Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities & Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits
- Best Activities in North Andaman
- Festivals & Seasonal Events
- 4 Nights 5 Days North Andaman Itinerary
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Packing & Safety Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Untamed, uncrowded, and unbelievably beautiful—North Andaman is the wild heart of the Andaman archipelago. Home to the twin isles of Ross & Smith, the emerald slopes of Saddle Peak, and turtle-nesting beaches like Kalipur and Karmatang, this region rewards travelers who venture beyond Port Blair. This 4 nights 5 days North Andaman itinerary blends beaches, rainforest hikes, wildlife, and slow-island living for a well-paced, memorable escape.
Best travel window: November to April for calm seas and clear skies. Turtle nesting typically peaks December to February. Monsoon (May–September) brings heavy rains and choppy seas.
Top Cities & Places in North Andaman
Diglipur
- Gateway to Ross & Smith Islands (Aerial Bay Jetty)
- Base for Saddle Peak trek and Kalipur Beach
- Good range of stay options and local markets
Mayabunder
- Quiet district HQ with Karen community settlements nearby
- Access to Karmatang Beach and Avis Island boat trips
- Mangrove creeks, birdlife, and laid-back town vibes
Rangat
- Midway stopover on the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR)
- Highlights: Dhanninalah Mangrove Walkway, Amkunj Eco Beach, Yeratta mangrove viewpoint
Ross & Smith Islands
- Two powdery white islands connected by a natural sandbar
- Excellent for swimming and snorkeling in calm conditions
- Forest permit required; boats operate subject to tide and weather
Saddle Peak National Park
- Highest point in Andamans (approx. 732 m)
- Tropical rainforest trek with viewpoints; permit required
- Trailheads near Lamiya Bay/Kalipur
Tourist Circuits
- Diglipur Circuit: Aerial Bay Jetty → Ross & Smith → Kalipur Beach → Lamiya Bay → Saddle Peak trail
- Mayabunder Circuit: Town → Karmatang Beach → Avis Island (by boat, permissions apply) → Rampur/Chainpur creeks
- Rangat Circuit: Amkunj Eco Beach → Dhanninalah Mangrove Walkway → Yeratta mangrove viewpoint → Moricedera beach/rock formations
Driving distances (approx.): Port Blair to Rangat 5–6 hrs; to Mayabunder 7–8 hrs; to Diglipur 9–10 hrs (depending on ferry crossings/road conditions). Start before dawn for long transfers.
Best Activities in North Andaman
- Sandbar Hopping: Swim and snorkel at Ross & Smith; carry reef-safe sunscreen and water.
- Turtle Watching: Kalipur and Ramnagar (seasonal, typically Dec–Feb; observe from a distance with local guidance).
- Trekking: Saddle Peak day hike (6–9 hours round-trip for fit hikers); permits and early start recommended.
- Caving: Alfred Caves near Ramnagar (dry season recommended; go with a local guide).
- Mangrove Walks & Birding: Dhanninalah boardwalk and Yeratta jetty area.
- Beach Time: Karmatang and Amkunj for picnics, sunsets, and photography.
Festivals & Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural programs and fairs are typically held across the islands; schedules vary by year and venue.
- Turtle Nesting Season (Dec–Feb): Not a festival, but a key seasonal highlight on select beaches with regulated viewing.
4 Nights 5 Days North Andaman Itinerary
Overview
- Pace: Moderate, with one long highway transfer each way.
- Focus: Ross & Smith Islands, Kalipur/Karmatang beaches, Saddle Peak (optional), mangrove walks.
Day 1: Port Blair arrival → Rangat/Mayabunder (overnight)
- Arrive early in Port Blair (IXZ). Drive the Andaman Trunk Road north.
- Stops: Amkunj Eco Beach and Dhanninalah Mangrove Walk (time permitting).
- Overnight: Mayabunder (quieter) or Rangat (shorter transfer).
- Tip: Start before 7:00 am; carry snacks and cash. Limited eateries en route.
Day 2: Mayabunder → Diglipur (Kalipur & Lamiya Bay)
- Morning at Karmatang Beach; optional boat to Avis Island if operational.
- Drive to Diglipur by early afternoon; check in.
- Evening: Kalipur Beach and Lamiya Bay for golden hour. In season, inquire locally about turtle sightings (regulated).
Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands (highlight day)
- Permits at Aerial Bay Jetty; take the first boat (subject to tide/weather).
- Swim, snorkel, relax on the sandbar. No plastic litter; carry back all trash.
- Return by mid-afternoon. Optional: Short nature trail or local market in Diglipur town.
Day 4: Saddle Peak trek (optional) → Return to Rangat/Mayabunder
- Early start for Saddle Peak (permit required). Fitness level: moderate to challenging.
- Not trekking? Visit Alfred Caves (with guide) or plan a relaxed beach morning.
- Post-lunch drive south to Mayabunder or Rangat for overnight.
Day 5: Rangat/Mayabunder → Port Blair departure
- Drive back to Port Blair for your flight. Buffer at least 3–4 hours before departure.
- If time allows: Brief stop at Yeratta mangrove viewpoint.
Customization Ideas
- With kids: Skip Saddle Peak; add more beach time and the Dhanninalah boardwalk.
- For trekkers: Make Day 4 a full-day hike and add a second night in Diglipur (extend trip by 1 night).
- For photographers: Plan Ross & Smith on a neap-tide day for a broader sandbar.
How to Reach North Andaman
Step 1: Reach Port Blair (South Andaman)
- By Air: Daily flights from major Indian cities to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ).
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (long duration; limited schedules).
Step 2: Port Blair to North Andaman
- By Road (most practical): Private cab or bus via the Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur. Expect 5–10 hours depending on destination and road/ferry conditions.
- By Ferry: Government ferries may operate to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur on limited schedules; check locally well in advance.
- By Helicopter: Limited seats, weather-dependent; priority for locals/emergencies; book through the civil aviation office in Port Blair.
Permits: Indian nationals don’t require special permits for North Andaman. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival). Separate forest permits are needed for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak; issued locally.
Responsible travel: No stopping/photography in tribal reserve zones while transiting the highway. Follow all signages and regulations.
Accommodation Options
Diglipur
- Mid-range beach resorts near Kalipur/Lamiya Bay
- Comfortable lodges in Diglipur town
- Budget guesthouses around Aerial Bay
Mayabunder
- Small hotels/guesthouses in town
- Simple stays near Karmatang Beach
Rangat
- Transit hotels and budget lodges along the highway
Booking tips: Availability is limited compared to Havelock/Neil. Book ahead in peak season (Nov–Mar). Carry cash; some properties accept only cash or UPI.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis: Fresh fish, squid, and crab when in season.
- Simple island breakfasts: Poori-sabzi, omelets, and tea at highway dhabas.
- Try coconut-based curries and locally grown fruits (bananas, pineapples).
Shopping
- Handcrafted bamboo/wood items from local markets (buy from licensed shops).
- Avoid purchasing corals, shells, or turtle products.
Culture
- Settler communities from mainland India and the Karen community (around Mayabunder) influence cuisine and crafts.
- Be respectful when photographing people; ask permission first.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Flights to Port Blair (round trip, per person): INR 10,000–25,000+ (varies by season/city).
- Private cab Port Blair ⇄ Diglipur (multi-day with sightseeing): INR 18,000–28,000 for 4–5 days depending on vehicle and inclusions.
- Hotel stays (per night, double occupancy):
- Budget: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–6,000
- Permits & Boats:
- Ross & Smith forest permit: nominal fee
- Boat to Ross & Smith: approx. INR 1,000–2,000 per person (subject to sharing and season)
- Saddle Peak permit: nominal fee; optional guide may cost extra
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal in local restaurants.
Indicative 4N/5D budget (per person, twin share, excluding flights):
- Budget: INR 18,000–25,000
- Comfort: INR 26,000–38,000
Note: Prices fluctuate with season, fuel, and availability. Always reconfirm locally.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Break long drives with beach/mangrove stops; carry snacks, motion-sickness meds.
- Pick stays with on-site dining and early breakfast.
- Shallow swimming only at lifeguard-free beaches; mind currents and jellyfish warnings.
Honeymooners
- Stay near Kalipur/Lamiya Bay for quiet sunsets and stargazing.
- Plan Ross & Smith on a weekday morning for fewer crowds.
- Candlelight dinners may be simple—confirm arrangements in advance with your stay.
Friends/Adventure Groups
- Attempt Saddle Peak with an early start; carry 2–3 liters water per person.
- Consider a guide for Alfred Caves and offbeat trails.
- Public buses exist but are infrequent; a hired vehicle saves time.
Packing & Safety Guide
- Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, quick-dry towel, aqua shoes, dry bag, reusable water bottle.
- Documents: ID copies, permits, offline maps, emergency contacts.
- Health: Basic first-aid, motion-sickness tablets, ORS, personal meds.
- Tech & Power: Power bank; some areas have patchy network—download confirmations offline.
- Cash: ATMs are limited; carry sufficient cash and small change.
- Responsible Travel: No littering; no plastic on sandbars; no touching corals or wildlife; keep distance from nesting turtles.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time for a 4N/5D North Andaman itinerary?
A: November to April offers calm seas and clear skies. Turtle nesting peaks around December–February. Avoid peak monsoon (May–September) due to heavy rain and rough seas.
Q: Do I need permits for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak?
A: Yes. Forest permits are issued locally—Ross & Smith at Aerial Bay Jetty and Saddle Peak via the Forest Range Office. Carry ID copies and check timings.
Q: How long is the drive from Port Blair to Diglipur?
A: Approximately 9–10 hours depending on road and ferry-crossing conditions. Start early and plan meal/fuel stops.
Q: Can beginners do the Saddle Peak trek?
A: It’s a long, humid rainforest hike. Fit beginners can attempt it with an early start, adequate water, snacks, and permits. Consider a local guide.
Q: Are there ATMs and mobile networks in North Andaman?
A: Basic banking and network services exist in towns, but outages are common. Carry cash and keep offline copies of bookings.
Conclusion
In five days, North Andaman rewards you with quiet beaches, a gleaming twin-island sandbar, rainforest vistas from Saddle Peak, and mangrove-framed boardwalks—all without the crowds. Travel is slower and more elemental here, so plan early starts, keep your footprint light, and let the rhythm of the islands set your pace.
