Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities & Places in North Andaman
- Weekend Tourist Circuits
- Activities & Experiences
- Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- 2–3 Day Itineraries
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Where to Stay
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Estimated Costs for a Weekend
- Packing & Safety Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is the wild, less-touristed side of the Andaman Islands—home to sandbar-linked twin islands, turtle-nesting beaches, limestone caves, and the archipelago’s highest peak. For weekenders seeking nature and quiet, hubs like Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur open up pristine shores and forested hills. This guide curates doable weekend circuits, key attractions, travel logistics, budget ranges, and on-ground tips for a smooth short escape.
Top Cities & Places in North Andaman
Diglipur (North Andaman Island)
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands joined by a shifting sandbar; great for swimming and lazing. Access by boat from Aerial Bay.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andamans (approx. 732 m). Forest trek with panoramic views; permits required.
- Kalipur & Ram Nagar Beaches: Quiet shores; known turtle-nesting zones (seasonal, with forest department protocols).
- Alfred Caves (Limestone): Seasonal access; dry months are best (typically Oct–Apr). Go with a local guide.
- Lamiya Bay: Rocky beach at the base of Saddle Peak; serene sunset spot.
Mayabunder (Middle Andaman)
- Karmatang Beach: Long, breezy arc ideal for sunrise walks; occasional turtle activity in season.
- Avis Island: Small, pretty islet reached by boat when open; check local availability.
- Mangrove Creeks: Quiet backwaters suitable for short boat rides and birding.
Rangat (Middle Andaman)
- Amkunj Beach: Pebble-strewn, eco-friendly seating, good for a scenic break.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Boardwalk: Easy walk through lush mangroves to a quiet beach.
- Cuthbert Bay: Known for turtle nesting (regulated night visits in season).
Note: While “North Andaman” colloquially covers Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur for travelers, district boundaries differ. Always check local advisories, tides, and boat schedules.
Weekend Tourist Circuits
Circuit A: Rangat–Mayabunder Nature Loop (Relaxed)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat via ATR; Dhani Nallah Boardwalk and Amkunj Beach.
- Day 2: Mayabunder’s Karmatang Beach; optional Avis Island boat (subject to permissions); return or stay overnight.
Circuit B: Diglipur Highlights (Active)
- Day 1: Overnight/early transfer → Diglipur; Ross & Smith Islands sandbar time.
- Day 2: Kalipur/Ram Nagar beaches; optional Alfred Caves depending on season; evening return or overnight.
Circuit C: Trek & Beaches (Adventurous)
- Day 1: Early permits and Saddle Peak trek (full day); sunset at Lamiya Bay.
- Day 2: Easy morning at Kalipur; head back via Mayabunder stop.
Activities & Experiences
- Sandbar Walks: Ross & Smith’s shifting bar; best at mid-to-low tide.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (challenging), short coastal and mangrove walks near Rangat.
- Snorkeling & Swimming: Calm patches at Ross & Smith; carry your own basic gear.
- Turtle Watching (Seasonal): Kalipur, Ram Nagar, Cuthbert Bay; strictly follow forest rules—no flash, no disturbance.
- Limestone Cave Exploration: Alfred Caves with a local guide in dry months.
- Mangrove Boating/Kayaking: Around Mayabunder/Rangat creeks (subject to availability).
- Birding: Watch for kingfishers, sea eagles, and forest species at dawn/dusk.
- Bioluminescence (Occasional): Reported on very dark, calm nights near sheltered beaches post-monsoon; not guaranteed.
Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- Subhash Mela (Diglipur): Around late January; local stalls, performances.
- Turtle Nesting Season: Roughly Dec–Feb (varies by year). Visits are regulated; check locally.
- Island Tourism Fest (Port Blair): January; can affect transport and hotel availability across the islands.
- Community Festivals: Durga Puja, Diwali, Eid, Pongal observed by settler communities.
2–3 Day Itineraries
Fast-Track Weekend: Rangat–Mayabunder (2 Days)
- Day 1: Early road transfer Port Blair → Rangat (6–7 hrs). Dhani Nallah Boardwalk, lunch, Amkunj Beach. Continue to Mayabunder (1.5–2 hrs). Sunset at Karmatang.
- Day 2: Morning boat to Avis Island (if open), or mangrove cruise. Post-lunch return to Port Blair.
Active Weekend: Diglipur & Ross–Smith (2 Days, Tight)
- Day 0 Night: Overnight bus/jeep to Diglipur (10–12 hrs).
- Day 1: Ross & Smith (permits + boat from Aerial Bay). Evening at Kalipur.
- Day 2: Alfred Caves (Oct–Apr) or Lamiya Bay; afternoon start back.
Long Weekend: Saddle Peak + Beaches (3 Days)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur; rest.
- Day 2: Saddle Peak trek (start at dawn; permits from Forest Range Office). Recovery swim at Kalipur.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith; late return to Port Blair or overnight en route.
Feasibility Note: Distances are long. If time is short, base yourself in Rangat/Mayabunder; reserve Diglipur for a long weekend or when you can travel overnight.
Best Time to Visit
- Oct–Apr: Best overall—calmer seas, better visibility for snorkeling, cave access.
- Dec–Feb: Peak for turtle nesting (regulated night viewings).
- May: Hot and humid; afternoon showers possible.
- Jun–Sep (Monsoon): Rough seas, frequent rain; boat schedules can change.
How to Reach North Andaman
From Port Blair
- By Road (ATR – Andaman Trunk Road): Government and private buses, shared jeeps, and hired cabs connect Port Blair with Rangat (6–7 hrs), Mayabunder (8–9 hrs), and Diglipur (10–12 hrs). Expect checkpoints and speed limits; do not stop in protected reserve stretches.
- By Ferry: Inter-island ships occasionally operate to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur (schedules vary; limited frequency). Book in advance; subject to weather.
- Helicopter Services: Limited seats, variable schedules, and priority for residents/essential travel; check the Civil Aviation unit locally. Availability for tourists is not guaranteed.
Permits & Ethics: Indian citizens can visit freely with valid ID. Foreign nationals should check current Restricted Area Permit rules and always avoid protected tribal reserve areas. Photography or interaction with tribal communities is strictly prohibited.
Where to Stay
Diglipur
- Mid-range Resorts/Hotels: Near Kalipur/Diglipur bazaar; good for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak access.
- Government Tourist Lodges: Simple rooms, great locations; book early in season.
Mayabunder
- Tourist Lodges & Guesthouses: Around Karmatang and town area; quiet stays.
Rangat
- Eco Huts/Guesthouses: Near Amkunj/Dhani Nallah; basic comfort and easy access to sights.
Budget Range (per night, indicative):
- Guesthouses: ₹1,200–₹2,500
- Mid-range hotels/lodges: ₹2,500–₹5,000
- Resorts (limited in number): ₹5,000–₹10,000+
Power cuts and weak Wi‑Fi are common; carry cash as card machines may not work reliably.
Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis: Fish curry-rice, prawn and crab when available.
- Local flavors: Bengali-style fish curry, South Indian meals, island coconuts and bananas.
- Tip: Eat early; many kitchens close by 9 pm in smaller towns.
Shopping
- Handicrafts: Coconut/wood crafts from local emporiums and government outlets.
- Do not buy: Coral, seashells, turtle products—illegal and harmful.
Culture & Etiquette
- Settler communities (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi-speaking) coexist with protected indigenous tribes—respect boundaries.
- Dress modestly near villages; keep beaches clean; minimize plastic.
Estimated Costs for a Weekend
- Transport (return): Bus/shared jeep ₹1,200–₹2,500; private cab ₹10,000–₹20,000 depending on distance and days.
- Boats & Permits: Ross & Smith permit + boat ₹800–₹2,000 per person (varies by season/group size).
- Stay (2 nights): ₹3,000–₹12,000+ total, based on category.
- Meals: ₹800–₹1,500 per person per day.
- Activities/Guides: ₹500–₹3,000 depending on treks/boats/guides.
Indicative Weekend Total: Budget traveler ₹6,000–₹10,000 per person; mid-range ₹12,000–₹20,000; higher comfort ₹20,000+.
Packing & Safety Tips by Traveler Type
For Families
- Choose Rangat/Mayabunder for shorter drives; keep snacks, ORS, motion-sickness meds.
- Life jackets for boat rides; avoid strong currents and rocky patches with kids.
For Honeymooners/Couples
- Opt for quieter stays near Kalipur or Karmatang; plan a tide-checked Ross & Smith visit.
- Carry light rain jackets, eco-friendly sunscreen, and a dry bag for boat trips.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Overnight buses reduce transit time; be flexible with ferries.
- Bring headlamps, insect repellent, basic snorkel masks, and enough cash (ATMs can be limited/out of cash).
General Safety & Etiquette
- Check tides and weather locally each morning; follow lifeguard/boatman instructions.
- No drones without permission; no camping on turtle beaches; no littering.
- Do not stop or photograph in protected tribal reserve areas; respect all signages.
- Mobile networks are patchy (BSNL often works best). Download offline maps.
FAQs
Q: Is North Andaman doable in a single weekend from Port Blair?
A: Yes, but choose closer bases like Rangat/Mayabunder for a relaxed trip. Diglipur is best for a long weekend or with an overnight journey to save daytime.
Q: How do I visit Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Travel to Aerial Bay (near Diglipur), obtain the forest permit at the jetty, and hire a boat. Departures usually run in the morning to early afternoon, and timing depends on tides and weather. Carry cash and ID.
Q: Are permits needed for trekking Saddle Peak?
A: Yes, a forest permit is required from the local range office in Diglipur. Start early; carry water, snacks, and consider hiring a local guide.
Q: Can I see turtles nesting?
A: In season (roughly Dec–Feb), regulated night viewings may be possible at beaches like Kalipur or Cuthbert Bay. Always coordinate with the forest department and avoid lights, noise, and touching sandbanks.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks reliable?
A: Coverage can be patchy and ATMs may run out of cash. Carry sufficient cash and expect slow data speeds; BSNL often has the widest reach.
Conclusion
For nature-forward weekends, North Andaman delivers quiet beaches, mangroves, caves, and the archipelago’s tallest trek. Base in Rangat or Mayabunder for shorter transits, or stretch to Diglipur for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak. With tide checks, simple stays, and flexible travel plans, a short break here feels wonderfully far from the crowds.
