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 Island 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.
3) Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island Beaches
Jolly Buoy, located in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is famous for its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a top destination for eco-tourism. With a beach quality score of 0.86 and a Management Capacity (MC) score of 0.56, this island offers an enriching experience for those looking to explore the underwater beauty of Andaman’s marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving here reveal vibrant coral gardens, teeming with marine creatures, making it a paradise for marine enthusiasts.
Access to Jolly Buoy is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem, and a permit from the Forest Department is required. Visitors are not allowed to carry plastic, ensuring that the island remains pristine and sustainable. There are no overnight stays permitted, but day trips from Wandoor (around 30 km from Port Blair) provide ample time to explore the beach, swim, and marvel at the vivid coral reefs.
The water clarity is exceptional, thanks to strict conservation efforts that prevent pollution and littering. The visibility underwater is superb, often exceeding 20 meters, making it a diver’s paradise for observing coral formations and marine life up close. The clarity enhances snorkeling and scuba diving experiences, as even from the surface, visitors can easily spot vibrant corals, starfish, and colorful fish darting in the turquoise waters.
As for the colors, Jolly Buoy’s waters are a mesmerizing gradient of blues and greens, transitioning from deep azure in the distance to crystalline turquoise near the shore, where the shallow sandy bottom reflects sunlight. The surrounding coral reefs add splashes of color beneath the surface, creating a contrast against the cerulean waters. These vivid colors, paired with the lush greenery of the island, form a picture-perfect tropical beach experience, truly living up to its reputation as one of Andaman’s hidden treasures.
Red Skin Island is a stunning alternative to Jolly Buoy during its off-season. With its pristine white sandy shores and clear turquoise waters, the island offers a similar eco-tourism experience, including snorkeling and underwater exploration of coral reefs. The beach has a Beach Quality Score of 0.81 and Management Capacity (MC) of 0.78, making it a well-maintained and accessible destination for nature lovers.
Red Skin’s shallow waters provide an ideal spot for swimming, while the nearby coral reefs are perfect for snorkelers to observe the rich marine life. A permit is required for visits, ensuring environmental conservation.
4) Khurmadera Dera & Mahua Dera Beaches, West
Khurma Dera Beach, located about 45 km from Port Blair along the western coastline of South Andaman, is a secluded gem along the Bay of Bengal, perfect for eco-tourism.. The beach features crystal-clear turquoise waters that beautifully contrast with the rugged rock formations and stretches of dead coral. The towering rock formations offer sweeping views of the ocean, and a small WWII Japanese bunker nestled at the base adds a historical element to the natural splendor. Behind the beach, coconut groves provide a lush, green backdrop, adding to the beach’s serene and untouched feel. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, climb the rocks for breathtaking views, and enjoy a swim in the calm, turquoise waters. Day trips from Port Blair allow visitors to soak in the tranquility, but overnight stays are not permitted to preserve the ecosystem.
Mahua Dera Beach, a more hidden and remote alternative, is located nearby and offers a pristine escape into nature. Accessible by walking from Khurma Dera through a lush coconut plantation, Mahua Dera is a white-sand beach with striking turquoise waters. It is even more secluded, offering visitors an intimate, untouched environment. The beach is bordered by Mahua trees, whose distinct canopy adds to the beach’s charm and provides a natural shade for those looking to relax in the area. The shallow, turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, while the striking contrast of white sands and the vivid sea colors offers an exceptional setting for photography and quiet reflection.
Unlike Khurma Dera, Mahua Dera’s coral reefs and underwater activities are less popular due to the lack of marine life in this specific area. However, its remote location, combined with the coconut groves and Mahua trees, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
What Makes Them Special: Both Khurma Dera and Mahua Dera offer pristine, tranquil environments for travelers wanting to escape the crowds. The coconut groves behind Khurma Dera add an extra layer of lush greenery to the already picturesque beach, while Mahua Dera’s white sands, turquoise waters, and surrounding Mahua trees make it a hidden paradise. Mahua Dera can be accessed by a short walk from Khurma Dera, passing through a scenic coconut plantation, enhancing the experience of exploring these two untouched beaches. Whether you’re looking to climb rocks for panoramic ocean views or relax beneath the Mahua trees, these beaches offer a serene and unforgettable escape.
