- Updated March 7, 2026
- Shefali Hardas
Big Tree Cottages
Everything Under One Big Tree: Wellness, Yoga, Diving and a Home Away From Home
This Resort in Chidiya Tapu Can Alone Make You Return To Andamans, Again and Again.
Famously known as the Diver’s Resort, it truly is a home away from home, nestled in the woods of Chidiya Tapu, a diving village of sorts, 25 kms from Port Blair.
We at Go2Andaman, are fans of Chidiya Tapu and it comes in all our recommendations. If Chidiya Tapu is our top Port Blair recommendation, then Big Tree is one of our top Chidiya Tapu recommendations, especially if you’re into rustic luxury and non-commercial stays.
Our Favorite Thing About Big Tree Cottages – The Sense It Creates
It’s a really big and beautiful property with quaint cottages that are bound to provide you the relaxation, the taking-in of things and the nature you’re looking for. Our favorite thing is the diverse crowd that Big Tree attracts and the vibe it nurtures.
When living at Big Tree Cottages, you’ll be at a stone’s throw from some of the prettiest sunsets Andaman and Nicobar islands have to offer. Chota Balu and Bada Balu beaches are some nature walks that you can take when living there.
You can book your dives with them for the days you are staying with Big Tree. Dive in the morning, come back, have a nourishing lunch at their scenic cafe with greenery all around.
What we absolutely love is how people from different parts of the globe come here, explore the place and a lot many times end up joining their dinner tables together, laughing and bonding over drinks. It’s the warm vibes and aura that makes you feel at home.
Head to Chatai House, a rustic place amidst rolling fields for meditation and solo time.
Why We Like It – Experience Focused, Great Beds, Cleanliness, Homely Food
Big Tree Cottages will take care of you. And that starts from a great sleep which is guaranteed because the property has really clean and comfortable beds.
This resort is very focused on experience. You’ll find tall trees, birdsong throughout the day. You can also chase the sounds, move towards the farm, sit by the pond and spot some of them. Birders from across the globe come to spot endemic birds in the area.
It’s important to know that Big Tree Cottages and Resort take a booking of a minimum of 2 days. This is essential to the Chidiya Tapu experience, in our opinion, as it gives you the time to explore the many things to do in Chidiya Tapu (Munda Pahad trail, sunsets, diving and even things like night walks and herping
Farm-to-Table Experience
Their restaurant and bar is housed under a thatch. Big tree has a small menu that keeps changing depending on the fresh produce harvested from their organic farm on that specific day. The meals they cook are well curated, healthy and make you feel home. They also sell some of the jams, pickles, rice and sauces they grow & make inhouse.
Who Is It For? – Nature Enthusiasts, Those Who Prefer Isolation
If you are someone who likes to unwind in greenery and have a sweet and quiet time away from the hustle bustle of things, this is the place to be.
Chidiya Tapu does not have party places, or nightclubs etc. so if that is something you’re looking for, Big Tree Cottages and Resort is not the thing for you. Though the rooms are filled with cozy beds and fluffy pillows, they do not have Wifi or TV, so if you can’t be away from your phone for whatever reason, it is good to come here on days you can be. Chidiya Tapu gets some BSNL and Jio network, but more than that, you are really far away from civilization.
Living in nature is beautiful, but not for everyone. When at Big Tree, apart from the comforts, you’re still out there. There are many species of birds, insects and little geckos here and there which will keep visiting you. Hope you’re not the one who gets the heebie-jeebies from the little creepy-crawlies?
Frequently asked questions
Do hotels in Andaman offer free Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity?
Basic Wi-Fi is available in most mid-range and luxury hotels, but internet speed can be slow, especially on islands like Havelock and Neil. Mobile connectivity is patchy outside Port Blair, with BSNL and Airtel being the most reliable.
Is it better to book hotels in advance or after reaching Andaman?
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak season (December–March). Budget travelers might find walk-in options, but choices are limited and prices are higher last minute.
Can unmarried couples stay in hotels in Andaman?
Yes, most hotels in Andaman allow unmarried couples as long as both guests carry valid government-issued photo IDs. It's best to double-check policies for smaller homestays or lodges.
What are the check-in and check-out times in most hotels?
Most hotels in Andaman follow a 12:00 PM check-in and 10:00 AM check-out policy, but timings may vary. Some properties allow early check-in or late check-out based on availability.
Do hotels in Andaman accept digital payments and cards?
Yes, most hotels accept UPI, credit/debit cards, and cash. However, on remote islands, it’s wise to carry some cash, as internet outages may affect digital payment systems.
Shefali Hardas
An avid traveler and adventure enthusiast, Martin has spent years exploring hidden gems across the world.
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