Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The natives of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were depicted on ancient maps as having dog heads or faces on their chests, surrounded by sea serpents in a raging sea that the Indians called Kalapani, meaning “black waters”. These islands were marked with a trembling hand by someone who said, “Monsters live here” – most likely by one of the first travelers who did not want to share this delightful place with anyone else.
- Highlights
- History
- Climate
- Geography and nature
- What to do
Information - Getting to and from the Andaman Islands
- Getting around the islands
- Islanders
- Watch out for coral!
- Port Blair
- Around Port Blair and South Andaman
- Havelock Island
Neil Island - Middle and North Andaman
- Little Andaman
Highlights
The beautiful dark emerald waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are surrounded by pristine jungle and mangrove forest; white-sand beaches melt under the rays of purple sunsets; the friendly people are migrants from South and Southeast Asia and ethnic Negrito groups whose appearance on the islands is still an anthropological mystery. The geographical location of the Andamans is more like Southeast Asia: 150 km from Indonesia and 190 km from Myanmar, which is even more intriguing.
.The Nicobar Islands are closed to tourists, but there are still hundreds of islands left to explore.
.History
When the first settlers appeared on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is unknown. According to anthropologists, stone tools have been here for 2,000 years. And experts on human migration believe that the local tribes are from Southeast Asia, from the Negrito and Malay ethnic groups. In other words, the islands have become an inexhaustible source of legends for foreigners.
The word “Andaman” is believed to be derived from the name of the monkey god Hanuman, who Hindus believe used the islands as a bridge between India and Sri Lanka. According to anthropologists, stone tools have been here for 2,000 years, but exactly when the first settlers arrived here is unknown.
.
The Persian traveler Buzurg Ibn Shahriyar in the 10th century wrote about a chain of islands inhabited by cannibals; later Marco Polo added that the natives had dog heads, and in found in Tanjavur (formerly Tanjor) that in the state of Tmilnad the archipelago was called Timaittivu – “dirty islands.”
.This information is certainly not for a tourist brochure, but nevertheless, travelers continued to arrive: at the end of the 17th century – the Marathas, and another 200 years later – the British, who used the Andaman Islands as a penal colony for political criminals. During World War II, some islanders welcomed the invasion of the Japanese military, seeing them as liberators. Despite forming a (puppet) government of Indian politicians, the Japanese proved to be brutal conquerors.
.
After India’s independence in 1947, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands became part of the Indian Union. Following migration from the mainland (including Bengali refugees fleeing the chaos that began after partition), the population of the islands increased from a few thousand to 350,000. During this migration, tribal rights, as well as environmental protection, were often neglected. And while there is now some improvement, the situation of the native tribes still leaves much to be desired..
In 2004, the islands were devastated by the Indian Ocean earthquake, coastal aftershocks and subsequent tsunami. The Nicobar Islands were particularly hard hit, with some estimates suggesting that a fifth of the population died here, some moved to Port Blair, and many have yet to return. Although life has now normalized and with it tourists have returned, there are places like Little Andaman, which guests are still in no hurry to visit (by the way, here’s one to visit).
.Climate
Thanks to the sea breeze, the temperature in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands here stays between 23-31°C and 80% humidity all year round. It is very humid here when the southwest (wet) monsoon blows – somewhere from mid-May to early October, and in November-December the northeast (dry) monsoon makes its rainy contribution.
.Geography and Nature
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form the Arakan Mountains, a ridge that begins in Eastern Myanmar (Burma) and stretches across the ocean to Sumatra in Indonesia.
.The isolation of the islands has led to the evolution of many plants and animals unique to the area. Of the 62 mammals found here, 32 are unique to these islands, including the Andaman wild pig, macaque crab-eater, Himalayan civet, several species of tupaya and bats. Of the 250 species of birds found here, nearly 50% can only be found in the Andamans and Nicobars, including Nicobar Grebes, Salangan and the Emerald Nicobar Pigeon. Turtles lay their eggs on deserted beaches and crested crocodiles wait for prey in the rivers. You can often see dolphins, but dugongs, which used to be abundant in this area, are now almost never seen.
.
Mangrove trees form a protective barrier between the sea and the land. The forests are home to valuable tree species such as the famous paduk, a hardwood with light and dark textures.
.
Things to do
The Andaman Islands are considered one of the best diving destinations in the world due to their isolation, clear clear clear waters, magnificent corals and diverse underwater world.
.The main season for divers lasts from November to April, but they also come here in the summer during the rainy season (June-August), though they go closer to the coast. In general, the most favorable conditions for diving are formed in September and October. The only thing you will have to reckon with is the rain.
.Local dive centers offer scuba diving training courses (from Rs. 4,000), PADI open water courses (Rs. 18,000) and advanced courses (Rs. 13,500), as well as Divemaster training. Prices vary depending on location, number of participants and course duration. In general, diving in the Andaman Islands from a boat can be done for Rs. 2,000/3500 for one/two dives. In the national parks, you need to pay an additional 500 rupees per person per day.
.Havelock Island is far from the main dive centers, although appropriate equipment and gear can be found in both Neil and South Andaman. See the relevant sections for more information.
.It is much easier and cheaper to organize snorkeling lessons. Havelock Island is one of the best snorkeling destinations, with almost all crowded areas offering boat trips to reefs and islands not otherwise accessible. Snorkeling off Neil Island and Kalipura Island is also excellent.
Due to recent coral bleaching, some of the reefs have been damaged, but despite this, the diving here remains world-class and new spots are opening up.
.Information
Despite the fact that the Andaman Islands are located a thousand kilometers from the mainland, here live on Indian time. Therefore, it is already dark at 5pm and light at 4am, so people here tend to get up quite early. All phone numbers should be dialed with the area code 03192, even when calling locally. Andaman & Nicobar Tourism (IP&T; 232747; www.tourism.andaman.nic.in; Kamaraj Rd, Port Blair; 8:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, 8:30-12:00 Sat) Pick up a useful Emerald Islands tourist booklet (Rs 100) here or at the airport.
.Accommodation
Prices in this chapter are for the average season (October 1 to April 30, excluding high season). During peak season, prices rise sharply (December 15 to January 15). May through September is low season. Camping is currently prohibited on public lots and in the islands’ national parks.
.Permit
Most government officials from the mainland serve two-year terms in Port Blair. Due to this turnover, be prepared for unexpected changes in permit rules and regulations.
All foreigners are required to obtain a permit to visit the Andaman Islands, which is issued free of charge upon arrival. The 30-day permit allows tourists to stay in Port Blair, South and Middle Andaman (excluding Native territories), North Andaman (Diglipur), Long Island, North Passage, Little Andaman (excluding Native territories), Havelock and Neil Islands. The 15-day permit can be renewed either at the immigration office in Port Blair (03192-239247; 8:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:30 Monday to Friday, Saturdays until 13:00) or at the police station on Havelock.
.This permit also allows day visits to the islands of lolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Ross, Narcon-dam, Interview and Rutland, as well as Brothers and Sisters.
.To obtain a permit, tourists arriving by air are required to present their passport and fill out a form upon arrival at Port Blair Airport. Permits are usually valid for a maximum of 30 days (be sure to check).
.
Tourists arriving by ship are usually met at the port by an immigration officer. Otherwise, you should go to the immigration office at the Haddo Jetty immediately upon arrival. Keep your permit for the entire trip – you will not be able to travel around the islands without it. Police officers will often ask to see the permit, especially when going ashore on their island, and it must also be presented at hotel check-in. Check current sea travel regulations with any of the following services: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism (03192-238473)
Chennai Foreigners Registration Service (044-23454970, 044-28278210); Kolkata (033-22470549, 033-22473300)
Shipping Corporation of India (SCI; www.shipindia.com) Chennai (044-5231401; Jawahar Building, 6 Rajaji Salai); Kolkata (033-2482354; 1st floor, 13 Strand Rd)
)National Parks and Reserves
Additional permits are required to visit some national parks and reserves. There is an office of the Department of Forestry at the Port Blair Tourism Office (9:00-15:00 Monday-Friday, until 13:00 Saturday) where you can find out if you need a permit to visit a particular island, how you can get one, how much the service costs, and if it is even possible to get one.
.
If you’re planning something complicated, you’ll be sent to Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW; 233321; Haddo Road, Port Blair; 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm Monday to Friday), where your application, consisting of a letter stating the nature of your case, the name of the ship and the dates of your visit, will be submitted. If you do everything as required, you will be issued a permit in less than an hour.
Students who carry a valid student ID card will be charged a minimal fee, so don’t forget your student ID.
.The Nicobar Islands are closed to all but Indians involved in research, government work, trade.
.Road to and from Andaman Islands
Airplane
There are daily flights to Port Blair from Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, although the flight from Delhi and Kolkata very often passes through Chennai.A round-trip ticket costs between US$250 and US$500, depending on the time of booking. Some airlines offer one-way flights for as little as US$80, but tickets need to be booked months in advance. At the time of research, the cheapest hot tickets to the islands were from Kingfisher Airlines (1800 2093030; www.flykingfisher.com). Air India (Chennai 0044-28554747; Kolkata 033-22117879; Port Blair 03192-233108; www.airindia.com) and JetLite (Chennai 080-39893333; Kolkata 033-25110901; Port Blair 003192-242707; www.jetlite.com) are also available.
.There are no direct flights from Port Blair to Southeast Asia, although a charter flight from Kuala Lumpur was on the schedule at the time of research. Don’t count on it too much, though.
Motorboat
.Some people think that the infamous Port Blair motorboats are “the only real way to get to the Andaman Islands”, while others think it’s just an extra hassle. The truth is somewhere in the middle. There are usually 4-6 monthly flights between Port Blair and mainland India: once a fortnight from Kolkata (56 hours), once a week (high season) from Chennai (60 hours), once a month from Vizag (56 hours). In Chennai, reservations can be made through the deputy head of shipping (044-252268/3; Rajaji Salai, Chennai Port). Shipping Corporation of India (SCI; www.shipindia.com; 033-22482354 in Kolkata, 0891-2565597 in Vizag) sails from Kolkata and Vizag. Flight schedules are floating, so call in advance. All ferries from the mainland dock at the Haddo jetty.
.Do not take the stated travel time completely on faith: tourists have told how they spent almost 12 hours aboard a ship in the harbor in Kolkata, while others near Port Blair waited several hours before docking. Due to delays and various sea and weather conditions, the journey can take 3-4 days. You can buy a round trip ticket at the ferry ticket office on Phoenix Bay. You will need 2 passport photos and a photocopy of your permit. For updated information on prices and fares, visit www.and.nic.in/spsch/sailing.htm.
Don’t take the quoted travel time completely on faith: tourists have reported spending nearly 12 hours aboard a ship in the harbor in Kolkata, while others near Port Blair waited several hours before docking. Due to delays and various sea and weather conditions, the journey can take 3-4 days. You can buy a round trip ticket at the ferry ticket office on Phoenix Bay. You will need 2 passport photos and a photocopy of your permit. For updated information on prices and fares, visit www.and.nic.in/spsch/sailing.htm.
Seat classifications vary little from ship to ship. The cheapest bunk seat costs Rs. 1700 – 1960, followed by class 2 B cabins at Rs. 3890, class 2 A cabins at Rs. 5030, then class 1 cabins at Rs. 6320 and deluxe cabins at Rs. 7640. The Akbar ship also has air-conditioned dormitories where a seat costs Rs 3290. Tickets for the more expensive seats cost as much as an airplane ticket, if not more. If you opt for a shared cabin, be prepared to wake up to a chorus of “prichmoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooing” and sniffling people, an almost complete lack of privacy and a toilet that is…unpleasant to walk into after three days of travel. But on the other hand, it’s a great way to get to know the locals.
.Meals (local snacks for breakfast, thali for lunch and dinner) cost about 150 rupees per day and almost always contain rice. Take something with you on the road (especially fruit) to diversify your diet somehow. Some bedding is provided, but if you are traveling in a shared cabin, bring your own sheet. Many travelers bring their own hammocks and string them up on deck.
.
Bad weather can seriously mess up your plans: if the sea is too rough, ferry trips are canceled. Have a couple of days in reserve in case you miss your flights as a result of island delays (although it might not always be that bad…).
.Moving around the islands
Airplane
There is a helicopter shuttling between the islands. It flies from Port Blair to Little Andaman (Rs 1,488, 35 minutes, wt, pt and sat), Havelock Island (Rs 850, 20 minutes) and Diglipur via Mayabunder (Rs 2,125 or Rs 1,915 from Mayabunder, one hour). Preference here is given to government employees and passengers with luggage less than 5 kg, which prevents most tourists from taking advantage of this service. Although you can try your luck by applying at the Secretariat (230093) in Port Blair and returning to see if you’re in luck at 4pm.
.Ferry
.Most of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can only be reached by water. Sounds romantic, but the ferry ticket offices are a living hell: be prepared to wait in the heat, slow service, trying to get in without queuing and scuffles at the ticket office window. To keep your place in line and move up in line, you either have to be a bit aggressive (but not a jerk) or a woman (women’s lines are a big deal, though they only happen in Port Blair). You can buy tickets on the day of your trip by arriving at the wharf an hour before your trip, but that’s pretty risky in high season, and there are no guarantees year-round on Havelock. In towns like Rangat, the mode of operation of ferry ticket offices is floating and unreliable. At the time of research, there was a requirement to provide a copy of the permit. Organize this before arrival.
.There are regular boat trips to Havelock and Neil islands, as well as Rangat, Maiyabundera, Diglipur and Little Andaman. If the rest doesn’t work, there are still fishermen who are willing to take you from Port Blair to Havelock, for example, for Rs 2,000. For a schedule of boats running between the islands, visit www.and.nic.in/spsch/iisailing.htm.
Bus
All roads (and ferries) lead to Port Blair, and you’ll certainly spend a day or two here when booking a future trip. The main group of islands – South, Middle and North Andaman – are connected by road, ferries and bridges. Cheap government and private buses run from Port Blair south to Wandoor and north to Bharatang, Rangat, Mayabunder and finally Diglipur, 325 kilometers north of the capital. Around 3:00 p.m., most of the Jarawa Reserve closes for travel, so buses whose route lies through it depart between 4:00 and 11:00 p.m.
.Personal jeeps and minivans
The vehicles shuttle from village to village and can be entered and exited throughout the route. It is also possible to rent the entire car at an inflated price.
Train
You can pick up a train ticket for the mainland at the train ticket office (233042; 8:00am-12:30pm and 1:00pm-14:00pm), located at the Secretariat office south of Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair. Hotel owners can provide their guests with all the necessary information on this matter.
.Islanders
The indigenous nationalities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands make up only 12% of the population, and in most cases this percentage is declining. The Onge, Sentinelese, Andamanese and Jarawa are tribes belonging to the Negritos ethnic group, which is very similar to African peoples. Sadly, many tribes have become extinct in the last century. In February 2010, the last member of the Bo tribe died, taking their language with them and putting an end to the people’s 65,000 year history.
Onge
Two-thirds of Onge Island in Little Andaman was given to the Forest Department and settled in 1977. The 100 or so remaining Onge are confined to two 25-square-kilometer reservations, Dugong Creek and South Bay. According to anthropologists, the decline in the Onge’s numbers was due to a decline in morale associated with the loss of territory.
Sentinelese
Unlike the other tribes on the islet, the Sentinelese resisted contact with the outside world. For years, delegations arrived at the shores of North Sentinel Island, the last stronghold of the Sentinelese, carrying gifts of coconuts, bananas, pigs, and red plastic buckets, only to come under a hail of arrows. Some natives weren’t so hostile, though. There are now about 150 Sentinelese left.
.Andamanese
.The Andamanese now number only about 50 and it seems that this tribe will not escape extinction. In the mid-19th century there were about 7,000 Andamans, but friendship with the colonizers led to the tribe’s demise: by 1971 its numbers had dwindled to 19 due to epidemics of measles, syphilis and influenza. The Andamanese were relocated to the tiny island of Streight.
.Jarawa
.Currently, the 350 remaining Jarawa live in a 639 square kilometer reservation on the South and Middle Andaman Islands, In 1953, the Chief Commissioner proposed to bomb the Jarawa settlements and their territories were destroyed due to the Andaman Highway, deforestation and invasion by invaders and tourists. Most of the Jarawa are hostile.
.Shompen
.Only about 250 Shompen remain in the forests on the Greater Nicobar. This semi-nomadic tribe of hunter-gatherers lives along the riverbanks. They have resisted integration and now avoid areas occupied by immigrants from India.
.Nicobarians
The Nicobars are the only tribe whose population has not declined, numbering 30,000. Most of them have converted to Christianity and have almost assimilated into modern Indian society. They live in villages where they raise pigs and grow coconuts, yams, and bananas. The Nicobarians, who are likely descended from peoples who inhabited Malaysia and Myanmar, live on several islands in the Nicobar group centered on Car Nicobar, the region most affected by the 2004 tsunami.
.Watch out for coral!
In general, snorkeling in the Andaman Islands should only be done at high tide. At low tide, you can accidentally step on the coral, which can irrevocably destroy this delicate organism. Even touching it with a flipper can be harmful. In addition, you risk getting a painful prick from a sea urchin’s barb when you step on the bottom. Divers should use extra caution when diving near reefs. A serious encounter with coral while fully equipped can be ecologically damaging.
.Port Blair
Green, tranquil, sometimes attractive Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, is a vibrant mix of cultures from peoples such as Bengali, Tamil, Nicobar, Burmese and Telugu. Most tourists don’t stay here for long (usually a day or two to book onward travel or go home), but rush straight to the islands at full speed. While Port Blair can’t compete with Havelock’s beaches, the city’s fascinating history has contributed to some outstanding attractions.
.
Most of Port Blair’s hotels are located in the Aberdeen Bazaar area. The airport is 4 km south of the city. Middle-class accommodation is usually fully booked for the period September to December and is included in tour packages to India.
.
Port Blair Attractions
Cellular Jail National Memorial (GB Pant Rd; admission Rs 10; photo/video entry Rs 25/100; 8:45-12:30 and 13:30-17:00 Tues-Fri) This is a former British prison and now a museum dedicated to all the political prisoners who once served time here. The Cellular Jail is worth a visit to understand the important place the Andaman Islands have had in Indian history. The construction of the jail began in 1896 and was completed in 1906. There were originally 698 cells in seven buildings (some of which were destroyed by the Japanese army during World War II) diverging like beams from a central tower. Like many political prisons, Soto Prison became a kind of university for freedom fighters who were expected to be locked up and wardened for their books, ideas, and arguments.
.
Music and light performances (adult/child admission 20/10 rupees) in English are staged here on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:45 pm.
.Anthropology Museum (03192-232291; MG Rd; admission Rs 10; 9am-1pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm Mon-Fri) This is Port Blair’s best museum, and it goes into great detail about the tribes that inhabit the islands. The glass display cases may be dated, but they’re nowhere near as ancient as a Jarawa breastplate decorated with simple geometric patterns, or a skull left under a Sentineltic canopy, or the totem spirits represented by Nicobar shamanic sculptures. A brochure (Rs. 20) on Aboriginal culture written by local anthropologists is sold in the souvenir shop.
.Samudrika Maritime Museum (Haddo Rd; adult/child admission Rs 20/10, photo/video admission Rs 20/50; 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Tues-Fri) The museum was founded by the Indian Navy. It has a variety of exhibits on the islands’ ecosystem, indigenous people, plants, animals, and marine life. There is a small aquarium in the museum. Outside, a skeleton of a blue whale beached on Nicobar’s Kamorta Island is mounted.
.Chatham Sawmill (admission Rs 10; 8:30-14:30 pm Mon-Sat) The mill, located on Chatham Island, which is connected to Port Blair by a road bridge, was built by the British in 1836. It was one of the largest timber processing plants in Asia. The factory is still in operation, and while it’s not to everyone’s taste (especially environmentalists), a visit here is an interesting excursion into the island’s history and economy. There’s also a huge crater left from a bomb the Japanese dropped during World War II, and a rather dismal forest museum.
.
No one goes to Port Blair for the beach, but if you do need to lie on the sand, Corbinah Bay, 7km south of the city, is your best bet. This small, palm-hidden stretch of coastline, which is very popular with locals and tourists alike, is a great place to swim and sunbathe. It costs Rs. 200 to travel from the city by auto rickshaw. On the other hand, besides being a great way to travel along the coastal road, you can see many Japanese bunkers left over from World War II.
Information
Port Blair is the only place in the Andamans where you can change currency or traveler’s checks. There are ATMs all over the city and a Western Union office is located in the post office building. There are several internet access points in Aberdeen Bazaar.
.Aberdeen Police Station (03192-232400; MG Road (MG Rd))
.Andaman & Nicobar Tourism (1P&T; 232694; www.tourism.andaman.nic.in; Kamaraj Road Kamaraj Rd); 8:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, 8:30-12:00 Sat) Main island tour operator. Here you can book government lodging and get wilderness permits. The staff is courteous and unhurried.
.e-Cafe (internet at hour 30; 8:00-00:00) In Aberdeen Bazaar, just in front of the clock tower.
.GB Pant Hospital (03192-233473, 232102; GB Pant Rd)
.General Post Office (MG Road (MG Rd); 9:00am-7:00pm Mon-Sat)
.State Bank of India (MA Road MA Rd); 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-15:00pm Mon-Fri, 10:00am-12:00pm Sat) Traveler’s checks and currency can be exchanged here.
.Around Port Blair and South Andaman
Ross Island
Visiting Ross Island (not to be confused with the island of the same name in North Andaman) is like finding a Lost City like Angkor Wat hidden in the jungle; the ruins are Victorian rather than Khmer. The former headquarters of the British government in the Andamans, Ross Island (Rs. 20 permit), is a half-day trip from Port Blair. At one time, little Ross was affectionately called the “Paris of the East” (along with Pondicherry, Saigon, etc.). But the cute name, community life and tropical gardens were all destroyed by a double blow in 1941: an earthquake and the invasion of the Japanese (who left behind a few machine gun nests that became a local landmark).
.
Today, the old English buildings can still be found, even though they have been almost completely swallowed up by the green wave of the fast-growing jungle. There is a small luze with exhibits and photographs of Ross Island in its heyday, and a small park where deer pinch leaves from bushes.
Ferries to Ross Island (Rs. 75, 20-minute trip) depart from the wharf behind the aquarium in Port Blair at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily except Wednesday. Check the schedule when purchasing your ticket as departure times can be affected by tides.
You can also catch the 9:30am ferry to Viper Island (Rs 75), where you’ll see the remains of gallows built by the British in 1867. But honestly, it’s not the most memorable excursion.
.Bandur and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Bandur is a small village 29 kilometers southeast of Port Blair. It has a pretty beach, although at the time of research, bathing was forbidden as crocodiles have been seen in the area. But Bandur is better known as the starting point for a trip to the Mahatma Marine National Park (Indian/foreign 50/500 rupees). Spread over 280 square kilometers, it covers 15 islands with mangroves, rainforests and reefs that are home to 50 species of coral. The park has two sporking sites, Jolly Boy (Nov. 1-May 15) and Red Skin (May 16-Oct. 30). Getting there is a popular day trip from Bandura jetty (Rs 450; wt-us). Still, if your Andaman itinerary includes Havelock or Neil islands, it may be easier and cheaper to snorkel there – unless, of course, you’re going to pay mad money. Ships just don’t stay here for long, and you simply won’t have time for a good swim. If you want to explore the region thoroughly, we suggest Lacadives (9679532104; www.lacadives.com). There are several hotels in Wandoora. Permits can be arranged at Bandura Marina or at the tour desk in Port Blair.
.There are buses from Port Blair to Bandur (Rs. 12, 1.5 hours).
.Chiriyatapu
Chiriyatapu is located 30 km from Port Blair. It is a small village with beaches and manfa trees. 2km south you will find the best snorkeling spot outside of Havelock and Neil. It is a great spot for watching sunsets. There are 7 buses (^10, 1.5 hours) daily from Port Blair. You can also get here by boat from Sink Island. The new biological park (Indian/foreign 20/50 rupees; 9:00-16:00 wt-ws) is not yet complete (it is scheduled to be finished in 2015), but there are already some spacious naturally fenced areas in the forest here, home to crocodiles, deer and warthogs.
.Sink Island
The uninhabited islands of North and South Sink, connected by a sandbank, are part of a wildlife sanctuary on the
