Are you looking for a unique and adventurous destination to explore in India? Do you want to witness the beauty and diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? If yes, then you should definitely visit Indira Point, the southernmost point of India and one of the most fascinating places in the country.
Indira Point is a small coastal village located on the Great Nicobar Island, the largest and the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is famous for its historic lighthouse, which marks the southern end of India’s territorial waters and helps in navigation and maritime security. Indira Point is also home to the Galathea National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that hosts rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. Moreover, Indira Point has a stunning beach that offers scenic views, camping opportunities, and surfing adventures.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Indira Point, including its history, attractions, activities, and how to reach. We will also give you some tips and recommendations to make your trip to Indira Point memorable and enjoyable. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Indira Point has something for everyone. So, read on and discover the lesser-known world of Indira Point and the Nicobar Islands.
History of Indira Point
Indira Point has a rich and intriguing history that spans thousands of years. The Nicobar Islands have been inhabited by indigenous tribes since ancient times, and have been mentioned in various texts and maps by Greek, Chinese, and Arab scholars. The islands have also been visited and colonized by different European powers, such as the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Danish, the French, and the British, who used them for trade, missionary, and strategic purposes.
Indira Point was originally called Pygmalion Point by the British, after a mythical Greek sculptor who fell in love with his own creation. Later, it was renamed Parsons Point, after a British hydrographer who surveyed the area in the 19th century. In 1972, after India gained independence and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands became a union territory, Indira Point was renamed again, this time after Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India.
Indira Point is also known for its lighthouse, which was built in 1972 and inaugurated in 1979. The lighthouse is a 35-meter tall structure that emits a white flash every 10 seconds and can be seen from up to 19 nautical miles away. The lighthouse is not only a landmark, but also a symbol of India’s sovereignty and maritime security. It is also a witness to the devastating 2004 tsunami, which submerged half of the lighthouse and reduced the height of Indira Point by 4.25 meters. The lighthouse was repaired and restored in 2005, and continues to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Lighthouse of Indira Point
One of the main attractions of Indira Point is the lighthouse, which is a must-see for anyone who visits the place. The lighthouse is not only a historic and functional monument, but also a scenic and serene spot that offers panoramic views of the ocean and the horizon. You can climb up the spiral staircase of the lighthouse and enjoy the breeze and the vista from the top. You can also take some amazing photos and videos of the lighthouse and its surroundings.
The lighthouse is also a place of interest for researchers and enthusiasts, who can learn more about its design, operation, and maintenance. The lighthouse is equipped with a solar power system, a diesel generator, a radio beacon, and a radar reflector. It is also connected to the mainland by a satellite link, which enables remote monitoring and control. The lighthouse is manned by a team of four personnel, who work in shifts and live in quarters near the lighthouse. They are responsible for keeping the lighthouse in good condition and ensuring its smooth functioning.
The lighthouse is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person, and the visitors are required to show their identity proof and obtain a permit from the local administration. The visitors are also advised to follow the rules and regulations of the lighthouse, such as not touching or tampering with any equipment, not littering or damaging the premises, and not disturbing the wildlife or the locals.
Galathea National Park
Another attraction of Indira Point is the Galathea National Park, which is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 110 square kilometers on the southern part of the Great Nicobar Island. The park was established in 1992 and is named after the Galathea River, which flows through it. The park is a part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hotspot of biodiversity.
The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are rare and endemic to the Nicobar Islands. Some of the notable species that can be found in the park are the crab-eating macaque, the giant robber crab, the giant leatherback turtle, the reticulated python, the Nicobar serpent eagle, and the saltwater crocodile. The park also has a rich and diverse vegetation, with tropical evergreen forests, mangroves, grasslands, and swamps.
The park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, who can explore and observe the natural beauty and the wildlife of the park. The park offers guided tours, nature trails, birdwatching, and wildlife photography opportunities. The park also has a research station, a museum, and an interpretation center, where visitors can learn more about the ecology and the conservation of the park.
The park is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 100 per person, and the visitors are required to obtain a permit from the local administration. The visitors are also advised to follow the rules and regulations of the park, such as not carrying any weapons, fire, or alcohol, not feeding or harming any animals, not collecting or destroying any plants, and not making any noise or pollution.
Beach and Surfing
If you are looking for some fun and relaxation, then you should definitely check out the beach at Indira Point, which is one of the best and the most secluded beaches in the Nicobar Islands. The beach is a long and wide stretch of white sand, with clear and blue water, and a gentle and steady breeze. The beach is ideal for day trips, camping, and surfing, as it offers scenic views, peaceful atmosphere, and thrilling waves.
The beach is a popular spot for surfers, who can enjoy the waves that range from 3 to 6 feet in height and from 50 to 100 meters in length. The waves are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, who can ride them for up to 20 seconds.
The best time to surf at the beach is from October to March, when the wind and the swell are favorable. The surfers can also rent or buy surfboards, wetsuits, and other equipment from the local shops and vendors.
The beach is also a great place for camping, as it offers a safe and comfortable place to stay overnight. The campers can pitch their tents on the sand, light a bonfire, cook their food, and enjoy the starry sky and the sound of the waves. The campers can also interact with the locals, who are friendly and hospitable, and learn more about their culture and lifestyle. The campers can also join the locals in their fishing, farming, and handicraft activities.
The beach is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, and there is no entry fee or permit required. The visitors are advised to follow the rules and regulations of the beach, such as not littering or polluting the beach, not disturbing or disrespecting the locals, and not venturing into the restricted areas or the tribal lands.
How to Reach Indira Point
Indira Point is not easy to reach, as it is located in a remote and isolated part of the Nicobar Islands. However, this also adds to its charm and allure, as it makes it a less crowded and more exclusive destination. There are different ways to reach Indira Point, depending on your budget, preference, and availability. Here are some of the options:
By air:
The fastest and the most convenient way to reach Indira Point is by air. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From Port Blair, you can take another flight to Campbell Bay, the headquarters of the Great Nicobar Island. From Campbell Bay, you can take a helicopter or a seaplane to Indira Point, which takes about 15 minutes. The total cost of the air travel is around Rs. 20,000 per person, and the total duration is around 4 hours.
By road:
The cheapest and the most adventurous way to reach Indira Point is by road. You can take a bus or a taxi from Port Blair to Rangat, a town on the Middle Andaman Island. From Rangat, you can take a ferry to Mayabunder, a port on the North Andaman Island. From Mayabunder, you can take another ferry to Campbell Bay. From Campbell Bay, you can take a bus or a taxi to Indira Point, which takes about 2 hours. The total cost of the road travel is around Rs. 2,000 per person, and the total duration is around 2 days.
By train:
The most scenic and the most comfortable way to reach Indira Point is by train. You can take a train from any major city in India to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. From Chennai, you can take another train to Tiruchirappalli, a city in central Tamil Nadu. From Tiruchirappalli, you can take a special train to Indira Point, which runs once a week and takes about 36 hours.
The train passes through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes of India, such as the Eastern Ghats, the Coromandel Coast, the Palk Strait, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Indian Ocean. The train also stops at some of the important and historic places along the way, such as Pondicherry, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, and Kanyakumari.
The train has air-conditioned coaches, pantry cars, and toilets, and provides a smooth and pleasant ride. The total cost of the train travel is around Rs. 5,000 per person, and the total duration is around 2 days.
Indira Point is one of the most unique and fascinating places in India, and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, nature, and adventure. Indira Point offers you a chance to witness the southernmost tip of India, and explore the beauty and diversity of the Nicobar Islands. Indira Point also offers you a chance to experience the culture and lifestyle of the locals, and learn more about their history and ecology. Indira Point is a place that will surprise you, inspire you, and enrich you.
So, don’t miss this opportunity to visit Indira Point and the Nicobar Islands, and discover a new and exciting world. Book your trip with Tripoto, and enjoy a hassle-free and customized trip that suits your needs and expectations. Tripoto is your trusted and preferred travel partner, and will make sure that you have the best and the most memorable trip of your life.
So, go ahead and book your trip to Indira Point and the Nicobar Islands with Tripoto now, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
