Nicobar Megapode

The Nicobar Megapode or Nicobar Scrubfowl is a megapode found in some of the Nicobar Islands. Like other megapodes relatives, it builds a large mound nest with soil and vegetation, with the eggs hatched by the heat produced by decomposition.
Megapodes are so named for their large feet and like others in the group, this species is fowl like with dark brown plumage, a short tail and large feet and claws.
During the day, they move around in thick jungle adjacent to the sea shore. In the dark, they venture out on the shore. They move in pairs or small groups. The group may consist of birds of various ages including just hatched ones. When disturbed, they prefer to escape by running but take to wings when pressed. The group keeps in touch with cackling calls.

Radha nagar beach, Havelock Island

Radha nagar beach, Havelock Island, which is known for its long stretches of white and golden sand and crystal clear water, the Radhanagar beach is ideal for long swims and walks.
Asia's Best Beach and rated amongst world's top ten beaches.
The beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore the nature of different places. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna and flora for one to explore.
The main attraction of the Radhanagar Beach is its calm and clean surrounding which offers you a soothing sensation and relieves you of all the worldly worries. The beach is also a favorite hangout of love birds as the place has nothing to hinder their privacy.

Howrah Bridge, Neil Island

Amazing natural bridge shaped rock which is more popularly known as "Howrah Bridge" by the Bengali locals who once came in and settled in this beautiful secluded island in huge numbers.They refer to the original "Rabindra Sethu" which is also known as "Howrah Bridge" and is situated in Kolkata,West bengal of India. Another fascinating thing about this beach is the abandance of beautiful corals and marine life,specially at the twilight hours,and makes the shallow sea bed look like a underwater garden.

Some interesting facts about sea turtles in Andaman Islands!

- World’s largest sea turtles - the leatherback turtles - come to the calm and serene waters of Andaman Islands every year for nesting.
- These turtles flock to Andaman coast line in huge numbers - as many as 1,000 turtles every year.
- As many as 94 islands have been chosen as National Parks - including those with nesting leatherback turtles.
- Only four places in the world can boast of these nesting places and Andaman is one with 30 of its islands where the turtles nest nominated as National Parks.

Ramnagar Beach, Neil Island

Happy Onam!

Onam is a festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India. Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. During Onam, people create a multi-coloured floral decoration on the ground in the front of their home called pookkalam.

Andaman Wild Pig

Wild pig, also known as wild boar, (Sus scrofa) is a species of the pig genus Sus, part of the biological family Suidae.
The body of the wild pig is compact; the head is large, the legs relatively short. The fur consists of stiff bristles and usually finer fur. The colour usually varies from dark grey to black or brown.
The hair of the boar was often used for the production of the toothbrush until the invention of synthetic materials in the 1930s.
Wild boar are a main food source for tigers in the regions where they coexist. Tigers typically follow boar groups, and pick them off one by one. Tigers have been noted to chase boars for longer distances than with other prey, though they will usually avoid tackling mature male boars. In many cases, boars have gored tigers to death in self defense.

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Hygienic precautions for a happy holiday!

Basic hygienic precautions should be followed which can help you to have a hassle-free and happy holiday.

1. Do not drink tap water
2. Do not eat anything from the road-side vendors
3. Do not eat fruits and salad vegetables that were prior cut and kept exposed
4. Do not take any locally made ice creams/milk shakes/ soft drinks
5. Keep yourself hydrated with hygienically bottled water; buy only sealed water bottles from reputed companies.
6. Wear cool cottons and materials made of natural fibres to absorb sweat better.
7. Wash regularly as sweat and humid atmosphere may create fungal infections
8. Use sunshade/caps when out in the sun
9. Use sunscreen liberally
10. Attend to any skin injuries like shoe bites, skin infection, skin sore immediately
11. Keep mosquito repellent and insect repellent in your beach bag
12. Seek medical attention immediately in case of any injury or skin infection, shoe-bite etc. and have it treated with antibiotic creams and medication. Since the Islands have typical tropical hot and humid weather, infections can set in easily and early.

Limestone Cave in Andamans

In Baratang Island, particularly at Nayadera near Wrafters Creef, there is a huge deposit of Limestone, where some deposits are in the form of caves and the rest of it are in the form of layers or beds one upon the other.
There are more than 300 big and small deposits of limestone, out of which only one in the form of a cave is opened for the tourists. In the cave, massive limestone formations are dangled from the ceiling, glowed from the sides and sprouted from the ground.
The cave is a sight to behold- massive limestone formations dangled from the ceiling like chandeliers, glowed from the sides and sprouted from the ground like short pilasters. One hung like a thick pillar from the ceiling of the cave. The serrated edges of the limestone blocks shine in the dark. There is a narrow walkway of the cave inside and constant dripping of water from the ceiling.

Andaman Teal

The Andaman Teal (Anas albogularis) is a species of small duck found in the Andamans. The species was considered as a subspecies of the Sunda Teal.
The species is dark brown with buffy markings. The face and throat are pale with a white ring around the eye. The bill is bluish grey and the iris is red.
They are found in inland pools as well as mangroves and lagoons. They feed at night in rice fields. The breeding season is July to October and nests in reed patches. The nest is made of grass and about nine eggs forms the clutch. They were formerly considered to breed in tree hollows but recent studies found no evidence. They feed mainly on molluscs and arthropods.

Laxmanpur Beach, Neil Island

A secluded beach, Lakmanpur, lies 2 km north of Neil jetty. The beach is a broad spur of white shell sand with shallow water offering good snorkeling. Sun basking & swimming are other options. One can view spectacular sun sets from this beach.

Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island

It is one of the best beaches known for swimming & coral watching with vast sandy stretch. This beach is ideally recommended for youngsters because of activity options. One can avail from here glass bottom boats for coral viewing. The private operators charge Rs.100/- from person for a 10 minutes ride in glass bottom boats .The Sea around the Jetty area is full of corals with schools of fishes swimming around. The vegetation along the beach is simply soothing.

Beach Life

At the beach, life is different. A day moves not from hour to hour but leaps from mood to moment. We go with the currents, plan around the tides, follow the sun.

Independence Day celebration in Andaman & Nicobar Islands!

Message from  Lieutenant Governor

I extend my heartiest greeting to the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the 64th Anniversary of our glorious Independence.

  Significance of Independence Day is of great value in the wellbeing of our nation. This is an occasion when the countrymen recount the sacrifices of heroes of freedom struggle as it was thier indomitable courage and relentless effort which freed this nation from the shackles of imperialism. It is the path of peace and non-violence which forms the bedrock of the modern, democratic, progressive and secular India of today.

  Independence Day assumes a great significance in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as this territory occupies a special place in the history of our freedom struggle. It was our Island where the first batch of Indian freedom fighters were brought in 1858. It was in our Islands that the National Flag was first unfurled on 30th December 1943, by Netaji.

   It should be our bounden duty on this occasion, to take pledge that the sacrifices and struggles of these brave heroes do not go in vain. It was their dream of a freedom which inspired them to walk on the path of struggle with resistance and unselfishly. We must also resolve to make this country a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious nation.

   Commemoration of the Independence Day reminds us of the great sacrifice made by our brave and courageous freedom fighters who got us independence from the colonial rule on this Day in 1947. I would like to remind my fellow citizens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands that the freedom fighters of our Islands played a monumental role in the freedom struggle. The Cellular Jail bears testimony to the heroic deeds and sacrifices of the immortal islanders who were incarcerated in the jail and actively participated in the freedom struggle.

  On this solemn occasion let us pay tribute and homage to all those great men and women whose sacrifices brought us freedom. Let all of us take a pledge on this Day to uphold the honour and dignity of our country in the time to come. I am confident that our Islands will march on the path of progress and development in the years ahead and we shall be a proud member of the family of our great nation.

Source: http://www.and.nic.in/Latest%20Updates/indday11/IndDay2011.htm

Happy Independence day! Jai hind!!!

Independence Day is a day when people in India pay homage to their leaders and those who fought for India's freedom in the past. The period leading up to Independence Day is a time when major government buildings are illuminated with strings of lights and the tricolor flutters from homes and other buildings. Broadcast, print and online media may have special contests, programs, and articles to promote the day. Movies about India's freedom fighters are also shown on television.

Happy Raksha Bandhan!!!

Raksha Bandhan is a festival primarily observed in India, which celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. It is a day when siblings pray for each others' well being and wish for each others' happiness and goodwill.
The festival is marked by the tying of a rakhi, or holy thread, by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her as she presents sweets to her brother.

Ramnagar Beach, Diglipur

Ramnagar Beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is situated in the northern region at the Diglipur Island and is accessible through water and road. The sandy beach is only 15 kilometers away from Kalighat. The beach is surrounded by palm and coconut trees and other coastal shrubs. The beach is surrounded by natural beauty from all sides has a very calm and quiet environment. The weather of the Ramnagar Beach is very pleasant.

Science Centre

One of its kind in Port Blair, the Science Centre is a must see for all visitors, and not only children, as it enthrals with every turn. Providing knowledge to the visitors on the science behind the functioning of Oceans and the growth of Corals and how school of fish make way and behave to climatic changes, the centre integrates facets of Geography & Science.

Robber Crabs

The largest of the land-living arthropod (Birgus Latro) lives in Andaman Islands. These are land-living crabs. Since they climb up coconut trees at night time for the soft kernels of tender coconuts stealthily they are nick-named as - ‘Robber Crabs.’ They make a tiny hole and suck the entire kernel portion leaving out the shells as they are. These crabs are found in some parts of Nicobar Islands as well as areas of South Sentinel Island.

Beaches of Andaman

Laxmanpur Beach: A secluded beach, Lakmanpur, lies 2 km north of Neil jetty. The beach is a broad spur of white shell sand with shallow water offering good snorkeling. Sun basking & swimming are other options. One can view spectacular sun sets from this beach.
The natural bridge formations on the sea-shore are the main attraction here.

Mud Volcano, Baratang

It is one more main attraction for visitors travelling in Andaman islands. This Volcano is nearer to Baratang Jetty of Andaman islands (middle Andaman). It takes atleast a day to visit this place and return to Port Blair.
Mud Volcano is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground. As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge it grows in sizes, gradually forming what you can see today a miniature volcano with rich, creamy mud crater at the top.

Sitapur Beach, Neil Island

This beach is exposed to the open sea and thus prone to higher tides. It is 5 km south and at the tip of the island. This beach is best suited to watch Sunrise in the backdrop of natural vegetations & limestone formations. The journey from the Jetty to Sitapur beach itself is refreshing with green fields and variety of crops.

Sunset at Chidiya Tapu

Campaign to end Jarawa Tourism Strengthens Further in Andamans!!!

The campaign started by Survival International and SEARCH is gaining momentum with tour operators and leading travel companies who cater a large number of tourists in Andaman giving their willingness to join the campaign. In a recent development today, ‘Andaman Escapades Pvt. Ltd.’, a destination management company catering thousands of tourists every year in the islands has given its willingness to join the campaign. 

Survival and SEARCH in June 2011 had appealed to the tourists worldwide to boycott the stretch of the most controversial stretch of Andaman Trunk Road that passes through the home of the endangered Jarawa tribe, who number just 300 and odd. The dwindling tribe of Andaman has been surviving in the islands for more than 60,000 years and are considered as one among the first human race who migrated from Africa. 

The Jarawa resisted contact with the British who had occupied in the islands and the growing numbers of Indian settlers on their islands until 1998. Now, they are under serious threat due to poachers who hunt the animals they depend on and bring diseases, violence and exploitation. In 1999 and 2006 the Jarawa suffered outbreaks of measles – a disease that has wiped out many tribes worldwide following contact with outsiders. 

Expressing his opinion on the campaign, Shri Abdul Majeed, Director of Andaman Escapades wrote to SEARCH in which he said, “We cater both International and Domestic Indian Clients. Many of our clients had been visiting Baratang in the past. But off late we realized that the tourist visiting to Baratang trough Andaman Trunk road are not very keen on visiting Mud volcano and lime stone cave but to see and encounter Jarawa tribe…” 

“This we realized when recently Andaman trunk Road was closed due to a Steel Bridge repair and had to send our clients trough boats which they were not very keen on … We appreciate this initiative”.  

Shri Mohammed Sajid, the Managing Director of the Company talking to the Director of SEARCH said, “We have been keenly following this campaign and we decided to extend our whole hearted support as long as it is for a noble cause to protect a human race, who will be extinct if timely action is not taken”.  

Andaman Escapades Pvt. Ltd. is a destination management company in the islands and cater to 5000 tourists annually in the islands, which includes Indians and foreigners as well. Among the list of their cliental are the Italian Consulate General, Issaballa Satirmo, Gladyo Taratori, CEO of ENI, an Oil Rig Company, companies like Infosys, Microsoft, Google, Zybia, Norcsort Drilling and others.  

Andaman Holidays Pvt. Ltd. which had already joined and Andaman Escapades Pvt. Ltd. are both members of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which still feels that the stretch of Andaman Trunk Road should remain open.


Source: http://andamanchronicle.com/content/view/4317/27/

Corals in Andamans

The noun 'Corals' is believed to have derived its to origin from an Arabic word 'garal' which means small stone, or Hebrew 'goral' which means pebble. Later the Greek adopted it as 'korallion' and in Latin it appeared as 'Coralium'. The present day English version means 'the hard stony skeleton secreted by certain marine polyps'. The animals, which secretes and builds this skeleton originated some 570 million years ago. This tiny boneless, fragile creature is genetically endowed with exceptionally high architectural skill polyps create multispectral & multidimensional skeletons known as corals. A close look at a dead bleached coral piece will reveal its porousness. Millions of pores are found in a small piece of coral. Each 'pore' was the home for a 'polyp' and each piece of this calcareous 'garal' is the outcome of cumulative effort put-in by billions of polyps for a long time.

Credit: Naval Marine Museum, Samudrika.

Barren Island in Andamans

The only live volcano in the Indian peninsula. Barren lies around 120 km. north east of Port blair in Andaman sea. This tiny, almost circular island covers an area of about 8 sq.km and has a diameter of about 3 km.
It belongs to general Sunda group and is believed to have born out of an eruption which occured during the late Pleistocene period. Later in the course of geological evolution the prime gaint cone got transformed to the present day Barren. The existing cone in fact, is the central part of the blown off cauldron.
contrary to its name barren the island is fully covered with lush green forest and is inhabited by 13 species of birds, 10 species of butterflies, 9 species of insects, 7 species of mammals, 6 species of flies, and 2 species each of centipedes and spiders.

The mammals include a stock of feral goats, which have adapted themselves to the terrain and depend on sea water to survive in the absence of a perennial fresh water source on the island. It is believed that the goats reached the island following a shipwrech in the region.

Safety Tips for Swimmers and Divers

- Swim / Dive only in patrolled beaches / site
- Seek local knowledge on sites prior to swimming / diving
- Look for safety sign and observe them strictly
- Don't enter sea with open wounds
- Don't wear jewels / bright coloured dress while swimming / diving
- Don't walk over corals. They inhabit Stone Fishes which are poisonous if threaded
- Don't swim among shoals of fishes. Move out of water if you notice crocodiles, large shoals of jelly fishes, sharks,and sea snakes
- In case of emergency dial - 100

Snorkelling in North Bay Beach

North Bay offers rarest varieties of corals and rich marine life. The underwater corals in North bay beach is beautiful and colorful. Person who does not know swimming also can experience this marine world as they will be escorted by experienced person and rubber tubes will be provided.

State Tree of Andaman & Nicobar Islands - Andaman Padauk

                     The state tree Andaman Padauk is a charming looking tropical deciduous tree with burr and buttress pattern giving it a distinct look. It is endemic to these islands only.

                     Growing to a height of 120 feet or so, this tree is highly prized for its distinct reddish coloured timber from which beautiful furniture pieces are manufactured.
Growing tall, they spread out into branches after about 60-65 feet and form a thick canopy like cover at the top.
                     
                     They have flying saucer shaped inedible fruits.

Presbyterian Church, Ross Island

The entrance to this church built in European style stands tall amidst the lush green tropical trees. But, as one enters the church, it is amazing to note its sheer emptiness inside as most of the structure has given way to ruins. Not so far away on the slopes towards the sea is yet another church structure, but its last remaining wall has been taken over by the roots of the Banyan tree.

Cellular Jail Photos