Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, isles and rocks known as Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This union territory stretches over a length of more than 700 kms from North to South with around 36 inhibited islands. Once a hill range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flora and fauna. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut palms that sweep to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offers excellent scope for water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, crystal clear water and mangrove lined creeks offer a dream view of the rare gifts of nature. The clean, unpolluted air attracts any nature lover who seeks absolute peace and tranquility. The white sandy beaches have a backdrop of luxuriant greenery & in the clear blue waters of the lagoons enclosed by coral reefs is an underwater world full of fish of every possible variety.

How to get there:

By Air:
Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta. Presently, Alliance Air on Chennai Port Blair Sector on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and Calcutta Port Blair Sector operate flights on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Jet Airways flights operate daily from and to Chennai.

Further details regarding the flights can be obtained from the respected offices of Alliance Air and Jet Airways.

Climate:
The temperature is neither very low nor very high. The temperatures in summers range from 23`C to 27`C. The winters are much pleasant with temperatures dropping to not lower than 15`C. The best time to visit is from October to April. Cotton clothing is advisable throughout the year.

Places to Visit:

1. Cellular Jail: Built by the Britishers in 1906. Because it was entirely made up of single cells to keep prisoners in solitary confinement, the prison acquired the name, 'cellular.' Originally it was a seven-pronged structure, with a dominant central tower with a honeycomb of corridors. Today only three prongs are left standing - a witness to that that there were perpetrated by the British rulers on the Indian freedom fighters during the colonial period.

2. Anthropological Museum: Open 6 days a week except Mondays and other public holidays, this museum is a terrific encyclopedia on the life of the Paleolithic Islanders.

3. Mini Zoo: Here can be seen some of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' rare species of endemic birds and animals. It is situated in Haddo, Port Blair.

4. Chatham Saw Mill: One of the oldest & the largest sawmills in Asia - the Chatham saw Mill is built on a small island. A bridge conn