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One of the most rustic and unspoiled islands in Andamans is Rutland Island. This beautiful island is full of nature, excitement and offers a diverse marine life. This secluded island is a perfect getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle to experience the natural beauty of the place. Its shallow waters are home to a diverse variety of corals and small fish. It is a hilly island but has open jungles and bushes around it, making it an ideal place for tourists who love water sports. It has everything to offer to make your holiday a perfect one.
Rutland Island Location
Photo: Vardhan Patankar / Wikimedia Commons
One question that is most asked by the travellers is, “Where is Rutland Island?” This island is just 20 km south of Port Blair and is separated from Little Andaman Island by the Duncan Passage and North Cinque Island by Mannar Strait.
Suggested Read: Little Andaman Island
How To Reach Rutland Island
Photo: Nubia Navarro (Nubikini) / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You can easily reach Rutland Island from Port Blair by government-run or private buses or ferries. A prior permit from Port Blair is required to enter the Island. If you are travelling from Havelock Island then you first need to reach Port Blair by ferry.
Things To Do In Rutland Island
There are several things you can do on this island that will leave you spellbound. Rutland Island tourism gets a boost from the following activities that it offers:
1. Snorkelling
Photo: Jayashree Subramanian / Wikimedia Commons
The island offers an ideal base for snorkelling along the coral reefs, where you can see the colourful underwater reefs shining through your underwater goggles. You will be taken 12 metres deep into the water and the whole diving adventure will be for 30 minutes. Enjoy the beautiful marine life creatures wading through the sea and get awestruck with the underwater beauty of this island.
Cost/Person: ₹550
Suggested Read: Snorkelling In Andaman
2. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is another fun activity that you must try on this Island. If you want to dive more into the water and explore the varied marine life and beautiful corals here, then this water sport is perfect for you. This island is known for its rich underwater life and is home to amazing marine creatures. You will be taken 39 metres deep into the water where you will be able to spot the majestic marine creatures deep under the sea.
Cost/Person: ₹3500 – ₹6000 (depending on the number of dives)
3. Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Glass-bottom Boat Ride is among the popular things to do in Andaman, especially for those who want to see the underwater marine life and also do not want to get wet. The tourists on this boat ride can spot bright corals and the marine flora and fauna, such as spotted pipe fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and colourful seaweed beds in the shallow waters.
Cost/Person: ₹1000
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Havelock Island
4. Visiting Turtle Breeding Center
Photo: Salo Al / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You can visit the Dani Nallah on this island to witness a huge crowd of turtle hatchlings making their way into the waters. You can also see the turtles hatching their eggs. It is a beautiful sight and tourists come in huge numbers to witness how these endangered species are being preserved. It offers an unforgettable experience.
Cost/Person: NA
5. Bird Watching & Wildlife Observation
Photo: Diane Helentjaris / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Rutland Island is a great place to see birds and other animals, showing off the area’s wide range of life. Birds like the Andaman teal, the imperial pigeon, and many other tropical birds live in these mostly untouched woods. The island’s lush vegetation is home to butterflies, and people have seen mammals and reptiles there on occasion, showing the diversity of the environment of the island.
Cost/Person: NA
Places To Visit Around Rutland Island
The island’s scenic beauty attracts tourists and once you are done exploring this majestic place, you can further explore some breathtaking places in and around the island.
1. Chidiya Tapu
Photo: Biswarup Gangulay / Wikimedia Commons
One of the places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar is Chidiya Tapu, known for fishing and magnificent sunset views. This beach is surrounded by evergreen forests on one side and small hills on the other, where you can spot some unseen and exotic migratory and native birds. There are 46 varieties of endangered bird species and white spotted deer. You can spot these birds on the beach or flying in the sky, and they offer a unique sight with their colourful wings.
Location: Chidiya Tapu Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744105
Major Attractions: Sylvan Sands, Chidiya Tapu Biological Park, Munda Pahar beaches
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar In 5 Days
2. Cinque Island
Photo: Vardhan Patankar / Wikimedia Commons
Cinque Island is an astonishing Island that attracts many tourists due to its fine sandy beaches, tropical rainforest, rare corals and a rich underwater marine life. The most attractive thing about this island is that it is divided into North Cinque Island and South Cinque Island, and both are connected by a sandbar. It is among the Rutland Island tourist places, offering calm waters, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Location: Cinque Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744105
Major Attractions: Water sports, bird watching, photography, and nature walks
3. Dani Nallah
Photo: Singhabhinav7 / Wikimedia Commons
Dani Nallah is one of the six villages that are in this Island that is well-known for its marine life. A blissful nature walk to this quaint village will surely give you memories for a lifetime. The beach in this village is one of the best-uncrowded beaches here, which offers calmness and tranquillity. You can indulge in water activities and explore the underwater sea life here.
Location: Dani Nallah, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744201
Major Attractions: Underwater marine life, sea turtle breeding
Suggested Read: Andaman And Nicobar Nightlife
4. Bada Balu Beach
Photo: Sanddy 1983 / Wikimedia Commons
Bada Balu Beach is a pristine and hidden beach that has a long stretch of greyish sand and blue waters. The lush green forest surrounding it gives plenty of mesmerising shades of colour to the tourists. You can spot some very old fallen trees on the beach that give it a rugged and rustic charm. You can collect gorgeous seashells while strolling at the beach as a souvenir.
Location: Bada Balu Beach, Manjery, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744201
Major Attractions: Seashells, beachcombing
5. Jolly Buoy Island
Photo: Siddharth1977 / Wikimedia Commons
Jolly Buoy Island is in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, close to Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. A paradise for snorkelling and scuba divers who want to discover a wide range of marine life, including colourful fish and coral formations, thanks to its beautiful coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. While some parts of the island have beautiful white sand beaches and others have steep cliffs, the island is mostly covered in thick tropical forest, which makes for beautiful nature walks and treks.
Location: Southwest of Port Blair, in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Major Attractions: Coral reefs, snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, beaches
6. Wandoor Beach
Photo: Ritu Kulshrestha / Wikimedia Commons
Wandoor Beach offers a peaceful seaside setting surrounded by lush mangroves and green forests. Situated southwest of Port Blair, it has long stretches of clean, sandy beaches ideal for picnics, long walks, and watching birds. Walking along the beach and taking in the peaceful views of the water is great, but swimming and other water activities may not be possible due to safety issues and seasonal currents.
Location: Southwest of Port Blair, South Andaman
Major Attractions: Natural beauty, sunset views, nature walks
Where To Stay
Photo: Vincent Gerbouin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There is one good property on this island where visitors can stay for the night, it is Totani Resort which has beautiful bamboo huts. Tourists can also go back to Port Blair as it has numerous good hotels and resorts – Sinclairs Bay View, Seashell Hotel, J Hotel, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels-Bay Island, Ami Grace, Hotel Sentinel, and many more. They offer a good and comfortable stay.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Andaman
Where To Eat
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Some of the best food joints near this island are in Port Blair or Havelock Island – Ananda, Annapurna, Excel Restaurant, Vegan Creek, Pool View Restaurant, Island Cafe, and many more are a few options you can try to have a hearty meal here after returning from the island.
Best Time To Visit Rutland Island
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The ideal time to visit this beautiful island is from November to March, as the Rutland Island, Andaman weather is pleasant and temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees celsius. It is also the best time to indulge in water sports and other outdoor activities like trekking.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Andaman
Other Factor To Consider
Photo: Ann H / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost involved in visiting this island includes only the water activities you will indulge in and transportation. There is no entry fee to visit this island. The cost may vary from ₹1500 to ₹4000.
Tips For Travellers
Tourists travelling to this island must keep the following points in mind:
- A prior permit is required from Port Blair before entering this island.
- Natives here can only speak Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali, so it will be good if you are familiar with any of the languages.
- Carry a hat and sunscreen to avoid the sun during the day.
- Take packed snacks and water on this island as there are not many eateries around.
- Keep a first-aid kit handy in case of any emergencies.
A one-day trip to Rutland Island is enough to boost your mood and energy levels. Its location and scenic beauty along with water adventures make this the most sought-after destination among tourists. From exploring marine life to relaxing on the beach amidst nature, you will find everything on this island. So, to experience this amazing place and make the best of your holiday plan a trip with TripXL soon.
Cover Photo: Harikrishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
