Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Little Andaman Island will leave you spellbound the moment you set foot ashore. Trodden by many, remembered by all, this island is situated on the southern Andaman district. It is a safe haven for nature enthusiasts from all across the world. A surreal beach destination, it creates a surreal ambiance and you are guaranteed to fall for it instantly. The shoreline is a gateway to a tropical paradise which is a striking contrast to the city-based beaches. Ironically, Little Andaman Island is not as little as the name suggests. Rather, it is the fourth largest of the Andaman Islands. Also, it is home to the Onge tribe.
Quaint beaches, crystal clear blue water, and rich history make Little Andaman Island the best choice for a relaxed, fun-filled vacation. There is a lot to explore and thus, to help you in designing your itinerary, we present you the best Little Andaman Islands travel guide.
Things to do and places to see in Little Andaman Island
The island is perfect for you if surfing is on your travel bucket list. Here, you can also get a glimpse of quaint waterfalls, creeks offering unforgettable boating experiences, and plush rainforests enhancing the biodiversity. It has a gorgeous beach at Butler Bay, a waterfall and plantation of oil palms. The coastline of the island is dotted with various sandy beaches. Tourists can soak themselves in the excellent beauty of the breakwater at Hut Bay. Little Andaman Island is the vegetable bowl for the Nicobar group of islands.
If you want to see wonderful nature views made up of waterfalls, creeks, rainforests, and stunning white beaches, then travel to Little Andaman Islands, which is a soothing retreat located at the southern tip of Andaman Islands. You can choose to visit Hut Bay, Butler Bay Beach, and Harminder Bay Beach here.
You can make the most of your trip to Little Andaman Island by visiting the following points of interest:
Butler Bay Beach
This beach is a lesser-explored place in Little Andaman Island. But let us tell you that it definitely needs to be adorned if you are a lover of natural beauty. It is a perfect place to lay back and just relax amidst palm-fringed shoreline and greenish-blue seawater. The beach is also popular as one of the best surfing spots in India and surfers from around the globe visit this place to make the most of it. During sunset, you can indulge yourself in the soothing beauty while looking at sunrays merging with calms waves. The best part is that there is no entry fee levied by the government to visit this beach.
Kalapathar Limestone Caves
This masterpiece situated on Little Andaman Island is shaped by the thrust nature over a span of time. Here, you can go for trekking, which is the best way to marvel at this naturally occurring cave. There are water pockets in some parts of the cave that are filled with rich marine life. If you are an adventure lover, then the slopes and climbs are definitely going to leave you enthralled. Along with this, a visit to these caves is mostly paired with a trip to the nearby rocky beach that is extremely gorgeous. You can visit this place on all days without paying any entry fee.
White Surf Waterfall
Can you recall when was the last time you saw a rainbow? Well, if you are visiting this fabulous waterfall, then you don’t have to think so hard. The mist in the air and the sunrays make rainbows a common sight here. You can visit this waterfall place any day until sunset and also, there is no entry fee involved. If you are staying in Little Andaman Island, then you can easily spend a couple of hours here. In order to further elevate the dreamlike experience, you can also opt to trek to this place and take a closer look.
Whisper Wave Waterfall
Equally enchanting and picture-perfect, this is another splendid waterfall. The place is surrounded by relaxed vibes and you can feel them as you stay there for some time. The setting of this secluded waterfall is absolutely tranquil and it is recommended that you take a guide with you. Moreover, take crocodile warning signs seriously. This waterfall is definitely worth a visit owing to its oozing natural charm. It is open to visitors every day from 8 am to 3 pm.
Red Palm Oil Plantation
Red Palm Oil Plantation is another fabulous place to visit on Little Andaman Island. The widespread plantation of the island is an awe-inspiring sight. There are many local workers who would be happy to give you a tour across the place. Along with that, you may also witness its processing. You don’t have to pay any entry fee to go and see this plantation. You visit any day of the week and can spend around two hours at this spot.
Hutbay
It is an interesting place to visit as a solo backpacker that can be reached with a 45-minute ride from Port Blair if you take a chopper or seven-eight hours if you travel by ship. The beach is known for being the best one for surfing. It is located in the geographical area of Little Andaman that has the longest beach across the Andamans. It extends up to 22 kilometers from one end to the other.
How to reach Little Andaman Island?
Little Andaman Island is 120 kilometers by sea from Port Blair. There are daily ferries to reach there and it takes six to eight hours depending on the ferry type and weather conditions. Another quick option to reach there is traveling via helicopter. The details are as follows:
By sea- The most widely used mode of transportation to reach Little Andaman Island is by government-issued ferries. These ferries connect Port Blair to Hutbay. It usually takes around six to eight hours depending on the weather conditions. You can get tickets from the ticket counter in the morning. However, booking tickets a day prior to your visit is highly recommended.
By air-You can also read this island via a private helicopter ride. Undoubtedly, it will cost more but the expenses come with perks of its own. You can witness the breathtakingly beautiful bird’s eye view of the island from above. Also, the time taken will be very short. However, you should know that there are limited seats only and you can board limited luggage only. If you choose this mode of transportation, then the ride will make Port Blair to Little Andaman Island distance of 101 kilometers just an hour away.
Getting around in Little Andaman Island
From Hut Bay, local fishing boats can take you to other parts of the island. Otherwise, your feet are your best friends. You can also rent motorbikes and bicycles. Most of the bikes are far from perfect condition. Thus, check it properly before you accept it. You can also get around the island by buses, rickshaws and jeeps.
Best time to visit Little Andaman Island
The best time to visit this beautiful island is between the months of November and May. During this time, you will face minimal rain and storms. Thus, it is a perfect weather to chill and relax by the beachside. Little Andaman Island is at its best and ideal to visit during the winter season. It is also the best time to go for various water adventure activities.
Counted among the most intriguing places to explore you can ever find in India, the Little Andaman Island is surrounded by miles and miles of sea. It is one of the best places in the country to experience the best beach vacation. Its clear blue waters are popular for unparalleled and awe-inspiring underwater diversity. However, the major part of the sea and habitats fall under the forest reserve. Its rich marine heritage is something that you should not miss at any cost during your visit to this lovely heaven on earth. The untouched Indian union territory is a storehouse of amazing surfing opportunities for adventure lovers from all over the world. Famous among explorers owing to water sports and natural splendor, no one can get bored on the island.
Where to stay in Little Andaman Island?
There are small bamboo hut resorts on the island. The stay options are limited on the island and thus it has a few resorts with a couple of governmental guesthouses. Accommodation options are much cheaper than in the other islands but the choices are limited as there are mainly budget bamboo huts with shared bathrooms. Made of natural materials, these are eco-friendly as no concrete material is used. There are no luxury hotels available here. Also, camping is not permitted on public land, but some places allow putting a tent on their property for a nominal fee. These properties are run by the local families that give you a welcoming friendly feeling like staying at their home. The prices vary in peak and off seasons. You will get a special discount if you stay for a longer time.
Important things to keep in mind
South Andaman and Little Andaman are separated by Duncan Passage. Even though Little Andaman Island had lost its pace to the 2004 tsunami, it has now returned to its natural environment and is attracting more tourists than ever. Almost the entire island was ravaged at that time but it has bounced back now. A couple of small hotels and resorts have been also built. Of all the islands open to tourism in the Andaman Island, it is one of the largest but its remote location makes it the least visited. If you travel to this hidden gem, then you will stumble across pristine beaches, waterfalls, oil palm plantations, and good surfing opportunities. The most fascinating thing is that if you are visiting Little Andaman Island during the off season, then you will likely be the only tourist on the whole island! Please note that Dugong Creek in the North and the South Bay area are tribal reserves for the Onge tribe and are off-limits to tourists.
If you are in the planning stage of your vacation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then contact Andaman Island Travels to make all your bookings. A well-known and trusted tour agency, it is located in Port Blair and is committed to help you in planning the holiday of your dreams as per your budget and requirements. So wait no more and embark on a journey of a lifetime.
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