Which of the following is the highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands group?

Introduction / Context:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal are known for their hilly terrain and evergreen forests. Several peaks on these islands are named and measured, and one of them is the highest in the entire island group. This question checks whether you know the name of that highest peak and can distinguish it from other lesser known peaks in the same region.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The question asks about the highest peak in the combined Andaman and Nicobar Islands group.

- The options list Mount Koya, Mount Diavolo, Saddle Peak, Mount Thuiller and Mount Harriet.

- It is assumed that you have studied basic physical geography of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and remember at least one or two prominent peak names.

- Exact height in metres is not required, only the correct name.

Concept / Approach:
Among all the peaks in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, Saddle Peak in North Andaman is commonly cited as the highest point of the entire group. It rises to an elevation of more than 700 metres above sea level. Mount Thuiller is one of the higher peaks of the Nicobar Islands but does not exceed Saddle Peak in height. Mount Harriet is another well known peak in South Andaman but is lower than Saddle Peak. Mount Koya and Mount Diavolo are lesser known and are not listed as the highest point in standard atlases, so Saddle Peak is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Saddle Peak is located in North Andaman Island and is often mentioned as the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar group. Step 2: Remember that its height is around 732 metres, which makes it taller than the other named peaks in the islands. Step 3: Recognise that Mount Harriet, although a national park and a popular name, has a lower elevation than Saddle Peak. Step 4: Recall that Mount Thuiller is in Nicobar but is not the tallest peak when you consider the entire island group. Step 5: Understand that Mount Koya and Mount Diavolo are not commonly highlighted in school level geography as the highest points. Step 6: Based on this, select Saddle Peak as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative Check:
You can verify by looking at any standard physical map or textbook table that lists the highest peaks of important Indian regions. Under Andaman and Nicobar Islands, they usually mention Saddle Peak as the highest point. When you scan the same list, you will see that Mount Harriet and Mount Thuiller have lower heights. No reference describes Mount Koya or Mount Diavolo as the top peak. These multiple independent confirmations support the choice of Saddle Peak as the right answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mount Koya is not noted in standard exam material as the highest peak and may refer to a smaller elevation or an incorrect name. Mount Diavolo is not widely recognised in basic geography textbooks as the highest peak of the island group. Mount Thuiller, while relatively high, does not surpass Saddle Peak when the entire archipelago is considered. Mount Harriet is an important and scenic peak but is lower in height than Saddle Peak in North Andaman.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes pick Mount Harriet because it appears more often in tourist brochures and exam questions related to national parks. Others may guess Mount Thuiller due to its location in the Nicobar Islands, thinking the southern portion might be higher. To avoid confusion, memorise one clear fact: Saddle Peak in North Andaman is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This single line can help you avoid mixing up the various island peaks in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
The highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Saddle Peak.