Destination: Hut Bay at Little Andaman
Distance from Port Blair: Approximated – 125 KM.
Transportation Options: By Vehicle and Helicopter
Activities: Surfing/ Fishing/Bird Watching/ Beach combing/Photography
Little Andaman is a little-explored paradise located in the southern end of the Andaman archipelago. It is home to the Onge Tribes, one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands, as well as multilingual settlers of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Ranchi communities. With an area of about 707 square kilometers, Little Andaman is the fourth largest island in the Andaman archipelago.
One of the main attractions of Little Andaman is its beautiful sights, including white sands and crystal-clear waters. It is a platter full of wonderful sights that will enchant any traveler. However, due to the limited mode of connection with the capital town of Port Blair, the island remains less explored. The only harbor for ships or boats coming into this island from Port Blair is Hut Bay Jetty. This makes it essential for travelers to be flexible with their return date and plan their itinerary accordingly.
Accommodations on the island are limited to eco-huts, which may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the menu for meals is also limited. Therefore, travelers must be prepared and flexible when it comes to accommodations and food choices.
Despite the challenges, Little Andaman is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a peaceful and tranquil vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an excellent destination for group travel, couples with a flexible holiday, or solo travelers seeking peace and quiet.
To get the most out of a trip to Little Andaman, it is essential to research and plan ahead. Travelers must be aware of the ferry schedules and availability and be prepared for limited accommodation and food options. It is also important to respect the local culture and traditions, particularly the tribal communities that call Little Andaman their home.
Overall, Little Andaman is a beautiful and unique destination that is worth considering for any traveler looking for an unexplored paradise with beautiful sights, a peaceful atmosphere, and a chance to experience the local culture and traditions of the Andaman Islands.
Hut Bay is the largest settlement and main village of Little Andaman, offering travelers an array of places to visit and things to do. Here are some of the top places to visit in Hut Bay:
BUTLER BAY BEACH: Butler Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Hut Bay, Little Andaman. It is a beautiful and serene beach with golden sand, crystal clear water, and lush green surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is located about 11 kilometers from the Hut Bay Jetty, and visitors can hire a bike or a car to reach the beach. There are a few shacks and restaurants near the beach where visitors can enjoy some delicious local cuisine. The beach is also known for its breathtaking sunset views, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful evening watching the sun go down into the ocean. Overall, Butler Bay Beach is a must-visit place in Hut Bay for anyone looking to spend some time in nature and enjoy some beach activities.Netaji Nagar Beach: Netaji Nagar Beach is another beautiful beach located in Hut Bay. It is a secluded beach and offers visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The beach is also famous for surfing and is a favorite spot among surfers.
WHISPER WAVE WATERFALL: Whisper Wave Waterfall is another popular attraction in Hut Bay, Little Andaman. It is a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush green forests and a serene environment. The waterfall is located about 25 kilometers from the Hut Bay Jetty and can be reached by hiring a bike or a car. Visitors need to take a short trek through the forest to reach the waterfall, which makes the journey more exciting. The waterfall is approximately 20 meters high, and the water cascades down into a natural pool. Visitors can take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall. The area surrounding the waterfall is perfect for a picnic, and visitors can enjoy some snacks and beverages while enjoying the serene environment. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak, and the surrounding forest is lush green. Overall, Whisper Wave Waterfall is a must-visit place in Hut Bay for nature lovers and anyone looking to enjoy some peaceful time in a beautiful environment.White Surf Waterfall: White Surf Waterfall is another stunning waterfall located in Hut Bay. It is one of the most popular waterfalls on the island and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for photography.
HARMINDER BAY BEACH: Harminder Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hut Bay, Little Andaman. It is a secluded and pristine beach located on the southern tip of the island. The beach is surrounded by dense forests and has turquoise blue water with gentle waves. The sand is soft and golden, and the beach is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing day out. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is also popular for water sports such as surfing and jet skiing. Visitors can take a boat ride from the Hut Bay Jetty to reach the beach, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. The beach is also known for its stunning sunrise views, and visitors can witness a breathtaking sunrise over the ocean. There are a few shacks and restaurants near the beach where visitors can enjoy some local delicacies. Harminder Bay Beach is a must-visit place in Hut Bay for anyone looking to spend some time in a serene and picturesque environment.Light House: The Hut Bay Lighthouse is located on the southernmost tip of the island and offers visitors panoramic views of the ocean. It is a popular spot for photography and offers a glimpse of the island’s history.
In addition to the above, Hut Bay also has a variety of local markets, shops, and restaurants where visitors can experience the local culture and cuisine of the island.
The best time to visit Little Andaman is during the winter season, which starts from November and lasts till February. During this time, the weather is pleasant with moderate temperature and less rainfall. The temperature during the daytime ranges from 25°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for travelers to explore the island.
The monsoon season in Andaman starts from May and lasts till September, and the island receives heavy rainfall during this period. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid visiting the island during this time as the heavy rain and strong winds can make it difficult to travel around and indulge in water activities.
There are several activities that can be enjoyed at Little Andaman (Hutbay), including:
SURFING: Little Andaman is a popular surfing destination, and there are several surf points on the island, including Butler Bay, Jackson Creek, and Whisper Wave.
Trekking: Little Andaman has dense forests, waterfalls, and streams, making it an ideal place for trekking. Some popular trekking trails include the Netaji Nagar-Lighthouse trek and the White Surf Waterfall trek.
BEACH HOPPING: The island has several beautiful beaches, including Butler Bay, which is the longest beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Visitors can enjoy beach hopping and sunbathing on the pristine beaches of the island.
FISHING: Little Andaman is a great place for fishing, and visitors can enjoy both shore and deep-sea fishing.
CULTURAL TOURS: Visitors can explore the local culture and traditions of the island by visiting the villages of the indigenous tribes, such as the Onge tribe, and learning about their way of life.
Little Andaman is located about 120 kilometers from the capital town of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The only way to reach Little Andaman is by sea, and there are regular government-operated ferries boats available for transportation.
The ferry service from Port Blair to Hut Bay operates three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The ferry journey takes around 6-8 hours depending on the weather conditions. The ferry departs from the Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair and arrives at the Hut Bay Jetty in Little Andaman. Visitors are advised to check the ferry schedule and book their tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Once visitors reach Hut Bay, they can hire a bike or a car to explore the island. There are a few local transportation options available, such as auto-rickshaws and buses, but they are not very reliable or frequent. Visitors are advised to carry some cash with them as there are limited ATMs and cash withdrawal facilities available on the island
It is important to note that stay options on Little Andaman Island are limited, with only a few private hotels, lodges, and resorts offering basic facilities. In addition, guest houses operated by government entities such as APWD, ANIFPDCL, and the Forest Department are available for government employees, but they may rent out rooms to tourists if available. So it is important to plan and book your accommodation well in advance.
If you’re planning to visit Little Andaman, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Little Andaman.
Yes, visitors need to obtain a permit from Port Blair before visiting Hutbay/Little Andaman. Access to some villages of indigenous people is also prohibited for tourists.
The best time to visit is from November to April, as the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. It is not recommended to visit during the monsoon season, that is, from May to August, as the sea can be rough and there may be heavy rainfall.
There are limited options for accommodation in Hutbay/Little Andaman, including basic private hotels/lodges/resorts and guest houses run by government departments such as APWD, ANIFPDCL and Forest Dept. It is advisable to make advance bookings, as the total room capacity on the island is less than 80.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Hutbay/Little Andaman include the white sand beaches, waterfalls, and the lighthouse at the southernmost point of the island. Visitors can also go for trekking, surfing, and elephant rides.
Yes, visitors should keep a constant eye on the shoreline while swimming, as the sea can be rough at times with strong rip-tides. It is also advisable to avoid entering the water after consuming alcohol, as well as to stay away from areas marked with warning signs, where crocodiles have been spotted in the past. Visitors should also apply mosquito repellent cream to avoid beach flies.