| From | To | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
18-Oct |
21-Oct |
Closed |
|
22-Oct |
31-Oct |
Operational |
|
01-Nov |
04-Nov |
Closed |
|
05-Nov |
14-Nov |
Operational |
|
15-Nov |
18-Nov |
Closed |
|
19-Nov |
28-Nov |
Operational |
|
29-Nov |
02-Dec |
Closed |
|
03-Dec |
12-Dec |
Operational |
|
13-Dec |
16-Dec |
Closed |
|
17-Dec |
26-Dec |
Operational |
|
27-Dec |
30-Dec |
Closed |
|
31-Dec |
09-Jan |
Operational |
|
10-Jan |
13-Jan |
Closed |
|
14-Jan |
23-Jan |
Operational |
|
24-Jan |
27-Jan |
Closed |
|
28-Jan |
06-Feb |
Operational |
|
07-Feb |
10-Feb |
Closed |
|
11-Feb |
20-Feb |
Operational |
Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Located in the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rutland Island belongs to the South Andaman administrative district. It lies 20 kilometers (12 miles) south from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Island. The island belongs to the Rutland Archipelago and is located across the Macpherson Strait from South Andaman Island. The Duncan Passage separates Rutland Island from Little Andaman and Manner Strait separates it from North Cinque Island. Along with neighboring Rutland Archipelago, the island is a part of Port Blair Taluk. As many as six villages are on the Rutland Island- R.M.Point Village, Bamboo Nallaha, Kichad Nallaha, Bada Khari, and East Jetty (Dani Nallah).
Rich in marine life, Rutland Island has shallow waters that are homes to small fish and corals. Similar to that of North Sentinel Island, the vegetation here comprises dry sandy soil. The island is hilly but is bestowed with open jungle and bushes. If you are an adrenaline junkie, Rutland Island is a perfect base for training open water divers. There are a number of beautiful places to explore on this secluded island. Some of them include Jahaji Beach, Bada Balu, Manner Strait, Photo Nallah, and Dani Nallah.
Overview
There are only 119 households with 347 inhabitants in Rutland Island. The natives speak good Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil. The effective literacy rate is sixty four percent. This idyllic island has emerged as a sough-after destination among tourists from all over the country.
Things to do
There are a number of enthralling things to do in Rutland Island and we have listed here the best ones that will leave you spellbound. Check them out below:
Exploring marine life
The island is known for its rich underwater life. The waters are homes to a number of amazing marine creatures. They contain India’s best treasures that lie deep inside. If you love adventure, then you will be completely amazed after witnessing the marine life here. The best locations to experience this in Rutland Island are Photo Nallah and Dani Nallah.
Snorkeling
For training divers, this island is the perfect base. First of all, an expert instructor will brief you about the precautions and equipment that are required to take. Before entering the sea, you will get time to get familiarized. The dive will be of half an hour wherein you will go nearly twelve meters deep into the water. Be ready to get awestruck with the gorgeous marine life creatures swimming through the ocean. This activity is better than swimming and much more affordable than scuba diving. It takes you to the infinite underwater world without the requirement for any complex equipment. The best thing is that you don’t have to prepare anything in advance. The best locations for snorkeling in Rutland Island are Jahaji Beach, Bada Balu, and Manner Strait.
Visiting a turtle breeding center
Dani Nallah is visited by crowds of tourists in order to watch turtle hatchlings make their journey to the sea. The turtles are a critically endangered species in our country. The park in the Andamans is making efforts to improve their numbers. The staff there also helps them recover from injuries arising from getting trapped in fishnets. If you are travelling with your family, then this is one of the best things to do in Rutland Island.
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Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Glass bottom boat rides are perfect for those tourists who don’t want to get wet or for families who prefer having an adventure together. The boat starts from the jetty and explores the ocean surrounding the islands. While sailing, you can explore the vast sea, flying through the waves. You can watch the sea through a transparent bottom, making the experience wonderful and enjoyable for yourself. Kids and elders enjoy this activity a lot. To do this, you have to be in a tiny boat with the bottom made up of glass. As it sails through the sea, you can have a glimpse of the water. This is very popular in Rutland Island. Yes, you have to wear a life jacket. One of the finest sea sports, it is a magical experience for sure. When in Andaman Island, do not miss this activity at any cost.
Nearby hotels
There are no accommodation facilities available at Rutland Island. Tourists have to stay in Port Blair and travel from there to the island and come back. Some of the properties where you can stay in the capital city are as follows:
There are number of nice hotels and resorts in Port Blair that boast of a 24-hour front desk as well as a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant. A buffet breakfast is also served every morning at some properties. Veer Savarkar International Airport is also not far from there along with the popular Corbyn’s Cove Beach. Famous tourist hotspots such as Anthropological Museum and Cellular Jail are also nearby. Necessary assistance is provided to those who are willing to travel around the city. The hotels in Port Blair are suited for honeymooners as well as families.
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How to reach
Reaching Rutland Island is quite simple. There are ferries and government-run or private buses that will take you there.
Best time to visit
There are mainly three seasons in Rutland Island- summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer season falls between April and June and the temperature ranges from 24°Celsius to 37°Celsius. One can enjoy water activities a lot during this time as the waters are just the perfect temperature. The monsoon season begins from May and concludes in September. This is not a good time to travel there as the rains are heavy and make commuting and sightseeing dangerous and inaccessible. Traveling to Rutland Island during this season is not recommended at all. It witnesses the winter season from December to February, and this period is very pleasant. Therefore, you can travel there in the summer or winter season so that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
