India Festival Souvenir Book-2008 (Part 2)

Andaman Nicobar IslandsFloating in splendid isolation, east of theIndian mainland is the archipelago of 572emerald islands, known as Andaman &Nicobar Islands. It is located in the IndianOcean, in the southern reaches of the Bay ofBengal, near Myanmar and Indonesia. Itcomprises two island groups - the AndamanIslands and the Nicobar Islands which separatethe Andaman Sea to the east from theIndian Ocean. The capital of this territory isthe Andamanese town of Port Blair. Theseislands attract the one who seeks absolutepeace and tranquility in the lap of MotherNature. Its spectacular wealth of velvet blueof the sea, coral gardens, golden beaches,lush green forests attracts ardent devotees ofthe spirit of adventure, from all over theworld. The sea around the islands offersexcellent scope for adventure water sports.The rare flora and fauna, underwater marinelife and corals, crystal clear water and mangrove-linedcreeks, offer a dream-view of therare gifts of nature. The clean roads as well asunpolluted fresh air attract any nature lover.One can also sight the tribes of these islands.Adventure tourism like trekking, islandcamping, snorkeling, scuba diving are themajor attractions for diverse tourists here. Avisit to these islands is a memorable lifetimeexperience.Andaman archipelago tops the tourist listof holiday destinations in many ways; natureas it’s most pristine, adventure most thrillingand there is always a beach to greet you atany edge. The first mapping of the twin archipelagostook place in the 2nd century BC, byGreek mathematician and geographerPtolemy. Though the two island groups werehome to various Negrito and Mongoloidtribes for centuries, they remained largelyuntouched by the outside world until thedays of the British Raj. Today, the Andamanand Nicobar islands shelter no less than fiveaboriginal tribal groups in the richness of itsecology and beauty.Compiled by Dr. Gaurangi PatelThe best part with an adventure holiday inAndaman’s is that, there is so much to explorefrom the sleeves of what is aptly described asa tropical paradise. Sparkling white chastebeaches, crystal clear lagoons studded withprofusely colored corals; azure warm seaswith an undisturbed, exotic marine life;palm-fringed islands; pervade serenity on allover the 700 km stretch. However, much ofthe isles still remain almost virgin forestlandthrough which chintzy-feathered birds andmonkeys swing; bordering marvelous beachesare floating planktons, through whichschools of fish dart and glide. Don't get afraidto see giant robber crabs that climb palmtrees for coconuts!Andaman Water Sports ComplexThis unique complex offers all possibleaqua-sport facilities like Water-skiing, Sailboats, Windsurfing, Speed Boats etc., andsafe water sports like Paddle Boats, RowBoats etc. There is a sea water swimmingpool and a change room. There is also aMemorial for the Battle of Aberdeen foughtbetween Britishers and Andamanee aboriginalsin 1859.Nearby is a Amusement Parkwith Rollercoaster, Pleasure rides etc. and achildren Traffic Park is adjacent to it.Scuba diving: Andaman waters offer afascinating world of under-water marine life,varieties of colorful fishes, rarest of the coralreefs in the world, mysterious remains ofsunken ships, etc. All these can be exploredthrough Scuba diving.Andaman & Nicobar Scuba Diving Societysituated at Wandoor provides Scuba Divingvarious opportunities. Private divers are alsoavailable.Snorkeling: One can enjoy the underwatermarine life and view the rarest varietiesof corals by snorkeling near the AndamanWater Sports Complex, Corbyn's CoveTourism Complex, Mahatma Gandhi MarineContinued on page 49“The true source of rights is duty” 47