- Updated February 24, 2026
- Insiya
11 Unknown Facts about the Andamans
[2026 Edition]
From Hanuman to Andaman
Lord Hanuman (The Hindu Monkey god) is said to have landed in Andaman islands on his way to Lanka (Now Sri Lanka). People thus believe that the name Andaman has been derived from the word Hanuman or Handuman.
Home to the lost tribe
Andaman is home to the Sentinel tribe, who are said to be the most isolated tribe in the world. They respond with intense hostility at any attempt of outside contact, hurling arrows and stones at any unlucky visitor approaching their shores.
Nobody has ever been able to contact them for over 60,000 years.
Read More: Tribes of the Andamans
India to Andamans to Burma & Indonesia
The Andaman isles is at a distance of 150 km from Indonesia and about 800 kms from India.
The Coconut Crab
The largest land living arthropod, coconut crab, lives in Andaman. These are super huge crabs and they hate water ,they are mostly like land animals and they love climbing coconut trees.
The Happy Land Of Butterflies
Thousands of butterflies flock to the Andaman Island every year. Andaman is a proud host to butterflies that migrate to the islands.
Even postal stamps have been issued in honor of this phenomenon.
Largest Sea Turtles in the World
Dermocheleys Coriacea, the largest sea turtles in the world nest in the Andaman islands. They are huge in size and thousands of them flock to the Andamans every year. Additionally, even the Olive Ridely turtles come to the Andamans and use it as their nesting ground.
These turtles can be seen nesting between December and January in Diglipur and many other places specially in north and middle Andaman.
Read More: Kalipur Beach
The 20 Rupee Note and the Andaman Islands
The image that one can see behind the 20 rupee note is a view of the lighthouse at north bay island from mount Harriet. Both of which are close to Port Blair and can be visited on a day trip.
Read More: North Bay Island
Andaman Islands during World War II
During World War 2 Andaman Islands Were The Only Part Of India To Come Under Japanese Occupation.
The Japanese did occupy parts of north east India but this was only for 6 months. The Andaman islands stayed under them for 3 years. Japanese underground tunnels and bunkers can be seen all around the island. One near Corbyn’s cove and one at Ross Island too!
Read More: Ross Island
The first Sunrise of the Millennium
Katchal Islands in Andaman enjoyed the the first sunrise of this millennium.
Rich Forest Cover
The Andaman Islands have a very wast and wide range of flura but very few know that the area covered by it is more than any other state in India. Dense tropical forests cover about 90% of the Andaman Islands.
Only 6.7% of islands are inhabited
There are 572 islands that make up the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Only 38 of them are inhabited.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Andaman Islands part of India?
Yes, they are a Union Territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal.
Is it true that there’s an active volcano in the Andamans?
Yes, Barren Island is India’s only active volcano.
Are the Andaman Islands closer to India or Southeast Asia?
They are geographically closer to Myanmar and Thailand but politically part of India.
Do the Andamans have a mix of cultures?
Yes, settlers from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and other states live here, creating a cultural melting pot.
Are the Andaman Islands safe for tourists?
Yes, they are considered very safe, with friendly locals and regulated tourism.
Insiya
Recommended Readings
Experiences in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Planning a trip to the Andaman?
We made this because we were tired of hearing “I wish I knew this earlier.” Ferries, permits, best stays, right beaches, everything you need, all in one place. Plan it yourself, just better.
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