When travelers think of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, they often envision the pristine beaches of Havelock and Neil stealing the spotlight. However, beyond these popular tourist destinations in the South Andaman district, lie hidden coastal gems waiting to be explored.
In our pursuit of uncovering these treasures, we embarked on a journey to assess the Quality of the Beaches through a meticulous scientific survey named ‘Tourism Carrying Capacity Survey for South Andaman Beaches’. This comprehensive study delved into various parameters, including beach materials, slope, tide action, length, color, litter presence, and water quality, providing invaluable insights into the true essence of South Andaman’s coastal splendor.
Additionally, the Tourism Management Capacity (MC) for beaches in South Andaman is determined based on various factors such as transportation availability, security and safety measures, dining and refreshment facilities, presence of lifeguards (Baywatch), opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and other water sports. These factors are assessed to evaluate the overall readiness of the beach to accommodate tourists and ensure their safety and enjoyment.
These factors play a crucial role in attracting tourists and enhancing their overall experience while ensuring that the carrying capacity of the beaches is not exceeded, thus maintaining sustainability and environmental conservation.
List of the Beaches at a Glance with Beach Quality Score and Tourism Management Capacity Score (MC)
| Beach | Beach Quality | Management Capacity (MC) | Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Cinque | 0.86 | 0.37 | 10 |
| South Cinque | 0.71 | 0.37 | 10 |
| Chidya Tapu | 0.86 | 0.74 | 20 |
| Jolly Buoy | 0.86 | 0.56 | 15 |
| Bara Balu | 0.57 | 0.22 | 6 |
| Burma Nala | 0.43 | 0.22 | 6 |
| Wandoor | 0.86 | 0.85 | 23 |
| Carbyn’s Cove | 0.57 | 0.67 | 18 |
| Khurma Dera | 0.71 | 0.19 | 5 |
| Ross Island | 0.43 | 0.33 | 9 |
| Bada Khari | 1.00 | 0.70 | 19 |
| Jahaji Dera | 0.70 | 0.19 | 5 |
| Collinpur | 0.57 | 0.19 | 5 |
| North Bay | 0.43 | 0.81 | 22 |
| Shoal Bay | 0.43 | 0.07 | 2 |
| Red Skin | 0.81 | 0.78 | 21 |
**Credit Score decided tallying the Beach Quality with the Tourism Management Capacity.
Let these insights guide you in exploring the lesser-known yet equally enchanting beaches beyond Havelock and Neil in South Andaman.
1) Bada Khari Beach & Jahaji Dera, Rutland Island
Bada Khari, erroneously labeled Cobra Beach on Google Maps, stands out as a pristine gem nestled along the western shore of Rutland Island’s Woodmason Bay. Renowned for its unparalleled beach quality, assessed by the Clean Coast Index (CCI), it surpasses even renowned tourist hotspots like Jolly Buoy and Wandoor in South Andaman. Its broad beach pavilion, cradled within a tranquil cove, offers visitors an invitation to indulge in the serenity of this secluded paradise.
Meanwhile, on the southwestern trip of Rutland Island, Jahaji Dera emerges as the largest beach in South Andaman, boasting an expansive 11-hectare beach pavilion area adorned with white sands bordered by the verdant littoral forests of Andaman Bullet-Wood or Sea Mohua.
To explore these beaches in the Rutland Island the best way to hire a boat from the nearest points in the main island like Manjery and Pongi Balu. Need Forest Permit for being situated within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Sanctuary.
2) North Cinque and South Cinque Beaches
Situated on North Cinque Island, a few kilometers away from the southeastern end of Rutland Island, this beach can outshine any tropical island in the world by miles. Its sloping terrain, coupled with superb white sandy shores, embraces a colorful tropical palette of blue lagoons. Additionally, it features a shallow bay on the opposite side, separated by sand dunes, rocks, and littoral forests.
Notably, just a 5-minute boat ride away, there is a sandbar that connects two hilly peninsulas, offering a unique blend of mild adventure and natural beauty that is unmatched. This creates a vibe of mild adventure and a serene natural setting, unparalleled in any other island vacation.
However, visiting this uninhabited island requires prior permission from the Forest Department of Andamans.
