Southern Most Point of India
Indira Point is the southernmost point of India. It is situated in the Nicobar district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is located at the Nicobar Taluk or Tehsil. One of the interesting facts about Indira Point is the presence of a Lighthouse – which commenced on the 30th of April, 1972. The point derives its name from our former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, although it was initially known by several other names like Pygmalion Point and Parsons Point.
According to the recent census of 2011, only four households are there at present in Indira Point, the southernmost point of India.
Derivation
The point gets its name after our former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. Initially, the point was named Pygmalion Point and Parsons Point. The Indira Point was renamed to honour Indira Gandhi for her relentless work efforts made during her term. The official announcement to rename the point was on 10th October 1985, after Indira Gandhi visited the lighthouse in 1984.
Administration
Indira point is located in a small village of Nicobar district that comes under the Laxmi Nagar Panchayat Administratively.
Where is Indira Point on Map: Geography
The capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island is Port Blair. It is very well connected by both airways and waterways. Campbell bay is another village in the Nicobar district that can be reached via Helicopter service, Pawan Hans. This village is also known as ‘Mini Punjab' because of the existence of several Gurudwaras. According to many reports, there are only a few places on Nicobar island that tourists can visit.
One can also avail of inter-island boats to travel across the different islands and reach Campbell Bay. Once every week, MV Campbell Bay operates from Port Blair to Campbell Bay. A 21km road is also constructed from Shastri Nagar Point to reach Indira Point. The road will be via a bridge over the Galathea River. The road is 56 km from Zero Point to Indira Point. The area is very protected by the Indian Coast Guards.
Indonesia's Northernmost Island – Rondo Island, falls south of Little Andaman Island. It is 163 kilometres away and 81 nautical miles away from the point.
What is Indira Point: Interesting facts
Here are some of the lesser-known facts about where is Indira Point – which is located within a rainforest of the Nicobar archipelago
One ouated on the calm side of the sea. Despite the aggressive nature of the Bay of Bengal – especially from the Manner side, the Bay looks pretty calm from the Indira Point. The most interesting fact about Indira Point is a strip that is believed to exist as a part of the days of Lord Ram. The strip is about 23 kilometres from Rameswaram to Arichalamamanai – beyond which lies the vast Indian Ocean.
The Ram Setu is sitting. The Hindu Mythology often believed that when Lord Ram wanted to reach Sri Lanka, he sought the ocean path. But the sea refused to do so. In order to cross the sea, Lord Ram decided to dry the ocean by lifting the bow. Seeking this, the sea accepted his request and allowed him to cross the sea by becoming calm.
To give direction and illumination to the large container ships – that travel to Malacca and Malaysia via the Indian territory, a lighthouse is situated at the point.
The last town that falls under the Indian territory is Dhanushkodi. You will find no settlement once you cross Dhanushkodi. If you travel ahead of this point, you will reach Ram Setu Point.
The total population of the area is 27, and almost everyone is literate, barring a few.
The height at which the point is located is 47 meters from sea level.
One of the famous National Parks of the Union Territory is Galathea National Park. Throughout the year, many visitors come to the island to visit the park.
The point is 90 nautical miles away from Indonesia and 22 nautical miles from Myanmar.
There are major bottlenecks like the Malacca Strait and Six Degree Channel that control the entry of vessels in this region.
Politically, this region has a lot of significance because of its geo-political location.
Out of the 572 islands of Andaman and Nicobar islands, only about thirty of them are inhabited. As a result of which, many of these isolated islands serve the purpose of smuggling drugs and other illegal activities. Thus, it is essential for the government to use these islands to save them from getting wasted as a smuggling area.
The islands in the north are separated by the southern ones by the ten-degree channel.
Even if several improvements are made by building roads, the natural terrain makes it difficult to sustain.
How to Reach The Indira Point Location?
The Indira Point is located in such a place that it becomes very difficult to reach. So, let us find out what is special about Indira Point.
Via air: The nearest airport to reach the point is in Port Blair. The Veer Savarkar International Airport is the place from where you can hop on to ‘Pawan Hans' – a national helicopter service that will help you to reach the region. You have to pre-book your slots before you arrive.
Via rail: The nearest railway station is in Chennai, from where you have to take a flight to port Claire after which you can opt to take Pawan Hans. The distance from Chennai railway station to Port Claire is 1300 km and can be covered within 2 hours.
Via road: Till today, there are no roads connecting Indira Point to any other location. But there are reports that tell us that a 60 km road is being planned to be constructed to bridge the two points.
This place is scenic and has iconic beauty. It provides you with a historical background of the place and, along with it, some insight about the drives that live there. The point is surrounded by deciduous trees and mangroves on one side and a vast blue ocean on the other. It is close to many international territories like Indonesia, Malaysia and others, to name a few. Indira Point is the southernmost point of India and Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip which is at 8°4’41” N and 77°32’28” E.
The area is a tourist spot and gained a lot of significance over the past few years. A lot of the tourists visit this place to see the lighthouse, the national park, and go for treks. It is also home to many aquatic plants and animals. Some of the exotic species that you will find here are crab-eating macaque, reticulated python and giant leatherback turtle.
FAQs on Indira Point the Southern of India
1. Name the tribes of the Nicobar Islands?
The islands consist of the Onge, Sentinelese, Jarawas, Great Andamanese, and Andamanese people living together harmoniously in the region.
Onge: This tribe is said to be indigenous to Little Andaman Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are among one the Andamanese people and falls under the category of Scheduled Tribe.
Sentinelese: Also known as North Sentinel Islanders and Sentineli, these people inhabit the northwestern side of the island. They fall under the category of Scheduled Tribe and are vulnerable to a large extent.
Jarawas: this indigenous tribe consists of not more than 400 individuals. Out of all the tribes that inhabit the island, this group of tribes is considered to be a little more modern than the rest. They haven’t abandoned their traditional way of life but have adopted quite a few modern techniques. They interact with outsiders and send their kids to government schools.
Great Andamanese: this large group of tribes is further divided into ten tribes and inhabit the island of Andaman and Nicobar. There are about sixty Great Anadamenese people left.
2. How do the people in Andaman and Nicobar Island Survive?
The tribes that live in the region lead a traditional and primitive way of life. Mostly all the tribes living in the region depend on nature - for their food and other requirements. Men in the tribe are mostly hunters and gatherers. The woman looks after the children and cooks food. Fishing is the main source of food. They are excellent divers and can dive deep into the ocean. Not up till recently, many individuals of the tribe are slowly getting exposed to the outside world. Now they are even willing to send their kids to school and use modern tools and techniques. Many of them now travel to the city in search of jobs, and some have also got scholarships.
