The Department of Art and Culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chapter, has planned to conduct a series of heritage walks in and around Sri Vijaya Puram to highlight the historical and cultural legacy of the islands.
Officials said the initiative seeks to create greater public awareness about the archipelago’s heritage while offering residents, tourists, students and heritage enthusiasts an opportunity to explore historically significant locations through guided experiences.
As part of the programme, two heritage walks have been scheduled in the first phase of the initiative. The first walk, titled “Heritage Walk World War-II,” will be conducted on March 14, 2026, while the second walk, titled “Heritage Walk Kalapani Trail,” is scheduled for April 4, 2026.
Both walks will begin at 5.30 am and conclude at 7.30 am. Organisers said the routes will cover important sites associated with the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, allowing participants to gain a closer understanding of the historical narratives connected with these locations.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the administration and heritage organisations to strengthen cultural awareness and encourage heritage-based tourism in the islands. Officials involved in the programme said the heritage walks are designed to present historical landmarks through guided storytelling that connects participants with the region’s past.
Participants will visit sites that reflect different phases of the islands’ history, including locations associated with wartime events and historical narratives linked to the Kalapani era. Organisers said the experience aims to help participants better understand the architectural, cultural and historical significance of several locations in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The heritage walk programme has been opened to a wide group of participants. Tourists visiting the islands, students, freelance tourist guides, empanelled guides and representatives of tour operators are eligible to take part. Residents and individuals interested in learning more about the historical heritage of the islands are also encouraged to participate.
Officials said the initiative will allow participants to gain first-hand insights into the stories, architecture and historical developments that shaped the region. The guided format will help visitors interpret the significance of different landmarks while exploring them within their historical context.
The programme is also expected to create learning opportunities for local tourism stakeholders. Tourism students and local guides participating in the walks will gain practical exposure to heritage interpretation and visitor engagement, which are essential aspects of heritage tourism.
Authorities said such initiatives play a role in preserving cultural memory while encouraging responsible tourism practices. By connecting visitors with historical narratives, heritage walks can contribute to deeper appreciation of the islands’ cultural identity.
Officials from the Department of Art and Culture and INTACH indicated that the heritage walks are intended to become a regular activity in Sri Vijaya Puram. The initiative is expected to support cultural tourism by highlighting the historical value of sites that form part of the islands’ heritage landscape.
Individuals or groups interested in participating in the heritage walks can obtain further details by contacting the Librarian of the Department of Art and Culture. Enquiries can be made through phone number 9476037145 or by email at artand.culture@and.nic.in for participation information.
The initiative seeks to encourage residents and visitors to engage with the historical landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while strengthening awareness about the cultural and historical significance of Sri Vijaya Puram.
