The Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal are a beautiful place with very clean beaches, clear blue water, and dense green woods. Although many visitors go to well-known islands such as Havelock and Neil, there are also underrated islands in Andaman that provide amazing sights without too many people.
Suggested Read: Trekking in Andaman and Game fishing in Andaman
These secret treasures are known for their pristine beauty, peaceful surroundings, and special places of interest that turn them into essential spots for any explorer looking for a memorable journey. In this blog article, we will discover five less-known islands in Andaman that should capture your interest.
The untouched beaches in Diglipur and the interesting lime rock caves at Baratang, every island has its own unique thing to show. Therefore, prepare your luggage for a journey to experience the hidden treasures of Andaman Islands. Come with us to discover some underrated islands in Andaman that are sure to charm you and make you excited about traveling to these fascinating places.
Top 5 Underrated islands in Andaman
1. Diglipur Island
Diglipur Island is in the far north of Andaman Islands and is a real secret treasure among less known islands there. The island gives you a mix of nature’s wonder and excitement, so it’s great for people who love nature and also those who look for adventure.
Best time to visit
You should go to Diglipur Island from November to May because the weather is nice and the sea is quiet, which makes it good for doing different things in the water.
Things to do
- Explore the stunning Kalipur Beach, known for its white sand and turquoise waters.
- Go to Saddle Peak National Park, it is the tallest place in Andaman Islands. You can have a good time walking in the deep green woods.
- Explore the Alfred Caves, which are a series of limestone caverns that provide a habitat for many different plants and animals.
- Take pleasure in snorkeling and diving under the water to see the colorful sea creatures near the island.
Major highlights
- Unspoiled beaches with crystal-clear waters
- Rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems
- Opportunities for adventure activities like trekking and cave exploration
Expenses
For a trip to Diglipur Island lasting 3-4 days, you should plan on spending between 15,000 and 20,000 rupees for each person. The package covers your stay, meals, travel and things to do. Choose small inns or affordable lodgings to save money, and remember to taste the traditional food for a genuine experience.
2. Baratang Island
Baratang Island, which is located between the Middle and South Andaman islands, is one of the underrated islands in Andaman that should catch your interest. This island stands out due to its distinctive geological structures and pristine natural charm.
Best time to visit
The best period for going to Baratang Island is from November to April because the climate is nice and not wet, which is good for doing things outside.
Things to do
- Visit the Limestone Caves, which are a series of caves created over many years by erosion, and be amazed by the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that you see there.
- Go see the Mud Volcano, an unusual natural event where mud bursts out from the ground’s surface.
- Go on a boat trip among the thick mangrove trees and look out for different kinds of birds and animals.
- Relax on the pristine beaches of Baratang and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Major highlights
- Unique geological formations like the Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano
- Dense mangrove forests and diverse wildlife
- Secluded beaches with crystal-clear waters
Expenses
A trip to Baratang Island can be budget-friendly if planned wisely. Allocate around Rs. For two to three days, it will cost each person between 12,000 and 15,000. This includes the place you stay, meals, travel costs inside the area and things to do. To save money you can choose cheaper places like small guesthouses or staying in a local’s house. I recommend eating traditional food from here so you experience what people on this island eat.
3. Long Island
Long Island, close to Havelock Island, is a lesser-known but beautiful place in Andaman. It’s an ideal retreat for people looking for quietness and wanting to be close to nature.
Best time to visit
To go to Long Island, it is good from December to March because then the weather does not have much rain and the ocean is quiet, so you can enjoy things in the water well.
Things to do
- Visit the lovely Lalaji Bay Beach, famous for its golden sands and clear blue waters.
- Come to the Long Island Beach Resort, it is friendly for the environment and you can do different things such as swimming with a snorkel, paddling in a kayak, or walking around to see natural sights.
- Walk slowly in the thick tropical woods and see many kinds of birds and butterflies.
- Spend time looking at the stars during the night and appreciate how clear they are without any light from cities.
Major highlights
- Serene and secluded beaches
- Eco-friendly accommodations and activities
- Opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks
Expenses
Long Island has many places to stay, fitting for various amounts of money. You should expect to use about Rs. For a stay of three to four days, the cost ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 per person. This price covers your place to sleep, meals, travel costs and things you can do there. Choose resorts or guesthouses that are kind to the environment so you help with responsible tourism and have an experience that stands out.
4. Rangat Island
Rangat Island, located between Middle and North Andaman, is a less appreciated island in the Andaman region that presents an excellent mix of historical significance, cultural elements, and the beauty of nature.
Best time to visit
The best time for going to Rangat Island is from October to May because the weather is nice and the sea is quiet, which makes it great for doing things in the water and exploring outside.
Things to do
- Go to the Dhaninallah Mangrove Nature Walkway, it is a walk path that is 713 meters long and goes through thick mangrove woods where you can see different kinds of birds and wild animals.
- Visit the Yerrata Mangrove Park, it is a safe place with a special kind of nature and chances to watch birds.
- Swim at Amkunj Beach, it is a quiet place with very clear water and clean sand.
- Make a trip to the Rangat Bakultala Mini Zoo, which houses different kinds of animals and birds.
Major highlights
- Dense mangrove forests and unique ecosystems
- Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting
- Historical and cultural attractions like the Japanese Bunkers
Expenses
Rangat Island offers budget-friendly options for accommodation and activities. Plan to spend around Rs. For a stay of two to three days, it costs between ten and fifteen thousand per person. This price covers your place to sleep, meals, travel within the area and things to do. You can live in small houses for visitors or with local families so you can learn about how they live and try their traditional food.
5. Mayabunder Island
Mayabunder Island, found in the central part of Andaman, is a less known island that provides an ideal getaway from busy city living and an opportunity to deeply connect with nature.
Best time to visit
The most suitable period for traveling to Mayabunder Island is from November to April, due to the dry and comfortable climate which is perfect for engaging in activities outside and discovering new areas.
Things to do
- Go to Avis Island, which is a tiny island close to Mayabunder and famous for its very clean beaches and water that you can see through.
- Visit Karmatang Beach, where the sand is like gold and you can see very beautiful sunsets.
- Go for a walk in the thick rainforest and see many kinds of birds and butterflies.
- Go to Austin Creek, it is a beautiful place with trees called mangroves all around, and have a nice meal outside near the water.
Major highlights
- Pristine beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear waters
- Dense tropical forests and diverse wildlife
- Opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching
Expenses
Mayabunder Island offers budget-friendly options for accommodation and activities. Plan to spend around Rs. For a 3 to 4 days visit, it will cost each person between 12,000 and 18,000. This price covers your place to stay, meals, travel around the area and things you can do there. Choosing guesthouses or staying with local families is a cheaper option that also lets you enjoy how locals live.
Things to know before planning a trip to Underrated islands in Andaman
- Make sure you get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) before going to visit the islands that have access limitations.
- Book your accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Make sure to bring sufficient cash because it can be hard to find ATMs on some underrated islands in Andaman.
- Bring with you clothes that are easy to wear and not heavy, also things like sun cream, bug spray, and something for your head.
- Respect the local culture and environment by following responsible tourism practices.
- Prepare yourself because in some less known islands of Andaman the network connection might not be very strong.
- Think about getting a guide from the area or someone who organizes tours to help you fully enjoy your journey and avoid any problems.
- Keep an open mind and be ready to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle.
Conclusion
The lesser-known islands of Andaman provide a chance to explore the unspoiled beauty and varied sights in this tropical haven. The untouched beaches at Diglipur and the intriguing limestone caves in Baratang show that each island presents its own unique attractions.
Discovering these secret places allows you to avoid the busy areas and soak in the peaceful surroundings with beautiful nature. Therefore, prepare your luggage and go on a memorable trip to less known islands in Andaman for an experience filled with adventure, quietness, and amazing scenery around every corner.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit the underrated islands in Andaman?
Visiting the less known islands in Andaman is good from November to May because during these months, the weather feels nice and the sea stays quiet. It gives perfect situation for many water sports and discovering outside. The season of monsoon, which lasts from June until September, should be avoided because strong rains and turbulent seas might interfere with journey plans and restrict the possibility for activities outside.
If it’s okay for you to have some rain sometimes and you like to get discounts when it is not the main season, thinking about going in October or May could be good. Make sure to look at the weather before and organize your plans well so that you can really enjoy visiting these less known islands in Andaman.
2. How do I reach the underrated islands in Andaman?
To go to the less known islands in Andaman, you must first travel by air to Port Blair, which is the main city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. After arriving there, you have options such as a public ferry or hiring a personal boat to get to different islands. You can travel to Diglipur Island by catching a ferry from Port Blair up to Aerial Bay Jetty and then take either a bus or taxi going to Diglipur.
You can go to Baratang Island by first taking a ferry from Port Blair going to Nilambur Jetty, and then you get a bus or taxi that goes to Baratang. To reach Long Island, there is a ferry service available from Havelock Island; you can travel to Havelock Island from Port Blair as well. To go to Rangat Island and Mayabunder Island, one must take a ferry from Port Blair to the specific jetties. It is recommended to look at the ferry times and reserve your seats before you go, particularly in the high season.
3. What are the must-do activities on the underrated islands in Andaman?
The less known islands in Andaman have different activities for all kinds of visitors. You should really try some of these things:
- Exploring the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
- Snorkeling and scuba diving to discover the vibrant marine life
- Trekking through the lush green forests and spotting unique flora and fauna
- Visiting the limestone caves and mud volcanoes on Baratang Island
- Walking through the mangrove forests, I observed different kinds of birds.
- Indulging in stargazing and enjoying the clear night skies
- Trying the local cuisine and interacting with the friendly islanders
- Visiting historical and cultural sites like the Japanese Bunkers on Rangat Island
4. How much money does one usually spend for a journey to the less known islands in Andaman?
The usual price for a journey to the underrated islands in Andaman changes based on different things such as how long you stay, what kind of place you sleep in, travel ways and things to do. Generally speaking, it might cost about Rs. For a stay of three to four days that covers housing, meals, transport and things to do, one might spend between 12,000 and 25,000 per individual.
Those who want to save money may choose guesthouses or homestays with prices about Rs. People who want to save money can stay at places that charge 500-1,000 each night and if someone prefers more comfortable accommodations they might pick a resort or hotel where the price for one night could range from Rs. 2,000 to 10,000.
Meals are not so costly, often just Rs. 100-300 and you can buy ferry tickets for a price that starts from some rupees. The price varies from 200 to 1,000 and it depends on how far you travel as well as the kind of ferry. Things to do such as swimming with a snorkel, diving under water, and going from one island to another might have a cost around rupees. Each person should budget between 500 to 3,000. It is wise to decide your spending based on what you like and think important, and arrange for places to stay and travel earlier so you can find good offers.
5. Are the underrated islands in Andaman safe for solo travelers?
Certainly, the underrated islands in Andaman are safe for people traveling alone. The local inhabitants are kind and willing to assist, with a crime rate that is quite low. When traveling alone, it is essential to be careful and always watchful.
Do not walk by yourself at night time, particularly on beaches that are isolated, and make sure your valuable things are secure. Also, it is good to tell the place where you are staying about your location and when you think to come back if you decide to go around the island by yourself.
Women traveling alone need to be extra careful and wear simple clothes to not attract too much notice. If you feel uncertain about visiting the islands by yourself, think about going with a tour group or finding a guide from the area who can share important knowledge and help keep you safe. Always rely on your intuition and put your safety first when appreciating the quietness and charm of these underrated islands in Andaman.
6. What is the best way to travel between the underrated islands in Andaman?
To move from one lesser-known island to another in the Andaman, it is most efficient to use a ferry. There are scheduled ferries that go back and forth between Port Blair and bigger islands such as Havelock, Neil, and Rangat.
For smaller and faraway islands such as Diglipur, Baratang, and Long Island, it might be necessary to use a ferry connection or rent a personal boat. It is wise to look at the ferry times before you go and reserve your seats early on, mainly when there are many travelers, so that you can have an easier journey without troubles at the last moment.
Underrated islands in Andaman such as Mayabunder can be reached by driving from Port Blair, but this trip might take a lot of time and make you weary. If you do not have much time or want something more relaxing, think about using a seaplane or helicopter that flies between Port Blair and some islands. However, these options are more expensive and subject to weather conditions.
7. What should I pack for a trip to the underrated islands in Andaman?
When you prepare your luggage for a journey to the underrated islands in Andaman, think about the climate, how long you will be there, and what things you want to do. You should bring with you some important things such as:
- Light and comfortable clothing, including beachwear and quick-dry fabrics
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect against the tropical sun
- Insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay
- Sturdy and comfortable footwear for trekking and beach walks
- Swimwear and snorkeling gear if you plan to indulge in water activities
- Camera and extra batteries to capture the stunning landscapes and memories
- Basic first-aid kit and personal medications
- Flashlight or headlamp for power outages and night walks
- Reusable water bottle and snacks for long ferry rides and island hopping
Bring only money and important papers such as identification and licenses. It is better to pack less because you will change places often, and sometimes there may not be much room where you stay. Also, have with you a small backpack for when you visit different islands or do activities outside.
