One of the seven Union Territories in India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been an exotic location for holiday destination not only because of it’s white sandy beaches that makes couples attracted to it but also the archipelago that adds a surreal beauty to the place. Couples likes to go for diving here to watch the beauty of the scenes such as coral reefs hidden underneath the surrounding seas. If one can’t afford to go the “Great Barrier Reef of Australia”, then one can definitely take the chance of going to the neighbouring islands of The Andaman’s without the need for any Visas and passports required (For Indian Citizens). Just an ID would be sufficient enough while travelling to the region.
What is there to See?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, consisting of 600 of it is beautifully made by nature because of the coral polyps found underneath the sea and the natural diversity of flora and fauna found in the region. With many natural parks found in the region, here are some of them you should see once in your visit to the place.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Park – Situated at the capital of the island in Port Blair, is a newly built national park and is situated near the Wandoor Beach of Port Blair. It is a man-made park in which a huge variety of flora and fauna is kept inside in the form of samples. The park comprises of over 15 islands that primarily comprise of mangrove creeks, tropical rainforest and reefs. The climatic conditions of these islands support over 50 types of corals and colourful fishes. The shores of these islands are breeding grounds for 5 different types of marine turtles. This park is popular among the visitors for its living coral reefs and a colourful marine life.
- Mount Harriet National Park – This park is spread across 46 square km and is situated at a height of 383m. Among the 9 National Parks of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park is the most exotic and one of the most visited national parks. It is situated in the Ferargunj District of Port Blair and it usually takes an hour to reach here from the capital.Mount Harriet’s peak is the third highest and also one of the most easily accessible peaks of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Travellers admire this place for its peaceful environment and breath-taking views of sea from its peak. Unlike conventional national parks, Mount Harriet is home to very few species of animals that include Andaman wild pigs, turtles and robber crab.
- North Button Island National Park – Situated in the Andaman Island region of the area, it is 60 km away from the long island and that one can avail ferry services to reach this island from long island. This park is often visited for the rich presence of diverse animal species here. Important fauna species found in the park include Dugong, Dolphin, Water Monitor and Lizard. Months ranging from December to March are considered as the most appropriate months for visiting this national park.
How to reach there?
Being an Island, one can only go there by ships or by air. Ship services are available from the ports of Chennai (1,190 km), Vishakapatnam (1,200 km) and from Kolkata (1,255 km).
Air routes are regularly available from the cities of Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam and New Delhi on a Daily basis.