Tourist places in Nicobars, Nicobars Travel Info
Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the eastern Indian Ocean, forming the southern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India. Situated between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands lie southeast of the Andaman Islands and are closer to Southeast Asia than to mainland India.
The Nicobar Islands are known for their pristine natural environment, dense tropical forests, coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. The region includes major islands such as Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Katchal, Nancowry, and Little Nicobar. Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost point of India and is ecologically significant due to its rainforests and wildlife.
Culturally, the Nicobar Islands are home to indigenous tribal communities, primarily the Nicobarese and the Shompen. The Nicobarese are settled agriculturists with distinct traditions, while the Shompen are a particularly isolated tribal group inhabiting the interiors of Great Nicobar. The region has limited urbanization and is governed under special regulations to protect indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems. The Nicobar Islands are suitable mainly for researchers, environmentalists, and policy planners, as tourism access is restricted in many areas.
The Nicobar Islands experience a tropical maritime climate. Temperatures remain fairly uniform throughout the year, generally ranging between 23°C and 30°C.
The southwest and northeast monsoons bring heavy rainfall from May to November, often accompanied by rough seas. December to April is comparatively drier and calmer.
The best time to visit the Nicobar Islands, where permitted, is from December to April, when weather conditions are more stable and sea travel is safer.
Connectivity to the Nicobar Islands is limited. The primary access point is Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, from where ships and limited air services connect to Car Nicobar. Inter-island movement is mainly by government-operated ships and helicopters.
Due to security, environmental sensitivity, and tribal protection laws, travel to many parts of the Nicobar Islands requires special permits, and civilian movement is restricted in several areas.
The Nicobar Islands are ecologically crucial, hosting tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and endangered species. The region is also strategically important for India due to its proximity to major international shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.
Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, significant efforts have been made to restore ecosystems and rehabilitate affected communities. Today, the Nicobar Islands remain one of India’s most sensitive and protected regions, balancing environmental conservation, tribal welfare, and national security.