10 Unknown Facts About the Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are famed for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse wildlife. However, there's much more to these islands than meets the eye. Here are 10 surprising facts about the Andaman Islands that might leave you in awe.

1. Last Indigenous Tribes
2. Nearest Routes
3. Concentration Camp
4. The Coconut Crab
5. Largest Sea Turtle
6. Pearl Farming
7. Damaged Life
8. Unique Bird Species
9. Back of the Old 20 Rupee Note
10. The Land of Butterflies

Last Indigenous Tribes

The Andaman Islands are home to one of the world's last remaining indigenous tribes, the Sentinelese. Known for their isolation, they have had limited contact with the outside world. They are believed to be direct descendants of the first human populations to emerge from Africa, living in the Andaman Islands for up to 60,000 years.

Nearest Routes

Contrary to popular belief, the Andaman Islands are closer to Myanmar and Thailand than to mainland India. The islands are about 1,200 km east of the Indian coast, but only around 1,036 km from Myanmar and Thailand. This proximity often leads to encounters with foreigners rather than locals.

Concentration Camp

During colonial times, the British used the Andaman Islands as a penal colony, with infamous political prisoners like Veer Savarkar imprisoned here. The convict settlement on Ross Island was established to jail a large number of prisoners from the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence.

The Coconut Crab

The Andaman Islands boast rich biodiversity, including over 200 species of coral and 500 species of fish. Diving is the best way to explore this underwater paradise. The warm, clear waters are full of life, and the dive sites range from shallow coral gardens to deep-sea pinnacles, each offering a unique experience.

Largest Sea Turtle

The Andaman Islands boast rich biodiversity, including over 200 species of coral and 500 species of fish. Diving is the best way to explore this underwater paradise. The warm, clear waters are full of life, and the dive sites range from shallow coral gardens to deep-sea pinnacles, each offering a unique experience.

Pearl Farming

Historically known for pearl diving, the Andaman Islands still maintain pearl farming as a significant industry. You can purchase some of the world's finest pearls here, making for a memorable keepsake.

Damaged Life

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami severely impacted the Andaman Islands, causing extensive damage and loss of life. However, many parts of the archipelago have since flourished and prospered.

Unique Bird Species

The Andaman Islands host several unique bird species, including the Andaman woodpecker and the Andaman crake. Trekking and sightseeing here offer the opportunity to see birds you might have never encountered before, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

Back of the Old 20 Rupee Note

The view on the back of the old 20 rupee note is of the lighthouse at North Bay Island as seen from Mount Harriet. Both locations are near Port Blair and can be visited on a day trip, allowing you to see this iconic image in real life.

The Land of Butterflies

In May and June, thousands of butterflies migrate to the Andaman Islands. This natural phenomenon has even been commemorated with postal stamps. Witnessing this migration is a mesmerizing experience.

Conclusion

The Andaman Islands are a captivating destination with a rich history, diverse wildlife, and unique culture. These 10 unknown facts offer a glimpse into the many wonders of this incredible archipelago. For more intriguing insights, check out our blog about the unconventional treasure spots in the Andaman Islands.