Port Blair to Rutland Island Travel Guide – Boat, Activities & Others
Plan your perfect Andaman escape with our Port Blair to Rutland Island travel guide featuring itinerary, best spots, costs, and travel tips.
How about taking a short boat ride from Manjeri or Chidiya Tapu of Port Blair across the Macpherson Strait and escaping away from Port Blair’s crowds to visit Andaman’s unspoiled, untouched treasure- Rutland Island, also known as Kalapahar?
Once inhabited by the Onges and Jarwas, the land is now home to six villages: R.M. Point, Rutland, Bamboo Nallah, Kichad Nallah, Bada Khari, and East Jetty (Dani Nallah) with 347 residents who speak Hindi, Bengali, and family, making the place feel like a step back in time.
Its serene beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal clear water are calling nature lovers, even if it’s away from the usual tourist trail. The reason is the absence of accommodations, electricity, communication, and limited tour agencies and transport alternatives, as well as promotions, which keep the crowd away. Yet, it’s readily accessible, although by paying a hefty boat ride fare for a day trip of only 4-5 hours.
But every minute of the journey is worth it for its peaceful isolation, raw, unspoiled charm, and breathtaking scenery that make Rutland an underrated Andaman’s gem.
Overview
Rutland Island is a part of a labyrinth group of Islands covering 137 square kilometres. I am surrounded by 60 km of immaculate shorelines. Manner Strait and Duncan Passage separate it from North Cinque and the Little Andaman.
Placed 20 kilometres south of the capital city, boats continue to be the primary means of transportation between its rugged, scenic location, as roadways do not connect it. Other than picnicking, exploring unexplored coves, and water activities, Rutland gives visitors a rare chance to experience isolation, beauty, and the unspoiled essence of Andaman.
Rutland Island (Kalapahar) At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 20 km south of Port Blair, across Macpherson Strait |
| How to Reach | Boat from Manjeri or Chidiya Tapu (40 mins) |
| Access from Havelock/Neil | Ferry to Port Blair, then boat to Rutland |
| Boat Fare | ₹7,000–₹22,000 round trip (depends on boat, passengers, negotiation) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
| Trip Duration | Day trip (4–5 hours on the island) |
| Villages | R.M. Point, Rutland, Bamboo Nallah, Kichad Nallah, Bada Khari, East Jetty |
| Popular Beaches | Jahaji Beach, Bada Khari, Cobra Beach |
| Top Activities | Scuba diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat ride, trekking, fishing |
| Attractions | Mount Ford Trek, RM Point, Thaggi Khilesh Forest, Lighthouse, Turtle Breeding Center |
| Permits | Required for foreigners (Restricted Area Permit), none for Indians |
| Facilities | No accommodation, electricity, or restaurants, carry food & water |
| Wildlife | Deer, wild boar, rare birds, turtles, coral reefs |
| Safety Tips | Hire a guide, stay in designated zones, respect local culture |
How to Reach Rutland Island from Port Blair, Havelock & Neil Island?
The only way to reach Rutland Island (Kala Pahad) is by taking a boat from Manjeri or Chidiya Tapu boat point. Take an hour drive from Port Blair, ride a local boat, dinghy, or private charter, and take 40 minutes across the sea to reach the island. Visitors from Havelock or Neil Island, head to Port Blair by ferry a day before the trip starts.
Direct government ferries don’t run to Rutland Island from Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil Island, so hire boats or charter at a rate of around ₹7000 to ₹22,000 for a round trip, depending on negotiation skills, boat size, number of passengers, and duration. Boats usually pick 8-10 passengers, making it ideal for groups or family members, and a good local guide. Considering a one-day trip during cooler months (October to April), and spending 4-5 hours there before heading back from Rutland Island can be a kind of experience anyone could plan.
Rutland Island Travel Itinerary
Calling all sea wanderers, pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate dreamy day trip from Port Blair to the untouched beauty of Rutland Island.
6:30 AM:
Depart from Port Blair: Reach Manjeri or Chidiya Tapu boat point and take a shared or private boat. Enjoy the 40-minute ride spotting the marine world and coastal views.
8 AM:
Arrive at Rutland Island: Meet local guides or boatmen (if pre-arranged) and take a walk around the nearest villages to experience local life.
9 AM:
Water activities at Dani Nallah: Explore tropical fish, colourful corals, with a glass-bottom boat ride, or learn snorkeling and scuba diving from the experts for 30 minutes in the calm, crystal clear waters.
10:30 AM:
Beach time at Bada Khari: Swim, relax, and enjoy the mesmerizing coastline, along with spotting coastal and mangrove forests.
Noon:
Picnic Lunch: Settle near the shorelines or under the palm trees and enjoy your packed lunch.
1 PM:
Quick village hopping: Visit Rutland Village to witness Andaman rural life, and learn more about the island’s history, farming, and fishing.
3-4 PM:
Depart for Port Blair: Return early for safety, reach by 5 – 5:30 pm.
Places to Visit on Rutland Island
Plan your visit like a pro with these top destinations and activities to discover on Rutland Island.
Jahaji Beach:
A long stretch of crystal white sand and tranquil water, ideal for picnics, sunbathing, and late swims.
Mount Ford Trekking:
A challenging yet remarkable trek that takes you up to 1400 ft to show Rutland’s panoramic views, sunrise/sunset, and the surrounding sea, undoubtedly a rewarding escapade for nature enthusiasts.
Cobra Beach:
Enjoy some peaceful moments by the calm, shallow waters of Cobra Beach-ideal for spotting vibrant shells, swimming, and beach walks.
RM Point:
Witness the magical sunrise and sunset at the scenic RM Point, offering picturesque vistas of the beachside and surrounding islands.
Thaggi Khilesh Forest:
Spot deer, wild boar, and rare birds while hiking the dense, serene Thaggi Khilesh Forest- perfect for nature photography.
Rutland Island Lighthouse:
Standing tall since 1976, Rutland Island Lighthouse is situated 2 km from the landing point of the island. This lighthouse features LED flashers operated by a solar panel and battery, offering extensive 360° surrounding views.
Floating Cage culture:
Get an enchanting glimpse of sustainable fish farming, where fish are raised and bred in enclosures on the water.
Things to Do in Rutland Island
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride:
It’s a great activity to experience without getting wet at Rutland, where you can spot vibrant corals, marine life, including eagle rays, sea turtles, and seaweed beds.
Scuba Diving:
Rutland Island is an excellent spot for scuba diving for beginners, where one can explore vibrant marine life in the crystal clear water.
Snorkeling:
Again, perfect for non-divers, Jahaji beach offers the best snorkelling experience with expert instructors from just 12 meters deep into the sea for 30 minutes. You’ll get to witness the rarest and most colorful corals through the calmest waters and with a snorkel mask.
Turtle Breeding Center:
Dani Nallah of Rutland is known for the turtle breeding centre in the Andaman Islands, where visitors can see turtle hatchings, protection, and recovery, and safely travel into the sea at the right season.
Permits & Travel Tips
Visiting Rutland Island requires prior permission from the Restricted Area Permit, Department of Immigration, Port Blair, or the forest department (for foreigners and no permits for Indians), especially for those who indulge in fishing and explore prohibited areas.
With no accommodations, shops, or restaurants, carry all items – packed food, water, paper plates, a hat, sunscreen, first aid, a waterproof bag, and a first aid kit.
Rutland Island is an ecosensitive location; therefore, strictly follow “leave no trace” rules; however, you can catch fish, cook, and eat fresh on the spot. Safety is equally mandatory, so hire a reliable guide, stay within designated zones, and be cautious around wild boar and elephants.
Mobile connectivity and electricity are weak; plan and inform about the vacation itinerary in advance. Respect local culture and traditions, as your actions can contribute to the preservation of Andaman’s unspoiled treasures.
Flora & Fauna of Rutland Island
Rutland Island is home to lush green forests, crystal clear waters, freshwater streams, mangrove-filled coastlines, and coastal bushes. It supports about 2200 plant species, including evergreen bamboo, deciduous, and littoral varieties, of which 200 varieties are endemic. Colourful mangroves, Red, White, orange, and cannonball offer essential ecosystems and coastline stability. The island abounds in wildlife from endemics like imperial pigeon, kingfishers, to see eagles, and Andaman teal. Sea turtles lay their eggs along beaches, while reptiles like the microhyla chakrapani frog and the rutland island blind snake flourish along the tropical dense forest. Vibrant reefs and seagrass beds, including manta rays surround the island.
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