The Southernmost Tip at Indira Point &
the Great Nicobar Biosphere

The Lighthouse of Indira Point & the Shompen Sanctuaries

Stretching across 1,841 square kilometers in the south Bay of Bengal, the Nicobar Islands form the southernmost island group of India. Separated from the Andaman Islands by the 150 km wide Ten Degree Channel, the archipelago comprises 22 islands divided into Northern (Car Nicobar), Central (Nancowry, Katchal), and Southern (Great Nicobar) groups.

The visual identity of Nicobar is abyssal oceanic azure and coral reef amber gold. Defining the district is **Indira Point** (6°45' N)—the southernmost geographical boundary of India marked by its red-and-white striped lighthouse. Inland lies the **Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve** (recognized by UNESCO in 2013), **Galathea National Park** (a global nesting ground for 2-meter long Giant Leatherback Sea Turtles), **Campbell Bay**, and the protected habitats of the indigenous **Shompen** hunter-gatherers.

Ecologically, the Nicobar archipelago sits at the crossroads of the Indo-Malayan and Indo-Australian biogeographical realms. This unique location has fostered a high degree of endemism, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The dense tropical rainforests that cover the larger islands, particularly Great Nicobar, are dominated by towering hardwoods, ancient tree ferns, and endemic orchids. These forests provide vital habitats for the Nicobar Megapode, a mound-building bird that uses the heat of decomposing vegetation to incubate its eggs, and the Nicobar Macaque, a distinct species of long-tailed monkey adapted to coastal mangrove environments. The conservation of these pristine rainforest tracts is crucial not only for local biodiversity but also for the global scientific community.

The maritime significance of the Nicobar Islands cannot be overstated. Located near the western entrance of the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping channels, the islands occupy a highly strategic geopolitical position in the Indian Ocean. Over the centuries, these waters have been navigated by ancient traders, colonial fleets, and modern cargo vessels. The deep-water harbor of Nancowry, situated in the central group, historically served as a sheltered haven for ships during seasonal monsoons. Today, the administrative focus is on balancing national security and infrastructure development with the strict preservation of the fragile island ecology and the rights of the indigenous tribal populations.

"Where the red-and-white lighthouse of Indira Point looks out toward Sumatra, Great Nicobar's virgin rainforest shelter Giant Leatherback turtles and ancient Shompen trails."

The Chronology of the Southernmost Archipelago

From 1050 AD Chola maritime naval expeditions and 1756 Danish colonization to 1984 Indira Point naming, 2004 Tsunami rebirth, and 2013 UNESCO Biosphere recognition, Nicobar's timeline tracks oceanic history. The chronicle below outlines this evolution.

The Southernmost Lighthouse of Indira Point & the Galathea Turtles

Explore the primary heritage of the Nicobar Islands. From Indira Point lighthouse at 6.78° N latitude to Galathea Leatherback Turtle nesting beaches and Campbell Bay, these experiences define India's southernmost oceanic frontier. Click through the tabs below.

01. Indira Point (Southernmost Tip) 02. Great Nicobar UNESCO Biosphere 03. Galathea National Park & Turtles 04. Campbell Bay & Car Nicobar

Cultural Heritage Indira Point Lighthouse

Indira Point (Southernmost Tip of India)

Situated at 6°45'10" N latitude on Great Nicobar Island, just 150 km from Malacca Strait and Sumatra, Indonesia.

Features the famous red-and-white cast-iron lighthouse built in 1972. The 2004 Tsunami submerged the coastline by 4.2 meters, leaving the lighthouse standing dramatically inside ocean waters.

• Southernmost geographical point of the Indian Republic.
• Strategic naval maritime vantage point overlooking the Malacca Straits.
• Accessed via special permits from Campbell Bay.

Cultural Heritage UNESCO Biosphere

Great Nicobar UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

A 1,044 sq km protected tropical rainforest ecosystem recognized by UNESCO in 2013.

Home to over 1,800 animal species, rare tree ferns, giant orchids, endemic Nicobar Macaque monkeys, and the semi-nomadic **Shompen tribe**.

• Mount Thullier (highest peak in Nicobar at 642 meters).
• Alexandra and Amrit Kaur river basin rainforests.
• Strictly protected aboriginal tribal reserve under PAT Act.

Cultural Heritage Galathea Turtles

Galathea National Park & Leatherback Turtles

A 110 sq km national park situated on the southeast coast of Great Nicobar Island along the Galathea River.

World-famous as one of the largest nesting sites for **Giant Leatherback Sea Turtles** (*Dermochelys coriacea*)—the world's largest sea turtle weighing up to 900 kg.

• Nesting season for Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill turtles (Dec–Feb).
• Endemic mound-building Nicobar Megapode bird habitats.
• Galathea river mouth mangrove estuaries.

Cultural Heritage Campbell Bay & Car Nicobar

Campbell Bay & Car Nicobar Headquarters

Civilian administrative hub and northern coral island of the Nicobar district.

**Campbell Bay** is the commercial port town on Great Nicobar featuring INS Baaz naval air station. **Car Nicobar** is the northernmost flat coral island famous for traditional Nicobarese stilt houses (*Tuhet*).

• Campbell Bay National Park forest trails.
• Nicobarese tribal handicraft mats and coconut fiber craft.
• Special Tribal Area Permit (TAP) required for access.

The Southern Tip and the Rainforest Sanctuaries

Explore the primary landmarks of the Nicobar Islands. From Indira Point lighthouse at 6.78° N latitude to Galathea Leatherback Turtle nesting beaches and Campbell Bay, these destinations showcase India's southernmost oceanic frontier. Click or hover on the cards below.

Indira Point Lighthouse

Tap to Discover ➔

Indira Point

Southernmost point of Republic of India at 6.78° N with historic red-and-white lighthouse.

⏱ Special TAP Permit | Great Nicobar Tip

Great Nicobar Biosphere

Tap to Discover ➔

UNESCO Biosphere

1,044 sq km protected World Biosphere Reserve housing Shompen tribal reserves and Mount Thullier.

⏱ Restricted Access | Great Nicobar

Galathea Turtle Beach

Tap to Discover ➔

Galathea National Park

Global nesting sanctuary for Giant Leatherback Sea Turtles and Nicobar Megapode bird.

⏱ Nesting Dec - Feb | Galathea River

Campbell Bay Port

Tap to Discover ➔

Campbell Bay

Civilian settlement port town and headquarters of Great Nicobar Island.

⏱ Open 24/7 | Great Nicobar Island

Car Nicobar Coral Island

Tap to Discover ➔

Car Nicobar

Northern flat coral island and district headquarters famous for Nicobarese stilt houses.

⏱ TAP Permit Required | Car Nicobar

The Island Staples & the Nicobarese Pandanus Bread

Nicobar's culinary heritage centers on Pandanus fruit bread (*Kuri*), fresh seafood, roasted coconut pork, and tender coconut water.

Pandanus Fruit Bread (Nicobarese Kuri)

Traditional staple prepared by steaming boiled paste extracted from orange Pandanus fruit pulp, formed into soft durable cakes.

Tasted at: Nicobarese tribal villages (Permit required)

Fresh Campbell Bay Seafood Curry

Freshly caught mangrove mud crabs and red snapper fish cooked in rich toasted coconut milk gravy and local island spices.

Purchased at: Campbell Bay local port eateries

Fresh Nicobar Tender Coconut Nectar

Sweet, ultra-hydrating water from giant indigenous sea-facing Nicobar coconut palms.

Sipped at: Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar jetties

Plan Your Journey

The Authorized 3-Day Expedion

The Nicobar Islands are visited under strict administrative regulation. Observing Indira Point lighthouse, exploring Campbell Bay, and visiting Galathea National Park require official permits and boat charters. This route outlines an authorized scientific or official expedition.

Gateway Destinations & Permitted Southern Frontiers

While the Nicobar tribal reserves remain restricted, travelers can explore permitted southern outposts and historical gateways in South Andaman:

Frequently Asked