Birdwatching in North Andaman: Endemics, Hotspots, Seasons, and Travel Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Top Places for Birdwatching
• Tourist Circuits and Routes
• Birding Activities and Experiences
• Best Time to Visit
• Local Culture, Food, and Etiquette
• How to Reach North Andaman
• Where to Stay
• Estimated Costs
• Suggested Itineraries
• Festivals and Events
• Shopping Guide
• Travel Tips and Packing
• Safety and Responsible Birding
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

North Andaman is where emerald rainforests meet quiet mangroves and empty tropical beaches—a dreamscape for birders. Dawn breaks with the call of the Andaman Drongo, forest trails echo with the tapping of the Andaman Woodpecker, and mangroves flash with kingfishers at low tide. This guide covers the best hotspots, seasons, itineraries, logistics, and ethical tips to help you plan a smooth and rewarding birdwatching trip in North Andaman.

Top Places for Birdwatching

1) Saddle Peak National Park (Diglipur)

• Habitat: Evergreen hill forest (up to 732 m, the islands’ highest peak).
• Highlights: Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Cuckooshrike, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Flowerpecker.
• Notes: Start at first light; permits from Forest Department (Diglipur). Steep, humid trail—carry water and leech protection in monsoon.

2) Kalipur and Ram Nagar (Diglipur)

• Habitat: Littoral forest, casuarina, coastal scrub.
• Highlights: Andaman Hawk-Owl and Andaman Scops Owl (after dusk), Andaman Coucal, White-headed Starling; terns and plovers on open beaches.
• Notes: Heed crocodile signage; avoid entering water.

3) Alfred Caves and Nearby Forest (Diglipur)

• Habitat: Limestone cave complex amid moist forest.
• Highlights: Swiftlets (edible-nest), owls at dusk, forest endemics along approach trails.
• Notes: Seasonal closures possible; check access with Forest Department; go with a local guide.

4) Ross & Smith Islands Sandbar (off Diglipur)

• Habitat: Sandbar between two islands; lagoons, reef edge.
• Highlights: Terns (seasonal), plovers, herons; seawatch for frigatebirds in some seasons.
• Notes: Permits/boat tickets from Aerial Bay Jetty; best on calm mornings.

5) Mayabunder and Austin Creek/Strait Mangroves

• Habitat: Mangroves, tidal creeks, secondary forest.
• Highlights: Collared and Black-capped Kingfisher (winter), Pacific Reef Heron, Great Egret, Mangrove Whistler; parakeets and drongos in edges.
• Notes: Arrange dawn/low-tide boat rides with local boatmen; carry dry bags for optics.

6) Karmatang Beach and Surrounds (Mayabunder)

• Habitat: Beachside woodland, plantations.
• Highlights: Bulbuls, flowerpeckers, coucals, woodpeckers; waders on exposed flats.
• Notes: Combine with Mayabunder mangroves for a full day.

Gateway Nearby: Rangat and Dhani Nallah Boardwalk

• Habitat: Classic mangrove boardwalk (technically Middle Andaman, often used en route north).
• Highlights: Mangrove specialists, herons, kingfishers; good for photography from stable platforms.
• Notes: Useful stop when transiting to Mayabunder/Diglipur.

Tourist Circuits and Routes

• Port Blair → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur (primary overland birding circuit along the Andaman Trunk Road).
• Diglipur base circuit: Saddle Peak trailhead → Kalipur/Ram Nagar dusk owling → Ross & Smith morning boat.
• Mayabunder base circuit: Dawn mangrove boat on Austin Creek → Karmatang Beach woodland loop.
• Extension (time allowing): Boardwalk stop at Dhani Nallah when moving between bases.

Typical pacing: 1–2 nights Mayabunder + 2–3 nights Diglipur.

Birding Activities and Experiences

• Dawn forest walks: Highest vocal activity for endemics in Saddle Peak foothills and forest roads.
• Night birding: Target Andaman Scops Owl and Andaman Hawk-Owl along quiet village edges and forest margins.
• Mangrove boat birding: Time with low tide for exposed roots and perches; best for kingfishers and herons.
• Seawatching and shorebirding: Calm mornings at Ross & Smith, Kalipur, Ram Nagar for terns and waders.
• Hill trek: Full/half-day up Saddle Peak for canopy species; bird as you ascend.

Best Time to Visit

• November to April: Dry season; best overall comfort and access; many migrants and active endemics.
• October and May: Shoulder months; humid, some showers; still good birding.
• June to September (monsoon): Heavy rain, leeches, slippery trails; some closures and rough seas. Endemics are resident but field conditions are challenging.

Tip: Align mangrove sessions with low tide; start forest walks at civil twilight.

Local Culture, Food, and Etiquette

North Andaman’s communities include settlers from mainland India and the Karen community (notably around Mayabunder), known for carpentry and rice-farming traditions.

• Food to try: Fresh fish curry, crab and lobster (seasonal), coconut-based dishes; simple thalis in town markets.
• Vegetarian options: Available but limited in remote areas—carry snacks if needed.
• Etiquette: Ask before photographing people; dress modestly in villages; avoid loud bird call playback near homes and shrines.

How to Reach North Andaman

• Fly: Land at Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
• Road: Port Blair → Diglipur (approx. 10–12 hours, ~300 km) via Andaman Trunk Road; Port Blair → Mayabunder (~6–8 hours). Shared jeeps, buses, and private cabs available.
• Ferries: Government ferries connect Port Blair with Mayabunder/Diglipur (routes are limited/seasonal; check schedules in advance).
• Permits: Indian nationals generally do not need special permits for these areas; foreign nationals require Restricted Area Permits (issued at Port Blair). Separate entry permits often needed for Saddle Peak National Park and certain caves/beaches—obtain locally from Forest/Administration offices.

Where to Stay

• Diglipur (Kalipur/Ram Nagar/Aerial Bay): Budget lodges to mid-range resorts convenient for Saddle Peak and Ross & Smith.
• Mayabunder (Karmatang/market area): Simple guesthouses and a few resorts; good for mangrove access.
• Price guide (per room/night):
  • Budget: INR 1,000–2,500
  • Mid-range: INR 3,000–6,000
  • Upper mid to limited upscale: INR 7,000–12,000

Book early in peak months (Dec–Feb). Choose properties close to your dawn start points to reduce drive time.

Estimated Costs

• Local bird guide: INR 3,000–6,000 per day (site and expertise dependent).
• Private vehicle with driver: INR 3,000–4,500 per day (fuel extra for long routes).
• Mangrove boat rides: INR 1,500–3,000 per boat (duration and distance dependent).
• Park/entry permits: INR 50–500 per person/site; camera fees may apply.
• Meals: INR 300–800 per person/day for simple local fare.

Sample 4-day birding (2 pax, mid-range): INR 35,000–55,000 inclusive of stays, local transport, guide, permits, and meals (ex-Port Blair flights).

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Quick Birding (North Focus)

• Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder; evening mangrove scout.
• Day 2: Dawn mangrove boat; transfer to Diglipur; dusk owling at Ram Nagar.
• Day 3: Saddle Peak half-day; Ross & Smith sandbar (time/sea permitting) → return or overnight.

5-Day Endemics and Mangroves

• Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder; Karmatang woodland birding.
• Day 2: Austin Creek/Strait low-tide boat; transfer to Diglipur; dusk owling.
• Day 3: Saddle Peak full-day ascent with birding.
• Day 4: Ross & Smith morning; Kalipur shoreline/woodland in afternoon.
• Day 5: Alfred Caves area (access permitting); depart south.

Festivals and Events

• Subhash Mela (Diglipur, January): Local fair with cultural performances and stalls; increases accommodation demand.
• Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, January): Not in North Andaman but affects flight/hotel availability island-wide.

Shopping Guide

• What to buy locally: Handcrafted wooden items (where sustainably sourced), spices, local snacks; small village markets in Mayabunder and Diglipur.
• What to avoid: Shells, corals, turtle products—collection and sale are illegal.
• Tip: For wider selection, shop at government emporiums in Port Blair before/after your North Andaman leg.

Travel Tips and Packing

• Optics: 8x/10x binoculars; a travel scope helps for mangroves and sandbars.
• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable, muted colors; rain jacket; leech socks in monsoon.
• Footwear: Grippy hiking shoes; sandals for boats/beaches.
• Accessories: Headlamp for owling, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, dry bags, microfiber towel.
• Connectivity: Mobile signal is patchy; download offline maps and field guides.
• Cash: ATMs exist in Diglipur/Mayabunder but can be unreliable—carry sufficient cash.

Tips for Families

• Pick shorter, flatter walks and combine with beach time.
• Choose accommodations with on-site dining and early breakfast options.
• Carry snacks, ORS, and sun protection for kids.

Tips for Honeymooners/Couples

• Schedule golden-hour strolls at Kalipur or Karmatang after dawn birding.
• Opt for sea-facing rooms where available; plan a Ross & Smith picnic morning.
• Limit night birding to accessible spots for comfort and safety.

Tips for Friends/Groups

• Hire a private vehicle and coordinate target lists to maximize species coverage.
• Split boat and guide costs; rotate vantage points for photography.
• Agree on playback and ethical guidelines before field sessions.

Safety and Responsible Birding

• Wildlife and beaches: Saltwater crocodile advisories are serious—avoid swimming where warned; keep distance from nesting turtles.
• Weather: Sudden squalls possible; secure optics and avoid tall ridges during storms.
• Trails: Start early, carry at least 2 liters of water per person for Saddle Peak; inform your hotel of routes.
• Permits and respect: Follow Forest Department rules; do not enter restricted areas or sensitive caves without permission.
• Ethics: Avoid sharing exact nesting locations publicly; limit playback; keep group size small in dense forest.
• Waste: Pack out all trash; never feed wildlife.

FAQs

Q: Which endemic birds are most likely in North Andaman?

A: Regularly reported endemics include Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Flowerpecker, Andaman Coucal, Andaman Cuckooshrike, Andaman Scops Owl, and Andaman Hawk-Owl.

Q: Do I need a guide and permits for Saddle Peak and Alfred Caves?

A: A local guide is strongly recommended for both sites. Entry permits are typically required for Saddle Peak National Park and may be needed or access restricted for Alfred Caves. Check with the Forest Department in Diglipur before visiting.

Q: Is monsoon season good for birdwatching?

A: Endemics are present year-round, but June–September brings heavy rain, leeches, slippery trails, and rough seas. Birding is possible with preparation, but November–April offers the best conditions.

Q: Are beaches safe for walking and photography?

A: Yes, but heed crocodile warnings at places like Kalipur and Ram Nagar, avoid water entry in posted areas, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Early mornings are best for both safety and light.

Q: What camera setup works well in North Andaman?

A: A 300–600 mm equivalent lens covers forest and mangrove birds. Carry a weather cover, spare batteries (limited charging during long days), and a lightweight tripod or monopod for shorebirding.

Conclusion

North Andaman blends dense evergreen hills, mangroves, and quiet shores into a compact, bird-rich region. With early starts, tide-aware mangrove sessions, and ethical forest birding, you can see a strong lineup of Andaman endemics alongside seasonal migrants. Plan permits, base yourself in Mayabunder and Diglipur, and keep itineraries flexible for weather and tides to make the most of this distinctive island birdscape.