rocks known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory is stretched over an area of more than 700 Kms. from north to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flowers and birds. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut-palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offer excellent scope for water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, with crystal clear water and mangrove- lined creeks, offer a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature-lover, who seek absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of mother nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving

etc..are the real attractions. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.

Port Blair Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, that comprises of 350 odd islands. Out of these huge number of islands only few of them are Inhabited. These are islands are yet to be touched by the amenities of the modern life, these islands are truly provides a perfect tropical paradise. The history of this island is not a very happy one as this was used as a torture cell for the Indians who were caught by the Britisher's while trying to fight against the British raj in India. The prisoners brought to this place were sent here never to be seen again by there families. Earlier feared and dreaded by the people this tropical haven was named 'kala pani' or the place of black waters.

These islands are a true paradise for ecologists and ornithologists with more than 242 species of birds, 46 species of mammals and 78 species of reptiles, some of them almost extinct still walk these islands. Port Blair supports a population of around 300,000 that are mostly dependent on the tourists for their lively hood. Port Blair also supports a lot of museums that are part of the town. The best museum is the city is the navy museum that is about various coral reefs and shells that are found around this city. Also zoological park and the mini zoo in the area offering various wildlife species are quiet popular with locals and tourists.

History

Mythologically, the name Andaman was presumed to be derived from Hanuman, who was known to the Malays as Handuman. Since pre-historic times, these islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands are the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, and Setinalese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars are the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid stock. The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, after the First War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, Moplas, come criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burman and Sri Lanka as well ex-servicemen.

People In these islands people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter-religion and inter-regional marriages are common. This amazing racial and cultural mix is correctly described as Mini-India. Arts and Crafts The main crafts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands include shell and exotic woods crafted for the

tourists, palm mats, and beautiful natural shells. Due to the fear of over exploitation of the Islands' natural resources, trade of some products is now banned.

Forests

Forests are the green gold of the islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forests has been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Which are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world, occupy nearly 11.5 % of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal species are endemic in nature. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varieties of coloured fishes, sea turtles etc., beside other out of which 39 are endemic. Megaopde, Swiflet, Hornbaill and Pigeon are some of the specialities of the Andanman & Nicobar Islands.