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Andaman & Nicobar
Floating in splendid
isolation, cast of the Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald
islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This
Union Territory is stretched over an area of more than 700 Km. from north
to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma
(Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense
forests and endless variety of exotic flowers and birds. 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
sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offer excellent
scope for water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life
and corals, with crystal clear water and mangrove-lined creeks, offer
a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature. The clean and wide roads, free
of filth as well as unpolluted fresh air attract any nature-lover, who
seek absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of mother nature. Adventure
tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc.,
are the real attractions. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime
experience.
Mythologicaly, the name Andaman was presumed to be derived from Hanuman,
who was known to the Malays as Handuman. Since Prehistoric times, these
islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of, the Andaman
group of islands are the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, and Sentinatese,
all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars are the Nicobarese
and Shompens, both of Mongoloid stock. The first settlement by the British
took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement
was basically a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, after the First
War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, Moplas,
some criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from
erstwhile East Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka as well as ex-servicemen.
In these islands people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Christians,
Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil,
Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc., live together in complete peace and
harmony. Inter-religion and inter-regional marriages are common. This
amazing racial and cultural mix is correctly described as Mini-India.
Forests are the green extend over gold of the islands. The reserved
and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the
forest cover is more than 92 %. About 50 % of the forests has been set
aside as Tribal Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, which
are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world,
occupy nearly II. 5 % of the territory. More than 150 plant and animals
species are endemic in nature. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is
rich in corals, varieties of colored fishes, sea turtles etc., besides
other marine life. It is a birds paradise - more than 271 varieties
of birds inhabit the idyllic landscape, out of which 39 are endemic.
Megapode, Swiftlet, Hornbill and Nicobar Pigeon are some of the specialties
of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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