Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Birdlife and Habitats
- Top Cities/Places for Birdwatching
- Tourist Circuits for Birders
- Activities for Birdwatchers
- Festivals & Events
- Sample Itineraries
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Packing and Safety Tips
- Responsible Birding & Permits
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are a dream for birdwatchers: emerald rainforests, mangroves, beaches, and hills sheltering more than 20 endemics along with pelagics and migratory shorebirds. Whether you are chasing the Andaman woodpecker at dawn, scanning Sippighat’s wetlands for rarities, or hiking to Saddle Peak for montane specialties, birdwatching in the Andamans blends pristine nature with gentle island life.
Overview of Birdlife and Habitats
Expect a high concentration of endemism due to the islands’ isolation. Signature species include Andaman drongo, Andaman shama, Andaman treepie, Andaman serpent-eagle, Andaman scops owl (Otus balli), Andaman coucal, Andaman bulbul, Andaman flowerpecker, Andaman green pigeon, Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman crake, and White-headed starling. Coastal and pelagic birding add Pacific reef heron, black-naped tern, bridled tern, and more.
- Key habitats: Lowland evergreen forest, hill forest, mangroves, coastal lagoons, paddyfields and wetlands, rocky shores, offshore islets.
- Best windows: Early morning and late afternoon; dry season (November–April) for comfort and access.
- Photography: Forest light is dim—fast lenses and higher ISO help. Respect distance to nesting birds, especially hornbills and owls.
Top Cities/Places for Birdwatching
South Andaman (Port Blair and surrounds)
- Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad Trail: Classic dawn walk for Andaman shama, drongo, treepie; sunset raptors along the coast.
- Sippighat Wetlands: Seasonal pools and paddyfields with waders, bitterns, marsh terns; check after rains and during migration.
- Shoal Bay & Ograbranj: Edge forests for Andaman coucal, flowerpecker, and mixed flocks.
- Wandoor (edge of Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP): Mangrove and littoral species; look for collared kingfisher and herons.
- Mount Manipur National Park (formerly Mount Harriet): Hill forest birding for Andaman woodpecker and bulbuls; carry ID for forest entry.
Rangat & Middle Andaman
- Yeratta Mangrove Walkway: Boardwalk birding for mangrove specialties and kingfishers.
- Dhani Nallah: Forest edge and mangrove channels; good for owls at dusk (with guide).
- Baratang Mangroves: Boat channels for herons, egrets, and raptors. Adhere to rules near tribal reserve.
North Andaman (Diglipur & surrounds)
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in the islands; rugged trail with hill forest species and mixed flocks.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar: Beaches and scrub for waders and seabirds during passage.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) & Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Havelock interior tracks: Secondary forests for drongos, shamas, and flowerpeckers; check wetlands after rain.
- Neil Island fields & lagoons: Open-country and shorebird mix; quiet lanes ideal for relaxed birding.
Advanced/Permit-Dependent
- Narcondam Island: Remote volcanic island with the Narcondam hornbill (island endemic). Access is highly restricted, requiring multiple clearances; not generally available to tourists.
Tourist Circuits for Birders
- South Andaman Circuit (3–4 days): Port Blair base → Chidiya Tapu → Sippighat → Mount Manipur NP → Wandoor mangroves.
- Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) Loop (5–7 days): Port Blair → Baratang (mangroves) → Rangat (Yeratta/Dhani Nallah) → Diglipur (Saddle Peak) → return. Good for forest diversity.
- Island-Hop Combo (4–6 days): Port Blair → Havelock (interior tracks + beaches) → Neil (fields and lagoons) → Port Blair.
- Shorebird Special (2–3 days): Sippighat + Wandoor + Neil Island tidal lagoons targeting waders and terns.
Activities for Birdwatchers
- Guided forest walks: Dawn sessions in Chidiya Tapu, Mount Manipur, Saddle Peak.
- Mangrove birding: Boardwalks (Yeratta) and boat channels (Baratang, Wandoor).
- Pelagic scans: Watch from headlands and ferries for terns and shearwaters (sea conditions permitting).
- Night birding: With local guides for Andaman scops owl and nightjars; avoid driving in restricted corridors.
- Bird photography: Low light techniques, silent shutter, and ethical distance to roosts/nests.
Festivals & Events
No dedicated annual birding festival is widely reported for the Andaman Islands. However, general cultural events can enrich a birding trip:
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, typically January): Cultural performances and local crafts.
- Beach festivals (various islands): Occasional tourism-led events; schedules vary by year.
Sample Itineraries
3-Day Quick Birding (South Andaman)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; afternoon Sippighat; sunset scan at Carbyn’s Cove or Chidiya Tapu viewpoint.
- Day 2: Dawn at Chidiya Tapu → Munda Pahad trail; late afternoon Wandoor mangroves.
- Day 3: Mount Manipur NP morning; fly out.
6-Day Island Mix
- Days 1–2: Port Blair base; Chidiya Tapu, Sippighat, Wandoor.
- Days 3–4: Havelock interior tracks; optional boat for coastal scans.
- Day 5: Neil Island lagoons and fields.
- Day 6: Return to Port Blair; museum visit or final wetland check.
9-Day Forest-Focused Northbound
- Day 1: Port Blair wetlands.
- Day 2: Baratang mangroves.
- Days 3–4: Rangat (Yeratta, Dhani Nallah, dusk owl session).
- Days 5–6: Diglipur (Saddle Peak hike, coastal waders).
- Days 7–8: Return leg with stopovers for missed targets.
- Day 9: Port Blair buffer day and departure.
Best Time to Visit
- November–April (dry season): Best trail conditions, calmer seas, and comfortable birding.
- May–September (monsoon): Lush forests and fewer tourists, but heavy rain, leeches, and rough seas can limit access.
- Daily timing: Dawn and late afternoon are most productive; mid-day is quiet in forests.
How to Reach
- By air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, with regular flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and seasonal connections from other Indian cities.
- By sea: Government passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam operate occasionally (3–4 days, basic cabins). Not ideal for short birding trips.
Within the islands: Taxis, rented cars with drivers, limited buses along the Andaman Trunk Road, and government ferries to Havelock/Neil. Pre-book ferries in season.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Mid-range hotels and boutique stays convenient for Sippighat, Chidiya Tapu, and Wandoor.
- Havelock & Neil: Beach resorts and homestays; choose places near quieter interiors for dawn starts.
- Rangat & Diglipur: Simple hotels/guesthouses; basic but close to prime forest birding.
Ask hosts about early breakfasts, packed meals, and willingness to accommodate pre-dawn departures.
Estimated Costs
- Accommodation: INR 1,500–3,000 (budget), INR 3,500–7,000 (mid-range), INR 8,000+ (beach resorts) per night.
- Transport: Car with driver INR 3,000–4,500 per day in South Andaman; more for long ATR runs.
- Guides: INR 2,500–5,000 per half/full day depending on terrain and specialization.
- Park/entry fees: Typically INR 50–500 per person; camera fees may apply in some protected areas.
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal in local eateries; resorts higher.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood (grilled fish, crab, lobster), coconut-based curries, Tamil and Bengali influences; vegetarian South Indian meals widely available.
- Culture: Museums in Port Blair offer context (Cellular Jail, Anthropological Museum). Respect local communities and avoid tours that intrude on tribal reserves.
- Shopping: Ethically sourced wooden handicrafts and spices. Avoid buying shells, coral, or wildlife products—many are illegal and harm ecosystems.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Base in Port Blair or Havelock for shorter travel times and easy trails (Chidiya Tapu, Sippighat).
- Plan 2–3 hour morning walks; carry snacks, hats, and hydration.
Honeymooners
- Blend golden-hour birding with beach time at Radhanagar (Havelock) and quiet sunsets at Chidiya Tapu.
- Choose eco-resorts that can arrange private dawn walks and picnic breakfasts.
Friends/Photographers
- Target hill forest hikes (Mount Manipur, Saddle Peak) and dusk owl sessions with local guides.
- Schedule flexible buffer days for weather and species “clean-ups.”
Packing and Safety Tips
- Optics: 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars; 300–600mm lens for photography; monopod helpful in forests.
- Clothing: Lightweight long sleeves, earth tones, rain jacket, leech socks (monsoon), breathable hiking shoes.
- Essentials: Headlamp (red mode), insect repellent, sunscreen, electrolytes, dry bags, spare batteries.
- Safety: Stay on marked trails, avoid night driving, keep distance from wildlife, and monitor tides near mangroves.
Responsible Birding & Permits
- Permits: Most main islands are accessible without special permits for Indian citizens; certain protected areas require forest entry passes. Foreign nationals should check current rules; some areas remain restricted.
- Tribal reserves: Strictly off-limits. No photography or stopping near reserve boundaries along the Andaman Trunk Road.
- Ethics: No playback in sensitive habitats or near nests. Avoid flushing roosts (owls, nightjars). Pack out all waste.
- Guides: Hiring local bird guides improves sightings and supports conservation-friendly livelihoods.
FAQs
Q: How many endemic birds can I see in the Andamans?
A: Over 20 endemics occur on the Andaman group, including Andaman drongo, shama, treepie, woodpecker, coucal, bulbul, flowerpecker, serpent-eagle, scops owl, and more, with a realistic short-trip tally of 12–18.
Q: Is Narcondam hornbill possible on a regular trip?
A: No. Narcondam Island access is highly restricted and not part of standard tourism. Most visitors should focus on Andaman endemics found on South/Middle/North Andaman islands.
Q: Do I need a 4×4 for birding?
A: Generally no. Regular cars can reach major trailheads. Some tracks become muddy in monsoon; check locally before setting out.
Q: Can I bird at night for owls?
A: Yes, but only with local guides and within permitted zones. Avoid restricted corridors and respect quiet hours and nearby villages.
Q: Are leeches a problem?
A: Mostly during the monsoon on forest trails. Wear leech socks, use repellent, and check ankles frequently.
Conclusion
Birdwatching in the Andaman Islands rewards with a compact list of charismatic endemics, varied habitats from mangroves to hill forests, and serene island scenery. Base yourself smartly, start at dawn, travel with local guides, and plan around the dry season for the best mix of comfort and sightings. Ethical fieldcraft and awareness of local regulations ensure a memorable, responsible birding journey.
