The Andaman and Nicobar Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the world known for its picturesque beauty, white sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rain forests. They are group of two separate islands at the juncture of Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. It comprises of 572 islands out of which 38 are inhabited. Andaman have 325 islands while there are only 24 islands in Nicobar.
There are many inhabited tribes in the more remote islands which are off limits to civilization. One such tribes are the Sentinalese who lives in the Southern part of Andaman island known as the Senital island. They are said to be the first humans to have migrated from Africa . Till date they are the world’s most isolated tribes. Their exact population is still unknown as they are away from civilization and any human contacts.
In my childhood I was fascinated by the stories of tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Island be it Jarwas or Sentinalese. So when I planned a trip to Andaman with my family the same childhood excitement poops up in my mind once more.
We flew to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island. You can reach Port Blair by flight or ship.
In Port Blair visit to the cellular jail, a colonial prison known as Kala Pani ( Black water ) is a must. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned by the British here during the struggle for India’s independence. If you have time hop on to the glass bottom boat and set sail in the Andaman Sea. This dolphin shaped boat takes you to North Bay island and gradually you can see the secrets of the sea unfolding and revealing numerous vibrant corals and fish.
The underwater life is amazing and the government preserve it with great care. Water is Crystal clear. If you go snorkeling and scuba diving you will be able to see an amazing and exotic underwater marine life. So don’t miss it.
Another exciting journey is that to Bartang Island to see the limestone cave. The journey to this cave is truely mesmerizing. You have to go in a convoy and obtain special permission as you will be passing through roads sorounded by jungles that belongs to the Jarwa tribes. The Jarwas are said to have migrated from Africa one thousand years ago. After passing through the jungles you have to cross a jetty by ship. Then from there you have to go by country boat run by diseal meandering through mangrove forests. Finally after walking for one or two kilometers you will reach the cave to see the beautiful stalagmite deposit.
Visit the Havelock Island now known as Swaraj Deep, sourrounded by white sand beaches, lighthouse and small villages. You have to go by cruise from Port Blair so book your tickets well in advance. It is 57 kms by sea. Visit the Radhanagar beach famous for sunset. Kala pahar is famous for sunrise. There are beautiful hotels and resorts in Havelock island. From Havelock you can visit elephant beaches for snorkeling and sea walk.
The best time to visit Andaman is from December to February. Carry light cotton clothes,sunscreen, hat and sunglass. You will find dead corals on the beaches but are not allowed to carry it with you. So be careful.
Few months back there was a news that a foreigner was killed by the Sentinalese with their poisoned arrow as he bribed the boatman and tried to invade their area which is strictly prohibited as the Sentinalese are completely isolated from other cultures.
You know nature has its own natural beauty. The world will look very insipid if we try to tame and civilize everything. So let these inhabitants live in their own space to make the world a much better and beautiful place to live in
