Andaman Trip: About Little Andamans
As humans, we are always on the lookout for something new, imaginative and exciting. The search for something novel and hidden prompts us to explore newer destinations, especially when going for a vacation. If you have been also planning to expand your travelling horizons and tour enchanting destinations, visit Little Andaman Island. But what makes Little Andaman so special? Let’s find out:
- Little Andaman is a panoramic island located in South Andaman district. The capital Sri Vijaya Puram is approximately 120 kilometres away from this island.
- It is the fourth largest island and has an expansive area of 730 square kilometres.
- The entry and exit point of this island is in Hut Bay. The headquarters of the island is also located in Hut Bay as well.
- The rich and dense evergreen rainforests in Little Andaman is a biodiversity hot spot. It is home to exotic and indigenous birds and wildlife.
- Take a binocular in your hand, and go on a guided bird watching or wildlife spotting tour in Little Andamans.
- The nature, sparkling shorelines, and beaches will make you fall in love with this island.
- Little Andaman island pulls in surfing enthusiasts from all over India.
- The crescent shaped beaches, perpetual waves, and suitable water conditions makes it one of India’s best surfing spots.
- Little Island is home to the Onge tribe. They are a semi-nomadic tribe and practice fishing, hunting and gathering.
- It is best to explore Little Andaman island with a tour guide for a seamless exploration experience.
How to Reach Little Andaman from Sri Vijaya Puram?
There are three ways to reach Little Andaman from Sri Vijaya Puram. Visitors can choose between government ferries/boats, private speed boats, or air travel.
- Government Ferries: The Directorate of Shipping Services operates ferries everyday from Sri Vijaya Puram’s (Port Blair) Phoenix Bay jetty/ Haddo Wharf. The entire journey takes 7 to 9 hours to complete. All ferries from Sri Vijaya Puram to Little Andaman ply according to their schedule.
- Private Speed Boats: Private speed boats operators also provide transportation services between the capital city and Little Andaman. The price and schedule of speed boats depends from operator to operator.
- Helicopter Rides: Want to visit Little Andaman by an exhilarating helicopter ride? If yes, you can book a helicopter ride. The Civil Aviation Dept. of A & N Administration runs regular helicopter service from Sri Vijaya Puram airport to Little Andaman. It takes about 35 minutes to complete the helicopter ride.
7 Things to do in Little Andamans
- Relax at Whisper Wave Waterfall
- Water Activities on Hut Bay Beach
- Visit Little Andaman Lighthouse
- Bask in Sunlight at Netaji Nagar Beach
- Visit Kalapathar Limestone Caves
- Red Palm Oil Planation
- Visit White Surf Waterfall
1. Relax at Whisper Wave Waterfall
Nature has always been a healer and stress buster for humanity. Spending relaxing time around water bodies like a lake, river or water fall makes one happy, energised, and refreshed. In Little Andamans, Whisper Wave waterfall is an ideal place to sit back and feel rejuvenated again. This waterfall is approximately 25 km from the Hutbay Jetty and is in the middle of a rainforest. To reach this waterfall, trek for 4 km and enjoy the refreshing surroundings around this waterfall.
2. Do Surfing on Butler Bay Beach
Surfing is the most sought-after activity to do on Butler Bay Beach (Hut Bay Beach). In fact, Butler Bay Beach is one of India’s best surfing destinations. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or an expert surfer, the waves at this beach are suitable for everyone. If you’re not into surfing, simply sit and relax on Butler bay beach. This beach is secluded—perfect for spending time with one’s own company.
3. Visit Little Andaman Lighthouse
Take a walk around Hut Bay beach and you will notice the tall and beautiful Little Andaman Lighthouse. Commissioned in 1986, this lighthouse tower is approximately 46-meter-high.
For the safe navigation of national seaborne merchant traffic, this lighthouse is equipped with NAIS (National Automatic Identification System).
Visitors can watch the amazing views of the seawaters as far as the eye can see from this lighthouse. Apart from watching sea views, take your camera along with you and catch a mesmerising sunset. You can also click photos during the golden hours.
Address: Indira Bazar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
4. Bask in Sunlight at Netaji Nagar Beach
As much as holidays are meant for recreation, they are also meant for peaceful relaxation. When you visit a holiday destination like Little Andaman, what better way to relax than simply lazing on a beach hammock? And a dreamy beach to let your hair down in Little Andaman is Netaji Nagar Beach.
Netaji Nagar Beach is named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It is situated 11 kms from the Hutbay Jetty. Walk on its white sand as gentle waves caress your feet. Carry a beach mat, splatter on some SPF, and bask in the sunlight. The beach is fairly secluded and far away from the noise and commotions. It is also a perfect place for couples to enjoy privacy.
5. Visit Kalapathar Limestone Caves
Kalapathar limestone caves are natural marvels shaped by years of surreal geological formations. These natural rock formations and karst are elaborately formed and continue to fascinate adventurers and tourists alike. These caves which include karts of limestones, stalactites and stalagmites are wonderful to marvel at.
The perfect way to experience these limestone caves is going for a trek. Certain pockets of the caves have water flowing in it, so be careful while walking. The best time to visit Kalapathar Limestone Caves is from November to April. Carry a torch, reusable water bottle, and wear trekking boots.
Timings of Kalapathar Limestone Caves: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturdays closed)
Ticket price: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children
Total time required to explore: 1 to 2 hours.
6. Red Palm Oil Planation
Have you visited a palm fruit plantation and oil factory? If not yet, then add this activity to your bucket list for Little Andaman island. Spread over an area of 1,593 hectares, this plantation is a beautiful site to explore. You can watch the cultivation and care of the red palm fruits. Watch the entire process of palm fruit’s oil extraction at the nearby factory. You can visit the factory at working hours.
7. Visit White Surf Waterfall
White Surf Waterfall is a bewitching and refreshing waterfall to experience in Little Andamans. Take a stroll, click photos, enjoy a picnic or simply sit near the waterfall to meditate. The White Surf Waterfall 6.5 kms from Hut Bay Jetty. The cascading waterfall hitting the boulders below forms a refreshing mist that sparkles in sunlight. Rainbow sighting is a common activity to do near the waterfall.
Beyond the mainstream and popular tourist spots in Andaman Islands, many destinations like Little Andamans still surprise visitors. Take a tour to this hidden gem, if you’ve exhausted all mainstream destinations in Andaman or are looking for an offbeat place to travel. The peace and serenity one experiences in Andaman is hard to find in crowded spots. Make the most of your Andaman trip by booking an Andaman tour package and include Little Andamans in it.
