Andamans as Leisure Destination...

Tourism is travel for recreation, leisure, religious, family or business purposes, usually for a limited duration. Tourism is commonly associated with international travel, but may also refer to travel to another place within the same country. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".

Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. Tourism can be domestic or international, and international tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country's balance of payments. Today, tourism is a major source of income for many countries, and affects the economy of both the source and host countries, in some cases being of vital importance.

Located little over a 1000 kilometers east off India's mainland, the jade and aquamarine waters of the Andaman Islands have long been on the radar of discerning travelers. A naturalist's haven, the islands are particularly famous for their marine life and untouched white sandy beaches. These hilly islands, fringed by coconut palms are also much sought after for their exotic tribes residing in tropical forests, great snorkeling and scuba diving territory, and colonial history.

The Japanese briefly controlled these islands during World War II. While being severe on locals who continued to be in touch with the British, they were supportive of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose struggle for Independence. Bose was given a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at Port Blair on December 29, 1943, and he went on to hoist the Indian National Flag at Port Blair the following day.

Post Independence, many Hindu Bengalis from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) were rehabilitated here. Many freed prisoners of the Cellular Jail also chose to stay back and settle in the Andaman Islands. The next lot of settlers' constituted Punjabis, Malayalis and Tamilians. Indigenous tribal people along with the above from mainland India make up the local population today.

Over the last decade with the tourism industry looking for newer pastures, Andaman has emerged as a favored destination. While well traveled domestic tourists are looking beyond Goa and Kerala, the global traveler is increasingly hopping across the Andaman Sea from Phuket and Langkawi for a more pristine experience.
Leisure activities and leisure satisfaction are inextricably linked to an individual's choice.

Andaman islands offers

• Mesmerizing Sites for Photography
• White sandy beaches for swimming and sun bathing
• Bird Watching
• Jungle Trekking – Mount Harriet (South Andaman) and Saddle Peak (North Andamans)
• Water Sports – Such as Scuba diving, Snorkeling , Glass bottom Boat rides , Under water Sea-walk (one of the best in entire Asia and the only one in India ) , Jet ski , Banana boat ride etc.