Believe it or not however I have actually been asked this concern by my fellow compatriots, much to my surprise. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is an essential part of India and thus, no visa is required if you are an Indian National. Immigrants, nevertheless, need a RAP– Restricted Area Permit to check out the island(s). The RAP can be quickly acquired from the Port Blair airport or the port.

Also Visit – Short Trip to Andaman

How to reach Andaman Nicobar Islands?

How to reach Andaman Nicobar Islands

Port-Blair is linked to many cities of India by air. There are flights from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, the majority of the linking flights. Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata have non-stop flights to Port-Blair, the entry-point to the Island chain. You can also take one of the five ships that operate from Chennai, Vishakapatnam and Kolkata to Port-Blair which operate on tentative schedules and get cancelled depending upon the weather. Likewise worth discussing is that these ships have standard facilities and are no high-end cruise-liners as we would have desired them to be.

When is the best time to visit Andaman Nicobar Islands?

Best time to Andaman Nicobar Islands

The season, the very best time that is, is from October through May. The weather condition remains ideal throughout this time. This likewise indicates that everywhere you enter the islands, in all possibility; you will find the locations crowded. This likewise means that the accommodation (if you were lucky to handle one) would be at their greatest. My suggestion would be to go right before the season starts and you will be able to take pleasure in the location relatively devoid of the crowd.

Also Visit – Best of Andamans Tour

How many days are required for visiting the Andaman Islands?

Travel to Andaman Nicobar Islands

That will very much depend on what in fact you desire to see or enjoy. However if you desire to at-least do the important things everybody does, anything less than a week on the islands will simply not even getting to see the location appropriately. My idea would be to at-least spend 10-12 days.

Where to Stay

Where to stay in Havelock, Andaman Islands?

During the season, this can get a little challenging. Even though Port-Blair is a capital city, it is barely like any other in the nation. It has actually restricted facilities. There is just sufficient number of hotels, small and huge. So if you are planning to go to during the peak season, you better book them a month or 2 in advance. Even before if you are preparing to remain in one of the smaller sized islands (which you ought to) of Havelock and Neil. Port-Blair has accommodation for every single budget plan, nevertheless, that is not the case with the other two. Havelock has simply one budget plan lodging.

Also Visit – Port Blair Havelock Neil Island Package

How to reach Havelock Islands and Neil Islands?

Havelock

Govt. ferry service exists from Port Blair to Havelock and Neil Islands Other than for days when the weather turns nasty, govt. ferryboats operate regularly. Their tickets, however, are offered only from the counter and no online reservation system exists. So, in order to schedule your tickets, you will need to take the assistance from your hotel that would gladly do that for a small charge. Throughout the season, a few personal boats also run the tickets which can be reserved online. I, however, would recommend opting for the govt. ferryboats. Basking on the deck with the cool breeze kissing your face absolutely sounds more enjoyable than being in a box and waiting to reach the other end, right?

Top 10 Must do things in the Andaman Nicobare Islands

Things to do in Andaman

Top 10 must do activities in Andaman and Nicobar Andaman and Nicobar Islands as exotic as they sound! With white sand virgin beaches and high adrenaline water sports, these islands are India’s finest beach location. Include a dash of history and you have a wholesome experience that only the islands can provide! Here are the top 10 things that you must do on your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Also Visit – Andaman Honeymoon Package

1. Experience ecstasy on Havelock Island

Blue waters, green sashaying coconut trees and the fluttering clouds in the sky; it’s not a picturesque setting in a novel however how the beaches at Havelock Island look! The stunning white sand looks welcoming with the ocean water breaking into waves, all ready for a swim. Havelock Island is one of the larger islands in the Andamans archipelago, measuring about 114 sq km in area. It is at a range of 57km from the capital city, Port Blair and is available by cruises and ferry. The Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach are a few of the popular beaches on the island and need to go to stops. You can simply relax and soak in the tranquil environment on the beach or participate in activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and going on fishing trips to the close-by unoccupied islands.

2. Log onto history at Chatham Saw Mill

Chatham Saw Mill

Entering the Chatham Saw Mill is like entering a period in history, Asia’s biggest and earliest saw mill; it advises you of a bygone era. While it is a traveler destination, it remains a working mill with an average turnover of Rs. 6 crores. Today the mill produces Paduak or Andamans premier wood as well as other varieties like marble wood, chool and sagwan. Visitors can peek into history at the wood museum which houses numerous products made of the wood from the islands along with lot of information about the mill. Chatham Saw Mill can be accessed by roadway from Port Blair and is particularly not to be missed out on if you are taking a trip with family.

Also Visit – Port Blair Havelock Package

3. Feel patriotic at Cellular Jail

Indian independence history has a great deal of recommendations to the feared Kala Pani, the jail off the coast of mainland India where political prisoners were gotten rid of. The jail is the Cellular Jail, developed it 1906 by the British to put behind bars Indian liberty fighters during the battle for self-reliance. Several freedom fighters like Batukeshwar Dutt, Veer Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla and a lot more were locked up here. The jail was indicated for solitary confinement and create anguish among the prisoners for lack of communication, all the cells were made in such a method that the inmates could not interact. The structure initially had seven wings nevertheless today there are 3 wings which serve as a National Memorial as well as a health center to the local homeowners. It is a poignant location and reminds the battles of the nation’s liberty fighters. The jail lies in Port Blair and there is a sound and light program which is performed in the night which tells the story of the jail.

4. Reminisce at Ross Island

Ross Island

Ross Island is one of the popular traveler spots in the Andamans, it is a small island measuring 0.6 sq kms, 2km off the coast of Port Blair. The island studded with plants and animals is a peek into the colonial history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The British had used the island as a head office when the chastening colony was established.

Today you can go to the ruins of the island which consist of the officers club, a bakery, and barracks etc which offer a glimpse of how well developed life was set on the little island. It can be easily accessed by boat from the Phoenix Bay jetty.

Also Visit – Port Blair Havelock Honeymoon Package

5. Discover your roots at the museums

Port Blair needs to more provide than just beaches, it likewise has two museums, Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Naval Museum which give you a fast lesson on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Anthropological Museum showcases the culture and history of the people of the Andaman Islands particularly of the tribes Jarawas, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese and the Onges a lot of who still occupy the island. The museum hosts shamanic sculptures, clothing, weapons, crafts and boats which these people used. The other modern-day museum is the Samudrika Naval Museum which is run the Indian Navy and is gone to inform visitors about the marine life and natural environment around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

6. Birding at Chidiya Tapu

Birding at Chidiya Tapu

If you thought that Andamans was only about the beaches, Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island) will make you believe twice! This lovely island is brimming with plants and fauna, you can sight more than 46 types of birds including parrots and macaws as well other small animals like white spotted deer. Â It is certainly the very best location in Andaman to capture the sundown as the sun sets the sky on fire with the orange and crimson radiance. It can be reached by roadway and is an hour far from Port Blair.

Also Visit – Port Blair 3 Nights Package

7. Walk the bottom of the sea at North Bay

Walk the bottom of the sea at North Bay

Resting on the beach you day dream of how fantastic it would be to stroll the bottom of the sea to be one with the fish! And you can live that imagine sea strolling at North Bay where Sea Link Adventures carries out a sea walk. It does not require you to understand the best ways to swim and even have prior experience; you will be geared up with a helmet which is attached to an oxygen cylinder connected to the pontoon. North Bay can be accessed by boat from the Water Sports Complex; the cost of the sea walk is approx Rs. 3,500 and deserves the experience!

8. Snorkel at Jolly Buoy Island

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are associated with water sports like snorkeling and diving and the very best place to do so is at the Jolly Buoy Island and the Red Skin Island in the Mahatma Gandhi National Park. The Jolly Buoy Island is a beautiful island with a thick spot of forest, white sands and clear blue waters with an abundance of corals and marine life. Both the islands are open 6 months each to permit the corals to prosper and keep the environment.

You can indulge in snorkeling, diving or merely view the marine life through a glass bottomed boat! Jolly Buoy Island can be reached by boat from Wandoor Beach and the boats leave at 09:00 AM in the early morning and return after the day’s picnic at 02:30 PM. Do not miss this experience of incredible corals at Andamans which equals the Great BarrierReef in Australia!

9. Trek as much as Mount Harriet

Trek as much as Mount Harriet

Have you noticed the image of palm trees with the lighthouse on a Rs. 20 Indian note? That image is none other than the visual that can be seen from Mount Harriet in Andamans! Mount Harriet is the second highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and is available by a brief ferryboat trip, one can view the surrounding islands of Port Blair and offers a fantastic view of the islands.

10. Limestone caving at Baratang Island

Limestone caving at Baratang Island

Baratang Island has much experience to use for a day’s worth! The Limestone caves on the island with imposing stalactites and stalagmites are a natural wonder to behold and a need to check out while on a journey to the Andamans. What makes the journey more amazing is the journey itself. Baratang has to do with 90 km far from Port Blair and you have to travel by road and reach by a ferry from the Middle Strait. Upon reaching the Baratang jetty, you need to hire a boat which traverses a mangrove creek and then stroll another 2 km to reach the caves!

For more information on Andaman tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place Delhi India.

Importance of tourism as a revenue generating industries of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 

1. Tourism

   

   Andaman-and-Nicobar

One of the major revenue earners for Andaman and Nicobar islands is the Tourism Industry, With travelers looking for newer destinations on a regular basis, these islands have suddenly gained a spotlight because of the exotic beaches, water sports, corals and most importantly a culture that is only unique to the islands. All the important airlines and the hotel chains have or are in the process of having a presence in the area. The number of tourists to the islands have increased exponentially over the last few years and yet there is a huge gap to be filled till the tourism reaches its optimum levels. Andaman tour packages are the most preferred choice of holidays with both international and the domestic travelers. Besides Tourism the other revenue generating industries in the islands are as below:

Marine Resources

2. Marine Resources

The deep sea around Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the numerous inlets, bays and creeks are the abode of marine resources and these areas are extremely popular with tourists looking for water sports such as deep sea diving, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. With the declaration of 200 miles beyond the coast-line as our Economic zone, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has a vast area around it for exploitation of the untapped marine resources. On the western side, the entire 200 miles’ extent can be exploited. On the other three sides, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has to equally share the sea space with the neighboring countries. Various assessments were made in the past by the Indian experts on the availability of marine resources in the seas, surrounding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but no systematic study has so far been made to know the actual quantum of resources available for utilization. On this basis, the total net weight of the resources available is estimated to be about 1.07 million tonnes. The marine resources of Andaman and Nicobar Islands may broadly be divided into two groups as fish and shell.

Fish in Andaman

3. Fish

It has been estimated that an area of 1, 19,600 Sq. miles around these islands has potential for fishing. The assessed fishery resources in this area are between 5 to 10 lakhs tones of fish per annum. But it is reported that the present catch in these islands is only 9692 tonnes. This clearly indicates that there exists a vast scope for the development, exploitation and utilization of the fish resources of these islands. Sardines and mackerels, the two important varieties of fish, are found towards the shore and can be exploited by the small boats using pursesuines and other nets. The entire region is full of sharks. The rocky bottom has great potential for percoid fishes (porches). According to a survey of marine resources, conducted very recently by the Government of India Exploratory Fisheries Project and the Fisheries Department, it has come to light that a large number of varieties of fish having commercial value are available.

Three important species of the Tuna are found in the waters of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are 1. Skip jack (Katusuwpnus pelamis).

2. Yellow fin (Tbunnus neothunnus) (Albaesies macrpierus).
3. Big eye (Thunnus parathunnus) (Obsus mebachi).

A stock of 25,000 tonnes of Yellow fin and big eye in the sea around Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been estimated. About 50,000 tonnes of Skip jack is also postulated for Andaman and Nicobar Islands. An item of commercial importance, found in plenty in the shallow waters around the main Islands, is the Seaslug or Beach-de-mer (Holothurian). Out of nearly 40 species available, six species are of high commercial value which could yield substantial foreign exchange. About a dozen species of prawns are also found in these waters.

shell in andaman

4. Shell

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is on abode of innumerable species of shells of various shapes and colours. Some of them have very high commercial value and many others form excellent show pieces. Turbo and Troches, the two species having high commercial value, are collected in plenty and are sent/ exported to the mainland. The shells are used as raw materials in the Shell Handicraft Industrial Units which is a growing sector. The fancy articles like necklace, bracelets, lamp shades and other ornaments are manufactured by the units. These items attract both domestic and foreign tourists. Besides the shells, Five finger Chanks, Sacred Chanks, Pearly Oysters, Mussels, Clams, Cowries and numerous other varieties of high value and gastropod shells are found all along the shores. Their flesh is generally tasty and some are delicious. One more evidence to show the abundance of the marine resources is the apprehension of the foreign vessels by the Coast Guard, Navy and Police Department when they entered the coastal area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for fishing.

5. Land Resources

The total land area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 8293 sq.kms out of which the Andaman Group of Islands covers an area of 6340 sq.kms and the Nicobar Group of Islands the remaining 1953 sq.kms. The available land resources of any country exercise a lasting effect on the economic life of man or nation because the production of raw materials depends greatly on the nature of landscapes. In the hilly tracts, agriculture and industry generally cannot flourish. The result is that the production of wealth in these tracts is less and therefore, only a sparse population can be supported. In Andaman Islands, the available land resources are being utilized.

For more information on Andaman and Nicobar Islands contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in India.

Fairs & Festivals in Andaman and Nicobar Island

Whether a traveller is looking for a Short trip to Andamans or a Andaman Honeymoon Package , it is important to know the fairs and festival periods in the islands to have a closer look at the local traditions and enjoy the ethnic festivities. The details of Fairs and Festivals in Andamans is as below :

Fairs and Festivals: Fairs and festivals are always associated with joy and happiness. Fairs and festivals are the best way of entertaining the people of all age groups since these are occasions on which they gather, assemble, exchange their views, work together, worship their god, etc. This has been an important part of the human life since olden days. Fairs and festivals have important role to play in the field of tourism. Many tourists would like to stay back for a week to enjoy the fairs and festivals. They claim that this w they gain a lot of relief and relaxation for their own probleamy; and obtain a lot of self satisfaction. In this tourists’ paradise fairs and festivals are celebrated in almost all parts. Generally, fairs are related to government programmes as Islands on March, Trade Fairs, Navy Mela exhibition etc. As far as the festivals are concerned the A & N Administration celebrates one important festival namely Andaman Tourism Festival. The remaining festivals are celebrated by the people of the concerned religious groups. No doubt, all religions celebrate their own festivals according to their economic condition and their own style. But people from all religious groups participate without any hesitation. The most important thing is – the boys from Muslim, Christian, Sikh communities participate in all activities at the time of Hindu festivals and boys following Hindu, Christian, Sikh religions participate in all activities in Muslim festivals and the same manner in Christian festivals and so on. During such festivals Hindu orators are called and requested to talk about the Holy Kuran, Holyman Md. Nabi, Fathima, Islamism etc., and Muslim orators about Hindu almighty Gita, etc. This is really wonderful .which could be seen only in A & N Islands, and a tourist can really enjoy the socio-cultural integrated festivals. Besides the religious festivals like Deepavali, Ramzan, Christmas etc., among the popular festivals, the most important festivals are linked with Hindu culture, traditions and faith.

These include:

1. Ganesh Puja
2. Panguni Uttatam
3. Mariamman Thiruvizha
4. Durga Puja
5. Kali Puja
6. Saraswati Puja
7. Ram Navaho
8. Gokula Astami
9. Gurunanak Jayanti
10. Nag Panchami
11. Holi
12. Diwali
13. Pongal
14. Christmas
15. Ramzan
16. Shivarathri
17. Vasanth Panchami
18. Ramleela.

Ganesh Puja : Ganesh Puja is celebrated on “Chathurthi Thithi” every year. People from the south call this puja “Vinayaka Chathurthi”. The image of Lord Ganesh is made out of black clay with a lot of glittering decoration. People buy the Ganesh image in a size according to their economic conditions. The Ganesh temples at Aberdeen Bazar, Goal Ghar etc., are beautifully decorated and special pujas or ‘Atli’ is performed by the priests, lyers or pujaris in honour of Lord Ganesh. Of all the Ganesh temples, Sri Lakshmi Vinayagar temple at Aberdeen Bazar and Karpaga Vinyagar at Goalghar are the chief attractions on the occasion. Generally, the puja is celebrated for three days. The temples are full of devotees (Bhakth). During puja, people offer “Kozhukattai’ and “Sundal” to the deity “Vinyagar”, and after the puja these kozhukattai and sundals are distributed among the gatherings. Some organizations and offices or groups of people also perform common puja. A big image of Lord Ganesh is made. An important place in the village or the organization is decorated with pandals and puja and ‘Artl, are performed. The third day the image is taken round in the village and city in procession with dance and songs and is immersed into the sea. All the three days the temples are full of devotees. The people from other religions also visit the temple with their family members.

Panguni Utthiram: This is the biggest and the most important festival in these islands. This festival is celebrated to honour the Lord Sri Vetrimalai Murugan (Lord Karthik), a son of Siva and Parvathi. Sri Vetrimalai (victory hill) Murugan Temple is the oldest temple in these islands. Now a new Kalyana Mandapam (two floors) has been constructed and renovation work of the main temple has also been completed. The important feature of this temple is that the people of all regions and religions of our country and foreign tourists visit this temple. The strong belief of the people is that their requests are fulfilled and graced by the Lord Murugan. During the festival, the temple is decorated with a lot of colour lights etc. This Uttiram festival is celebrated every year during the Tamil month of panguni, in full moon day covering the “Uttira Natachitram”, for a period of ten days. During the festival, every day of the period of celebration, ‘Anna Dhanam’ is given.

About 10000 to 15000 people come to the temple to the get Anna Dhanam (i.e they eat full meal). On the last day of the celebration called “Thee Mithi ‘ people and devotees whose requests are granted by the powerful Sri Vetrimalai Murugan wear “Sedal Ornaments” on their body, face, tongue etc., with “Kavadies”. Among the kavadies, “Arugandam Kavadies” and “Parakkam Kavadies” are really very difficult to carry. People from other islands come to Port Blair to participate this celebration. People on the roads to see them. All religious people offer lime and orange juice, salted sweet water, butter milk, and water to all the devotees, visitors, tourists etc., as a partial fulfilment of their promises. The sedal and kavady bearers walk on fire (Thee Mithi) and reach the “Moolasthanam”. One cannot stand near the fire even at a distance-of six meters. Devotees walk on the fire which means everybody should accept the supreme power of the Lord Sri Vetrimalai Murugan.

Sri Marriamman Thiruvizha Festival: This is the second biggest festival of the Hindus celebrated in honour of Goddess Arulmigu Sri Marriamman. This temple is situated in Austinabad village, at a distance of six kilometers from Port Blair

Bus Terminus on Chiddiyatappu route. The belief of all the people from all religions is that Goddess Mariamma has been guarding these islands. There is an incident, narrated by the devotees as it is a real one. When the Dhannikari Dam was constructed, the contractor could not complete it successfully due to frequent cracks and scratches, etc. Then he prayed to Goddess Marriamman by wearing sedal ornaments and he saw her in his dream and she encouraged him to continue his efforts. The following week he could successfully complete the whole dam. After the completion of the dam, the contractor constructed the present temple (RCC building) and deposited some amount of money in the temple’s name for the everyday puja, celebrations and maintenance. Now all visit this temple and worship the Goddess Mariamman irrespective of their religions. The tourists, including foreigners, do not leave these islands without worshipping these two temples. The festival is celebrated every year during the month of February. For Goddess Marriaman also, the devotees perform puja and Arti in the same manner to God Sri Vetrimalai Murugan. Theemithi, Arugandam kavadi, Parakkum kavadi, Pal kavadi Paneer kavadi, Ilaneer kavadi are the special attractions for the people, devotees and tourists.

Sashti Festival: This is celebrated in honour of Sri Vetrimalai Murugan immediately after the Deepavali for a period of six days since God Murugan has six faces popularly known as “Arumugam” i.e, each day is meant for one face. During these days, Laxcharchanas and special pujas/artis are performed in the temple. Devotees purchase Laxarchana tickets costing 11 Rs. 101/-. Tourists visit these islands during this festival periods purchase tickets, participate in puja and take the prasad to their native village/country as a divine symbol of Sri Vetriamalai Murgan.

Durga Puja : This is also an important festival of Hindus celebrated with great enthusiasm. Though the Hindus tromi, all regions participate, the Hindus from Calcutta (West Bengal) take the full responsibility of its celebration in these islands. This puja is celebrated by all the Hindus in the name of Navarathri puja for nine days. Every year Durga puja is celebrated in these islands during September-October. Bengali associations in each village and some organizations make the image of goddess Durga in highly decorative manner out of clay along with the images of other gods namely; Sri Ganesh, Sri Karthik (Sri Murugan) etc., and they perform puja with the help of pandits. On vijayadhasami i.e on the tenth day, the images are taken out in procession to various places near Haddo jetty, Aberdeen jetty for immersion in the sea. A large crowd assembles near the Goalghar, Junglighat Junction, Dairyfarm, Schoolline Junction, Dilanipur, Haddo etc., to witness the procession for immersion.

Ram Navmi : It is celebrated in honour of the birthday of Lord Rama by performing special puja and arti only in Ram temples located in Aberdeen Basthi, Kumrakheti, Haddo and Dairy Farm. Temples are decorated with colourful lights and musical instruments are played. Songs on Lord Rama and Sita are also sung.

Gokulaashtami : It is celebrated in the name of the birthday of Lord Krishna who is regarded as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated in August-September. In Radha Krishna, Radha Govindha temples on RGT Road, Sri Krishna Temple in Dairy Farm, Radhakrishna Temple in Junglighat, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Temples are fully illuminated with ligh and coloureduirncolouredan Group bhajans/group songs on Krishna, continuous puja performance with loud clappings and sayings like “Krishna Ki Jay” and other performances continue till midnight when Sri Krishna took birth. After the birth puja, prasadhams made out of sweet sooji, sweet boonthi, cut bananas, and sugarcane etc. are distributed. All temples are crowded with devotees and other people.

Sri Guru Nanak Jayanthi : This is celebrated by the Punjabis.

It commemorates the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak. This festival is celebrated on 25th November of every year, with great enthusiasm. Police Gurudwara in Aberdeen Bazar, Dr. Diwan Singh Gurudwara behind the State Bank of India, Main Branch, Gurudwara in MES area are illuminated with beautiful colour lamps. Songs, prayers, readings, bhajans etc., are the special features on the occasion. They organise a simple but excellent procession with the songs and bhajans with the call of “Guru Nanakji ki jay”.

Saraswathi Puja : Saraswathi puja is another festival celebrated by people, educational institutions and other organizations put up and is associated with the worship of Maa Saraswathi, the goddess of education and vidhai (vidhya) knowledge. Big pandals are put up at the important places in the city. The image of goddess Sri Saraswathi with vina sitting on white colour lotus kept in the pandal. Continuous puja, arti are performed throughout the day. Next day, the image of goddess is taken in procession, accompanied with dances and songs to the Haddo jetty, Aberdeen jetty or Chatham jetty for the immersion.

Sri Kali Puja : This festival is associated with the worship of Maa Kali as the destroyer of the evils. This festival is celebrated in the months of October-November every year. The Bengalis take keen interest and celebrate it enthusiastically. The image of Maa Kali showing her angry action of killing a Rakchashan is installed at different places. Kali temple at Prem Nagar is decorated with coloured lamps. Prescribed pujas and artis are performed. Hindus, particularly Bengalis, visit this temple and other places where the images of the goddess are installed and worshipped. Next day, the image is taken in procession with songs and dances to Haddo Jetty, Aberdeen Jetty and Junglighat Jetty for the immersion. A large crowd assembles to witness the procession at Goal Ghar, opposite State Library, Junglighat Junction, Dairfarm Junction, Aberdeen Bazar, Dilanirur, Haddo, etc.

Sri Shiva Rathri: This is another important festival celebrated in this island. This is celebrated for one day during the month of February-March in honour of the auspicious day of the Lord Shiva’s marriage with the goddess Parvathi. The temples of Lord Shiva in South Point, Delanipur, Phar Goan, Garacharma perform special pujas and artis with the usual decorations. In Sri Vetrimala)/ Murugan Temple the Shiva Lingam is specially adorned with colourful flowers. In all the Shiva temples, the bhajans, kirthanas, songs, speeches, talks, dramas, video films on ShivapaRvathi continue throughout the night. After early morning puja, prasatham is distributed among the devotees.

Holi: This is celebrated as a festival of colours during the months of February-March. In this territory, the Holi is celebrated by the people of all age groups irrespective of the religions and regions. In each and every village, a ‘holika’ made out of coconut leaves, and other firewood is bunt during the midnight Then, from the early morning itself, the sprinkling of colour (powder and water) from men to men, Women and among children starts. This activity goes unto 1.00 pm. After that the people go to Carbynscove beach for bathing. After taking bath, the people come out of their houses, wearing new clothes, go and meet their friends, embrace each other, take sweets and blessings from elders etc. Some people go to temples and the other youngsters usually go to watch cinema.

Prakash Yathra: This is celebrated just a day before Christmas by going in a procession. The Christians participate in the celebration. Both males and females participate and each of them carries a lighted candle saying some hymns from Bible. The procession is held in a calm and peaceful manner.

Other Festivals: Among other Hindu, festivals like Nag Panchami Pongal, Deepavali, Ram Leela, Vasantha Panchami etc., celebrated in these islands Deepavali, the festival of lights is most important. Every house, irrespective of religions and regions celebrate Deepavali by wearing new clothes, preparing and distributing by firing crackers etc. On Deepavali day, people take oil bath and wear new, colourful clothes. During evening hours, the houses are decorated with lighted candles or series of lights. Next to Deepavali, Maha Karthiakai, the festival in honour of god Sri Murugan, the god of knowledge and courage, is of importance. On this festival also the houses are decorated with lighted candles. The elders undertake fasting, younger ones enjoy the crackers during the evening hours, Sri Vetrimalai Murugan temple is illuminated with lights which should not be missed by the tourists. Apart from the festivals of the Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, there are also some festivals which are celebrated among other communities living in these islands. These include Jains who celebrate the birthday of Lord Parasanth and Mahaveer. Buddhists celebrate Buddha Jayanthi, Muslims celebrate Muharram, Ramzan Bakrid, etc.

Commerce and Industry: Commercial and industrial development of A & N islands plays an important role in the growth of tourism industry. Though the commercial and industrial units are scattered over the inhabited islands, majority of the units are located in the Port Blair city. The Port Blair city is famous for its handicrafts like shell-made items.

The prospects for setting up of such units in these islands are encouraging. The present important trade centres are Aberdeen Bazar, Diglipur, Junglighat, Middle Point, Bambooflat, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Campbell Bay.

Educational institutions: In this territory, there are only two colleges—Jawaharlal Nehru Government College in Port Blair and Mahatma Gandhi Government College in Mayabunder. These colleges offer arts, science and commerce courses at degree and post graduate levels. Government B.Ed College Is in Port Blair.

The literacy rate of A&N islands is – male 78.99%, female 65.46% and overall 73.02% as per the 1991 census whereas the same in Port Blair city is 86.59%, 75.08% and 81.69% respectively. There are about 340 educational institutions in A&N islands including about 70 institutions in Nicobar Islands.

Light and Sound Programme: There is light and sound programme run at Cellular Jail, a national memorial. The programme, in Hindi and English, is shown during evening hours every day.

Cinema Halls: In A & N Islands except Port Blair, the islands do not have commercial cinema halls. In Port Blair there are six cinema halls located at different places at a distance of 1-4 kilometers from the Bus Teminus. Most of the halls hold only two shows every day and three on Saturdays and Sundays and there are four to five shows festivals as well. All the halls screen the Tamil, Hindi and Telugu films. Sometimes, some cinema halls also show Malayalam, Bengali and English films.

Popular tour Packages :The most popular tour packages to explore the exotic islands with the travellers are Port Blair 3 Nights Package , Port Blair Havelock Honeymoon Package, Port Blair Havelock Package , Port Blair Havelock Neil Island Package, Best of Andamans Tour

For Further information on Andaman Tour Packages contact one of the most professional Travel Agents in India – Swan Tours ,New Delhi at 011-23415601