Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About North Andaman & Bonfire Regulations
- Best Time for Beach Bonfire Evenings
- Top Places in North Andaman for Sunset & Bonfire-Friendly Evenings
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities Beyond the Bonfire
- Festivals & Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Budget Tips
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners & Friends
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman, anchored by Diglipur and the wild Saddle Peak ranges, is the quiet, far-north chapter of the islands where beaches are raw, skies are dark, and stars feel close. Evenings here invite slow conversations, grilled seafood, and—where permitted—carefully supervised bonfires that warm the sea breeze. This guide blends the romance of beach nights with practical rules, places, and tips to help you plan a responsible, memorable experience.
About North Andaman & Bonfire Regulations
North Andaman’s beaches are ecologically sensitive. Many, such as Kalipur and Ramnagar, are important nesting sites for sea turtles. As a result, open fires on public beaches are tightly regulated or prohibited, especially in nesting months.
- Open bonfires on public beaches are generally not allowed without prior permission from local authorities/Forest Department.
- Resort-organized, supervised fires on their premises or designated pits may be possible with written clearance, using contained setups and eco-friendly fuel.
- Turtle nesting (typically November–March) brings stricter no-light/no-fire protocols on nesting beaches.
- Violations can attract fines. When in doubt, ask your resort or the local Forest Check Post in Diglipur.
In short: treat bonfires here as a permitted, supervised experience rather than a casual, do-it-yourself activity.
Best Time for Beach Bonfire Evenings
- November to April: Dry season, clearer skies, lighter winds—best for evening gatherings. Note nesting-related restrictions on specific beaches.
- May to September: Monsoon brings rain, strong winds, and choppy seas; outdoor evenings are less reliable.
- New moon nights: Ideal for stargazing and occasional bioluminescence sightings, though the latter is never guaranteed.
Top Places in North Andaman for Sunset & Bonfire-Friendly Evenings
These spots are perfect for golden-hour gatherings. For any fire-based activity, confirm permissions and use resort-organized setups.
Diglipur & Aerial Bay
- Aerial Bay Jetty Promenade: Local vibe, sea breeze, snacks from stalls; fires not suitable here but lovely for twilight walks.
- Resort Beaches near Kalipur: A few properties arrange supervised, contained bonfires or BBQs on their premises, subject to permissions and nesting advisories.
Kalipur Beach
- Known for turtle nesting and sunrise moods. No open fires on the public beach. Ask your resort about on-site, permitted setups away from nesting zones.
Ramnagar Beach
- Shaded and serene. Public bonfires are not permitted. Great for sunset picnics and stargazing after dusk.
Lamiya Bay & Saddle Peak Foothills
- Within the National Park zone; no fires. Visit for coastal walks and the sound of surf against black boulders.
Ross & Smith Islands (Twin Islands)
- Day-trip paradise with a sandbar; bonfires and camping are not allowed. Ideal for late-afternoon swims and photos before the return boat.
Tourist Circuits
- Classic North Andaman Circuit: Diglipur (base) – Kalipur – Ramnagar – Ross & Smith – Saddle Peak foothills.
- Nesting & Nature Circuit (no fires): Kalipur – Ramnagar – Lamiya Bay (park edges) – Alfred Caves (seasonal, with guide).
- Extended Middle–North Circuit: Rangat – Mayabunder – Diglipur – Ross & Smith – back via Baratang.
Activities Beyond the Bonfire
- BBQ Nights: Opt for resort-run grills using contained setups; excellent with fresh local fish and veggies.
- Snorkeling: Clear waters near Ross & Smith and Craggy Island (with boatmen/guides).
- Trekking: Saddle Peak trail for seasoned hikers; start early and carry permits.
- Alfred Caves (Oct–Apr): Limestone formations; go with local guides.
- Night Sky Photography: Low light pollution offers striking Milky Way frames in dry season.
- Beach clean-ups: A meaningful pre-bonfire activity—packs light and leaves the shore better.
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Usually held annually; events sometimes ripple to North Andaman in smaller forms.
- Local Fairs & Religious Observances: Community gatherings reflect settler cultures from across India.
Specific, recurring large-scale festivals dedicated to North Andaman’s beaches are limited; schedules vary year to year.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days: Diglipur Essentials
- Day 1: Port Blair to Diglipur by road; sunset at Aerial Bay; resort-arranged BBQ (bonfire only if permitted).
- Day 2: Ross & Smith Islands day trip; snorkel; evening stargazing at Kalipur (no fires on public beach).
- Day 3: Alfred Caves or Lamiya Bay walk; depart for Port Blair.
5 Days: Middle–North Explorer
- Day 1: Port Blair to Rangat; Dhani Nallah mangrove walk.
- Day 2: Mayabunder stopovers; continue to Diglipur; relaxed evening.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands; sunset by the resort.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak foothills or trek; optional supervised BBQ night.
- Day 5: Return by road/ferry.
How to Reach North Andaman
- By Road (Most Common): Port Blair – Baratang – Rangat – Mayabunder – Diglipur via NH4. 10–12 hours by shared AC bus or private cab.
- By Ferry: Inter-island ferries occasionally connect Port Blair and Aerial Bay/Diglipur; schedules are infrequent—check locally in advance.
- By Helicopter (Limited): Priority services operate for residents/medical needs. Tourist seats are scarce and weather-dependent.
Always verify current transport schedules and permits before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur Town: Simple hotels and lodges near the market for easy logistics.
- Kalipur Area: Beach-facing resorts that may arrange supervised bonfires/BBQs on premises with permissions.
- Government Guest Houses: Basic stays; book through official channels if available.
Typical range: budget stays from INR 1,000–2,000 per night; mid-range resorts INR 3,000–6,000; limited upscale options.
Estimated Costs
- Transport: Port Blair–Diglipur shared bus INR 800–1,500; private cab one-way INR 12,000–18,000 depending on vehicle/season.
- Ross & Smith Day Trip: Permits + boat INR 1,000–3,500 per person (depends on group size and season).
- Resort BBQ/Bonfire Setup: INR 1,500–4,000 per setup (2–6 pax) for the fire arrangement where permitted; BBQ meals INR 1,200–2,000 per person.
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal (local eateries to resort restaurants).
Note: Prices fluctuate with season, fuel, and availability. Confirm on the ground.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Food: Andaman fish curry, crab masala, grilled reef fish, simple veg thalis, coconut-based sides. Pre-order seafood for BBQ nights.
- Shopping: Small markets in Diglipur for basics. Avoid buying coral, shells, or turtle-related products—they are protected.
- Culture: A blend of communities from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Ranchi, and the Nicobarese influence; evenings are unhurried and community-centric.
Budget Tips
- Share cabs or use the early shared buses between hubs to cut costs.
- Choose group bonfire/BBQ packages at resorts where permitted—costs split better.
- Book government lodges early if you’re okay with basic amenities.
- Carry snacks and a reusable bottle; dining choices thin out at night.
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct or late Apr) for lower rates and fair weather windows.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners & Friends
Families
- Ask for early-evening setups to match kids’ schedules.
- Pack insect repellent and light jackets; sandflies can be active near mangroves.
- Stay at resorts with lawns/play areas; confirm lifeguard presence is minimal or absent—supervise children near water.
Honeymooners
- Request private dining under the stars on resort premises instead of public-beach bonfires.
- Pick new moon dates for stargazing; carry a compact tripod for sky shots.
- Order a seafood pre-set to avoid long waits.
Friends/Small Groups
- Coordinate a permitted, contained fire with your resort; bring a playlist and compact Bluetooth speaker at low volumes.
- Plan a beach clean-up before your evening—good karma and great photos.
- Carry headlamps with red-light mode to maintain night vision and reduce disturbance to wildlife.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
How to Arrange a Legal Bonfire
- Speak to your resort in Diglipur/Kalipur; ask if they can arrange a contained bonfire/BBQ on their property with permissions.
- Avoid public turtle-nesting beaches (Kalipur, Ramnagar) for any fire/light.
- Use eco-charcoal in a raised fire pan or designated pit; never burn driftwood or litter.
- Keep water/sand and an extinguisher at hand; fully douse before leaving.
- Pack out all waste; no glass on the sand.
General Safety
- Winds can gust suddenly—position setups away from dry brush and huts.
- Respect quiet hours; avoid bright lights near nesting zones.
- Alcohol rules vary; many beaches are patrolled—use discretion and follow local law.
- Mobile networks can be patchy; share your plan with your stay and keep emergency numbers saved.
FAQs
Q: Are beach bonfires legal in North Andaman?
A: Open fires on public beaches are generally restricted. Limited, supervised bonfires may be arranged by resorts on their premises or in designated zones with permissions. Always confirm locally and abide by nesting-season rules.
Q: Which beaches allow bonfires?
A: Turtle-nesting beaches like Kalipur and Ramnagar do not allow public bonfires. Some resorts near these areas may arrange contained setups on their property with written clearance. Ross & Smith, Lamiya Bay, and National Park zones do not allow fires.
Q: How much does a bonfire or BBQ setup cost?
A: Expect roughly INR 1,500–4,000 per setup for the fire arrangement (where permitted) and INR 1,200–2,000 per person for BBQ meals, varying by group size and menu.
Q: Can we camp overnight on Ross & Smith Islands?
A: No. Ross & Smith is a day-trip destination with specific visiting hours. Camping and bonfires are not allowed.
Q: What should we pack for an evening by the beach?
A: Light layers, insect repellent, a reusable bottle, headlamp with red mode, dry bags for electronics, and reef-safe sunscreen for daytime. Carry trash bags to pack out all waste.
Conclusion
North Andaman’s evenings are about simple pleasures—pink skies, the hush of surf, and conversations under constellations. Treat bonfires as a responsible, resort-supervised experience when permitted, and lean into stargazing, BBQs, and nature walks elsewhere. With thoughtful planning and respect for nesting beaches, you’ll find the north’s quiet magic endures long after the embers fade.
