Little Andaman

Little Andaman is an island in the South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Of the islands open to tourism, it's one of the largest, yet its remote location makes it the least visited. Those that do make the journey will stumble across pristine beaches, waterfalls, oil palm plantations and good surf. During the off-season, you will likely be the only tourist on the whole island.



Understand
While most of the Andaman Islands escaped major damage from the 2004 tsunami, Little Andaman wasn't quite so lucky. Almost the entire island was ravaged, though it has since bounced back, and a few small hotels and resorts built.

Dugong Creek in the North and the South Bay area are tribal reserves for the Onge tribe and are off-limits to tourists.

Get in
Ferries arrive daily at Hut Bay from Port Blair.

There are 2 types of ferries (as of February 2011):


 * Slow/big ferry - takes about 8.5 hours - costs ₹55 (more comfy and does the trip even if the weather is bad)
 * Speedboat - takes about 6 hours - costs ₹25 (plastic seats, ferry might not go if the weather is bad)

Get your tickets a day before you want to leave in Port Blair.

Fees and permits
You can travel here with the basic permit that you received on arrival in Port Blair. Access to some villages of indigenous people is prohibited for tourists. A permit is required if you want to go into the forest.

Get around
Local fishing boats can take you to other parts of the island from Hut Bay, otherwise, your feet are your best friends.

You can rent motorbikes for ₹300 (fixed price) and bicycles. Check the bike (e.g. the brakes!) before you accept it. Most of the bikes are far from a perfect condition.

Buses, Rickshaws and Jeeps get you around the island.

Do
Things to see and do:
 * Waterfalls
 * Lighthouse
 * Beaches (Butler Bay beach is a very beautiful one)
 * Charter a boat for a 1-2 hour river tour through untouched wilderness

Buy
Food in Hut Bay before heading to any other part of the island.

As of 2015, there is a man producing delicious forest honey. He lives somewhere in the northern villages. Local people there will know about it, but it is not sold in shops. Ask some local people.

Eat
Basic food is available in Hut Bay - outside of this you will need to bring your own food and something to cook it on.

Sleep
A couple of hotels exist in the Hut Bay vicinity, but Hut Bay is a dusty place. Two or three resorts exist, all at the main road north of Hut Bay. They are usually closed during the rainy season, but one of them might be open. Better contact them in advance, if you want to go there in the rainy time. Aastha Eco Resort - some kilometres north of Hut Bay, on the left-hand side of the main road.

Blue View Resort - a little bit further north.

Stay safe
Sandflies can be a problem on the island.

Do not swim in waterfalls as crocodiles have been reported.