The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are popularly known as Emerald Islands. This Archipelago of 572 islands, islets and rocks is stretched over an area of about 700 kilometers from north to south; out of these only 38 islands are inhabited. The northern part with 544 islands forms the Andaman group and the southern part with remaining 28 islands forms the Nicobar group. These two groups are separated by a ten-degree channel. The uppermost point of Andaman is just a few dozen miles away from Coco-islands of Myanmar, infamous for its prison.

The southern most "pigmillion point" of Nicobar, now known as Indira Point is a few hundred miles away from Indonesia's Aceh Islands, the epicenter of 2004 Earthquake which triggered the devastating Tsunami. The capital of this Union Territory, Port Blair, lies at an equidistance of around 1200 Kilometers by sea from each of Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.

Andaman and Nicobar groups of islands are situated in the Bay of Bengal, mid way between peninsular India and Mayanmar, spreading like a broken necklace in the North-south direction. These islands are located between 6º 45” and 13º 41” North latitudes, and 92º 12” and 93º 57” East longitude. Islands located north of 10º N latitude are known as Andaman group of Islands while islands located south of 10º N latitude are called Nicobar group of islands. Total geographic area of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is 8249 sq.km. of which Andaman group of islands cover 6408 sq.km. while Nicobar group cover 1841 sq.km.

Floating in splendid isolation the topography of these islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offers excellent scope for water sports. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling and scuba diving are the real attractions. A visit to these islands is a memorable and lifetime experience.

The sandy beaches are natural choices for the turtles. Under-water marine life, corals, crystal clear water and mangrove land creeks present a rare view, are the precious gifts of nature to this land.

The flora and fauna of these islands have certain features common with those of Chinese, Malaysian and Myanmarese regions. It is a fact that the array of the species and sub-species found on these islands is not found anywhere else in the world.

Any mention of this place brings to the mind the infamous cellular jail, which was built during British regime. Standing on the seafront this jail has a unique architecture. In its original form it had seven wings much like the spokes of a bicycle. It was actually a three storeyed structure with 698 solitary cells. The Central Tower was used by the sentries to keep a watch on each and every inmate.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, the Supreme Commander of I.N.A., visited the jail in December 1943 when the islands were under the control of Japan. Two wings of the jail had been demolished by Japan during the World War II and two more were demolished after Indian independence. In May 1969, the Union Government announced preservation of the remains of the cellular jail as a national memorial. A martyrs' column was declared open in September 1985 by the then President of India. To keep alive the saga of the freedom fighters epic struggle, the eternal flame at the "Cellular Jail National Memorial" was lit by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas on 9th August, 2004, coinciding with the anniversary of the Quit India Movement.

There are numerous places of tourist interest on these islands. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor covers an area of 281.5 Sq. Km. The park c o m p r i s e s mangrove creeks and 15 small and large coral islands including the famous Red Skin, Jolly Buoy islands with white sandy beaches and abundant underwater marine life.

Mount Harriet, the Summer Headquarters during the British Raj, is the highest peak in South Andaman. Rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies can be seen here.

Neil Island about 35 kilometers from Port Blair by sea is a virgin island with beaches, natural bridge formations and scuba diving facilities.

Radhanagar beach on Havelock Island is very attractive with diving sites for snorkels and scuba divers.

Another interesting tourist spot is Baratang Island. Baratang Island is located at about 100 Km off the Capital city of Port Blair on the NH 223 (commonly known as Andaman Trunk Road) towards Diglipur. The total length of the Island is around 22 Kms and totally separated by Creeks on both sides. The island has dense Tropical Forests of all types ranging from tidal swamp forest to Evergreen to littoral forests laced with sandy beaches along its coast at Baludera, Roglachang etc. The presence of Mud Volcano near Jarawa Creek and limestone caves in Nayadera is a rare attraction for tourists, as it is present only at few places in the world and these are truly wonders of nature and a must see sights. In addition the mangrove ecosystem is an attraction to bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, as biodiversity rich areas which harbors diverse flora and fauna. The Parrot Island is a natural habitat for parrots in this region. The parrots returning home before every sunset is a unique and must see view for all nature lovers. Baratang is also famous for rearing rare varieties of endemic birds, white spotted deer and seasonal orchards.

Long island, Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur are among the other important places in Andaman group.

Car Nicobar, Kakana, Kamorta, Tilanchang, Katchal, Teressa, Little Nicobar and Campbell Bay of great Nicobar are a few very interesting places in Nicobar group. The Nicobar pigeon, double the size of ordinary pigeon, is abundant here.

Jarawas, Shompens, Onges, Nicobarese & Andmanese are some of the native tribes here.

On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale accompanied by Tsunami struck the Andaman and Nicobar islands at 6.29 A.M. The Nicobar group was worst affected being close to the epicentre in Indonesia. According to the official estimate, 1,386 people died and 5,764 went missing. The Island Administration with the help of military authorities rendered yeoman services to mitigate the suffering of the victims.

The Union Government and international aid agencies had rushed in immediate aid at that hour of the need. All out efforts are being made to rebuild these islands into the New Andaman so that the emerald regains its glaze.

The population of these islands during last three census is shown in the following table

HOW TO REACH BY AIR

Port Blair is connected with Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata by air. Presently flights are operated by