Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Instagrammable Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits in North Andaman
- Activities for Photographers
- Best Time to Visit for Photography
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Suggested Itineraries
- Festivals and Events
- Budget Tips
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Nearby Getaways (Middle Andaman)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is the wild, less-crowded end of India’s Andaman archipelago, anchored by Diglipur and dotted with emerald forests, snow-white sandbars, and turtle-nesting beaches. For photographers and Instagrammers, this region is a dream: Ross & Smith’s twin islands linked by a ribbon of sand, India’s highest point in the Andamans at Saddle Peak, and volcanic-textured shores at Kalipur. This guide curates the most Instagrammable spots in North Andaman with best times, angles, and practical travel details to plan your shoot-friendly escape.
Top Instagrammable Places in North Andaman
Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur)
Why it’s photogenic: Two jungle-topped isles joined by a powdery white sandbar floating in turquoise water.
- Best photo times: 8:30–10:30 am for clear aquas; golden hour 3:30–5:00 pm for soft light. Midday is harsh but gives brightest blues.
- Angles & ideas: Wide shots from the sandbar midpoint; low-angle leading lines along footprints; drone-like perspectives can be mimicked from a small step ladder or boat—only fly drones with written permissions (see drone note below).
- Access: Speedboat from Aerial Bay Jetty (near Diglipur). Boats are usually shared/private with fixed return times.
- Fees: Forest/entry fee plus boat hire (prices vary; see Estimated Costs). No stayover facilities—day visits only.
- Notes: No plastic littering; respect flagged zones to protect corals.
Saddle Peak National Park
Why it’s photogenic: Misty rainforest trails, root-covered paths, and panoramic views from the Andamans’ highest summit (732 m).
- Best photo times: Start pre-dawn to catch soft forest light and summit views before haze (arrive at trailhead by 5–6 am).
- Angles & ideas: Trail leading lines, macro of ferns/moss, silhouette at the summit viewpoint.
- Access: Trailhead near Lamiya Bay, permit from Forest Department (Diglipur). 6–8 hour round trip for fit hikers.
- Notes: Carry water, leech protection in monsoon, and keep noise minimal. Guides recommended.
Kalipur Beach & Craggy Island
Why it’s photogenic: Black-and-white sand textures, volcanic rocks, and glassy water near tiny Craggy Island.
- Best photo times: Sunrise for pastel skies; late afternoon for textured rock shadows.
- Angles & ideas: Long exposures on rocks; split-level snorkel shots near Craggy (use reef-safe gear).
- Access: 30–40 mins from Diglipur town by road; short boat ride to Craggy Island with local operators.
- Notes: Turtle nesting season (Nov–Mar); follow red-light/low-light ethics and keep distance. Swimming may be restricted during crocodile advisories—follow signage.
Alfred Caves (Ramnagar)
Why it’s photogenic: A cluster of limestone caves framed by dense forest—mystical shafts of light on dry-season mornings.
- Best photo times: 9–11 am for light beams inside caves during dry months (Dec–Apr).
- Angles & ideas: Human scale against cave entrances, beam-lit dust motes (no smoke).
- Access: Guided trek from Ramnagar; permits and forest guide usually required.
- Notes: Wear grippy shoes; avoid monsoon months due to slippery terrain.
Lamiya Bay
Why it’s photogenic: Driftwood-strewn beach with moody tones against rainforest foothills.
- Best photo times: Dawn for soft hues; overcast days for minimal shadows.
- Angles & ideas: Foreground driftwood leading to the surf; minimalist long exposures.
- Access: North of Diglipur; near Saddle Peak trailhead.
Mud Volcano (Shyam Nagar, Diglipur)
Why it’s photogenic: Bubbling mud cones and lunar textures—great for abstract close-ups.
- Best photo times: Morning/late afternoon for contrast; avoid midday glare.
- Access: Short forest walk from trailhead near Shyam Nagar.
- Notes: Do not step on mud domes; stay on designated paths.
Ramnagar Beach
Why it’s photogenic: Calm blue water, shaded casuarina lines, and turtle-conservation vibes.
- Best photo times: Sunrise; golden hour.
- Notes: Respect nesting zones; low light, no flash around turtles.
Aerial Bay Jetty
Why it’s photogenic: Fisher boats, glassy reflections at dawn, views to Ross & Smith.
- Best photo times: Blue hour to sunrise.
ATR Forest Frames & Rural Scenes
Why it’s photogenic: The Andaman Trunk Road reveals forest corridors and paddy fields near Diglipur.
- Best photo times: Early morning mist.
- Notes: No stopping inside Jarawa Reserve segments; shoot only in permitted zones outside reserves.
Tourist Circuits in North Andaman
- Diglipur Core Loop (1 day): Aerial Bay Jetty → Ross & Smith (half-day) → Lamiya Bay sunset.
- Northern Beaches Loop (1 day): Kalipur Beach → Craggy Island snorkel → Ramnagar Beach golden hour.
- Adventure + Nature (1 day): Saddle Peak trek (early start) → Mud Volcano (late afternoon) → town night market frames.
Combine these loops for a 2–3 day Instagram-focused plan (see Itineraries).
Activities for Photographers
- Snorkeling: Clear, shallow reefs around Craggy Island and near Ross & Smith edges. Use reef-safe sunscreen; never step on coral.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak for canopy and summit vistas; Alfred Caves with guided entry only.
- Sandbar Walks: Ross & Smith’s shifting sand geometry changes with tide—check tide charts for mid-to-low tide.
- Astrophotography: Low light pollution near Kalipur/Lamiya Bay; carry tripod and red light.
- Turtle Watching (Nov–Mar): Observe from a distance; no flash/white light; follow forest staff instructions.
- Drones: India’s Drone Rules apply. Many coastal/forest zones are sensitive. Always seek written permission from local authorities (police/forest) and respect no-fly areas. When in doubt, do not fly.
Best Time to Visit for Photography
- November–April (Best): Calmer seas, brighter water color, clear mornings; turtle season peaks Nov–Mar.
- May–September (Monsoon): Lush greens and dramatic skies but choppy seas, intermittent closures, leeches on trails.
- October (Shoulder): Fresh post-monsoon greens with improving sea conditions.
- Daily rhythm: Sunrise 5–5:30 am; sunset ~5–5:30 pm (varies). Early starts beat heat and haze.
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
North Andaman’s communities are a blend of settlers from mainland India (notably Bengali and Tamil influences). Tribal reserves are strictly protected and off-limits—respect all boundaries.
What to Eat
- Fresh catch: grilled fish, crab curry, lobster (seasonal).
- Bengali-style thalis, fish fry, and simple coastal meals at Diglipur market eateries.
- Coconut water, banana chips, and seasonal tropical fruit.
Where to Eat
- Simple local restaurants in Diglipur town and Kalipur area lodges.
- Tourism-run canteens near popular spots (availability varies seasonally).
Shopping Tips
- Look for handicrafts made of wood or coconut shell from authorized outlets.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, and wildlife products—collection and trade are illegal.
- Carry cash; card machines and ATMs are limited and may be offline.
How to Reach North Andaman
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from major Indian cities.
- Port Blair to Diglipur by Road: 10–14 hours via Andaman Trunk Road (NH4). Options include government/private buses or private cars. No stopping inside Jarawa Reserve stretches; follow convoy/police instructions where applicable.
- By Sea (limited): Inter-island ferries occasionally connect Port Blair to Aerial Bay/Diglipur; schedules change—check locally well in advance.
- Helicopter (very limited): UT-admin services are priority-based and subject to weather; not reliable for tourists.
Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, hired bikes (where available), and taxis. Distances are modest but roads can be narrow—plan buffer time.
Accommodation Options
- Areas to stay: Diglipur town (access to markets), Kalipur/Ramnagar (beach proximity), Lamiya Bay (for trekkers).
- Budget (INR 1,500–3,000): Simple guesthouses in Diglipur; basic beachside lodges.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–6,000): Popular resorts around Kalipur and near Aerial Bay with on-site dining.
- Eco/Forest Huts: Limited; check availability with tourism/forest departments.
Booking tip: Phone/email confirmations work better than last-minute walk-ins in peak months (Dec–Feb). Expect patchy Wi-Fi; mobile data varies by provider.
Estimated Costs
- Boat to Ross & Smith: ~INR 3,500–5,500 per boat round-trip (shareable) + entry/environment fees (check at Aerial Bay; subject to change).
- Saddle Peak permits: ~INR 250–500 per person; camera fees may apply.
- Local transport (day hire): Car with driver ~INR 3,000–5,000/day depending on distance and fuel.
- Meals: INR 300–700 per person per meal in local eateries/resorts.
- Accommodation: INR 1,500–6,000 per night based on category and season.
Per-day ballpark: Budget travelers INR 2,500–4,000; mid-range INR 5,000–8,000; higher if hiring private boats/guides daily.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days (Photo Highlights)
- Day 1: Sunrise at Aerial Bay → Ross & Smith (mid-morning) → Lamiya Bay sunset driftwood shoot.
- Day 2: Saddle Peak trek (early start) → Mud Volcano abstracts → Blue hour street scenes in Diglipur.
3 Days (Expanded)
- Day 1: Kalipur sunrise → Boat to Craggy Island (snorkel photos) → Ramnagar golden hour.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith sandbar artistry → Leisure edits and food crawl.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek → Lamiya Bay farewell shots.
4 Days (Seasonal – Turtle Focus Nov–Mar)
- Mix the 3-day plan with an additional night walk at Kalipur with forest staff guidance for ethical, non-intrusive turtle observations.
Festivals and Events
- Subhash Mela (Diglipur, January): Local cultural fair with stalls, performances, and community vibe—great for candid portraits.
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, dates vary): If your trip overlaps, consider a stopover for broader island culture.
- Turtle Season (Nov–Mar): Not a festival but a natural event—coordinate with forest authorities for viewing protocols.
Budget Tips
- Share boat hires and car rentals to split costs.
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct/Apr) for lower rates and workable weather.
- Carry cash for permits, small eateries, and boats; ATMs may be out of service.
- Bring your own snorkel mask, dry bags, and power bank to avoid premium rentals.
- Eat local—market canteens are cheaper than resort restaurants.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose stays near Kalipur/Ramnagar for quieter beaches.
- Pack hats, reef-safe sunscreen, basic meds, and snacks for long drives.
- Observe all safety advisories on crocodiles and currents; swim only where permitted.
Honeymooners
- Time Ross & Smith for weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
- Plan a private boat to Craggy Island for secluded snorkel shots.
- Book a mid-range resort with on-site dining to simplify evenings.
Friends/Solo Travelers
- Join group treks to Alfred Caves/Saddle Peak to cut costs.
- Sunrise missions: pre-arrange rides the night before; transport can be limited at dawn.
- Connectivity is patchy—download offline maps and tide charts.
Packing
- Light tripod, CPL/ND filters, microfiber cloths, spare batteries, and silica packs.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, quick-dry towel, water bottle.
- Closed shoes for treks; aquashoes for rocky beaches.
Safety & Ethics
- Respect no-go zones (tribal reserves, defense areas). No photographing people inside or near protected reserves.
- Follow low-light, no-flash rules for wildlife, especially turtles.
- Pack out all trash; avoid trampling vegetation and corals.
Nearby Getaways (Middle Andaman)
- Baratang Island: Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano (4–6 hours south by road from Diglipur). Photogenic mangrove boat rides.
- Rangat: Dhani Nallah mangrove walk and Moricedera Beach’s basalt formations (3–4 hours south).
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach and Avis Island day trips (2–3 hours south).
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit North Andaman’s attractions?
A: Indian nationals generally do not need special permits for tourist areas. Specific sites like Saddle Peak and Ross & Smith require local entry/forest permits and fees. Foreign visitors should check the latest Restricted Area regulations before travel.
Q: Are drones allowed at Ross & Smith and other beaches?
A: Drone use is regulated under India’s Drone Rules and may be restricted in coastal/forest zones. Obtain written permissions from local authorities and respect no-fly areas. When permission is unclear, do not fly.
Q: What mobile networks work best in Diglipur?
A: Coverage changes, but BSNL and Airtel typically have the widest reach. Expect patchy data and occasional outages; plan offline navigation.
Q: Is swimming safe at Kalipur and Ramnagar?
A: Conditions vary. Follow local notices; some beaches may have crocodile advisories or strong currents. Swim only where permitted and during daylight.
Q: Can I stay overnight on Ross & Smith?
A: No. They are day-visit islands with fixed boat return times. The nearest stays are in Diglipur/Kalipur.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards patient photographers with pristine sandbars, brooding forests, and wildlife-rich shores. Anchor your trip around Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak, and the Kalipur–Ramnagar coastline, time shoots for early mornings and soft afternoons, and travel light yet prepared. With thoughtful planning, this remote corner of the Andamans becomes a cohesive, highly photogenic journey.
