Great Nicobar is the southernmost and the largest island of the Andaman and Nicobar enclave. Spanning around 921km2 and is home to about approx 9000 people. The island is covered vastly by dense forests engulfing endemic biodiversity including the Nicobar megapode, the Nicobar tree shrew and the Nicobar long-tailed macaque. The island gains attention of naturalists, birders, and researchers.

In a country where people are leading their lives in a rush ,this is the place where you encounter people leading their lives deliberately and peacefully.This close-knit community of individuals who have made their living here over several generations are split into groups of people working as government officials and those that run small grocery shops, eateries, service centres, or own coconut plantations.

Best time to visit this paradise: Like most tropical areas, Great Nicobar receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. The months with the least rainfall (December to April) are ideal to enjoy the best weather and outdoor activities.

HOTSPOTS

Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Galathea National Park: it was declared a man and biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2013.For ornithologists and for naturalists alike, both of these places hold great significance in terms of the species of trees, animals, and birds. To enter these areas, one needs to inform the Forest Department in Campbell Bay and seek prior permission, guides can be arranged for the nature trail in the Biosphere Reserve by speaking to the Range Forest Officer in the Forest Department.

Bird watching spots: In addition to the birds seen in the reserve and national parks, the general areas of Campbell Bay and surrounding places support large numbers of different bird species, ranging from waders to raptors.

Indira Point: The southernmost tip of the country, it has been renamed in honour of Indira Gandhi. There is a lighthouse guides ships travelling to Malaysia and Malacca however this area currently cannot be traversed to because of the ruins created by tsunami.. The government is in the process of rebuilding this road, and this will allow travelers to visit the historical place shortly.

B-Quarry beach: one of the virgin beaches of india, enticed with the turquoise blue sea attracts the local inhabitants, the peaceful atmosphere here makes you want to plan your Sunday trips here.You can relax or swim in the beach, you can also opt. for snorkeling but you need to have the equipments brought with you from feasible areas, it would be better if you go for this adventurous experience under guidance.

Hiking: nature trail hike, which takes approximately three hours in the beautiful hills and peaks of this island gives you a chance to see several bird species and the enchanting forest. Guides can be arranged via the Forest Department in advance.

Turtle nesting: the leatherback, olive ridley, Hawksbill turtles & Green sea turtle the four very rare species of the turtles have been found in the south bay galathea river and Joginder Nagar beach area. The turtles have been sighted here and have known to lay eggs here in the particular seasons.

The Tribes of the Great Nicobar

The population of Great Nicobar is largely comprised of indigenous people and settlers- individuals from the mainland whose families settled here well before and around the time of India’s independence and are mostly the government employees. There are two indigenous Nicobar island tribes– the Shompen and the Nicobarese. The Shompen tribe do not interact much with the urban settlements of the island, they live in the forest areas of the island and follow a hunter-gatherer way of living.

Post-tsunami, lifestyles have changed completely for both the tribes and they have become more urbanized. For the Nicobarese especially, their livelihoods have changed from being forest dependent to more market centric. Both tribes have been relocated and their new houses are made of materials that are different from the natural resources that they used earlier. Tribal tourism is prohibited and individuals are only allowed to interact with them for research, after seeking prior permission from the Tribal Council.

How to reach this beautiful island ?

Helicopter

The fastest way to Great Nicobar from Port Blair is by air. The runway being not long enough enables only choppers as a mean of transport here. The rates vary for islanders, Indian non-islanders, and foreign nationals,however it is still necessary for you to enquire about the cost and the holidays before getting the tickets so as to avoid any kind of hassel. And is one of the best means for people facing sea sickness.

Ship

Though it takes time it is one of the most reliable way for you to reach your destination. The easiest way to get your tickets is to visit the Directorate of Shipping Service (DSS) office in Port Blair. The journey from Port Blair to Great Nicobar takes 24-30 hours depending on the weather. The frequency depends most often on the weather.

Accommodation and local transports: