A Short history of the Andaman Islands
The Andamans are a chain of 184 odd islands in the Andaman sea at approx 110
0 Kms to the south of Kolkata. The largest among them, The Andaman Island is 355 Kms long and 60 Kms wide. There was a time when ancient tribes lived here. Some of the natives it is said bore a remarkable resemblance to the aboriginal tribes of Australia. Today some tribes have receded into the deep forest while others have been resettled. Port Blair, it's principal port, is a picturesque and bustling town, full of greenery. It is well connected to the main land by regular passage of ships and scheduled flights from KolKata and Madras. Different communities are living in harmony and use hindi as their language.Port Blair was named after the East India Companies' Lt. Archibald Blair who occupied the Andamans in 1789 to keep his ships safe and protected in the rains as a safe harbour and as a penal settlement for prisoners. But because of the unhygienic climate and outbreak of diseases and the expenses in maintaining the harbour he had to abandon the Andamans in 1796. Early in the first decade of the 19th century the roots of the East India Co. were firmly entrenched in India. The British were subjecting Indians to a lot of abject atrocities, snatching away land from peasants, destroying the livelihood of craftsmen, increasing taxes, usurping the states from the Nawabs and native kings. Ordinary people, soldiers, nawabs and kings were all being terrified and harassed. 
Generally everywhere there was resentment and revolt. People were determined to do away with the East India Co
Port Blair became a penal colony at the end of the nineteenth century. The Cellular Jail built over a period of 18 years from 1890 to 1908 housed thieves and smugglers but later, on the lines of Sumatra, Singapore and Penang, freedom fighters and political activists were sentenced to two decades of imprisonment on these islands, which came to be known as Kala Pani or Black Water. Made up of hundreds of tiny solitary cells it was used to confine political prisoners until 1945. During World War II the islands were occupied by the Japanese, who tortured and murdered hundreds, suspected of collaborating with the British. British forces moved back in 1945 and abolished the penal settlement.
THE FAMOUS LOCATIONS IN ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Islands:Andaman is a collection of islands. Jolly Buoy islands located in the Mahatma Gandhi National Park are most popular for its breath taking view of the see vegetation, coral reefs and marine plants and life. Cinque island is famous for swimming, scuba diving, fi
shing and enjoying the nature at its best. Red skin island, Havelock islands, Baren island, Ross island, Viper island and Chatham island are the other islands which all have a history behind them and are a must see in this amazingly beautiful place.
Beaches: Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex is perhaps one of the most picturesque sea-beaches and is ideal for having a panoramic view of the pristine clean blue water and sun bathing. The Radhnagar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach are real exposures of unpolluted nature at its very best and are a treat to enjoy.
Monuments: The Cellular jail in Port blair, made world famous for the hardships faced by freedom fighters who were housed in it is a must visit. The jail with its solitary cells is now a national monument and would take you back to the history of freedom struggle.
Museums: The place is endowed with rich museums such as forest museum, naval marine museum, fisheries museum, Zoological Survey of India museum, Anthropological museum, which have a very rich and untouched collection of wild life, see life, aromatic and exotic plants and tribal artifacts. Make it a point to visit these places to have a wonderful time.
How to go: Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air. Presently domestic flights are operated by Alliance Air/Indian Airlines and Jet Airways to Port blair, the capital city. If you want to take a sea route than regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. Air distance between Port blair and Chennai is 1335 kms. and between Kolkata and Port blair is 1300 kms. Distance between Vishakhapatnam and Port blair is around 1200 kms.
Where to stay: The place offers myriad options ranging from comforts of a 5 star hotel to modest rest houses and Government accommodation. It would be good to do an advance booking especially during seasons. Off seasons discounts are also available during rainy season lasting from June to September.
Specialties of the place: The Andamans were shrouded in the mystery for centuries due to its inaccessibility and untapped potential. However those who are looking forward to enjoy the nature at its very best, the islands are the paragon of beauty and present a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. The and rich dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere for one and all
