Teressa Island in Andaman and Nicobar

Teressa is one of the islands in the Nicobar group of Islands. In Nicobarese language, its name is Luroo. Its area is 101 km square. This island is a long and bean shaped one. It is enclosed by beaches on both the sides. The beaches are quite long. Teressa Island has a hilly terrain. The northern part of the island has elevations that reach 250 meters. Denmark (1754/56-1868) and Austria (1778-1784) declared Nicobar Islands as their colony. Teressa Island in Andaman and Nicobar is having its name after the Austrian Arch-duchess Maria Theresia.

Teressa island was badly devastated by the tsunami waves of 2004. The flora and fauna of this island went through immense loss. Intensity of Tsunami was so great that this island split into two parts.

Location of Teressa Island

Bompoka is the nearest island of Teressa Island and and Chaura is next neighboring island. Teressa Island is tucked west to the neighboring island of Camorta and northwest of Katchal Island. It's neighbouring island Bompoka has a light house.

How to Reach Teressa Island

Teressa Island is at a distance of 2.5 hours journey from Nancowry Island and about 1 hr 35 minutes from Port Blair by Chopper.

Crafts of Teressa Island

Inhabitants of this island make little canoe models from wood. They shape them with a knife and inserted tiny sails of cloth. This stuff is in great demand by the tourists. Chaura is recognized for earthen pots. The clay is available in the neighboring island of Teressa and women of Teressa Island give shape to the pots with hands. First pots are set on low fire lit up with sticks and leaves, and then finished pots get a smooth, faultless surface. They are brown in color having a pattern of dark, thick, chocolate brown stripes that are obtained from the juice of tender coconut husk which is applied to them before firing.

Teressa Island in Andaman and Nicobar was once a little and isolated island where the Nicorabese tribes live secluded. According to the Indian National Census of 2001, it is showed that the island has a population of 2043. The major settlements were Bengali, Minyuk, Kalasi and Aloorang. After being distraught by tsunami, Government is making all the possible efforts to breathe new life in this island. The department of agriculture found it to be a fine prospect to pioneer new varieties in order to build up the local economy because coconuts were the only resources here. Tourists can enjoy the serenity and tranquility spread all around on this island along with the crafts of the local people.