Write short notes on The Island groups of India.

India has two groups of islands — the Lakshadweep islands group and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

1. The Lakshadweep Islands Group — They are located in the Arabian sea close to the Malabar coast of Kerala. This group of islands is composed of small coral islands. It covers small area of 32 sq.km. Kavaratti island is the administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep. It has great diversity of flora and fauna. The Pitti island, which is uninhabited, has a bird sanctuary.
2. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Group — It consists of an elongated chain of islands located in the Bay of Bengal extending from north to south. They are bigger in size and are more numerous and scattered. The entire group of islands is divided into two broad categories — the Andaman in the north and the Nicobar in the south. It is believed that these islands are an elevated portion of submarine mountains. They are rich in flora and fauna. They experience equatorial climate due to their location near equator and have thick forest cover.