Paper 10: Tourism Products of India Module 32: Indian Islands THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM. Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

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Paper 10: Tourism Products of India Module 32: Indian Islands THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator Paper Coordinator Content Writer Content Reviewer Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari Dr.

1 Paper 10: Tourism Products of India Module 32: Indian Islands THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator Paper Coordinator Content Writer Content Reviewer Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari Dr. Prashant K. Gautam Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh Prof. Manoj Dixit Vice Chancellor, R.M.L. University, Faizabad, UP Dr. Preeti Madan Sharma Astt. Professor, Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow Prof. S. P. Bansal Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

2 ITEMS Subject Name Paper Name Module Title DESCRIPTION OF MODULE Tourism and Hospitality Management Tourism and Hospitality 10. Tourism Products of India Module Id Indian Islands Pre- Requisites 32 Objectives Elementary knowledge geography and environment Keywords To give knowledge about important Islands of India and their importance in Tourism Island, Andman, Lakshdwip, Daman Diu, River Island 1. Introduction 2. Types of Island 3. Andman & Nicobar 4. Lakshadweep 5. River Island-Majuli 6. Island Tourism 7. Summary TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 QUADRANT-I 1. INTRODUCTION Definition An island is a landform that is surrounded by water. The land can be of any type. The resulting island can be surrounded by various types of water such as oceans, seas, lakes and rivers. An island has 2 main characteristics 1. It is a landmass 2. It is completely surrounded by water Example of island landforms: The Andaman Islands and the Lakshdweep Islands of India Formation of Islands Islands are formed in a number of ways: 1.) Islands can be formed due to volcanic eruptions e.g. the Hawaii islands. The continuous eruptions of volcanoes initiate the formation of landmass under water, as this process continues the landmass keeps on increasing in height and gradually over a period of thousands of years, this landmass comes above the water level, this leads to the formation of a landmass that is completely surrounded by water or in other words, an island. 2.) Islands can be due to the collision of the continental plates. The collision pushes the land up, thus creating an underwater mountain that comes above water. This landform, which is surrounded by water, is known as an island. 3.) Islands can be formed by deposition of sand due to erosion. Erosion leads to the picking up of sand and other debris through water currents, this in turn is deposited in particular spots. Over a period of time a landmasses are created at these spots, which are surrounded by water and are known as islands. 4.) Islands are also manmade. The island country of Qatar, has constructed a variety of islands in many shapes and sizes for community habilitation.

4 Types of Islands: 1.) Barrier Island Landforms A barrier island is a sandbar that gradually grows to become an island. It is long and usually straight and narrow and parallel to the mainland coast. These islands act as a barrier, protecting the mainland from strong waves. 2.) River Island A river island is any kind of landform within a river that protrudes above water. It may be an Island, a sand bar or a rock. 3.) Archipelago An Archipelago is a landmass which is a group or chain of many islands. Indian Islands India has a total of 247 islands amongst which 204 lie in the Bay of Bengal and remaining in the Arabian Sea. The Bay of Bengal islands consist of Andaman and Nicobar group of islands which are in crescent shape. They are actually peaks of the submerged Tertiary mountain ranges (a continuation of the ArakanYoma fold axis). The islands in the Arabian Sea have are of coral origin and are bordered by reefs (over the volcanic peaks). Besides there are a number of off shore islands along the Ganga-mouth, eastern and western coasts and in the Gulf of Mannar. (a) Arabian Sea Islands The Arabian Sea islands consist of 36 islands out of which only 10 are inhabited of Lakshadweep Group with an area of sq. km with an average elevation of 3-5 m. Only 25% of the area is inhabited. The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. Lakshadweep is approachable from the mainland from Calicut, the distance being about km.

(Lakshdweep) http://www.southexplore.in/2016/01/lakshadweep-tourist-map-south-india.html The southernmost island, Minicoy is the largest (4.53 sq.

5 (Lakshdweep) The southernmost island, Minicoy is the largest (4.53 sq. km) and is separated from the rest of the group and the northern most group is collectively known as Amindivi Islands (Chetlast, Bitra, Keltan, Kadmat and Amini). Similarly the central group is collectively called as Laccadive Islands (Androth, Kavaratti, Agathi and Kalpeni). In the south of the Lakshadweep are the Maldive Islands. Lakshadweep Islands with their exceptional beauty have a coral origin they are situated around volcanic peaks. The harbor is protected by shallow lagoons on the windward or the west side whereas there are steep slopes on the eastern side. There are no hills and streams on the islands. The region experiences muggy climate with fishing being the main occupation. The best time to visit the islands is between October and April.

6 The tourists can indulge in activities related to water adventure at Kavaratti and Kadmat. The major tourist attractions are Kavaratti Island Marine Aquarium, Minicoy Island and Agatti Island. SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports) is the central agency for the tourism promotion in Lakshadweep. The staff of SPORTS is trained in a variety of water adventure sports. They are also trained in running restaurants and successfully run restaurants at various locatons throughout the island group. The SPORTS also operates tourist packages to Lakshadweep. A number of variants are available for tourists who want to visit Lakshdweep. The day excursionists can fly to Agatti Island, visit the Agatti and the other nearby islands and fly back in the evening. The tourists who opt for the day tour cruise package visit the islands during the day and go back to the ship for the overnight stay. Tourists who prefer to stay the night at the islands itself are accommodated in Kavaratti,Kadmat, Agatti,Minicoy and Kalpeni. There are tourist huts in each island located at beautiful destinations on the beach itself. The option of a holiday resort is also available at few islands. The tour packages to the Lakshadweep islands are mostly theme based. Most tourists opt for a leisure & relaxation package, sea & lagoon based tours and many go for the adventure packages which include a variety of water adventure activities like Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling etc. Apart from this the tourists also visitthe Marine museum, houses of the locals, Light House and the local industries. There are a few precautions that must be taken while visiting the Lakshadweep Islands. Firstly, there is a prohibition on alcohol on every island except Bangaram and secondly, collecting and damaging of coral is a punishable offence.

The Must visit places of the Lakshadweep islands include: Kavaratti: Being the capital and the administrative headquarter;kavaratti Island is the most developed.

7 The Must visit places of the Lakshadweep islands include: Kavaratti: Being the capital and the administrative headquarter;kavaratti Island is the most developed. There are a number of mosques spread all across the island including the Ujra mosque, the ceiling of the mosque is said to be carved out of driftwood. The Lagoon is considered perfect for water sports and the beaches for sun bathing. There is a wide variety of marine species at the Marine Aquarium Museum. Kavaratti Island Kalpeni:This Island boasts of the largest lagoon among Lakshadweep islands and is perfect for a variety of water adventure sports. Minicoy: It is the southernmost island of the archipelago; it is geographically cut off from other islands. This is the reason that the culture here is a combination of South Indian and Maldivian. Another interesting fact about Minicoy is that it is often referred to as Women s Island because of the upper hand enjoyed by women in the social circles. Minicoy has a rich tradition of performing arts. The essential tourist spots of the island are a visit to the

8 tuna canning factory, the light house built by the British in 1885, and a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. Kadmat:It is a haven for tourists looking for tranquility. The island has a shallow lagoon with an even at the western shoreline which is ideal for swimming. The island boasts of a lagoon on either side, an exclusive feature.dense and lush green coconut palm trees form a natural canopy over the area, thus protecting it from sunlight. The island is known for its diving spots, considered to be amongst the finest in India. Kadmat has a well-equipped Water Sports Institute and a Diving School. Kadmat is the only island apart from Bangaram and Agatti where international tourists are allowed. Agatti: It boasts the only airport on the Lakshdweep and therefore, is a Gateway to the Lakshadweep and many islands like the Bangaram, Thinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II are just a short ride away. Agatti is a 7 km long island and the smallest union territory of the country. The island is a heavenly experience with clear waters and white sandy beaches. Tourists can participate in adventure activities and go on exploration expeditions among coral sites.

(Andaman & Nicobar Islands) http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/lgcolor/andamancolor.htm Bangaram:This teardrop shaped island surrounded creamy sand shores.

9 (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Bangaram:This teardrop shaped island surrounded creamy sand shores. The coconut trees provide a beautiful canopy and protect the island, locals and the visitors from direct sunlight even on the hottest of days. There are breath taking excursions to the tantalizing and uninhabited islands in the same atoll, Tinnakara, Parali-I and Parali-II. A variety of water sports can be enjoyed in the deep, warm and clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Tourists also enjoy the exquisite coral formation including the black coral formations and a variety and number of coral fishes. There is a diving school at Bangaram.

10 (b) Bay of Bengal Islands The Bay Islands or the Andaman and Nicobar islands are in a crescent shape and extend for about 590 km with a maximum width of about 58 km. The total area of these islands is about 8, sq. km. The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands are separated from each other by the 10 Channel. The islands are approachable from the mainland (the Bay head) and are at a distance of about 220 km. The extreme southernmost point of the islands is Indira Point. There are 204 islands in the Andaman Group of Islands includes the major among them being the Great and Little Andamans. The Great Andamans arc is separated by narrow creeks into the North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Baratang and Rutland islands. Apart from these there are two volcanic islands Barren and Narcondam situated within 80 km off the Andamans. The islands have a humid climate, experience rainfall throughout the year. The Nicobar Group of Islands include 18 islands of which (Car Nicobar, Chowra, Tercssa. Bompoka, Camorta, Trinkat, Nancowry, Katchall, LitlleNicobar (PuloMilo), Great Nicobar and Kondul) are inhabited and remaining seven (BattiMalav, Tilangchong. Meroe. Trak.Trais, Menchal and Kabra) are uninhabited. These are separated from the Andaman group of islands through 10 Channel which represents a fracture zone. There is distinct difference in the physical geography of the two groups. Some of the Nicobar Islands are coral, while others are hilly as are the Andaman's. These islands experience hot humid climate. Various areas of the Islands are strictly off limits to tourists, as are the various patches of tribal areas. Tourism is a major industry in Andaman. Bulk of the revenue earned by the government of Andaman and Nicobar is through the tourism industry. More than 85 percent of the total island area comprise of forests. They are home to a vast variety of flora and fauna and house 96 Sanctuaries and 9 National Parks. Many islands have become focal attractions for tourists, the important among them are:

11 Port Blair: It is the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is situated on the east coast of the South Andaman Island. Being the capital city, Port Blair is the gateway to the beautiful and mesmerizing islands. Port Blair offers many water adventure activities. The center point of the city is the Aberdeen bazar where most of the amenities like accommodation and restaurants are located. Transportation hubs i.e. the bus stand and the airport are also close by. There are many historical sites and tourist attractions in and around Port Blair that are a must visit spots as they add flavor to the natural and scenic beauty of the island. Port Blair Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): This jail was constructed in 1906, it has seen many a torturous executions of Indian freedom fighters and political prisoners at the hands of the Britishers. The Light and Sound Show: Depicting the freedom struggle of India, this son et lumiere show was started in 1989.

12 Mount Harriet: It is the highest point in South Andamans (1,200 feet), 15 kilometres from Port Blair. The panoramic view from Mount Harriet is a worthwhile investment of time. Corbyn's Cove: At a distance of 7 kms from Port Blair is a nature s haven, surrounded with coconut trees and palm trees it is both ideal for relaxation and adventure. Samudrika Marine Museum: The marine museum boasts of more than 350 varieties of marine creatures including a skeleton of the blue whale. Apart from this there are various corals and clam shells on display. Japanese Bunker: These bunkers were built during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Ross Island: Ross Island is a nature s haven with a historical connection near Port Blair. It is a beautiful excursion from Port Blair. Ferry rides connect the island to Port Blair. The island has ruins of a British Mansion, a British Church, a market and many other buildings of the period when the island was a British seat which are worth exploring. The island also has a museum which has pictures, paintings and sketches from the British era. Apart from this a fair number of peacocks, deer and ducks make the island a much sought after tourist spot.the Ross Island is controlled by the Indian navy, which requires every visitor to sign in on entering. Viper Island:This Island gets its name after the vessel `Viper' in which Lt. Archibald Blair came to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in The ship is said to have met with an accident and its remainswere found near this island. The island is a perfect combination of nature s treasure and historical heritage. The island houses the old jail and is a witness of the freedom struggle. Havelock Island:It is an inhabited island of the Andamans. The island is rich with forests, white beaches and coral reefs. It is at distance of 39 km from Port Blair. Havelock has some picturesque beaches.

Radhanagar Beach is an A grade beach rated as amongst the best beaches in Asia, recognized for its outstanding quality by TIME Magazine. Radhanagar Beach http://www.andamans.gov.

html Vijaynagar Beachis located on the east coast of the Havelock, the beach is lined with mahua trees,and the trees give a unique character to the beach apart from providing shade

13 Radhanagar Beach is an A grade beach rated as amongst the best beaches in Asia, recognized for its outstanding quality by TIME Magazine. Radhanagar Beach Vijaynagar Beachis located on the east coast of the Havelock, the beach is lined with mahua trees,and the trees give a unique character to the beach apart from providing shade for long walks on the beach. The beach also offers adventure activities and has lovely coral reef formation. Barren Island: The island is barren as the name itself suggests. The land is devoid of human habitation and a meagre population of goats, birds, bats and rodents can be found on the island. This is due to the harsh living conditions of the island.

14 Barren Island The island is dominated by Barren Volcano, the only active volcano in South Asia. Barren Island is located at a distance of 35 kms of Port Blair. The island is famous as a rare and interesting scuba-diving destination. The waters surrounding Barren Island are reputed to be among the world's top scuba diving destinations. (c) Offshore Islands Besides these Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal islands India has a number of islands along the Western and Eastern coasts, in the delta region of Ganga and in the Gulf of Mannar. Some of the important islands along the Western Coast are Piram, Bhaisala (Kathiawar); Diu, Vaida, Nora, Pirtan, Karunbhar( Kachchh coast); Khadiabet, Aliabet (Narmada-Tapi mouth); Butchers, Elephanta, Karanja, Salsette, Cross (near Mumbai); Bhatkal, Pigeoncock, St. Mary (Mangalore coast); Anjidiv (Goa coast); Vypin (near Kochi coast); Pamban, Crocodile, Adunda (Gulf of Mannar); Sri Harikota (mouth of Pulicat lake); Parikud (mouth of Chilka lake); Short, Wheeler (Mahanadi-Brahmani mouth); and New Moore and Sagar (Ganga delta). Many of these are uninhabited and are administered by the adjacent states. Following are a few other beautiful islands of India: 1. Majuli Island: It is one of the biggest river islands in the world. The island is famous for its breathtaking beauty and especially for its mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. The island showcases a rich Assamese culture. The island is unique in its natural as well as its cultural ambience. It has moss instead of sand on its coasts. The best time to visit is between October and December. The island can be reached by ferries from Jorhat which is well connected with Guwahati.

15 2. Diu Island: The Island has Portugese and Gujarati cultural influences and is an architectural and scenic paradise. The beautiful beaches and the scrumptious sea-food make it an exclusive destination. The best time to visit is between October and December. Diu is accessible by air and road by major Indian cities. Majuli Island dine-in-style-on-majuli-worlds-largest-river-island-in-assam- 3. Divar Island: The Island is situated 10 km upstream from Panaji, Goa. Still an untouched paradise with Goan culture infused in its countryside way of living. The best time to visit is between November and February and is a short ferry ride away from old Goa.

Divar Island https://routeexplorer.wordpress.com/tag/divar-island-goa/ 4.

snorkeling and scuba diving. The island has pristine beaches and is a short boat ride from Goa.

16 Divar Island 4. Grand Island: the island is an Indian Navy base and is considered perfect for fishing, diving snorkeling and scuba diving. The island has pristine beaches and is a short boat ride from Goa. The best time to visit is between October and April. It s a day-trip excursion with hardly any overnight accommodation available. Grand Island

https://www.thegoavilla.com/goa/distanation/grand-island.html 5. St Mary s Islands: St Mary s is a group of four small islands situated off the coast of Karnataka.

17 5. St Mary s Islands: St Mary s is a group of four small islands situated off the coast of Karnataka. The Islands are popular for their unique hexagonal basaltic rock formation. The beaches are although rocky but have clear waters. It is one of the lesser known and yet to be developed destinations of India where explorers can enjoy a peaceful time. The best time to visit is December and January. The island is only accessible through a 15 minute boat ride from Malpe, Karnataka. St. Mary s Island Island Tourism Islands are extraordinary landforms that have a fragile environmental disposition. They are beautiful but delicate in their composition and have a lot to offer as tourism products. Islands create alluring fantasies for people they are a point of temptation for

18 adventure lovers, nature fanatics, those who are looking for a lazy and relaxing escape from the routine and even as hot MICE destinations. Islands are always associated with scenic and rejuvenating values. However their fragile environmental balance makes sustainable development and careful planning a prerequisite so that over commercialization of these delicate landforms can be avoided at all costs as the very essence of its beauty and attraction will be at risk if unplanned development is encouraged

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS. Private transfers for airport and excursions, and a glass bottom boat ride included!!!

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS. Private transfers for airport and excursions, and a glass bottom boat ride included!!! ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS Private transfers for airport and excursions, and a glass bottom boat ride included!!! Indian visa service also available on request!!! 8 Days: Port Blair - Havelock - Port Blair