The Nicobar Islands are situated south of the neighboring Andaman Islands archipelago. These are located southeast of the Indian subcontinent, separated by the Bay of Bengal by about 1,300 km. The Nicobars include 22 islands of various sizes, the largest being Great Nicobar. The total land area of the chain is 1841 km². The highest point on the Nicobars is Mount Thuillier on Great Nicobar Island at 642 m. The name 'Nicobar' is likely derived from the Chola dynasty name for the islands, Nakkavaram (literally, naked man in Tamil) which is inscribed on the Tanjore inscription of 1050 AD.

The adivasi indigenous peoples (The Nicobarese and Shompen peoples, listed among the  Scheduled Tribes of India) constitute about 65% of total population of 42,026 (Census 2001) and 35% have ethnic origins from the Indian mainland.

The European colonization on the islands began with the Danish East India Company in 1754-1756 when they were administrated under the name of Frederiksoerne from Tranquebar. The missionaries from the Moravian Church Brethren's settlement in Tranquebar attempted a settlement on Nancowry.  They died in great numbers due to repeated outbreaks of malaria and abandoned after staying for the period: 1784 - 1809, 1830 - 1834 and finally abandoned in 1848 for good. Austria attempted to establish a colony on the islands between 1778 and 1783 on the assumption that Denmark had abandoned its claims to the islands.  Actually the Danish involvement ended on 16 October 1868 when their rights on the Nicobar Islands were sold to Britain, which made them part of British India by 1869 when the British took possession. The islands were occupied by Japan between 1942 and 1945. In 1950, Nicobar Islands together with the Andaman Islands became a union territory of India with Port Blair on South Andaman Island as its capital. The Union Territory is divided into three districts, (1) North & Middle Andaman district, (2) South Andaman district and (3) Nicobar district. For accessing to the Nicobar region, the visitors need to have a special permit (Tribal Pass) from the Government authority and non-Indian citizens are forbidden from visiting the Nicobar Islands except Campbell Bay.

The climate of Nicobar Islands is warm and tropical. The temperature ranges from 22 to 30°C. Rainfall is heavy due to annual monsoons and measures around 3000 to 3800 mm each year. The vegetation of the Nicobars is typically divided into the coastal mangrove forests and the interior evergreen and deciduous forest, the Nicobar Islands rain forests. The trees are tall and with broad leaves. Several islands contain extensive interior grasslands. The Nicobar Islands are recognized as a distinct terrestrial eco-region with many endemic species.

Places of tourist interest:

Car Nicobar: Car Nicobar with an area of 127 Sq. KM is the northernmost Island of Nicobar group. It is among the most beautiful island in A & N Islands. Most of the area is covered by dense forest. The rare bird species inside the bushes can be found. The Nicobari huts are worth seeing. These are made at a height with entrance through their floors. The marine life in the lagoons of Car Nicoabr is among the most diverse in the entire Union territory.
Katchal: Katchal, previously known as Tihnyu, is nearly 305 km from the capital island of Port Blair. It is considered in the central group of Nicobar Islands. The population in Katchal consists of both indigenous and non-indigenous people. Since Katchal is located on the old international trade route, it was visited by many voyagers and traders from around the world.  They all brought with them different cultures and one can find the outside influences in the culture of inhabitants.
Trinket: The Island with an area of 29 Sq.KM and population of 436 (2001 Census), is a part of the Nicobar Islands chain, located east of Kamorta Island.
Great Nicobar: Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in the cluster of Nicobar Island. It is Indira Point, the southernmost point of India lies here. Covering a huge area of nearly 1045 sq Km, Great Nicobar is sparsely inhabited with most of the area covered under thick rainforest and wildlife. The forest area is recognized as a biosphere reserve called The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. It is home to some rare and exclusive species of plants and animals.
How to reach Nicobar:
Nicobar district is connected to Port Blair with ship as well as air. Car Nicobar the district head quarter is 250 kms. away from Port Blair. Nicobar district (except Campbell Bay) is a restricted area. Any one who is interested in visiting this district would require obtaining a Landing Permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District. (03192-233089).
Ship service is available between Port Blair and Nicobar district. Normally ship is available twice in a week. One can obtain the ship ticket from the office of the Director, Shipping services (03192-230480) at Port Blair.
Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited has started the inter-island helicopter service in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 2nd June 2003. One can reserve the tickets for PAWAN HANS from the office of the Director, Civil Aviation. (03192-230480.). Helicopter goes to Nicobar district from Port Blair as per the schedule detailed below:

The above timings are indicative. Please confirm the current timings and services.

Hotels: No information except Govt Guest Houses

Last Updated on Sunday, 16 May 2010 19:43