Teressa (Teressa language: Luroo,, also called Tarasa Dwip) is one of the Nicobar Islands, India.

History

When Austria claimed Nicobar Islands as a colony (1778-1784) on the assumption that Denmark had abandoned its claim (1754/56-1868), they named Teressa after the Austrian Arch-duchess Maria Theresia. Extensive damage to the island's flora and fauna occurred following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Geography

Teressa lies west of the neighboring island of Camorta and northwest of Katchal. The smaller island known as Chowra is to the north and Bompoka lies to the east. The northern portion of the island has elevations reaching 87 meters. The island has a surface area of 101.26 km2.

Demography

The Indian National Census of 2011 showed the island to have a population of 1,934, and the largest settlements were: Bengali (354), Kalasi (335), and Minyuk (305).

Administration

The island belongs to Teressa-Chowra Taluk of the township of Nancowry.

Image gallery

Safed Balu Beach The Safed Balu Beach (white sand beach) is situated at the east opposite to Bampoka Island.