A true tropical paradise, this archipelago of more than 500 islands dazzles with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. From the serene, palm-lined beaches, you can soak in the breathtaking beauty all around. Though modest in size, the Andaman Islands are packed with delightful surprises at every turn.
1.The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are named after Lord Hanuman
According to mythology, Lord Hanuman(the Hindu god) is believed to have landed on the Andaman Islands during his journey to Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka). As a result, it is widely believed that the name “Andaman” is derived from “Hanuman” or “Handuman.”
2.Andaman is Home To The Lost Tribe
Andaman is home to the Sentinelese, an uncontacted tribe often described as a “lost tribe.” They are the sole inhabitants of North Sentinel Island, a remote part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and are known for their isolation from the outside world.
The Sentinelese fiercely resist any attempt at outside contact, often responding with arrows and stones toward anyone who nears their island. For over 60,000 years, they have remained completely isolated, with no successful contact ever made by the outside world.
3.Andamans To India & Indonesia
The Andaman Islands, belonging to India, and Indonesia’s Aceh province lie in close geographic proximity. They are divided by the Great Channel, which spans about 160 kilometers (100 miles). This nearness has fostered growing cooperation and connectivity between the two regions, particularly in trade, tourism, and maritime security.
The Andaman Islands are approximately 150 kilometers from Indonesia and about 800 kilometers from mainland India.
4.The Coconut Crab
The Andaman Islands are home to the coconut crab, the largest land-dwelling arthropod in the world. These massive crabs are primarily terrestrial, avoiding water and behaving like land animals. They’re known for their impressive ability to climb coconut trees, which they often do in search of food.
5.Andaman is The Happy Land Of Butterflies
The phrase “Andaman is the Happy Land of Butterflies” beautifully captures the rich biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands are home to countless butterfly species, including some of the largest and most stunning in the world. Thousands of butterflies migrate to the region yearly, adding vibrant color and life to its already lush landscapes.
6.Largest Sea Turtles In The World
The Andaman Islands serve as an important nesting ground for Dermochelys coriacea, the largest sea turtle in the world. These massive turtles migrate to the islands in large numbers each year. The Olive Ridley turtles also choose the Andamans for nesting, making the region a vital habitat for multiple turtle species.
Nesting typically occurs between December and January, with Diglipur and several other locations in North and Middle Andaman being popular nesting sites.
7.The Andaman Islands and the 20 Rupee Note Connection
The reverse side of the Indian 20 rupee note features an image of the North Bay Island lighthouse, situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The view is from Mount Harriet, a well-known tourist spot near Port Blair. This scenic depiction establishes a direct link between the Andaman Islands and the iconic design of the 20-rupee note..
8.The Andaman Islands in the Time of World War II
During World War II, Japanese forces occupied the Andaman Islands—then part of British India—from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese fortified the islands and turned them into a key strategic outpost in the Indian Ocean. Although absolute control remained with the Japanese, the islands were nominally handed over to the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, as a symbolic gesture of support for India’s independence movement.
9.India’s First Sunrise of the Millennium
The Millennium’s First Sunrise in India was witnessed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Due to their geographical location in the easternmost part of the country, these islands were the first place in India to welcome the dawn of the new millennium on January 1, 2000, making it a moment of national significance and pride. The Katchal Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were the first place to witness the sunrise of the new millennium.
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10. Only 6.7% is inhabited by the Andaman
Only about 6.7% of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago islands are inhabited, with the vast majority remaining untouched and covered in dense forests and rich biodiversity.
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago has 572 islands, but only 38 are inhabited. The rest remain uninhabited, preserving their natural beauty and ecological richness.
11. Barren Island, the only active volcano in India, is located in the Andaman Islands
Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea, is part of the Andaman Islands. It has the only active volcano in India and is recognized as the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia, along a volcanic arc stretching from Sumatra to Myanmar. The island lies about 138 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Barren Island has experienced multiple eruptions over the years, with the most recent one recorded in 2017. It has been the source of eruptions since the first recorded eruption in 1787.
12. The most commonly spoken language on the islands is neither Andamanese nor Nicobarese
Bengali is the most widely spoken language in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, followed by Hindi. Other commonly spoken languages include Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. While indigenous languages like Andamanese and Nicobarese are still used within their native communities, they are not the most widely spoken. Hindi and English serve as the official languages of the islands.
