Also known by two other names, the Pygmalion Point and the Parsons Point, the Indira Point is India’s southernmost point. With a wide beach, you can walk along. It is a tranquil spot offering a breathtaking aerial view that will enchant the onlooker. Surrounded by the Great Nicobar Archipelago forests, the Indira Point has an interesting history connected to the ex-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, for which it surely attracts travellers visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For your next adventure, let’s learn more about the point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands!
Indira Point In Andaman Location
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Indira Point is located on Sumatra, south of Nicobar. It is the southernmost tip of the great Nicobar Island. Covering an area of about 1045 square km, it is an extremely important point for India strategically and economically. This Point stands as an important station on the international shipping lane of the Colombo-Singapore route.
The Indira Point is largely accessible by sea and by air. Reaching the point by air is the most convenient and fastest journey. You can reach Port Blair from most major locations in India. From there, you can take a direct flight to Campbell Bay. There are chartered flights, seaplanes, and helicopters for hire from Campbell Bay to Indira Point, depending upon the weather and the climatic conditions. This part of the journey takes only 15 minutes but offers magnificent views. While a more expensive than visiting by sea, the picturesque scenery is worth the amount. The total duration can go up to 3 to 4 hours after reaching Port Blair.
You can reach the Point from Campbell Bay by road. If you take the bus, it can take around hours. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or take a car. It isn’t possible to reach Indira Point directly by road; you have to visit Campbell Bay first. If more convenient, you can also travel here from Banda Aceh in Indonesia.
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History Of Indira Point
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Indira Point was known as Pygmalion Point and Parsons Point until the 1980s. The spot was called Pygmalion Point by the British colonial regime and then Parsons Point, named after a British hydrographer who had conducted a survey of the area in the 19th century.
The lighthouse at this Point was originally commissioned for service on the 30th of April 1972 by the then Vice President of India, Mr. G.S.Pathak. It emitted a bright white light that would flash. This light would be visible from nearly 19 nautical miles away. Inaugurated in 1979, the lighthouse was originally a 35-metre-tall symbol of India’s might.
When the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, visited Pygmalion Point on February 19, 1984, a preliminary decision was made to change the location’s name. On October 10, 1985, the official renaming of the location occurred, and henceforth, it was addressed at Indira Point. An earthquake-induced tsunami struck the island on January 26, 2004, and huge parts of Indira Point were submerged underwater. An entire statue of Indira Gandhi and parts of the lighthouse were also submerged. Proving its resilience, by 2005, the project was restored, and the lighthouse was visible again. However, while the lighthouse was on high ground earlier, it is now suspended in the Indian Ocean.
Things To Do At And Additional Information
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The Indira Point Andaman and Nicobar is famous for 3 major things:
- The Beach
- The Lighthouse
- Galathea National Park
The beach is a small yet secluded stretch and the perfect place to enjoy nature. A place of tranquillity, the island is a haven for travellers looking for offbeat destinations. The beach offers stunning scenery, with the forest at one end and an unending expanse of the Indian Ocean on the other. The unpolluted blue waters of the ocean make the Point in Andaman among the places to visit on your list. The lighthouse is open to tourists at a ticket price of Rs. 50 per person. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The lighthouse is closed on public holidays and when climatic conditions worsen. You must show proof of your official ID and obtain a permit from the administration.
The Galathea National Park is famous for its brilliant variety of rare fauna. A gorgeous location which falls under the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the glorious Leatherback Turtle, the most giant turtle in the world. In winter (between December and February), Leatherback Turtles nest in large numbers at South Bay. They have been classified as vulnerable and are protected creatures. The Park is also home to the Crab-Eating Macaque and the Salt-Water Crocodile. The Salt-Water Crocodile, in particular, is the largest of all the nesting crocodiles. The biodiversity of this place definitely makes it one of the Indira Points in Andaman, which is a fabulous place to visit for a fabulous trip.
Suggested Read: Best Beaches In Andaman
Facts You Need To Know
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Here are a few fun and interesting facts about Indira Point.
- Sri Lanka’s Talaimannar Island is barely 20 kilometres away from the Point.
- According to the Indian Decennial Census of 2011, only four families live here, with a total population of 27 people.
- Four scientists were studying the condition of Leatherback Sea Turtles here. Unfortunately, they perished in the 2004 tsunami.
- The 2004 tsunami changed the demographic and wildlife patterns of the region’s people and endemic plants and animals.
- The nesting of hawksbills happens here.
- Due to severe climatic conditions, parts of Indira Point are inaccessible at certain times of the year. Certain parts become submerged and then re-emerge once the water recedes.
- The Point is closer to Indonesia than it is to the Indian mainland. Sabang City in Indonesia is the closest point to Indira Point.
- The Shompens and the Great Nicobarese people are the original inhabitants of this island.
Further Read: Ross Island In Andaman
Now that you have a list of the best places in Indira Point, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. So, plan your trip to Andaman to enjoy these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Make the best of this amazing opportunity, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Indira Point
How much time will be required to cover the Indira Point?
It will take about 1 to 2 days to explore Indira Point. If you club it with a visit to the Galathea National Park, it will take more days. The best time to visit Indira Point is from November to May.
What to wear at Indira Point?
The Indira Point can get very hot and humid. It is recommended to wear sunscreen with your beachwear. Wear light, airy, cotton clothes which cover the entire body to prevent sunburn.
What are some tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Coral Reefs, Cellular Jails, Elephant Reefs, the Naval Marine Museum Samudrika, Marina Park, and Baratang are great places to visit around the islands.
What is the Climate in Andaman and Nicobar Islands like?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical, moderate climate throughout the year, generally hot and humid.
How many days are sufficient to cover the Andaman Islands?
Andaman has bountiful attractions that can be covered in around a week. So when planning a trip to Andaman, plan your trip for 6-7 days
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