Subhasis Banerjee

ANDAMAN ISLANDS Stretching along the southern expanse of the Bay of Bengal, the emerald archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands appear like a string of pearls amidst an azure environment. This isolated chain of 570 undulating islands of more than 8,249 sq km enjoy a tropical humid climate with intermittent showers and is home to three of the oldest tribes of Homo-sapiens in the world – Jarwa, Sentinel and Onge. Existing in isolation, their dwindling population still eke out of primitive living in the densely forested islands of exotic birds and indigenous flora. Out of the 2000 variety of plants found in these islands, 221 are not found anywhere else on earth. Andaman is an ideal destination for those who are inclined to take a bit of sun and wind and enjoy a laid-back holiday amidst the silver-sandy beaches and creeks spread over the meandering coastline, offering an excellent variety of water sports. Port Blair is the capital of this union territory and has a bleak historic pa...

SOUTH SENTINEL ISLAND Set up in 1977 AD, this small sanctuary sits around an island in the Andaman archipelago where the Olive Reedley Turtles, Green Sea Turtles and Leather-Backed Turtles flock in numbers at the advent of winter to lay their eggs. Among the birds, the White Bellied Sea Eagle is found here in numbers. Accessibility : Reached by boat, this sanctuary is 125kms away from Port Blair in the southeast. Accommodation : The sanctuary can only be visited. There is no accommodation inside. Season : November to March.

SADDLE PEAK WILDLIFE PRESERVE The Park is situated around a rocky cliff rising to a height of 738 meters above sea level in the North Andaman. The Park is replete with Hill Mynah, Andaman Imperial Pigeon and Andaman Wild Pig, a variety of lizards and reptiles, especially Saltwater Crocodile. Accessibility : The sanctuary is approached easily from Dighlipur. Accommodation : The forest department has built two beautiful Forest Rest Houses inside the sanctuary where the visitors can stay. Season : November to March.

NORTH RIFF ISLAND This sanctuary is situated near Mayabandar in the Andaman archipelago and is home to some rare species of birds such as Andaman Teal and Nicobar Pigeon. The spectacularly coloured coral islands scattered around this island sanctuary on the sapphire sea are an added attraction. Accessibility : A 30kms boat ride from Mayabandar reaches the sanctuary. Accommodation : There is no accommodation inside the sanctuary. Visitors have to stay in the Government Guest House at Mayabandar. Season : November to March.

NARCONDAM HORNBILL PRESERVE Set up in 1977 AD, this small sanctuary around Narcondam Island in the Andaman archipelago is virtually a Narcondam Hornbill preserve. The Narcondam Hornbill is a highly endangered bird species, which is found only here. Accessibility : A 294kms drive from Port Blair takes one to Dighlipur on the east coast of North Andaman. Visitors also have the option of travelling overnight on a ferry from Port Blair to reach Mayabandar and then take another 56kms boat ride to reach Dighlipur, which is the jump-off point to visit this sanctuary. This avifaunal haven is then reached by a 90kms boat ride. Accommodation : There is no accommodation inside the sanctuary. Visitors have to stay in the Government Guest House at Dighlipur. Season : November to March.

MOUNT HARRIET Founded in 1979 AD, this National Park in the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands covers an area of the 47 sq km and is the only home of the highly endangered Andaman Wild Pig. This emerald island is also encompassed on three sides by greenish-blue sea and hooded by the azure sky. Accessibility : Only 15kms north of Port Blair, this sanctuary is approached by car. Accommodation : A Forest Rest House is situated inside the Park. Visitors can also stay in Hotels and other Government Rest Houses and Tourist Lodges in Port Blair.   Season : October to March.

MIDDLE BUTTON Founded in 1979 AD, this National Park is famous as a Dolphin, Dugong and Water Monitor Lizard reserve. Encompassed by the sea on all sides, this Park with a few rocky islands along with its azure surroundings hosts a number of other reptiles and aquatic fauna. The park will be a fascinating experience for those with a fetish for adventure. Accessibility : The sanctuary, which is 65kms away into the sea from Long Island, can be reached by boat. Accommodation : There is no available accommodation inside this sanctuary as well. Forest Rest House at Long Island is the only available accommodation. Season : October to March.

BARREN ISLAND About 60kms east of Long Island, this sanctuary around the small Barren Island on the azure expanse of the Andaman Sea was founded in 1977 AD to preserve a variety of aquatic fauna, particularly Dugong and Dolphin. Reaching this destination is quite tedious but the experience is highly adventurous and extremely fascinating. Accessibility : Long Island is around 85kms from Port Blair and is reached by a ferry. It is situated off the south-eastern coast of Middle Andaman. Barren Island is another 60kms east of Long Island and the sanctuary can be approached by boat from here. Port Blair, the capital of the union territory, is very well connected by air and water with Kolkata and Chennai. Accommodation : Forest Rest House at Long Island is the only available accommodation. There is no available accommodation inside the sanctuary. Season : November to March. 

ANDAMAN ISLANDS Stretching along the southern expanse of the Bay of Bengal, the emerald archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands appear like a string of pearls amidst an azure environment. This isolated chain of 570 undulating islands of more than 8,249 sq kms enjoy a tropical humid climate with intermittent showers and is home to three of the oldest tribes of Homo-sapiens in the world – Jarwa, Sentinel and Onge. Existing in isolation, their dwindling population still eke out of primitive living in the densely forested islands of exotic birds and indigenous flora. Out of the 2000 variety of plants found in these islands, 221 are not found anywhere else on earth. Andaman is an ideal destination for those who are inclined to take a bit of sun and wind and enjoy a laid-back holiday amidst the silver-sandy beaches and creeks spread over the meandering coastline, offering an excellent variety of water sports. Port Blair is the capital of this union territory and has a bleak historic p...