In the east of Indian mainland is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is the capital as well a busting commercial hub. The main landmasses in the northern group-the Andaman Islands-are North, Middle and South Andaman islands that are separated by narrow waterways. Smaller islands lie dotted around these. Further south across Duncan Passage is Little Andaman. Northeast of Port Blair is Ritchie's Archipelago, in which lies Havelock Island, boasting of beaches rated amongst the best in the world. Rising from the azure waters northeast of Ritchie's Archipelago are two islands of volcanic origin - Narcondum Islands and Barren Island. The latter is India's only active volcano.The southern group-the Nicobar Islands-is mostly inaccessible to tourists. It is separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten Degree Channel. The southernmost island, Great Nicobar, is the largest island in this group whereas the northernmost island, Car Nicobar, is the administrative headquarters.

This Union Territory has a length of more than 700 kms from North to South with 36 inhabited islands. These undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flora and fauna. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sea around the islands offers excellent scope for adventure water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, crystal clear water and mangrove-lined creeks, offer a dream­ view of the rare gifts of nature. These islands are home to the aboriginal tribes such as the Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinalese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars is the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid origin.

Advantage Andaman and Nicobar

• Rare varieties of flora and fauna, exotic underwater marine life, crystal clear water and mangrove lined creeks.
  
• High literacy rate of 81.29%
  
• Vast Marine Potential.
  
• Peaceful Environment with negligible Industrial dispute/law and order problem.
  
• Close knit/streamlined/compact administration, clearance etc. can be obtained in timely fashion.
  
• Near to Intemational Trade Corridor.

Economic Infrastructure

By Sea

Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days