Andaman & Nicobar, the Emerald Islands, consisting of two island group lies east of the mainland between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Its southernmost island is only 200 km (120 mi) from the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Pygmalion Point also known as Parsons Point which has since been renamed as "Indira Point" is the southernmost tip of India and not "Kanyakumari" as is popularly known. The island of Katchall at the southern end was in the news in 1999 as the first rays of the sun of Jan.1, 2000 were believed to hit it.

The archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andamans are separated from the Nicobars to the south by the Ten Degree Channel, which is 145 km (90mi) wide. This Union Territory is spread over a distance nearly 800 Kms. from North to South with 38 inhabited islands. A hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and an endless variety of exotic flora & fauna. The untouched and pristine marine life, corals, crystal clear water, mangrove - forests and birds offer a dream view of the rare gifts of nature. The capital is Port Blair on Andaman Islands.


Sightseeing at Andaman Nicobar -
Cellular Jail : Built by the British to penalise Indian Freedom fighters, now one of India's declared National Monuments. The light and sound show screened in the backdrop of this jail is dedicated to the freedom fighters who perished or languished for years in solitary confinement in its cells.

Samudrika Marine Museum The five sections of this unique museum display history and geography of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The displays include islands, the people, the tribals, their life-style, marine life and archaeology. The museum also has a sizable collection of shells and corals.

Fisheries Museum This aquarium cum museum has a collection of some 350 species of marine animals found on the island.

Anthropological Museum The islands are inhabited by tribals who are considered to be the original inhabitants of the Andamans. The tools used by them, their dresses and many photographs of their life style have been kept in this museum.

Mini Zoo & Forest Museum Port Blair has a small Zoo, which houses some of the species which are found nowhere in the world. 200 species of animals, which includes the Nicobar Pigeon and the Andaman Pig. The salt-water crocodile-breeding programme has been very successful and the many crocodiles, which were bred here, are now in wild waters among the dense mangrove forests. Near the zoo is the museum maintained and run by the forest department. This unusual museum displays locally grown woods, including Pad auk, which has both light, and dark colours are present in the same tree.

Chatham Saw Mill : This one of the Asia's largest wood processing units. It is located on Chatham Island. Some of the woods being processed here are termed as rare.


Reaching Andaman Nicobar -
By Air : Indian Airlines has regular flights to Port Blair, from Calcutta and Chennai.
By Ship : There are regular trips to Port Blair, from Calcutta and Chennai. The trip usually takes three to four days.