Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emeralds islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman and Nicobar Islands.These Islands are described as the Tourist`s Paradise. It lies in the Indian Ocean and comprises of two islands namely, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. These Islands separate the Andaman Sea to the East from the Indian Ocean. These islands float in isolation at the east of the Indian Mainland. These islands are an archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar islands are beautifully described as Emerald Islands. This island stretches over a length of more than 700 kms.

From North to South there are 36 inhabited islands. These islands are beautifully covered with evergreen forests and hills. The sandy beaches meandering the coastline are covered with coconut palms that dance in the air to the rhythm of the sea. The beauty of the island depicts the rare gift bestowed by God. Nature in all its beauty is replenished here. The beauty of this place attracts many tourists. Once you visit this place, you feel like resting on Mother Nature`s lap. The tranquility of the place is like nature`s lullaby. The beauty of the place enchants anyone and every one.

Origin of name of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The name Andaman is believed to have come from Handuman, which in Malay language means god Hanuman. The god Hanuman was known to the Malayas as "Handuman". The name Nicobar in Malay language means land of the naked people.

History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In the prehistoric times, the aboriginal tribes are believed to have inhabited the islands. In the Andaman Islands, the various Andamanese people diversified into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups. During the 17th century, the islands provided a temporary maritime base for the ships of the Marathas. In the year 1789, the British inhabited the place. In 1950 Andaman and Nicobar Islands became an Indian Union Territory. On 26 December 2004, tragedy struck Andaman and Nicobar islands in the form of Tsunami, which was 10 meter high, following the 2004 Indian Ocean Earth Quake. About 7,000 people were believed to have lost their lives in this tragedy.

Geography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The total area of Andaman Islands is about 6,408 km square that of the Nicobar Islands. This island is located in the Bay of Bengal, 1255 km from Calcutta and 1190 km from Chennai. There are over 572 islands in the territory, of which 38 of them are permanently inhabited. Most of the islands are in the Andamans group, 26 of which are inhabited. The smaller Nicobars comprise of 22 main islands and are locatyed at the South of Andamans. The two important islets of the Nicobar islands are the Ritchie`s Archipelago and Labyrinth Islands.

The Andamans and Nicobar Islands are seperated by a channel. The Islands are located between the latitudes 6° to 14° North and longitudes 92° to 94°. The islands have the maximum altitude at the Saddle Peak, which is formed of limestone, sandstone and clay. Around 50,000 hectares of land here are under cultivation. The island experiences a tropical climate. There is no extreme climate except the rains and tropical storms in late summer. The island has medium to heavy rain during the Monsoon, from May to mid September and November to mid December.

Economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
About 7,171 sq km of the Andaman and Nicobar islands are covered by forests. A total of 48,675 hactares of land are used for agricultural purpose. There are reports of occurrence of gold, limestone, nickel, selenite and sulphur. There are also a number of small scale, village and handicrafts units. Two units are export oriented in the line of fish processing activity.There are also shell and wood based handicraft units. Medium sized industrial units are engaged in the production of polythene bags, PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints, fibre glass and mini flour mills, soft drinks and beverages, etc. Small scale and handicraft units are also engaged in shell crafts, bakery products, rice milling, furniture making , etc.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation has also developed in the field of tourism, fisheries, industries and industrial financing. The number of export-oriented units is also increasing in the agro-processing sectors. The Andaman and Nicobar Integrated Development Corporation has made its presence felt in civil supplies, tourism, fisheries, industries, and industrial financing activities. The Oil And Natural Gas Commission is continuing the exploration for oil and gas there. Farming and fishing are the main sources of income here. Tourism is also another source of income for the state.

Government and Politics of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The different political parties of the island are INC, BJP, BSP, CPM, NCP , CPI (ML)(L) , LJNSP, SWD (Swaraj Dal). In the elections, Manoranjan Bhakta (INC) won from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Rtd Lt. Genera Bhopinder Singh is the governor of the island.

Transport of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Travel to Nicobar Islands is restricted and only Indian Nationals engaged in research can visit the place. There are exceptions for tourists with special permits. Tourists can reach these beautiful islands by means of air, sea and local transport. There are five weekly flights between Calcutta and Port Blair. And four flights between Chennai and Vishakhapattnam connect the islands to the mainland. Five weekly flights between Calcutta and Port Blair and four flights between Chennai.

There are 3 to 4 ships sailing in the Andaman`s and Calcutta and Chennai on the mainland. There is one ship sailing from Vishakhapattnam every two months. The Shipping Corporation of India runs these sailings. People can also make use of ferry. There are local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and taxis available for local transport on the islands.

Districts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The islands are divided into two:
The Andaman Island and
Nicobar Island.

Andaman district has an area of about 6408 sq km and Nicobar Islands have an area of about 1841 sq km. The biggest island in the Andaman Group is the Middle Andaman Island, which has an area of 1536 sq km. The biggest island in the Nicobar Group is the Great Nicobar Island, which as an area of 1045 sq km. The smallest island in the Andaman Group is the Ross Island, which has an area of 0.8 sq km. The smallest island in the Nicobar Group is the Pillomillow Island, which has an area of 1.3 sq km.

Demography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The total population of the island is 356265 (according to the 2001 census). Out of which the males constitute 192985 and the females 163280. The Literacy Rate of Males is 1,46,536 and the females 1,06,409. The major languages spoken are Nicobarese, English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Punjabi.

Culture of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a unique culture, where is a blended harmony of different religions, languages and ethnic groups. The island is known as Mini India. The capital of the country, Port Blair has a cosmopolitan character. All important festivals are celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all religious groups.

Flora and fauna in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In the South Andaman forests, there is abundant growth of epiphytic vegetation as ferns and orchids. In the Middle Andamans there are mainly deciduous forests. In the North Andaman region there are mainly climbers. In the North Nicobar Islands, there is complete absence of evergreen forests. Grass lands are common in Nicobars, while decidious forests are common in Andaman Islands. There are more than 200 varieties, out of which 30 are considered to be of commercial.

There are many varieties of forest mammals found in these regions. The spotted deer of different varieties as Axis, Barking deer and Sambar deer are found here in abundance. There are about 26 species of rats and 14 species of bats. There is also presence of species called Cephalopoda, which includes Octopus, Squid, and Nautilus etc. There are many corals, fishes and sea horses here.

Education in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The major institute of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the Regional Medical Research Institute and is affiliated to the Pondicherry Institute and another institute of reputation is the Tagore Government College of Education.

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Museums Of Andaman & Nicobar Islands