Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Best Activities for Backpackers
- Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Sample Itineraries
- Budget and Money-Saving Tips
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Getting Around
- Accommodation Guide
- Local Food, Culture and Shopping
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Safety, Permits and Responsible Travel
- Nearby Getaways and Extensions
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Backpacking in North Andaman delivers emerald forests, quiet fishing villages, empty beaches, and the Andaman archipelago’s highest peak, all far from the crowds of the southern islands. Centered around Diglipur and Mayabunder, this region rewards slow travel: trek through Saddle Peak National Park, walk the sandbar between Ross and Smith Islands, snorkel off Craggy Island, and watch turtles nest on remote beaches in season. If you crave nature, simplicity, and real island life, this is your side of the Andamans.
Top Places in North Andaman
Diglipur
- Largest town in North Andaman and the region’s backpacker base.
- Gateway to Saddle Peak, Ross & Smith Islands, Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Alfred Caves.
Ross & Smith Islands (Twin Islands)
- Two palm-fringed islands connected by a stunning white-sand bar at low tide.
- Ideal for swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling in calm conditions.
- Forest/jetty day-permit required; boats usually depart from Aerial Bay near Diglipur.
Saddle Peak National Park
- At 732 m, the highest point in Andaman & Nicobar Islands; rewarding jungle trek with coastal views.
- Trailheads near Lamiya Bay; permits required; start early and carry ample water.
Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches
- Quiet volcanic-sand beaches backed by casuarinas; seasonal sea-turtle nesting (typically Dec–Feb).
- Check local guidance for night visits and nesting protocols; obey beach safety signage.
Craggy Island
- Small rocky islet off Diglipur known for clear water and fish life when seas are calm.
- Hire local boats and use eco-friendly snorkeling practices.
Alfred Caves
- Limestone cave system near Ramnagar; best visited in dry season with a local guide.
- Go early for cooler temperatures and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Mayabunder
- Sleepy harbor town with mangrove creeks and nearby community villages.
- Karmatang Beach is a long, turtle-friendly stretch; sunsets are superb.
- Avis Island (nearby) is a scenic day excursion by boat when permitted.
Lamiya Bay
- Rocky cove at the base of Saddle Peak; sunrise light is atmospheric.
Interview Island (advanced)
- Wild, protected area known for feral elephants and pristine forests.
- Special permits and arranged boats required; strict conservation rules apply.
Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Port Blair → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur → Port Blair: Classic overland loop along the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), 4–7 days.
- Diglipur Hub Circuit: Base yourself in Diglipur for Ross & Smith, Kalipur/Ramnagar, Craggy Island, Saddle Peak, 3–4 days.
- Mayabunder Mangrove Circuit: Mayabunder creeks, Karmatang Beach, community visits, and Avis Island (if open), 1–2 days.
- Nature & Trek Circuit: Lamiya Bay sunrise, Saddle Peak trek, Alfred Caves exploration in dry season, 2–3 days.
Best Activities for Backpackers
Trekking and Hiking
- Saddle Peak full-day trek with park permits; moderate-to-challenging.
- Short coastal walks at Lamiya Bay and around Kalipur.
Snorkeling and Beach Time
- Ross & Smith’s lagoon and Craggy Island can be excellent in calm seas.
- Use a rash guard, carry defogged mask/snorkel, and avoid stepping on coral.
Wildlife and Nature
- Turtle nesting (typically Dec–Feb) at Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Karmatang with local guidance.
- Birding in forest edges and mangroves; early mornings are best.
Mangrove Kayaking and Creek Rides
- Mayabunder’s sheltered creeks are ideal for guided paddles in good weather.
Caves and Geology
- Alfred Caves in dry months with a local guide; tread lightly.
Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Best for sea conditions, trekking, and ferries.
- Turtle Season (roughly Dec–Feb): Night patrols and conservation viewing with permits/guides.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lush landscapes but choppy seas; some trips canceled.
- Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan, based in Port Blair): Worth planning around if you’re transiting the capital.
Sample Itineraries
5-Day Backpacking North Andaman
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur (overland). Sunset at Kalipur.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith Islands day trip; evening in Diglipur market.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek; recover at Lamiya Bay.
- Day 4: Alfred Caves in morning (seasonal) + Craggy Island snorkel (conditions permitting).
- Day 5: Diglipur → Port Blair via Mayabunder stops (Karmatang Beach).
7-Day Slow-Travel Route
- Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder; mangrove ride at sunset.
- Day 2: Karmatang Beach and community visits; transfer to Diglipur.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands; relaxed evening.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek.
- Day 5: Kalipur/Ramnagar turtle watch (seasonal) and beach time.
- Day 6: Craggy Island snorkeling or rest day; local food trail.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair overland or by available ferry.
Budget and Money-Saving Tips
Estimated Costs (per person, per day)
- Budget: INR 2,000–3,500 (bus/shared jeep, homestay/guesthouse, simple meals, one activity).
- Mid-range: INR 3,500–6,000 (private car transfers, resort/eco-lodge, guided activities).
Typical Extras
- Ross & Smith day permit and boat: modest permit fee + shared boat fare.
- Saddle Peak permits/guide: park fee + optional guide charges.
- Kayaking/snorkel boat: variable by group size and season.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use government STS buses or shared jeeps on the ATR.
- Travel in small groups to split boat and car hire costs.
- Stay in simple guesthouses or government lodges where available.
- Carry cash; ATMs are limited to main towns and can run out.
How to Reach North Andaman
- Gateway: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ). North Andaman travel begins from there.
By Road (ATR – Andaman Trunk Road)
- Port Blair to Diglipur: roughly 300+ km; 10–12 hrs by shared jeep, 12–14 hrs by bus, 9–10 hrs by private cab (road and weather dependent).
- Port Blair to Mayabunder: 7–9 hrs by road.
- Rules: The ATR passes through protected areas; follow all security instructions. No stopping or photography in tribal reserve stretches.
By Ferry (subject to schedules and weather)
- Inter-island ferries sometimes connect Port Blair with Mayabunder/Diglipur.
- Check the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) schedule locally; services can be infrequent and weather-dependent.
By Helicopter (limited)
- Occasional government helicopter services primarily for residents/medical; visitor seats are limited and not guaranteed.
Getting Around
- Buses: Regular STS buses link Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur; cheap but slow.
- Shared Jeeps: Faster than buses; common on early mornings.
- Auto-rickshaws: Short hops within towns.
- Boats: For Ross & Smith, Avis Island, and Craggy Island via local jetties with permits.
- Two-wheelers: Limited rentals; check availability in Diglipur/Mayabunder and ride cautiously.
Accommodation Guide
- Budget Guesthouses: Simple rooms, fan or basic AC, INR 800–1,800 per night.
- Mid-range Eco-lodges/Resorts: INR 2,000–4,500+, often near Kalipur/Karmatang.
- Government Tourist Lodges: Modest facilities; book locally or through tourism offices when possible.
- Homestays: Growing option around Mayabunder and Diglipur; great for culture and savings.
- Camping: Generally not permitted on beaches without explicit authorization; always seek permission.
Local Food, Culture and Shopping
Food to Try
- Seafood thalis with fresh fish, prawns, and squid (availability varies by season).
- Coconut-based curries, simple coastal fry-ups, and banana flower dishes.
- Fresh fruit: pineapples, bananas, and seasonal mangoes.
Culture and Community
- North Andaman blends mainland Indian settlers and local communities with maritime livelihoods.
- Respect local customs, ask before photographing people, and dress modestly in villages.
Shopping
- Purchases are limited in small towns; find basic supplies in Diglipur markets.
- For souvenirs like shell-free crafts, cane/bamboo items, and spices, Port Blair has more options.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose shorter travel legs with breaks in Mayabunder.
- Pick calm-water days for Ross & Smith; carry snacks and sun protection.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Stay near quieter beaches (Kalipur/Karmatang) and plan a sunrise trek or sunset creek ride.
- Consider a private boat to Ross & Smith when conditions and permits allow.
Friends/Groups
- Split costs on jeeps and boats; book early in peak months.
- Try a guided mangrove kayak or full-day island-hopping.
Solo Backpackers
- Use early-morning shared jeeps for long hops; carry cash and offline maps.
- Join others for permits and boat trips to reduce costs.
Safety, Permits and Responsible Travel
- Permits: Day permits needed for Ross & Smith (from Forest/jetty at Aerial Bay). Special permissions for Interview Island. Carry ID.
- Wildlife: Beaches may have turtle nesting and occasional crocodile advisories—follow local signage and avoid restricted waters.
- Sea & Tides: The Ross–Smith sandbar is tide-dependent; ask boatmen about safe timings.
- Trekking: Register for Saddle Peak, start early, take a guide if unsure, carry at least 2–3 liters of water, and inform your host of plans.
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage is patchy; BSNL often works best in towns. Expect outages.
- Cash & ATMs: Limited ATMs in Diglipur/Mayabunder; carry sufficient cash.
- Tribal Reserves: No stopping, photography, or interaction along protected stretches of the ATR.
- Environment: Plastic minimization, reef-safe sunscreen, no coral/shell collection, pack out all waste.
Nearby Getaways and Extensions
- Rangat (Middle Andaman): An intermediate stop with beaches and mangroves; good for breaking the journey.
- Long Island: Laid-back vibe and forested trails; access via boat from Rangat/Yeratta (check schedules).
- Baratang: Limestone caves and mangroves (south of Rangat); often combined when transiting from Port Blair.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time for backpacking in North Andaman?
A: November to April offers the best weather and sea conditions. December to February is peak season and also overlaps with turtle nesting on select beaches.
Q: Do I need a permit for Ross and Smith Islands?
A: Yes, a day permit is typically required from the Forest Department/jetty at Aerial Bay near Diglipur. Boats operate subject to weather and tides.
Q: How long is the road journey from Port Blair to Diglipur?
A: Expect 10–12 hours by shared jeep, 12–14 hours by bus, and around 9–10 hours by private car, depending on road and weather conditions.
Q: Is Saddle Peak trek suitable for beginners?
A: It’s a long, sweaty hike with steady gradients. Fit beginners can attempt it in good weather with an early start, permits, ample water, and preferably a guide.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile data reliable in North Andaman?
A: Both are limited. Carry cash for remote areas and expect patchy connectivity; BSNL tends to have the widest coverage in towns.
Conclusion
North Andaman is the Andamans at their wild and unhurried best: soaring forested peaks, long empty beaches, and simple villages stitched together by mangrove creeks and the open sea. Base yourself in Diglipur and Mayabunder to explore Ross & Smith, trek Saddle Peak, and time your visit for calm seas and turtle season. Travel light, plan around ferries and tides, respect protected areas, and you’ll find a rewarding, low-key island adventure that lingers long after you leave.
