In the Indian Ocean, between India and Myanmar, lies the distant exotic archipelago of the Andaman Islands: an amazing place frozen in time and preserving its pristine nature.

Most of its two hundred islands are uninhabited. Some are inhabited by so-called "uncontacted peoples": tribes that do not maintain any ties with the outside world. In other words, they are the direct descendants of primitive people who have never in their entire history come into contact with civilization! The Andaman Islands are the only place on the planet where this is possible.

A small part of the archipelago is inhabited by immigrants from India: this country owns most of the islands. The Indian government pursues a prudent policy: the islands remain virtually untouched, and concern for the environment is a top priority here.

The famous explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau said that a trip here opens up "a world of amazing splendor, a kingdom of underwater inhabitants and coral reefs, pristine beaches and mysterious tribes that exist outside of time. Pass through sparkling coral gates, discover the volcanic gardens of an underwater paradise..."

However, there are not many guests here: some are put off by the lack of chain luxury hotels and clubs, others by the need to obtain a separate permit to visit and comply with strict environmental restrictions, others by several types of transport, or all of them taken together. You can get here by water or air from India: it is both long and expensive. But as a result, "responsible tourists" come here: lovers of solitude, divers and experienced travelers.

The most common activities are walking, hiking and cycling; fishing (but you will have to release all your catch back), scuba diving and regular swimming. The capital, Port Blair, has several man-made attractions, such as lighthouses, an aquarium, a couple of museums, and architectural evidence of the British colonial era.

Elephant Beach (Havelock Island) is elephant-free, but coral reefs come right to the shore, and it is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling. Karmatang Beach (Middle Andaman Island) is known for the nesting of large turtles, and Chidiya Tapu Beach near Port Blair has a second name - "bird beach": there is an incredible variety of these representatives of the fauna.

And each island of the archipelago is dense forests, bright flowers, white beaches, crystal clear water and breathtaking sunsets. A virtual tour with AirPano cannot fully convey this magical atmosphere, but it will create the right impression.

Photos by Ádám Plézer

13 December 2024