Andaman Nicobar Island Festival

Andaman Nicobar Island Festival

Andaman Nicobar Island

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unique culture, where all religions, ethnics groups live in total peace and harmony. The capital, Port Blair, has a cosmopolitan character and sometimes referred to as ‘Mini India’. All major festivals are celebrated with great frevour and are attended by all religious groups. One of the most important festivals of the emerald island is the Island Tourism Festival.

It was in the 1980s that the Island Tourism Festival was organized for the first time by the government authorities of Andaman and Nicobar. This festival, initially named the ‘Islands on the March' was introduced to showcase to the rest of the country the islanders' talents through various performances with a larger aim to improve economy through tourism. 

The 10 days Island Festival is organized, during December-January, by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The fortnight long festival gives a festive look to the Islands. Cultural troupes and artists of national and international fame perform during the festival. There are also performances by the talents of these islands, including the tribal. Water sports competitions like the Nicobari Hodi race, Canoe race are also organized. There are special screenings of puppet, magic and dog shows to attract children. The culinary skills of the locals are exhibited at the lovely floating restaurants of the island. Other attractions of the Island Festival are: Scuba diving, Puppet show, dog show, magic show, etc. The rich marine life and the flora & fauna collection of the island are also promoted during the festival.  The exhibition held during the festival, highlights the developmental aspects of the islands.

The islands have many spots reserved for the marine life of each island, especially Havelock. Some of the places of interest are:

Cellular Jail: Built by the British rulers in 1886, was meant to imprison the freedom fighters of India during the freedom fight. One can see here the execution room where the freedom fighters were hanged by the colonial rulers. The visitors can see the light and sound show depicting the sacrifice of freedom fighters and also showing up the brutal history of the Cellular jail.

Elephant Beach on Havelock Island: This unique coral beach is simply the best on the island, making it a magnificent spot to enjoy snorkeling.

Samudrika Marine Museum, Port Blair: Run by the Indian navy, visitors can update themselves about the history of Andaman Islands, its Geographical information, about the people of Andaman, the Archaeology of the place and finally the Marine life. 

Corbyn's Cove: A serene and an unspoiled soft sandy beach in Andaman near to Port Blair, this beach is set in picturesque backgrounds of lush green coconut palms and pleasant sea. This is an ideal spot for sun basking and sea bathing. The main attractions in this beach are the inviting water sports activities.  Many pill boxes and bunkers built by Japanese adds to the attraction of the beach.

Limestone caves, Baratang Island: One of the major attractions of the region. The beauty of these caves is unimaginable and a great natural wonder. The stalactites and stalagmites, which have withstood the natural process of erosion over time, form different interesting shapes and figures.

Parrot Island., Baratang Island: This small island located near Baratang is an ideal spot for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. A natural habitat for parrots, visitors can get a mesmerizing glimpse of thousands of parrots returning home during sunset. The view of the sunset here is spectacular. A must see view of all nature lovers.

Mud Volcano, Baratang Island: One of the main attractions for tourists The local called this mud volcano “jalki” and is truly a wonder of nature. Quite a rare attraction found in few places.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor), Port Blair: Also known as Wandoor Marine National Park, this is a fantastic National Park for Marine life in Andaman and is unique all over the world. The pristine beauty Jolly Buoy Island is a part of this National Park. This is one of the worlds best known scuba diving locations. Visitors can get a close look of underwater marine life, including corals and sea weeds.