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 Recent History:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were colonised by the British in the 19th century for use as a penal colony. Freedom fighters were transported to the dreaded ‘Kala Pani’ to serve their sentences.
Andaman Today:
Today, most of the 300,000 people on the Andamans are mainlanders or their descendants and live in South Andaman. They have come from all across India, especially Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in South Andaman has a truly cosmopolitan texture with people of all religions, castes and cultures living in peaceful coexistence. And for this reason, the Andamans and Nicobar Islands are also called mini India.
The island has a lot to offer to an avid tourist. Out of the total area nearly 50% comprises Tribal Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park exhibits a variety of corals, coloured fish, sea turtles and other sea animals. Site seeing tours, scuba diving, snorkelling, trekking, island camping and relaxing are some of the other activities one can indulge in.
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