Pyrodes Dares You: The Andaman Islands
Ever since researchers took notice of a new uncontacted tribe in the Brazilian rainforest, Pyrodes has been fascinated by the subject, and so, we would like to introduce you to the Andaman Islands, just off the coast of India. Now, the Andaman Islands in general are great for snorkeling, fishing, and general tropical island travel. Take your grandmother, and have fun. Check out the wikitavel site for some general information. Pyrodes is more specifically interested in North Sentinel Island, the location of one of the only remaining tribes on earth that refuse contact from the outside world and puts anyone who happens by in a world of hurt. So, let’s go there. Videos and Info after the jump…
North Sentinel Island is the home of the Sentinelese Tribe (population 40-500?), which, despite numerous efforts to make contact, have consistenly rebuffed visitors with bows and arrows. To the outside world, the island is part of the Indian Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but in reality, the tribe operates with complete autonomy. They are a tough bunch. After the tsunami that sadly struck the Indian Ocean, most researchers feared the extinction of the Sentinelese people. When they went to investigate, sure enough, bows and arrows. Today, the Indian government patrols the seas around the islands and forbids visitors from making contact due to the risks involved. But, that hasn’t stopped everybody. As shown in the first video below, the tribe was contacted using good old fashioned coconuts years back, but the good will did not last. Currently, it is as dangerous as ever, but there are adventure tourists who thrive on this sort of thing in all parts of the world (check out the second video).
The Beauty of the Greater Andamans
Pyrodes encourages you to listen to the ethical and risk factors that are inherent in traveling to these remote environs, as outlined in the second video and by the tribal advocate group Survivor International. However close you get, let Pyrodes know. And, as always, Happy Travels.
A Great Photo Gallery, courtesy National Geographic, please take note of Survivor International
View Pyrodes’ Other Great World Wide Adventures: North Korea, the Arctic, Cuba, Others…
Browse Pyrodes’ Other Great Destination Ideas
View Larger Map
Tanya on 14 Sep 2008 at 1:06 am #
Hi … I love the style of this blog – your writing and adventurous spirit are infectious.
I’d also like to say thanks to you for adding my Kenya blog to your list…
Take care and all the best,
Tanya