Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Far Eastern Island Magic

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory in the middle of the Andaman Sea. The 572 islands have a very isolated position and are an insider tip among travellers. A part of the Andaman Islands can only be visited by people who have been granted certain authorisations. The Nicobar Islands are completely inaccessible to tourists. The largest islands are the Middle Andaman Island, the North Andaman Island, the South Andaman Island and the Great Nicobar. The climate is tropical with temperatures of 20 °C to 30 °C. Due to the high humidity, the felt air temperature can be over 35 °C. The water has a constant temperature of pleasant 24 °C.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the peaks of a gigantic underwater mountain range. These peaks protrude from the sea as islands and are vegetated by a thick tropical forest. In addition, there are some coral islands and two islands of volcanic origin. The Andaman Islands have an extraordinary flora and fauna. The common wood pigeon, the dugong, the Andaman boar and the crab-eating macaque are only a few examples of the region's typical fauna. Another special feature are the colourful butterflies, which enjoy staying at the white sandy beaches and form blotches of colour above the bright sand. There are nine national parks, which can be visited by tourists. The most popular destinations, however, are the long, deserted beaches you see in many places. You can go on trips to the uninhabited islands from the Andaman Islands. For several islands, you need special authorisation but tourists usually get it on site or with the help of their hotel.

Many finds show that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were already settled in primeval times. Several tribes spread on the islands but lived in isolation from each other and the rest of the world for centuries, if not longer. This changed when the first Europeans arrived on the islands by ship in 1789 and started colonisation. This time has long gone but the colonies did considerable damage to nature and the native population. The situation has not improved for the native inhabitants. India makes every effort to bring the islands the "bliss of civilisation". The last remaining tribes of the Great Andamanese people, Jarawa, Onge people and Sentinelese people only make up eight percent of the island's population now. Without knowing, tourists contribute to the extinction of the native population by behaving inappropriately. Foreign diseases, exploitation and abuse lead to the extinction of this special culture. The situation is different on the Nicobar Islands. Two thirds of their population is still native. Tourists are not allowed to enter. Nature takes back what was taken from it.

Coral banks, schools of fish in thousands of colours and the crystal clear water are perfect conditions for divers and snorkellers. Insiders already know that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an excellent diving location but most tourists have not heard of them yet. Therefore, they are still a tranquil and quiet paradise. Long beaches, warm water and high temperatures make the Andaman Islands the ideal destination for the next seaside holiday.

Not all Andaman Islands are accessible to tourist but you can normally get authorisation when you arrive. The Nicobar Island are reserved for the inhabitants. The best time for a trip is from November to April. Between May and October, the monsoon is particularly strong.