Andaman And Nicobar Islands

Tradition and Culture of Andaman and Nicobar Island

Andaman and Nicobar Islands culture is different from other parts of the country because of it’s native. However it’s culture has become a mixture of different languages, religions and ethnic groups due to modernization and development. The capital city - Port Blair consists of an international culture with people from all parts of the world settled here.
People from almost all religions now reside here which includes Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Muslims who speak many languages from Hindi, Tamil, Bengali to Telugu, Punjabi and Malayalam. All religions, fairs, events and festivals are celebrated over here with equal amounts of zeal and passion. Being a cluster of 572 islands, Andaman and Nicobar are really famous for their seafood, which is found in each and every restaurant on the islands.
Since Andaman and Nicobar Islands were mostly inhabited by aboriginal tribes, no particular cuisine was ever developed. The tribes were mainly dependent on hunting for food and mostly ate fruits, meat and fish, which is found in abundance on the islands. The Andamanese are very fond of fish and therefore, like to have fish with most of their meals.

Must Visiting Places of Andaman and Nicobar Island:

• Cellular Jail: The Cellular Jail is also known as Kala Pani. The word is derived from Sanskrit words 'Kal' which means Time or Death and 'Pani' which means Water. The Jail was a colonial prison in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The prison was used by the British especially to exile political prisoners to the remote archipelago. Many notable dissidents such as Batukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar were convicted and jailed here during Indian independence struggle. Today, the construction serves as a national memorial monument.
• Ross Island: Ross Island is about 2 km east of Port Blair. It was the Administrative Headquarters for the islands, before an earthquake rocked it in 1941. The headquarters were then shifted to Port Blair. One can see remains of a splendid past in the ruins of the church, swimming pool and the chief commissioner's residence with its huge gardens and grand ballrooms. There is also a cemetery and a small museum managed by the Indian Navy.
• Wandur National Park: Located in the south-western coast of the Andaman Islands, Wandur National Park is a marine life conservation area situated at a distance of 25 km from the capital city of Port Blair. The wildlife sanctuary which is also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park consists of a group of 12 islands which are situated geographically in a labyrinthine shape and are home to some of the most exquisite marine wildlife in the world.
• Chatham Saw Mill: Chatham Saw Mill is the biggest and the oldest mill across Asia owned by the Forest Department. The mill is also a storehouse for a variety of woods cut into different shapes and sizes.
• Corbyn’s Cove: Corbyn's Cove is the nearest beach to Port Blair. It is quite popular among tourists as well as locals. It serves as an ideal place to just get a good sunset view and laze around. There are quite a few water sports which draw many adventure enthusiasts here.
• Viper Island: Years before Cellular Jail was constructed, Viper Island was used by the British to keep the freedom fighters in exile. You can still see the remains of the jail which was built in 1867 by the British.
• Wandoor Beach: A small village in the southern part of South Andaman, Wandoor is most recognized for its Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The village also has some beaches which are relatively less crowded and offers mesmerizing views. You can combine your trip with a visit to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island, where you get to see beautiful corals. Wandoor is easily accessible and is only 1-2 hour bus ride away from Port Blair.
• Baratang Island: Baratang Island is a gateway to North & Middle Andaman District of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This District, quite unexplored from the tourism point of view, is one of best part of one's trip to Andaman Islands because of its virgin beauty and natural wonders. In Baratang Island one can see Mud Volcano, mangrove and tropical forests, Limestone Caves, Parrot Island and a nice deserted beach at Baludera. 
• Havelock Island: Havelock is one of the most popular islands among the 600 in the region and is most developed when it comes to tourism. Situated at a distance of 46 kms from city centre and is a 2-4 hour ferry ride away from Port Blair.
• Neil Island: Neil Island is a beautiful island which is more peaceful and less crowded than Havelock. Situated at a distance of 44 kms from the city centre. It is a long stretch of sandy beaches from where one can admire the crystal blue water.
• Barren Island: Barren Island is located at a distance of 35 kms of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The only confirmed active volcano in South Asia, the Barren Island volcano is the northern most volcano in the Indonesian arc. The island is famous as a rare and interesting scuba-diving destination.