Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits and Scenic Routes
- Activities and Experiences for Travel Vloggers
- Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Suggested Itineraries (3, 5, and 7 Days)
- Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is the wild, less-traveled end of India’s Andaman Islands—think emerald forests, secluded beaches, and sandbars that vanish with the tide. For travel vloggers, it’s a goldmine of cinematic landscapes, intimate community stories, and underwater color. In this guide, “North Andaman” refers to the northern district area commonly covered by travelers: Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur (including Ross & Smith Islands, Kalipur Beach, Saddle Peak National Park, and Alfred Caves).
Expect long coastal drives, mangrove creeks, turtle nesting beaches, and some of the clearest turquoise waters in the archipelago. Connectivity is improving but still patchy—perfect for creators seeking unspoiled frames and authentic narratives.
Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands connected by a postcard-perfect sandbar; great for drone-like visuals (fly drones only with permission).
- Kalipur Beach & Ramnagar Beach: Known for turtle nesting (seasonal); moody volcanic-black sands at Kalipur.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andaman and Nicobar (732 m) with dense rainforest and coastal panoramas.
- Craggy Island: Snorkel-friendly coral patches and rugged rocks ideal for action cams.
- Alfred Caves (Ram Nagar): Limestone cave systems accessible seasonally with guides.
Mayabunder
- Karmatang Beach: Wide, quiet bay; turtle nesting in season; good for sunrise B-roll.
- Austin Creek & Mangroves: Kayak or boat mangrove channels for wildlife soundscapes and low-angle reflection shots.
Rangat
- Amkunj Beach: Eco-friendly beach with driftwood benches; long-exposure surf shots work well.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway: Elevated boardwalk through mangroves for slow-tracking shots.
- Yerrata Mangrove Viewpoint: Sweeping creek views, especially dramatic during golden hour.
Tourist Circuits and Scenic Routes
- Port Blair → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur (ATR): The classic northward circuit along the Andaman Trunk Road (10–12 hours Port Blair to Diglipur by road, broken into segments). Expect creek ferries, rainforest corridors, and occasional wildlife.
- Diglipur Island Loop: Diglipur town → Kalipur → Ramnagar → Aerial Bay → Saddle Peak trailhead → Dhaninallah (for onward travel). Ideal for two days with morning/sunset filming windows.
- Mangrove & Creek Circuit: Rangat’s Dhani Nallah → Yerrata Creek → Mayabunder’s Austin Creek. Great for narration on coastal ecology and conservation.
Activities and Experiences for Travel Vloggers
Best Time to Visit (for filming)
- November to April: Calmer seas, clearer water, sunny skies—best for beaches, snorkeling, and drone-style visuals.
- May to September (Monsoon): Lush green, dramatic clouds, but choppy seas and frequent showers. Carry rain covers for gear.
- October and early November: Transitional period; fewer crowds, soft light.
Top Things to Do (and shoot)
- Ross & Smith Sandbar Walk: Timelapses of the sandbar emerging/vanishing with tide; underwater clips over sea-grass and clear shallows.
- Turtle Conservation Stories: With local permissions, film conservation-led patrols at Kalipur/Ramnagar (never disturb nests; avoid bright lights at night).
- Saddle Peak Trek: Canopy textures, macro shots of rainforest life, and summit panoramas. Start before dawn for mist layers.
- Snorkeling & Boat Trips: Craggy Island and Ramnagar reef for action cam footage; hire local boats with life jackets.
- Limestone Caves: Textured low-light footage; carry headlamps and respect fragile formations.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Stabilized glides under root arches; record ambient sound for natural SFX beds.
Nearby Extensions
- Long Island & Lalaji Bay (via Rangat): For more reef footage and old-growth forests.
- Havelock/Neil: If your vlog needs resort and dive-school contrasts after North Andaman’s wild vibe.
Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Turtle Nesting Season: Typically November to February at Kalipur and Ramnagar (subject to conservation protocols; filming restrictions may apply).
- Local Community Fairs (Melas): Periodic markets and school events in Diglipur/Mayabunder—great for culture-driven vlogs.
- Pan-India Festivals: Durga Puja, Diwali, Pongal observed by local communities—colorful neighborhood visuals.
Suggested Itineraries (3, 5, and 7 Days)
3 Days: Diglipur Focus
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur (fly + road). Sunset scout at Kalipur Beach.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith early ferry; midday snorkel at Craggy Island; golden hour on the sandbar.
- Day 3: Short Saddle Peak trail segment or Alfred Caves (seasonal). Evening at Ramnagar Beach.
5 Days: Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat; film Dhani Nallah walkway at sunset.
- Day 2: Yerrata viewpoint → Mayabunder’s Karmatang Beach and Austin Creek mangroves.
- Day 3: Mayabunder → Diglipur; Kalipur coastal B-roll.
- Day 4: Ross & Smith + snorkel; afternoon village life sequences.
- Day 5: Saddle Peak (partial/full trek) or caves; return southward or extend stay.
7 Days: Deep-Dive Vlogging
- Days 1–2: Rangat & mangroves; interviews with eco-guides; sunrise/sunset time-lapses.
- Days 3–4: Mayabunder culture and beaches; kayak creeks; community food stories.
- Days 5–7: Diglipur hub; Ross & Smith, Craggy Island, Saddle Peak; optional night conservation coverage (with permissions).
Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Accommodation:
- Budget guesthouses: ₹1,000–2,500 per night
- Mid-range resorts/eco-stays: ₹3,000–7,000 per night
- Boutique/limited premium: ₹8,000–15,000 per night (limited inventory)
- Transport:
- Shared government bus (Port Blair → Diglipur): ₹500–900
- Private AC car per day (with driver): ₹4,500–7,000
- Local ferries/creek crossings: ₹10–50 per person
- Activities:
- Ross & Smith permits/boat: ₹150–500 (entry) + ₹1,000–2,000 (boat; variable)
- Local snorkel boat (Craggy/nearby reefs): ₹1,500–3,000 per boat
- Guided cave trek/forest entry: ₹100–500 + guide fees
- Food: ₹300–800 per meal (local eateries) | ₹800–1,800 (resort dining)
- Estimated daily spend (per person): Budget ₹2,000–3,500; Mid-range ₹4,500–8,000; With private vehicle/boat days can exceed ₹10,000.
Note: Prices are indicative and vary by season and availability.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities. No commercial flights to North Andaman.
- Road to North Andaman (ATR): Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur. 10–12 hours end-to-end by car/bus, usually broken into stages. Expect creek ferries and forest stretches with speed checks.
- Ferries: Government ferries connect Port Blair with Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur on limited schedules. Check latest timings at the DSS (Directorate of Shipping Services) counters in Port Blair.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur: Beach resorts near Kalipur; simple lodges in town; government “Turtle”/“Hawksbill” properties (book early).
- Mayabunder: Basic hotels/guesthouses; a few creek-side stays.
- Rangat: Modest hotels near market and the eco-huts around Amkunj.
- Vlogger tip: Choose stays with power backup, filtered water, and early breakfast; confirm Wi‑Fi/4G strength if planning uploads.
Permits, Connectivity, and Local Transport
- Permits:
- Most areas open to Indian citizens; some zones remain restricted. Foreign nationals should check current Restricted Area rules.
- Ross & Smith requires local entry/boat permits at Aerial Bay jetty.
- National Parks/forests may need entry tickets; always carry ID.
- Drone use requires DGCA compliance and local permissions; avoid protected/airport/tribal areas.
- Connectivity:
- BSNL widely present; Airtel/Jio 4G in towns, patchy in remote beaches/parks.
- Undersea fiber has improved speeds, but uploads can still be slow—plan batch uploads in Port Blair.
- Local Transport:
- Government buses are economical but infrequent.
- Private taxis and autos available; pre-arrange for early ferries/late returns.
- Boats for Ross & Smith/Craggy arranged at local jetties with fixed timings tied to tides.
- Health & Safety:
- Carry a basic medical kit; nearest advanced care is in Port Blair.
- Respect “No Entry” signs—tribal reserves are strictly off-limits.
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Food: Seafood thalis (snapper, crab), coconut-rich curries, parottas, and simple homestyle meals. Try fresh pineapples and local bananas.
- Culture: A blend of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Ranchi communities. Friendly markets and school grounds often become event hubs—ask before filming people.
- Shopping: Small-town markets in Diglipur/Mayabunder for spices, honey, and bamboo/cane crafts. Avoid buying shells/coral or wildlife products.
- Story ideas: Fisherfolk morning routines, mangrove conservation, eco-tourism enterprises, and local festival preparations.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Pick calm-beach days (low wind) for Ross & Smith; carry kids’ reef-safe sunscreen and hats.
- Keep filming rigs compact; prioritize shade breaks and hydration.
Honeymooners
- Choose quiet stays near Kalipur or Karmatang; plan sunrise/sunset shoots for soft light.
- Confirm inverter/backup power and hot water for comfortable returns after long shoots.
Friends/Solo Vloggers
- Carry dry bags, extra batteries, ND filters, and a rugged tripod; a clip-on shotgun mic helps in wind.
- Pre-book taxis for dawn/sandbar timings; save offline maps and tide charts.
Packing, Safety, and Filming Etiquette
- Packing: Rain covers, silica gel packs, microfiber cloths, spare memory cards, power bank (20,000 mAh+), headlamp for caves.
- Safety: Heed currents; wear fins/booties over rocky entries. Don’t touch coral or marine life.
- Etiquette: Ask consent before filming people; avoid bright lights around turtles; never film or enter tribal reserve areas.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best time to visit North Andaman for clear water and good light?
A: November to April offers calmer seas, better visibility, and reliable sunshine—ideal for beach, underwater, and drone-style footage.
Q: Do I need special permits to film or use a drone?
A: For recreational filming, general areas are fine, but drones require DGCA compliance and local permissions. National parks, wildlife zones, airports, and tribal reserves are no-fly and often no-film areas. Always check on-ground with authorities.
Q: How many days should I plan for North Andaman?
A: A focused 3-day Diglipur trip covers Ross & Smith, Kalipur, and a trek. Five to seven days let you add Rangat and Mayabunder plus weather buffers for tide-dependent shoots.
Q: Is mobile network reliable for uploads?
A: Coverage exists in towns (BSNL, Airtel, Jio) but remains patchy elsewhere. Expect slow uploads; plan to batch-upload in Port Blair or during stronger signals in Diglipur town.
Q: Are there scuba operators in North Andaman?
A: Options are limited compared to Havelock/Neil. Snorkeling and local boat trips are more common in Diglipur. If you need certified dives, consider adding Havelock to your route.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards patient travelers and creators with empty beaches, living reefs, and rainforest stories. Build your shoot days around tides and light, respect conservation rules, and keep your kit adaptable. Whether you’re trekking Saddle Peak or walking the Ross & Smith sandbar at golden hour, this northern arc of the islands delivers raw, cinematic frames and a quiet sense of discovery.
