Natural Tourist Attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

In particular, tourists get excellent scenic beauty from some particular spots. Starting from the Cellular Jail, top terraces of the wing which is adjacent to the hospital offer a good scenic view. All India Radio (Protected area) is situated in Delanipur village. From the car parking place inside the AIR, the tourists can see the sea, hills, forests, trees, islands, fascinating landscape, plantation, etc. Likewise views from Mount Harriet, Carbine's Cove Tower Hill, Police Line Hill, and North Bay light house, Car Nicobar, Nancowry and Chowra are really worth seeing.

Flora and Fauna: Flora and fauna of every place have a different role to play in the development of the tourism industry. Everything created by God has its own importance. From a small ant to a big elephant, a small rose plant to a big tree, chiddia to peacock and from monkey to man have their roles assigned by God. Forests of A&N Islands are unique in character and possess enormous biological diversity. Out of 15000 flowering plants in India 2200 specie's are found in this lush green paradise, of which 200 species (about 10%) are endemic in these islands and 1300 species are not found on the mainland. At present about 40 species are harvested for the commercial purposes. Almost all types of flowers are planted in each and every park situated in different places of A & N Islands.  Also Visit - Port Blair Havelock Package

As far as the fauna in these oceanic islands is concerned, about 55 species of mammals and 255 species of birds have been recorded in these islands. This is out of 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds found in India. Some of the endemic, endangered species of mammals include the Nicobar crabs, Andaman wild pig and a few species of rodants and bats. The avifauna is spectacular with a number of endemic endangered species such as the Andaman Teal, Narcondum Hornbill, Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar piegon, etc. There is a large influx of migrant coastal and shallow water sea birds. There are many introduced and wild mammals namely spotted deer, barking deer, goats and feral elephants, which attract the visitors.

Forests occupy about 86% (7144 sq. kms.) of the land area in A & N Island. Floristically, the forests have been classified into the following types (H G Champion and S K Seth): 1. Giant evergreen forests 2. Andaman tropical evergreen forests 3. Southern Hill top tropical evergreen forests 4. Andaman Semi-ever green forests 5. Andaman moist deciduous forests 6. Cane brakes 7. Bamboo brakes 8. Littoral forests 9. Tidal swamp forests.

Timber of a vast variety is available in plenty in the forests. Timber in A & N Island is divided into first class, second class and third class. Under first class, Padauk (Pteracarpus dalbergiodes), Koko (Alblzzia Lebbek), Chuglum (Terminaija bialstra and Myrstica lrya), Marble wood and satin wood are included; under second class, Pyinma Lagerstroema Flos Reginae, Bombay, Chai, Lakuch, Lalchini Pongyet, Tritmin, Mowha, Khaya, gangaw, Thingam (Hopea Odorata) are included; and under the third class, Dicta Ywengyi, Toungpeingyi and Gurjan(Disterocarpus Turbinaters) are included.

Religious Attractions

The religious personality of A & N islands is very complex since it is a mini India. People of different religions from different states have been living in this territory besides the aborigines of this place. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Bhahais etc., are the major religions of these islands. The people from major religions go to their respective centres daily. One more point to be mentioned here is that some people, with inborn qualities go to all the religious centres and worship all gods irrespective of their religion. Tourists of every religion go to their religious centre, temple, church, mosque, gurudwara, etc.

For more information on natural tourist attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Andaman tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.