Stop Smoking! - World Anti Tobacco Day 2011

From an Andaman perspective, not smoking helps in two ways. First, it saves you. Second, it saves the environment. DON’T SMOKE!

Hunger Strikes of Political Prisoners of Cellular Jail

May is not only remembered for the first organized attack of aborigines on the Aberdeen convict station but also known for one of the organized hunger strikes of Political Prisoners of Cellular Jail of 1933 which took the lives of 3 i.e.Mahavir Singh(17 May),Man Krishna Namadas (26 May)& Mohit Moitra(28 May) during 

force feeding process.Today is the 79th death anniversary of Man Krishna.Let's salute all of them.....

One more horrendous, dark fact from the long, forlorn corridors of the then "Kalapani" aka Cellular Jail... Awesome Andamans submits its respects to the martyrs...

Courtesy: Ms. Rashida Iqbal | Mr. Rathnam

Karmatang Beach, Mayabunder

The beach is located before reaching Mayabunder and is hidden from the road going past it by a rock outcrop and coconut plantations. The approach to the beach is also an unmarked, inconspicuous footpath. It, therefore gives the impression of secret hideout that facing vast open sea. The place is quite enchanting. The water is clean, the waves not too rough and the sand is soft under the feet.

World Turtle Day

Today is World Turtle Day & we would like to speak of the different species of Turtles found in the Andaman Islands - The Green Sea Turtle, The Hawksbill Turtle, The Leather Back Turtle and The Olive Ridley Turtle. Many of the beaches in the Andaman Islands are nesting grounds for Turtles and especially Kalipur beach in Diglibpur, Cut...berth Bay Beach in Rangat and Karmatang Beach in Mayabunder.

-Here are 5 Things You Can Do To Save Sea Turtles-
1. Turn Out Lights Visible From the Beach!
Sea turtle hatchlings use light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at night. Artificial lighting confuses the hatchlings and causes them to head inland instead of out to sea – putting them in dangerous situations which can lead to death. Artificial lights also discourage adult females from nesting on the beach. Short of turning off your lights, you can also take measures to shield, redirect and lower the intensity of the lights on your property.

2. Reduce the Amount of Garbage You Produce and Clean Up Trash You See On the Beach.
Sea turtles can become tangled in plastic and trash both on the shore and in the water. Discarded items such as fishing lines, balloons and plastic bags may also be confused for food and eaten by sea turtles, often resulting in injury or death.

3. Be Aware of Sea Turtle Nesting Areas and Avoid Nesting and Hatching Turtles.
Sea turtles are cute, and therefore tempting to touch and observe – but flashlights and people disturb turtles when they are nesting, or trying to nest, on the beach. Make sure to give nesting areas plenty of space, and do not disturb females as they emerge from the ocean looking for a place to nest. Also be conscious of where nesting areas are so that you can avoid trampling the hatchlings as they head to the water.

4. Reduce the Amount of Chemicals You Use.
The chemicals you use on your lawn and in your home can actually wash into the coastal waters – killing plants and animals. It is very important to properly dispose of toxic chemicals and, even better, find alternative products such as biodegradable solutions.

5. Volunteer!
There are countless ways in which you can make a positive difference in the lives of sea turtles. Organize a clean-up day with your friends and clear the beach of litter, give a presentation to your neighborhood or local school on things they can do to save sea turtles, and most importantly, talk to others about what they can do to make sure they are not putting these important creatures in danger.

Starfish in Neil Island!

Starfish in Howrah Bridge, Neil Island during low tide!!!

Album - Yacht in Andamans

       Yachting in Andamans is a ever-rememberable experience. Be it the calm and balmy life or the rich flora and fauna, Andamans is one heaven of an island destination which is much-yacht after! See this album to believe it for yourself!

Album - Scuba Diving in Andamans

               The under-water secrets in Andamans are scintillating. Before exploring them by yourself, get enthralled watching this album on Scuba Diving in the Andamans!

Elephant Beach in Havelock Island

                  
                Elephant beach (Hathi Tapu) at Havelock is wonderful beach for snorkeling with rich coral reef and amazing marine life. One can visit Elephant Beach via a small boat by cruising through the dark blue sea. Elephant’s Beach was a pristine and untouched, it was like landing on such an island which is not inhabited by anyone. The under water sea life and corals were seen as clear as you see in pictures and portable aquarium. The snorkeling in this beach is the most memorable moments and life time experience for incoming tourist.

Ross Island

          This small island in less than a sq. km area that stands right across Port Blair, encompassing in a way the entire life of Andamans. It was once the home of the indigenous tribe - Great Andamanese, whose number dwindled from 5,000 to just 28 within 20 years of the initial British occupation. The island served as the capital from 1858 till 1941, when the Japanese occupied it and converted it into a PoW site. The ruins of the church and the Chief Commissioner's house amoung overcrowding vines and aerial roots are the most evocative of the remains.

Photo: Ross Island Jetty, 1900

"Nanban" comes to Andaman!

Maestro Shankars' crew comes to the Andamans, to shoot for his upcoming movie, "Nanban" (the tamil version of the blockbuster 3 idiots), starring Vijay, Jiiva and Srikanth! Didn't we know Andamans is always a "friend in need" for those film makers who wanted breath-taking locales for their movies?!! 

More info at: http://nanbanmovie.in/news/nanban-flys-to-andaman

Rally to Promote Destination Andaman

      HR Association of Andaman has organized a Rally from Port Blair to Delhi with the objective to promote ‘Destination Andaman’ as one of the most emerging Tourist Places in India. The Director of Tourism flagged off the rally at 11 A.M. from the IP& T Premises on 3rd May 2011.
      The Rally is being organized by H R Association of Andaman and Shri Kapil Abrol, General Secretary and other members shall be participating in the rally. The Rally is to commence from Andaman on 20th May and will reach Delhi on 25th May covering more than 1700 Kms of distance via road, passing through different states including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan & Haryana in a specially designed Vehicle.
      The Rally is being organized with the sole objective to promote Tourism "Destination Andaman" and the Delegation will conduct meetings not only with the counterparts in mainland but also with the officials of Tourism Department of different States.

Munda Pahar Beach, Chidiya Tapu

         It is in the southernmost tip of south Andamans and is 25kms from Port Blair. The lush green mangroves and forests shelter numerous chirping birds. The sylvan sands and Munda Pahar Beaches make it an ideal picnic spot. Before the sunset, enjoy a swim at Munda Pahar Beach. The forest Guest House situated at the top of the hillock provides a fabulous view of isolated islands, submerged corals and breath-taking sunset.