The Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
|
 An archipelago of 572 islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Bay of Bengal are one of the worlds most breathtakingly beautiful and pristine islands. Lying along an arc, in a long narrow broken chain and covering an area of 8,249 sq. km from north to south, these ecologically sensitive yet un-spoilt islands, home to some of the most mysterious and endangeredaboriginal tribes are a traveler’s delight. With their tropical virgin rainforest abound in rare and endemic species of flora and fauna, stunning underwater landscapes and marine life, unique tribal culture and heritage and sun kissed beaches, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are now on the top of every traveler’s itinerary.
With their spectacular underwater view of coral and marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal place for pursuing activities like snorkeling, sea bathing, scuba diving, fishing and island camping. The islands, with their endless azure blue waters, myriad coral reefs and numerous islets offer a lifetime experience that one shouldn’t really miss!
With the seas around the islands largely being unspoiled, snorkeling in the Andaman seas is a real pleasure. An abundance of vivid and amazing marine and coral life greets you. Swim along with the dugongs, chat with the dolphins and watch the magic of thecoral reefs unfold at the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Carbyn's Cove Tourism Complex, Havelock Islands and other islands such as North Bay, Rutland, Kachuadera, Barabalu, Tarmugli etc.
Diving
As an abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystem is the world, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a unique lifetime experience. With most of their coral reefs and underwater formations undamaged by human activity, one gets to view a fascinating world of under-water marine life, large varieties of colorful fishes, rarest of the coral reefs etc. With their crystal clear waters and warm diving sites suitable for people of all ages, visitors can enjoy a profusion of the islands beauty in its entirety.
Scuba diving is available in most of the Islands in Andaman and equipments are available in all major resorts and tourism promotion agencies. Visitors can also take advantage of the variouscourses that are offered by the resorts in scuba diving. Most of these courses last from a day to a week and are conducted by PADI certified instructors.
 Some Good Diving Spots Havelock Island: Spread over 55 square miles, Havelock Island, voted by TIME Magazine as having two of the best beaches in the world, has a large number of diving sites. Divers can enjoy a dive in the islands protected waters and explore its myriad reefs, underwater rock formations, canyons etc.
Cinque Island: With its crystal clear emerald water and a visibility up to 80 feet, Cinque Island is one of the best dive destinations in the island. The deep dive offers a fascinating view of a large variety of marine life, including black coral, sharks, hammerhead etc and is ideal for the experienced diver. The North Point and the Southeast Reef are excellent for novice divers and have a large number of hard and soft corals, sponges and fishes.
Fish Rock/ Passage Island: With their rocky slopes, boulders and drop-offs, featuring large fan of corals and plenty of sponges, Fish Rock/ Passage Island offersan extremely colorful dive. With its rocks covered in small bushy soft corals in numerous hues, the dive is spectacular. Grey and White tip Reef and Reef Sharks are almost always in the vicinity as are Nurse Sharks and other marine life.
More
|
