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The Glossary

Ashram - "Spiritual hermitage."

From India Glossary

Reputed to be some of the remote places on Earth, the 572 emerald-colored islands known as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a popular getaway choice for tourists looking for a peaceful and secluded vacation that is close to nature. Lying in the Bay of Bengal, 1,000 kilometers from the east of the Indian coast, the islands are largely un-inhabited. Its populace concentrates on mere 38 islands, comprised of primitive tribes such as the Jarawas, Nicobarese, Shompens, Andamanese, among others.

Despite the islands' charm as a bona fide tourist destination, it is interesting to note that the islands were once used exclusively for incarcerating feared criminals, functioning as a penal settlement called the Kalapani, or literally, "Black Waters." In fact, in Port Blair, the nerve center of the islands, one can revisit their infamous past at the macabre museum known as the Cellular Jail.

Of course, the main order of the day for tourists is still enjoying the pristine beaches, or just relaxing under the shade of the trees. One should remember, though, to pack lots of sun lotion and probably a hammock, for good measure. Engaging in the so-called adventure tourism is also the rage, such as trekking and island camping.

Probably the most popular of the islands is the Havelock Island, particularly because it is the most developed among them, albeit the tourist infrastructure is still minimal compared to other known beach destinations. Its clear waters allow for some nice snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. A stark contrast is the Rutland Island, which has a reputation for being the least visited. It is not any different in terms of beauty, though, and its Totani Resort is a favorite haunt of the eco-tourists exploring the land. There is also the Wandoor Island, known for its Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, as well as the Barren Island which contains the only volcano in all of India.

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