Andaman and Nicobar Islands

There are approximately 300 islands that make up the Andaman and Nicobar group. Most of which are uninhabited. This island group is situated in the bay of Bengal about 1000km east of India. The Nicobar group begin about 50kms south of Little Andaman.

Until colonial rule the Andamans were populated by Andamanese, which are the indigenous tribes of the negrito people. Traditional life still remains among the Jarawa and Onge tribes who live in the interior regions of South Andamans.

The indigenous people of Nicobar are thought to be decendants from the Malaysians and Myanmar.

The islands are accessiable by boat and sea plane from Chennai and Calcutta. The maximumm period of stay for foreigners is 30 days and access to the Nicobar Islands as well as some of the Andaman is denied to everyone except Indian nationals there for research purposes.

Dont's:
When visiting mosques or temples shorts or sleeveless tops are not to be worn.
Smoking and the holding of hands, the touching of carvings or statues and the touching of someone's head is not permitted. Removal of shoes prior to entry. These apply to both men and women. In some mosques you will be required to cover your head.

Never point the soles of your feet to another person or statue.

The right hand should be used for all occassions. The left is considered dirty.

When swimming nudity is not allowed, even in remote areas. Women should wear a sarong if they are in public view.

Some animals are considered sacred, please check with local authorities.

Extreme climate, warm inland from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September.
The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.
Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.