Nestled in the crystal clear blue seas of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the eastern part of mainland India. The 836 islands and islets that make up this sparsely inhabited group were formerly part of a hill range that stretched from Indonesia to Myanmar. The Andaman and Nicobar group's islands and mainland are covered in deep, moist evergreen forest that receives a lot of rain and is home to a variety of exotic plants and animals. The Andaman Group comprises up to 550 islands, of which 28 are inhabited. These islands make up the majority of the group. Similarly, of the 22 major islands in the Nicobar Group, only 10 are inhabited by humans. Ten Degree Channel, a 150 KM channel, divides the islands of Andaman and Nicobar Group.
These islands are home to several historically significant sites that were crucial to the Indian Freedom Movement, including Hopetown, Mount Harriet, Viper Island, Cellular Jail, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
There have been people living in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago for at least a millennium. A portion of the archeological data points to a 2,200-year history, whereas other clues, viewed through the lens of genetic, cultural, and linguistic isolation, suggest a 30,000–60,000-year past. These clues provide proof that people lived on these islands in the Middle Paleolithic. Diverse Andamanese groups have maintained their unique presence in the Andaman Islands throughout history, resulting in the diversification of their languages, cultures, and territories. In the 1850s, several native communities had regular interactions with outsiders.
The Sentinelese, who are among the most primitive and isolated people on Earth, the Onge, and the Jarawa (also known as the Jungle or Rutland Jarawa) are the members of the Great Andamanese ethnic group, which encompasses at least ten separate subgroups and dialects. Similar to the Andamanese, the native populations of the Nicobar Islands have been isolated and have lived on the islands for a long time. There are two primary groups: the Shompen, who are limited to the interior of Great Nicobar, and the Nicobarese, or Nicobari, who live over several of the islands.
There are three revenue districts in the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. South Andaman Island, which is part of the South Andaman District, is home to Port Blair, the capital and entry point to the islands. A creek divides the South Andaman District from the most recent North & Middle Andaman District, which has Mayabunder as its headquarters. The district headquarters of Nicobar District is located in Car Nicobar. According to the 2011 Census, there are 3,79,944 people living in Andaman and Nicobar, with an 86.27% literacy rate.
The Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is centered on Port Blair. The entrance to the immaculate islands lies in Port Blair. The island community of Port Blair provides opportunities for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and sea excursions, as well as insights into the local customs and heritage. The town's center is the Aberdeen Bazaar.
The islands have a tropical climate. The southwest monsoon sets in Andaman Nicobar Islands towards the end of May and the northeast monsoon in November. There is no fury of hot summer, no chilling winter, no water clogging or traffic jams. For those who want to enjoy boating, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing all 12 months in season. North Indians find relief from burning heat and chilling winter if they visit the island from May/June/July and in December/January. The season for nature lovers is May to December when the forest is lush green and waterfalls are at their prime. Divers can enjoy the best during December to April and bird watchers during winter times.
Normal rainfall at Port Blair: 3900 mm
Mean Minimum Temperature: 23.2° C
Mean Maximum Temperature: 25° C
Mean relative Humidity: 80 %
Flora and Fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Two of the world's 218 endemic bird areas are the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. There have been reports of up to 270 bird species and subspecies on these islands, with 106 of them being indigenous. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk, and Dugong have been designated as the official state bird, state tree, and state animal, respectively. The islands contain nine national parks, one biosphere reserve, and roughly ninety-six wildlife sanctuaries. The abundance of both the north-east and south-west monsoons falls upon these islands.
The year-round average temperature of the Andaman Islands is between 23°C to 31°C. The climate is considered to be a tropical one. Other than tropical storms and rains during the monsoon and late summer, there are no extreme weather conditions.
The summer months, which run from March to May, are warm but pleasant with a sea breeze and an 80% humidity level. It is appropriate for all types of travel-related activities.
Monsoon season is also recommended for visits to Andaman & Nicobar Islands as tourist can have more options both indoors and outdoors. There is no water clogging or traffic jams. The lush green vegetation and scenic beauty of the islands are more predominant in monsoon. Monsoons (May to August) and Post Monsoons (September to November) accompany medium to heavy rainfalls. Hoteliers in Andamans offer attractive discounts during monsoon seasons.
Winters (December to February) are not chilly and ideal for sightseeing.
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