Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar is the largest island of the Nicobar group in India and the southernmost major island of the Andaman and Nicobar chain, noted for its size and biological diversity. It is the site of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and contains both lowland rainforest and coastal ecosystems.

Prominent features include Mount Thullier, the island’s highest summit at about 642 meters, and the settlement of Campbell Bay which functions as the island’s primary inhabited and administrative area. The island supports endemic wildlife and important marine and coastal habitats, making it internationally significant for conservation.

The island has long-standing indigenous communities, and its environment and settlements were affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, prompting relief and rebuilding efforts. Conservation designations and government management guide current land use and protection.

Great Nicobar lies at the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean, separated from the Indian mainland by several hundred kilometers; the nearest administrative centre is Campbell Bay on the island itself, and Port Blair on South Andaman is the main regional city to the north.

• Biodiversity and protection: The island is part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and supports tropical rainforest, endemic species and important coastal habitats; much of the interior is protected.
• Access and facilities: Access to Great Nicobar is restricted and typically requires permission from Indian authorities; facilities are limited outside of the main settlement at Campbell Bay.

What to See#

• Mount Thullier: Mount Thullier, the island’s highest point at about 642 meters above sea level, forms a central highland and is a prominent landmark visible from coastal areas.
• Campbell Bay (settlement): Campbell Bay is the main settlement and administrative centre on the island, providing the primary road access, local services and the limited port facilities for visitors and supply boats.

Great Nicobar is the southernmost of the Nicobar Islands and is reached from Port Blair (capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) by sea; passenger ships and occasional government vessels serve the Nicobars. There is no regular large‑scale commercial air service to Great Nicobar for most visitors.

Note that travel to the Nicobar Islands is controlled and often requires special permits from Indian authorities (restricted tribal areas), so obtain any necessary permissions in Port Blair before travelling.

• Great Nicobar is in a restricted zone - obtain the required Restricted Area Permit well before travel and check transportation options to Campbell Bay (the island's main settlement).
• Travel in the dry season (roughly November-April) to avoid monsoon-related access problems and limited ferry/flight schedules; services and accommodation on the island are sparse, so pre-book essentials.
• Plan logistics carefully: expect limited medical and supply services on the island and coordinate permits, transport and local guides ahead of arrival rather than relying on walk‑in arrangements.