Situated in the centre of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide a perfect getaway from the busy mainland with their stunning beaches, rainforests, and marine life. Serene, peaceful and stunning, you will forever be mesmerised by the white-sand beaches that these paradisiacal islands offer.
In a recent move, the local government revealed plans to allow tourists to visit the charming Aves Island in the North and Middle Andaman district. This is being done in order to increase tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The administration has suggested the creation of a five-star eco-tourism resort through a public-private partnership to turn Aves into a popular tourist destination.
According to PTI, the local government intends to lease a 2.75-hectare land parcel under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) arrangement to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO). A 50-room, five-star ecotourism resort is planned at Aves Island, It will feature a wellness centre, scuba diving, game fishing, hiking through the forest, nature camping, and a shopping area featuring locally made souvenirs.
"We are confident that with the active collaboration of the private sector, the projects proposed to be implemented in PPP mode will succeed in bringing world-class sustainable tourism infrastructure and putting Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourism circuit," said Nandini Paliwal, Managing Director of ANIIDCO, in an interview with PTI.
The administration has also prepared a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) under the heading of Development of Eco-Tourism Projects in Andaman Islands – 2023 for the comprehensive development of 14 additional tourist destinations, including Lalaji Bay beach at Long Island, Ross-Smith Island, and Shaheed Dweep spread across North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman. This initiative aims to put the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the map of world tourist destinations.
Aves Island is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' Indian union territory. Located in the North and Middle Andaman's Mayabunder tehsil, the Aves Island's village code is 645293, as per the 2011 Census. The distance from Mayabunder, the district and sub-district headquarters of Aves Island village, is around 6km. The village is spread over 15.9 hectares of land. It is roughly 140 kilometres to the north of Port Blair. It is known as Coconut Island because of its lush, green coconut plantation.
The beautiful island is uninhabited and currently off-limits to tourists. With its two kilometres of immaculate coastline, Aves is a great place for camping in the midst of dense forests, and coconut plantations. There are plans to develop sports like scuba diving here. It features a striking red and white lighthouse that was put into service in 2008 but is currently unmanned.
Several changes have happened over the past few years in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as far as tourism is concerned. Earlier, non-islanders were required to possess a tribal pass to access the Great Nicobar area, including Campbell Bay, as per the Director of Shipping Services, which administers transportation services across the island. In January 2023, the imposition was relaxed for tourists to explore Campbell Bay's beauty.
In 2023, a draft caravan tourism policy was introduced to change how travellers explore these destinations. With a focus on creating unique and unforgettable travel experiences, this innovative initiative seeks to breathe new life into the islands' tourism sector.
Many experts have correctly cautioned over the years about the effects of excessive tourism in environmentally sensitive areas like the Andaman Islands. Some of the oldest indigenous tribes in the world still live in the Andaman Islands, and a wide variety of plants and animals can be found there thanks to the pristine environment. Community-based tourism is one of the best ways to promote sustainable tourism in these kinds of locations. An enriching experience can be had by interacting with the locals and learning about their way of life. You can also take into consideration staying with local families as an alternative to always choosing hotels or resorts.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a haven for wildlife lovers. From beautiful corals under the sea to land and terrestrial flora and fauna, you will be left amazed at the diversity these group of islands offer.
The Andamans is known for Barren Island, the only live volcano in India which erupted last in 2017, offers a unique adventure as stepping on its shores is forbidden.
You can book a flight to the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair from major Indian cities. Alternatively, passenger ships and ferries operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, although this option takes longer. For exploring different islands within the archipelago, inter-island ferries are available, and it's advisable to check schedules and book tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourist season.
Aves Island is approximately 20 minutes ride away by dinghy from Mayabunder jetty. Travel from Port Blair upto Mayabunder by road, and from here, take a mechanised boat upto the shore.
