Car Nicobar Tourism
Car Nicobar is the Indian administrative headquarters of the Nicobar Islands and is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory. This elusive island is not easily accessible, and it is almost impossible for tourists to get permission to enter. Anyone who is interested in visiting this district would have to obtain a landing permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Andaman District. Small villages, coconut trees and secluded beaches comprise this tiny island which is genuinely untouched by civilisation. The Nicobari huts are unique to the island and are constructed on elevated stilts with a wooden ladder as an entrance from the ground.
Since the Nicobar Islands are intrinsically tribal areas outsiders (national or foreigners) are not allowed to visit them as a part of the Government of India's efforts to protect the tribals' culture and also to protect them from non-native diseases. The second reason for this restriction is that Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve lies here and is a very fragile ecosystem. Hence, allowing tourists might cause more harm than good.
Car Nicobar was severely affected due to the tsunami in 2004. With waves as high as 30ft the number of casualties was quite high. Due to the remote nature of this tribal island, accessing help from Mainland India was also an issue.
If you can obtain a landing permit to visit Car Nicobar, there is a shipping service available from Port Blair (located 260 kms, 16 hours away) twice a week. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration in association with the Indian Air Force operate charter flight services and helicopters from Port Blair as well.
