Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Time to Visit North Andaman
- Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities in North Andaman
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is where the Andaman Islands turn wild and wonderfully remote—home to Diglipur, the twin-island wonder of Ross & Smith, the archipelago’s highest peak at Saddle Peak National Park, and quiet turtle-nesting beaches like Kalipur and Ramnagar. If you’re planning a trip, the single most important decision is timing. Here’s your expert guide to the best time to visit North Andaman, plus what to see, do, and budget for an unforgettable island escape.
Best Time to Visit North Andaman
Seasonal Overview
- November to April (Best Overall): Dry, sunny, and calm seas. Ideal for island-hopping to Ross & Smith, snorkeling, and trekking Saddle Peak. Average temperatures 24–31°C.
- December to February (Cool & Comfortable): Pleasant weather, great visibility for snorkeling, prime months for turtle nesting (peaks Jan–Feb). Also the busiest and pricier period.
- March to April (Warm but Clear Seas): Hotter days, superb sea conditions, fewer crowds than peak winter. Great for water activities and caving at Alfred Caves.
- May (Pre-monsoon Shoulder): Humid with possible thunderstorms; seas begin to get choppy. Budget-friendly but be flexible.
- June to September (Monsoon—Generally Avoid): Heavy rain, rough seas, possible ferry cancellations, leeches on forest trails. Many outdoor plans get disrupted.
- October (Recovery Shoulder): Rains taper off, seas stabilise by late month. A good balance of value and improving weather.
Month-by-Month Snapshot
- Jan: Sunny, 24–28°C; clear seas; peak turtle nesting; high demand.
- Feb: Very calm seas; excellent snorkeling; pleasant temps.
- Mar: Warmer 26–31°C; great visibility; fewer crowds.
- Apr: Hot 27–32°C; best for water clarity; carry sun protection.
- May: Hot and humid; pre-monsoon squalls; deals possible.
- Jun–Sep: Monsoon; heavy rain; rough crossings; many closures.
- Oct: Early month mixed; late Oct good and less crowded.
- Nov: Consistently good weather returns; recommended.
- Dec: Peak season; book boats/rooms early; festive vibe.
Best Time by Traveler Type
- Families: Dec–Feb for comfortable weather and calmer seas.
- Honeymooners: Nov, Feb–Apr for good conditions with fewer peak-season crowds.
- Divers/Snorkelers: Nov–Apr for visibility and stable seas.
- Trek & Nature Lovers: Dec–Feb for cooler hikes to Saddle Peak; Nov–Mar for Alfred Caves.
- Wildlife (Turtles): Dec–Mar, with peak nesting Jan–Feb at Kalipur/Ramnagar (visits only with local guidelines).
Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
Diglipur (Gateway Town)
- Base for Ross & Smith Island trips via Aerial Bay Jetty.
- Markets, ATMs (intermittent), and a small selection of eateries.
Ross & Smith Islands
- Two forested isles joined by a changing sandbar—iconic day trip.
- Best visited Nov–Apr; permits issued at Aerial Bay; boats typically 20–30 minutes; limited hours (often morning to early afternoon).
Saddle Peak National Park
- Highest point in Andaman & Nicobar (approx. 732 m).
- Trailhead near Kalipur; trek 6–8 hours return; best Dec–Feb.
Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches
- Known for turtle nesting (leatherback, olive ridley); strictly no disturbance; guided viewing only when permitted.
- Good sunrise/sunset walks; occasional bioluminescence.
Mayabunder & Karmatang
- Quiet beaches and mangroves; Karmatang Beach is scenic and less crowded.
- Starting point for Avis Island day trips (check local permissions).
Tourist Circuits
- Diglipur–Ross & Smith–Kalipur–Saddle Peak: Classic North Andaman loop, 2–3 days on-site plus travel time from Port Blair.
- Mayabunder–Karmatang–Avis Island (permission dependent): Add 1 day for mangroves and quiet beaches.
- North + Middle Andaman Combo: Include Rangat’s Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway and Dhani Nallah beach en route.
Activities in North Andaman
- Snorkeling & Swimming: Ross & Smith lagoon (carry your own gear; reef-safe sunscreen).
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (permit and early start recommended; carry water and leech protection in shoulder months).
- Caving: Alfred Caves near Diglipur (Nov–Apr, with local guide only).
- Turtle Watching: Kalipur/Ramnagar (Dec–Mar) under Forest Department protocols.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Near Mayabunder with certified operators (check availability).
- Birding: Endemic species in forests and wetlands; best early mornings in winter.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan, primarily Port Blair): Archipelago-wide celebrations; some events and extended visitor services spill through the islands.
- Local Cultural Festivals: Durga/Kali Puja, Christmas, and New Year are widely observed by settler communities in North Andaman.
- Turtle Nesting Season (Dec–Mar): Not a festival, but a seasonal highlight drawing nature enthusiasts.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days (ex-Port Blair, focused)
- Day 1: Early start overland to Diglipur (breaks at Rangat/Mayabunder). Evening walk at Kalipur.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith Island day trip (morning boat); sunset at Ramnagar.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek (if fit) or Mayabunder–Karmatang, then return/overnight en route.
5 Days (relaxed North Andaman)
- Day 1: Port Blair to Mayabunder; mangrove stop.
- Day 2: Mayabunder to Diglipur; Kalipur beach and local markets.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Island; snorkeling and beach time.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek or Alfred Caves (with guide).
- Day 5: Turtle watch (seasonal) and return to Port Blair.
7 Days (North + Middle Andaman)
- Day 1–2: Port Blair to Rangat; Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway; continue to Mayabunder.
- Day 3–4: Diglipur base; Ross & Smith and Kalipur.
- Day 5: Saddle Peak or Alfred Caves.
- Day 6: Mayabunder–Karmatang; optional Avis Island (permissions).
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair.
Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Daily Budget (per person, INR):
- Backpacker: 2,000–3,500 (bus/shared jeep, budget guesthouse, local eateries).
- Mid-range: 5,000–9,000 (AC rooms, hired car, boat trips, guided activities).
- Comfort: 10,000–18,000+ (better resorts, private transfers, multiple excursions).
- Key Costs (approx.):
- Ross & Smith boat (Aerial Bay): 3,000–5,000 per boat round trip (up to 6–8 pax), plus permit fees (locals/Indians/foreigners vary).
- Saddle Peak permit: nominal; guide optional but recommended.
- Road transfer Port Blair–Diglipur: 12–14 hours by car; 12,000–18,000 one-way for private SUV; cheaper by bus/shared jeep.
- Money & Connectivity: Carry sufficient cash; ATMs in Diglipur/Mayabunder can be unreliable. Mobile data is patchy.
- Save More: Travel Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr; share boats; book accommodations early in Dec–Jan.
How to Reach North Andaman
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ): Daily flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (seasonal). No direct flights to Diglipur for most travelers.
- By Road (most common): Port Blair–Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), 325–340 km, 12–14 hours with breaks. Convoy timings and checks may apply; photography in Jarawa Reserve is prohibited.
- By Ferry: Inter-island ferries connect Port Blair with Mayabunder/Diglipur on limited schedules; durations are long and weather-dependent. Check current timings locally.
- By Helicopter (limited seats): Government-operated services mainly for residents/emergencies; not reliable for tourists.
- Local Transport: Shared jeeps, buses, and hired cabs. For Ross & Smith, boats depart Aerial Bay Jetty near Diglipur with permits at the Forest/Jetty office.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur: Budget guesthouses and mid-range resorts; good base for boats and markets.
- Kalipur/Pathi Level: Beachside stays from basic huts to comfortable cottages; convenient for Saddle Peak trail access.
- Mayabunder: Limited but quiet stays near Karmatang; useful for splitting the long drive.
- Booking Tips: Book Dec–Jan well in advance; expect basic amenities; carry power bank due to occasional outages.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Seafood thalis, fish curry, crab and lobster (seasonal). Simple local eateries; carry snacks for day trips—there’s little on Ross & Smith.
- Shopping: Limited in the north. Pick up spices, coconuts, and local produce; avoid buying shells/coral.
- Culture: Settler communities (Bengali, Tamil, Ranchi) create a diverse cultural mix. Hindi and Bengali widely spoken; English understood in tourist services.
Travel Tips for Different Travelers
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hat, rash guard, sturdy trekking shoes, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, dry bags, motion-sickness tablets, light rain jacket in shoulder months.
- Permits & Rules: Day permits required for Ross & Smith; follow timings. Foreign nationals must carry passport/visa and stay within notified areas; check the latest entry regulations on arrival.
- Safety: Strong currents possible outside lagoons; swim within safe zones. Respect turtle nesting protocols—no lights, no touching, keep distance, and follow ranger guidance.
- Families: Choose Dec–Feb; prioritize calm-water beaches and early ferry slots; pack snacks and shade.
- Honeymooners: Aim for Feb–Apr or Nov for quieter beaches; plan private boat charters in fair weather.
- Friends/Backpackers: Consider Oct–Nov or Mar for value; share transfers and boats to lower costs.
FAQs
Q: What is the absolute best month to visit North Andaman?
A: February offers the best balance of calm seas, clear skies, and moderate crowds. November, December, and March–April are also excellent.
Q: Is Ross & Smith Island open year-round?
A: It’s generally open most of the year, but boat services and permits depend on weather and sea conditions. The most reliable months are November to April, with limited or suspended trips in peak monsoon.
Q: Can I see turtle nesting at Kalipur?
A: Yes, typically from December to March, peaking in January–February. Viewing is strictly regulated; arrange through local authorities and follow all guidelines.
Q: How long does it take to reach Diglipur from Port Blair?
A: By road, about 12–14 hours with breaks. Many travelers split the journey with a night in Rangat or Mayabunder.
Q: Do I need special permits to visit North Andaman?
A: Indian citizens usually don’t need special permits for notified areas. Foreign nationals must carry valid passport/visa and may be restricted to specific islands; day permits are required for spots like Ross & Smith. Always confirm the latest rules on arrival.
Conclusion
For clear seas, comfortable weather, and the most reliable logistics, the best time to visit North Andaman is November to April—especially December to February. Plan around Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak, and the turtle-nesting season, factor in the long overland travel from Port Blair, and keep expectations simple and eco-conscious. Time it right, and North Andaman rewards you with some of India’s most pristine island experiences.
