North Andaman in December: Complete Travel Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Weather in December
• Top Places in North Andaman
• Tourist Circuits
• Activities in December
• Festivals & Events
• Suggested Itineraries
• Budget Tips
• How to Reach North Andaman
• Where to Stay
• Estimated Trip Costs
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
• Travel Tips by Traveler Type
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

North Andaman in December is wild, green, and wonderfully calm. With post-monsoon clarity in the sea, sunny days, and turtle nesting on quiet beaches, this northern stretch—home to Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Rangat—delivers a nature-forward Andaman experience. Think white-sand sandbars at Ross & Smith Islands, the Andamans’ highest trek at Saddle Peak, mangrove boardwalks, and secret caves—minus the crowds of Havelock.

Weather in December

• Temperature: ~24°C–30°C; pleasantly warm days, cooler nights.
• Rain: Low; brief showers possible as the northeast monsoon retreats.
• Sea: Generally calm to moderate; underwater visibility often 12–20 m.
• Special seasonal highlights: Turtle nesting (Dec–Feb), Alfred Caves accessible (Dec–Mar), bioluminescence occasionally on new-moon nights.

Top Places in North Andaman

Diglipur

• Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands joined by a sandbar; brilliant for day picnics, swimming, and snorkel dips. Permit required; day visits only.
• Saddle Peak National Park (732 m): Highest point in the Andamans; rainforest trek with endemic birdlife and panoramic views. Start early; permit at park gate.
• Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Known for turtle nesting (olive ridley, leatherback sightings possible). Follow beach advisories.
• Alfred Caves: A labyrinth of limestone caves—best in dry months. Go with a local guide.

Mayabunder

• Karmatang Beach: Long, quiet bay; seasonal turtle nesting and mangrove edges.
• German Jetty area: Serene coastline, ideal for sunset strolls.

Rangat

• Dhanni Nallah Mangrove Boardwalk: An easy, beautiful walk through thick mangroves to a quiet beach.
• Amkunj Beach: Eco-friendly beach furniture and rocky shores; good for tidepooling.

Tourist Circuits

• Nature & Trek Circuit: Rangat (Dhanni Nallah) → Mayabunder (Karmatang) → Diglipur (Saddle Peak + Ross & Smith).
• Beaches & Turtles Circuit: Mayabunder (Karmatang) → Diglipur (Kalipur, Ramnagar) → Ross & Smith.
• Explorer Circuit (with caves): Diglipur base → Alfred Caves → Lamia Bay → Saddle Peak.

Activities in December

• Island-hopping: Boat to Ross & Smith from Aerial Bay. Best mid-tide; sandbar is fuller at low tide.
• Snorkeling & casual swims: Clearer water post-monsoon; use reef-safe sunscreen. Follow croc advisories (see Safety).
• Trekking & birding: Saddle Peak for rainforest species (Andaman serpent eagle, drongo, woodpecker). Start by 6 am.
• Caves & mangroves: Alfred Caves with a guide; Dhanni Nallah boardwalk for easy nature time.
• Turtle watching: Controlled viewing at Kalipur, Ramnagar, Karmatang (Dec–Feb). Keep distance; no flash.
• Bioluminescence: Occasionally visible on moonless nights at calm beaches like Kalipur/Smith side—ask locals about recent sightings.

Festivals & Events

• Christmas & New Year (late Dec): Low-key gatherings and beach bonfires at resorts; book stays early.
• Island Tourism Festival: Usually in Port Blair (often Jan). While not in North Andaman, it can affect island-wide demand for transport and rooms.

Suggested Itineraries

2D/1N: Ross & Smith Focus

• Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur (early road transfer). Sunset walk at Kalipur.
• Day 2: Morning Ross & Smith; depart for Port Blair or overnight extension.

4D/3N: North Andaman Highlights

• Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat; Dhanni Nallah boardwalk; overnight Rangat/Mayabunder.
• Day 2: Karmatang Beach → Diglipur; evening at Kalipur.
• Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands day trip.
• Day 4: Saddle Peak trek (early start) → return to Port Blair or extra night.

6D/5N: Explorer Route

• Days 1–2: Rangat and Mayabunder beaches, mangroves.
• Day 3: Transfer to Diglipur; Alfred Caves with guide (weather-permitting).
• Day 4: Ross & Smith full day.
• Day 5: Saddle Peak trek; evening rest.
• Day 6: Return to Port Blair.

Budget Tips

• Use government or private buses on the Andaman Trunk Road; cheapest long-distance option.
• Share boats to Ross & Smith from Aerial Bay to cut costs.
• Consider ANIIDCO/Forest guest houses where available; book in advance for December.
• Eat at local “hotel” dhabas for hearty seafood thalis.
• Carry cash; ATMs exist in Diglipur, Rangat, Mayabunder but may run out.

How to Reach North Andaman

• From Port Blair by road (most common): Via Andaman Trunk Road
  • To Rangat: ~6–7 hours
  • To Mayabunder: ~8–9 hours
  • To Diglipur: ~10–12 hours
  • Options: Government buses, private coaches, or private taxis (start early).
• By ferry: Government ferries operate to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur on select days; durations ~8–12 hours depending on route and sea. Check current schedules and book at DSS counters in Port Blair.
• Air/Heli: Limited helicopter services prioritize residents/emergencies; sporadic seasonal flights to Diglipur may operate—availability varies.

Permits: Indian nationals typically do not require permits for North Andaman. Foreign visitor rules have evolved; many inhabited islands are accessible without Restricted Area Permits, but some areas remain controlled. Carry passport/ID, and confirm the latest rules in Port Blair.

Local permits: Ross & Smith day-permit from Aerial Bay/Forest office; Saddle Peak trekking permit at the park gate.

Where to Stay

• Diglipur: Beachside resorts/guesthouses near Kalipur or in town; simple to mid-range amenities.
• Mayabunder: Small hotels/guesthouses; quieter stays near Karmatang.
• Rangat: Basic hotels and homestays; good overnight base while transiting.

Expect simpler infrastructure than South Andaman. Book December stays in advance as rooms are limited.

Estimated Trip Costs

• Transport (one-way from Port Blair):
  • Govt bus to Diglipur: ~₹600–900
  • Private coach: ~₹900–1,500
  • Private taxi: ~₹9,000–13,000
  • Ferry (when available): ~₹500–2,000 depending on class
• Boats & permits:
  • Ross & Smith boat (return): ~₹1,500–3,000 per boat; shared seats often ₹300–800 pp
  • Ross & Smith entry: ~₹50–100 (Indians), higher for foreign nationals
  • Saddle Peak permit: ~₹50–250; optional guide ~₹1,000–1,800
• Stay (per night): Budget ₹1,000–2,500; Mid-range ₹2,500–6,000
• Food: Local meals ₹150–350; seafood platters ₹500–1,200
• Daily budget estimate: Backpacker ₹2,500–4,000; Mid-range ₹5,000–9,000 per person

All figures are approximate and vary by season, availability, and fuel/sea conditions.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture

Food

• Fresh seafood: lobster (seasonal), Andaman mud crab, grilled fish.
• Homestyle thalis with Bengali, South Indian, and island influences.
• Coconut water, banana fritters, and simple bakery snacks in town markets.

Shopping

• Small-town markets in Diglipur/Mayabunder for daily-use items and fruit.
• Bamboo and wood crafts from local artisans (avoid coral and live-shell products).
• Best handicraft selection remains in Port Blair; plan purchases there if needed.

Culture

• Settler communities from mainland India give a mix of languages and cuisines.
• Respect no-contact rules with indigenous tribes along ATR; no photos, no interaction.
• Beaches are conservative in parts—dress modestly away from tourist zones.

Travel Tips by Traveler Type

Families

• Base in Diglipur for easier day trips to Ross & Smith; carry snacks and sun protection.
• Choose calm-water times; keep children away from strong currents and rocky edges.

Honeymooners

• Pick a quiet beach stay at Kalipur; plan sunrise on Ross & Smith’s sandbar.
• Check moon phases for potential bioluminescence nights; book private boat timings.

Friends/Adventure seekers

• Trek Saddle Peak and explore Alfred Caves with a guide.
• Snorkel near Smith side and try birding at dawn in Saddle Peak NP.

Solo travelers

• Use government buses for budget transit; confirm return boat timings the day before.
• Stay connected: Airtel/Jio/BSNL work intermittently; download offline maps.

Packing & Safety Essentials

• Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry wear, insect repellent.
• Dry bag, water shoes, refillable bottle; personal snorkel mask if you have one.
• Cash, photo ID, permit copies; headlamp for early treks.
• Swim only in permitted zones; heed lifeguard/crocodile warnings (noted at Kalipur, Ramnagar, Karmatang).
• Life jackets on boats are mandatory; avoid swimming at dusk/night.
• Plastic restrictions apply; carry your trash back. Drones require prior permission.

FAQs

Q: Is December a good time to visit North Andaman?

A: Yes. Weather is mostly dry, seas are clearer, and seasonal highlights like turtle nesting and Alfred Caves align well with December.

Q: Do I need a permit for Ross & Smith Islands?

A: Yes, a same-day permit is issued at Aerial Bay/Forest office. No night stays are allowed; last return boats are typically mid-afternoon.

Q: Are crocodiles a concern on North Andaman beaches?

A: Crocodile advisories exist for beaches like Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Karmatang. Swim only where permitted and follow posted signs.

Q: How long is the drive from Port Blair to Diglipur?

A: Approximately 10–12 hours depending on road conditions, ferry crossings, and stops.

Q: Can I dive in North Andaman?

A: Limited operators exist around Diglipur; snorkeling and island-hopping are more common. For extensive diving, many travelers combine with Havelock/Neil.

Conclusion

In December, North Andaman shines with calm seas, rainforest treks, quiet beaches, and meaningful wildlife encounters. With Ross & Smith’s iconic sandbar, the summit of Saddle Peak, and seasonal turtle nesting, it’s ideal for travelers who prefer raw nature over resort bustle. Plan transport and stays early, respect local rules and wildlife, and you’ll discover a serene, unforgettable side of the Andamans.