Sri Vijaya Puram, July 31: The Department of Art & Culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), organised the ‘Kalapani Trail’ heritage walk on Thursday, bringing together tourists, students and heritage enthusiasts to promote public engagement with the Islands’ historical and cultural landmarks. The initiative aimed to encourage heritage conservation while highlighting the significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ built and cultural legacy.
The heritage walk commenced from the Mazar of Allama Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi and concluded at the Battle of Aberdeen Memorial, covering a route that passed through several sites of historical importance in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Participants visited landmarks including the Lady Convicts’ Barrack, Government Press, Blessington and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), offering them an opportunity to explore locations associated with the Islands’ historical development and cultural heritage.
The event drew participation from a diverse group that included tourists, students, freelance tourist guides, empanelled guides and members of the general public. According to the organisers, the response reflected growing public interest in heritage awareness and the preservation of historically significant sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Department of Art & Culture stated that the heritage walk forms part of its continuing efforts to preserve the Islands’ historical and cultural legacy while encouraging heritage-based tourism. By connecting participants with important landmarks, the initiative sought to increase awareness of the region’s history and promote greater appreciation of its cultural assets.
The Department also acknowledged the support extended by INTACH, participants, heritage enthusiasts and other stakeholders in the successful conduct of the programme. It stated that collaborative initiatives remain important in promoting awareness and encouraging community participation in heritage conservation.
According to the Department, similar heritage programmes will continue to be organised to celebrate the unique history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and strengthen public engagement with sites of historical and cultural importance.
The ‘Kalapani Trail’ forms part of broader efforts to encourage people to explore the Islands beyond conventional tourism by fostering awareness of places that reflect their historical evolution. Organisers said such initiatives provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to better understand and appreciate the cultural heritage preserved across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
