Jarwa Reserve of Andaman and Nicobar

Jarwa is the name of the original indigenous tribe of the Andaman Islands. This tribe is also known as Jarawa. Jarwa are known to be the first inhabitants of the Andaman Islands and considered as one of the four aborigines of these island groups. A few parts of the Andaman Islands are reserved by the Indian Government for the Jarwa tribes. This reserved region is known by the name of Jarwa reserve. This reserve area is stretched over some exceedingly dense and green forests in two islands of Andaman. The reserve extends over about 765 square kilometers between the western coast of Middle and South Andaman Islands. Unluckily, the population of Jarwa has decreased to about 250. The Indian Government has been taking many initiatives to protect and grow Jarwa tribes. More about Jarwa reserve is harmonized in the following account.

How to Reach Jarwa Reserve

The Jarawa Reserve lies in close proximity to Port Blair. This reserve has the leading and best collection of timber in Andaman. To reach this tribal reserve, you have to go to Uttara Jetty which lies on another island and from there, a drive of about 75 kms takes you to the Reserve.

Life at Jarawa Tribal Reserve

Jarwa tribal reserve offers you spectacular scenery to behold. Its natural beauty is complemented with the customs and festivities of Jarawa tribe. These festivities include the traditional songs, dances, rituals etc. The Jarwa reserve is very well endowed with some extremely rare species of flora and fauna as well. This tribal reserve is lively with the tribal festivities that include the traditional songs and dances, indigenous medicinal practices, rituals, exclusive social order and other ceremonies.

Do's and Don'ts in Jarwa Reserve

Tourists view, click pictures or interact with Jarawas, who are frequently begging by the highway. These activities are prohibited under Indian law. In March 2008, the Tourism Department of the Andaman and Nicobar administration issued a new warning to tour operators. According to this warning, attempting to contact with Jarawa tribesmen, taking their photographs, making a halt while transiting through their territory or offering them rides are prohibited under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956. People found indulging in such activities would be prosecuted under a strict interpretation of the statute. However, it has been alleged, that these rules are overtly being flouted.

An amendment to the Andaman and Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribals) Regulation Act of 1956, circulated on July 22, 2010 permits the island authorities to outlaw private tourism within the buffer zone.

Jarawas are contented to live in their groups of 40-50 people, fishing with bows and arrows, hunting, gathering seeds, berries and honey. Jarwa reserve is all equipped with natural beauty and precious gems of human race. Visiting this reserve is an inimitable experience. At the same time, we must remember that we should follow the rules and regulations set by the Indian government for the betterment and protection of this tribe. You can enter the reserve only after getting written permission from the government officials. A considerate, sensible and truly humane forethought is requisite before endeavoring to put your oar in the peaceful and simple life of Jarwa people.