At the far tip of India, south of Port Blair, lies the picturesque Rutland Island, a heaven for Thalassophiles, commonly called sea lovers. The island makes up the South Andaman district and comprises six villages, namely the Rutland Village, R.M. Point Village, Bamboo Nallah, Kichad Nallah, Bada Jhari and Dani Nallah.
Out of all these, the Dani Nallah is the most popular for the memorable marine life and turtle breeding experience it offers, that’s truly one you’ll never forget! Rutland Island is barely 110 sq. kms and is home to around 350 inhabitants belonging to the Jangil Tribe. Yes, that’s it. That’s fewer people than you’d find in a city auditorium.
But what the island may lack in size or population, it makes up for with its impeccable views of beaches and rich marine life that are worth a visit! You can go fishing at Chidiya Tapu and get a glimpse of the coral reefs at the Cinque Islands. An enthralling open-sea diving experience awaits at the beaches where you can also take a dip or enjoy some snorkelling. Travel to Jolly Buoy for a glass-bottom boat ride and walk along the Red Skin Island beaches, with the waves lapping at your feet.
Visiting Rutland Island on a day trip from Port Blair or Havelock Island is one of the best options. You can extend your stay if you want to get trained in open-water diving, but note that the island has no telephone service or electricity, and scarce availability of food. Accomodation too, is rare, with simply one resort comprising bamboo huts that is equipped enough for a comfortable stay. You can choose a day tour package, especially with a group, to ensure that everything is well taken care of.
Rutland Island lies 20 kms south of Port Blair. If you’re within Port Blair, take the road route to the jetty point, then take a boat from Port Blair to reach the island.
While traveling from Havelock to Rutland Island, you need to first head to Port Blair by ferry which will take approximately 2.5 hours. Once in Port Blair, claim your Restricted Area Permit and complete the necessary formalities required to tour through Rutland Island. Then travel to Rutland from Port Blair by boat.
Rutland Island, lying in South Andaman, experiences three major seasons namely summer, monsoon, and winter.
Summers extend from April to June when temperatures are between 24°C to 37°C. This is the most preferred time to visit the island because the waters are just the right temperature allowing tourists to partake in watersports like snorkelling, and diving. Also, since it isn’t holiday season in a lot of countries, prices are low during summers.
The monsoons from May to September aren’t as favoured as the other seasons. That’s because most of the island is damp and heavy rains, along with choppy waters, makes travel and sightseeing dangerous and inaccessible. Since Rutland Island doesn’t have many indoor activities, traveling in this season is almost pointless.
Winters again, from December to February are very pleasant. Water transport is easily accessible and walking around or trekking is a delight in the good weather. Temperatures are relatively low, ranging between 20°C – 30°C and this is when you’ll find most tourists flocking the island, in spite of accommodation prices being steep.
We definitely recommend a winter or summer visit to Rutland Island, so that you enjoy your day to the fullest!