Mentioned for the first time in the Arab chronicles written between China and India in 851, it would be Marco Polo who, during his trips to the Indian Ocean at the end of the 13th century, would refer to the inhabitants of Andaman as "dog-headed cannibals", a design that would accentuate the negative perception of the natives of the island in the eyes of western culture. Luckily, during the following years, Andaman also expanded that list of paradises that, either due to its lack of tourist openness, its remoteness or location, becomes one of those perfect places to flee to in search of the beginning of all things, from the virgin beaches, the banana plantations of brilliant bananas, the fish of a thousand colors and the tropical orchards.

 

Composed of up to 572 islands of which only 36 are inhabited and 30 are visitable after various permits granted in 2018, the islands of Andaman and Nicobar have strict control when it comes to enjoying this paradise. Among other various restrictions, it is not possible to camp on the beach, take photographs of native tribes (most of them from the Onge ethnic group, of Malay and Philippine influences), or alter the seabed, with aquatic photography being a luxury limited to certain specific areas. Restrictions that obey a global interest: respect for cultures that are not accustomed to foreign contact and natural heritage that is partially unknown to the tourist masses.

 

When accessing the Andaman Islands, it is only possible to do so through flights that depart from the Indian cities of Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar, or by boat from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata during a three day and two-night excursion. Once you have arrived, you just have to enjoy the main tourist attractions. Read also traveltargets.com for complete information.

 

Despite its limitations, the most famous places in the archipelago are divided between Great Andaman, an area formed by North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Baratang and Rutland Island or Little Andaman, further south and not far from Nicobar, a second archipelago more restrictive than Andaman itself.

 

Port Blair

 

Considered as the main point of entry to the Andaman Islands, Port Blair became the definitive port of an English empire rejected by the different native tribes of other islands throughout the 19th century. Finally, after different conflicts, they found in Port Blair the perfect setting in which to erect the one known as Cellular Jail, which welcomed various exiles and Indian convicts between 1896 and 1906. Currently, Port Blair is a quiet city with colonial influences where it can visit his old jail or the crowded Aberdeen bazaar.

 

Ross Island

 

Just 15 minutes by ferry from Port Blair, Ross Island defines part of the history of the Andaman Islands. From the bunkers used by the Japanese during their occupation of the island in World War II, to the old English churches now engulfed by the jungle, Ross Island invites you to end the day visiting the local mangroves accompanied by a local fisherman while the wild deer they get out of the way.

 

Barren Island

 

Located east of North Andaman, this island is famous for containing the only volcano in all of India. A giant that after 200 years asleep erupted in 1990 and, later, in 2005.