Tourist Attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Island

Cellular Jail, Andaman

Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, is a mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this Jail. The Jail, completed in the year 1908 acquired the name, ‘cellular’ because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the prisoners. It was home to hundreds of freedom fighters whose names are now engraved on the walls of its watch tower, the Cellular Jail stands as a symbol of colonial oppression, cruelty and untold suffering.

The prison fanned out in seven wings, stands three stories high and contained a total of 698 cells. Three wings have been now destroyed to make way for a hospital, but a visit to the remaining can only give an indication of the horrors of incarceration.

Daily work routines for the prisoners included the crushing of thirty pounds of coconut and mustard oil; being unable to meet the quota would result in severe punishment shackling and flogging. There are no records of how many died or were executed. The Jail now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving people, has been declared a National Memorial.

There is also a Museum and an Art Gallery which is open on all days except Monday from 9.00 AM to 12 Noon and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor is at a distance of 29 Kms. from Port Blair covering an area of 281.5 Sq.Kms. This Marine Park made-up of open sea, creeks and 15 small and large islands, is one of the best found anywhere in the world.

Viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are a lifetime experience for anyone here. The erstwhile Dilthaman Tank, which was the only source of drinking water to Port Blair has been developed into Gandhi Park in an unbelievably short time of 13 days.

The tourism department has combined the natural beauty of the destination with attractive, modern facilities at several parks around the islands. The destination offers a melting pot of eco-tourism, fun and adventure activities.

This park is made up of open sea, creeks and fifteen small and large islands. One can see mangrove forests along the creeks, as well as observe the fascinating marine life and coral reefs. The Andaman tourism authorities have introduced innovative glass bottom boat rides, whereby tourists can take a closer look at the coral colonies.

Andaman Water Sports Complex
This is a unique sports complex in India in its own kind. There are facilities for safe Water Sports such as Rowing Boats, Paddle Boats, Kayaks, Aqua-cycle, Aqua-glide, Bumper boats, etc., and Adventure water sports such as Water-skiing, Water scooters, Gemini boats, Para-sailing, Sail boats, Wind-surfers, Speed boats, Glass-bottom boats, etc.

Every afternoon, between 2 and 5pm, the Water Sports Complex, in north-west Port Blair, close to the Cellular Jail, comes alive with the purr of outboard motors. The is where you can rent a water scooter or speedboat, and ride the waves towards Ross Island, or even be launched into the air on a parasail for a fantastic view of the harbour. Children can be left in the safer haven of a calm seawater swimming pool.

There is also a Memorial built to commemorate the Battle of Aberdeen, fought between the British and Andamane aborigines in May, 1859, in which many Andamanese died.