India Tourism » Travel to Andaman Nicobar

THE CELLULAR JAIL :
Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this Jail. The Jail, completed in the year 1906 acquired the name, 'Cellular' because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the prisoners. It originally was a seven pronged, puce-coloured building with central tower acting as its fulcrum and a massive structure comprising honeycomb like corridors. The building was subsequently damaged and presently three out of the seven prongs are intact. The Jail, now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving people, has been declared a National Memorial.

Prime Sites :
Son-Et-Lumiere : The saga of the heroic freedom fighters in Kala Pani is brought alive in a moving sound and light show "Son-et-Lumiere", shown daily inside the jail compound at 6.00 pm (Hindi) and 7.15 pm (English). There is also a Museum, an Art gallery, and a Photo gallery, which are open on all days except Monday from 9.00 AM to 12 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

MUSEUM :
The marine museum exhibits almost 350 species of marine life while the Anthropological Museum displays the tools, implements, art and handicrafts of the tribals in the territory.

In the Anthropological Museum, devoted to the Andaman and Nicobar tribes, include weapons, tools and also rare photographs of the region's indigenous people Sentinelese, taken on April 26, 1967, when a party of Indian officials make the first contact with the tribe. After scaring the aborigines, the visitors marched into one of their hunting camps and make off with the bows, arrows and other artefacts now displayed in the museum. The anthropologist charged with documenting the expedition noted afterwards that "the whole atmosphere was that of conquering hordes over-running conquered territory".

CORBYN'S COVE :
The best beach within easy reach of the capital Port Blair lies 10-km southeast at Corbyn's Cove, a small arc of smooth white sand backed by a swaying curtain of palms.

For more isolation, rent a moped or take a taxi 30-km south to Chirya Tapu or "Bird Island", at the tip of South Andaman. The motorable track running beyond this small fishing village leads through thick jungle overhung with twisting creepers to a large bay, where swamps give way to shell-strewn beaches.

VIPER ISLAND :
This island offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest. Island camping at Radhanagar is real exposure to the unpolluted nature for an environment lover.

The tiny, serene, beautiful island of viper is situated inside the Port Blair Harbour. The island derives its name from the vessel 'Viper' in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to the islands in 1789 with the purpose of establishing a penal settlement. The vessel, it is believed, met with an accident and its wreckage was abandoned near the island.

WANDOOR BEACH :
Situated on the West coast of South Andaman, it is a beautiful place for diving, swimming and picnicking. The wooden jetty at Wandoor is the boarding place for Red Skin or Jolly Buoy island famous for corals.

MOUNT HARIET :
The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, Mt. Harriet is an ideal for a nice and fascinating over view of the outer islands and the sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365m high).

One can trek upto Madhuban through a nature trail and can find rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies. Conducted tours to Mt. Harriet are also available from Andaman Teal House.