Little Andaman

🌴 Little Andaman: The Untouched Island Paradise You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Visit Now!)


Imagine this: turquoise lagoons, secret waterfalls, empty beaches, and no Wi-Fi. Welcome to Little Andaman, India’s last true off-the-grid island escape. While everyone’s rushing to Bali or the Maldives, Little Andaman remains a hidden gem, untouched by crowds—and that’s exactly why you’ll love it.

Whether you’re craving surf, solitude, or raw natural beauty, this remote Andaman island offers the perfect blend of adventure and peace. Here’s why Little Andaman should be your next bucket list destination.


📍 Where Is Little Andaman?

Located about 120 km south of Port Blair, Little Andaman Island is part of India’s Andaman & Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. Unlike its popular neighbors (like Havelock and Neil), Little Andaman is still blissfully untouched by mass tourism.

Getting there? Easy. Just hop on a ferry or catamaran from Port Blair to Hut Bay—a scenic overnight journey that feels like the start of something special.


🌊 Top 7 Must-Do Experiences on Little Andaman


1. Butler Bay Beach: Surf’s Up in Paradise

Ranked among the best surf spots in South Asia, Butler Bay Beach offers consistent waves and golden sands—without the crowds. Whether you’re a pro surfer or just learning, this beach delivers world-class breaks in a picture-perfect setting.

🌀 Best time to surf: November to April


2. Explore the Lagoon Zones Near the Lighthouse

Drive down to the southern tip of Little Andaman to reach the iconic Richardson’s Lighthouse. Nearby, you’ll find shallow lagoons, reef pools, and crystal-clear tidal flats—ideal for photos, snorkeling, or just soaking in the surreal vibes.

📸 Pro tip: Visit at low tide to see the full magic of the exposed reef platforms.


3. White Surf Waterfall: Jungle Meets Cascade

Just 6 km from Hut Bay lies the White Surf Waterfall, a short hike through dense tropical forest leads to this refreshing natural wonder. You can take a dip in the plunge pool or just relax under the falls—it’s nature’s version of a spa.


4. Whisper Wave Waterfall: For the Adventurous Souls

Up for a challenge? Whisper Wave is a hidden waterfall deep within the rainforest. You’ll need a guide for the 14-km jungle trek, but the reward is absolutely worth it: cascading waters, untouched forest, and pure silence.


5. Sunset at Netaji Nagar Beach

Wide, quiet, and lined with coconut palms—Netaji Nagar Beach is your spot for killer sunsets and quiet reflection. It’s the kind of place where time stands still.


6. Eco-Stays & Tribal Culture

Little Andaman is home to the Onge tribe, one of the oldest indigenous groups in the world (viewing areas only—no direct contact permitted). Stay in eco-resorts or homestays run by locals to get a real taste of island life.


7. The Road Less Traveled

Rent a scooter or jeep and drive the 30 km stretch from Hut Bay to the southern coast. Along the way, you’ll pass lush forests, red palm oil plantations, quiet villages, and empty beaches. No tour buses. No noise. Just you and the open road.


8. Explore Harminder Bay & Kwate-tu-Kwage Village

Less visited than Hut Bay, this southern end features authentic Nicobari culture, relaxed vibes, and unexplored beaches. Expect peaceful surroundings, friendly local interactions, coconut plantations, traditional thatched homes, and an unhurried way of life deeply rooted in island traditions. The area offers glimpses into tribal customs, community fishing practices, and handwoven crafts. Long coastal walks here reveal hidden coves, driftwood-lined shores, and some of the most serene sunrise on Little Andaman. Perfect for cultural explorers and offbeat travelers.


9. Discover the Calm Lagoon Vibes of John Richardson Beach

John Richardson Beach, Harminder Bay

Wade through the warm, crystal-clear waters of John Richardson Beach accessible  from Harminder Bay, where time slows down. This hidden coastal gem offers a surreal blend of coral-strewn shallows, natural rock formations, and quiet tidal pools that feel like a private lagoon. Ideal for mindful travelers, it’s a place to unwind, photograph nature’s raw beauty, and soak in the serenity without a crowd in sight. Bring reef shoes, stay for the sunset, and listen to the whispers of the sea in one of Little Andaman’s most peaceful corners.


🚢✈️ How to Reach Little Andaman

Getting to Little Andaman is easier than you think. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic ferry ride or a quick hop via helicopter, there are two main ways to reach Hut Bay, the entry point to Little Andaman.


⛴️ By Ferry – A Scenic Sea Voyage

The most common and affordable way to reach Little Andaman is by ferry.

  • Departure Point: All ferries to Hut Bay depart from Haddo Wharf in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair).

  • Travel Time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.

  • Booking Options:

  • Recommended: Book your ticket at least one day in advance to secure your seat.

  • Check Status: Use the DSS Online Enquiry Service to check voyage details, berth availability, and PNR status.

🧳 Tip: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure and carry valid ID proof for boarding.

🚁 By Helicopter – Fastest Way to Paradise

Short on time? Go airborne!

  • Service Provider: Pawan Hans Helicopters operates flights between Port Blair and Hut Bay.

  • Travel Time: Just 35 minutes one-way.

  • Booking: Usually done through local travel agents or the Civil Aviation Department’s counters in Port Blair.

  • Availability: Seats are limited and subject to weather—book early and confirm schedules ahead of time.

⚠️ Note: Helicopter seats are often prioritized for emergency and government travel, so confirm civilian availability in advance.

📝 Quick Checklist for Travelers

  • ✅ Book ferry/helicopter tickets ahead of time

  • ✅ Report at the terminal at least 2 hours before departure

  • ✅ Carry original photo ID proof (passport for foreign nationals)

  • ✅ Check weather updates before traveling

  • ✅ For foreigners: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory

By choosing either the ferry for an adventurous sea journey or a helicopter for speed and views, your trip to Little Andaman becomes a memorable part of the adventure. The moment you step onto the island at Hut Bay, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret.


🏨 Where to Stay

While luxury resorts haven’t hit this island yet (thankfully), there are plenty of cozy eco-lodges and beach homestays. Expect basic comforts, delicious island food, and unforgettable views.


🌤️ Best Time to Visit Little Andaman

🗓 November to April is ideal.
Expect calm seas, sunny skies, and epic sunsets. Avoid monsoon months (May to September) when sea travel can be risky.


⚠️ What to Know Before You Go

  • Carry cash – limited ATMs

  • No cellphone coverage or Wi-Fi – digital detox guaranteed

  • Permits – Foreign nationals require a special RAP (Restricted Area Permit)

  • Respect local customs – tribal zones are off-limits for outsiders

  • Pack essentials – sunscreen, bug spray, reef-safe swimwear


✅ Why Little Andaman Is Your Next Big Adventure

  • 🏝️ Uncrowded Beaches

  • 🏄‍♂️ Epic Surf & Trekking

  • 🌿 Untouched Nature

  • 📵 Digital Detox

  • 🌍 Eco-friendly Exploration

Written by 

Me, Debojyoti Dey Mazumder, one of the directors of Promise India Tourism Pvt Ltd, has been in the tours and travel business since 2010. Having experience of operating tours to different destinations of India I wish to share my knowledge to promote them through discussions, blogs, articles, photo stories etc on different platforms.

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