Table of Contents
- Introduction: Family Packages for North Andaman
- Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
- Popular Tourist Circuits for Families
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Family Itineraries
- Budget and Estimated Costs
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Stays
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Practical Essentials (Permits, Connectivity, Safety)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Family Packages for North Andaman
North Andaman, stretching from Rangat to Mayabunder and Diglipur, is the quieter, wilder half of the Andaman archipelago—perfect for families who want crowd-free beaches, nature walks, turtle nesting sites, and easy island-hopping without the resort rush. Family packages here typically combine scenic road trips on the Andaman Trunk Road, a day at the twin isles of Ross & Smith, mangrove boardwalks, and calm beaches where kids can splash safely under watchful eyes.
Best time for family trips is October to May (drier seas, more ferries, turtle season through winter). Monsoon months (June–September) bring rough seas and intermittent closures; plan conservatively if traveling then.
Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
Rangat (Middle Andaman)
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway: A stroller-friendly boardwalk through shaded mangroves.
- Amkunj Beach: Rocky-sandy shore with eco-huts; great for sunset picnics.
- Cuthbert Bay: Seasonal turtle nesting (Dec–Feb); guided night walks when permitted.
Mayabunder
- Karmatang Beach: Long, gently sloping beach; turtle conservation nearby.
- Avis Island (seasonal access): Small lagoon-like isle for calm waters and photos.
- Local settlements: Insights into Karen community heritage and boat-making.
Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Ross & Smith Islands: A natural sandbar linking two emerald isles—top family day-out.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Andaman’s highest peak; families can do short forest walks at the base.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Quiet coasts; observe swim advisories due to occasional wildlife sightings.
- Lamiya Bay: Pebble beach ideal for short coastal strolls.
Popular Tourist Circuits for Families
- Port Blair → Baratang (Limestone Caves stop) → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur → Port Blair
- Port Blair → Rangat (mangrove walkway, eco-beaches) → Diglipur (Ross & Smith) with a night in Mayabunder
- North Andaman focus: 2N Rangat + 2N Diglipur for slow-paced families with young kids
Typical driving time Port Blair to Diglipur is 8–10 hours (with regulated reserve crossings and short ferry/bridge sections), so most family packages split the journey with one night in Rangat or Mayabunder.
Family-Friendly Activities
Beach and Water
- Ross & Smith Island day-trip: Shallow, clear waters; perfect for supervised family swims and sandcastle time.
- Snorkeling (calm days): Simple shore-entry snorkeling for older kids; carry your own masks for hygiene.
- Glass-bottom or small boat rides (where available seasonally): Gentle coral viewing without getting wet.
Nature and Learning
- Mangrove boardwalks at Dhani Nallah: Easy, shaded, educational for kids.
- Turtle talks at Karmatang/Cuthbert Bay (Dec–Feb): Conservation-led sessions, if open.
- Short forest walks at Saddle Peak foothills: Birdwatching and tree-spotting; avoid steep summit with small kids.
Soft Adventure
- Island picnics: Pack lunches and have a monitored splash at safe spots.
- Kayaking in calm creeks (select operators, seasonal): For teens with guide supervision.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan, centered in Port Blair): Satellite cultural programs may extend to North Andaman some years.
- Local melas and school fairs (seasonal): Community events in Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur.
- Turtle nesting season outreach (Dec–Feb): Conservation activities and guided sessions subject to permissions.
Event schedules vary yearly; confirm locally during trip planning.
Sample Family Itineraries
3 Nights / 4 Days: North Taster
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat via Baratang (Limestone Caves). Evening at Amkunj Beach.
- Day 2: Rangat → Diglipur. Sunset at Kalipur; early night.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Island day-trip (carry picnic; return by mid-afternoon). Evening market stroll.
- Day 4: Drive back to Port Blair.
4 Nights / 5 Days: Family Favorite
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat. Dhani Nallah boardwalk.
- Day 2: Rangat → Diglipur. Optional Lamiya Bay walk.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Island. Beach time + light snorkeling.
- Day 4: Diglipur → Mayabunder. Karmatang Beach; optional turtle conservation visit (seasonal).
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair.
5 Nights / 6 Days: Slow-Paced with Young Kids
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat. Early evening rest.
- Day 2: Rangat local (Amkunj + Dhani Nallah). Short drives only.
- Day 3: Rangat → Diglipur. Market + easy coastal walk.
- Day 4: Ross & Smith Island (return early to avoid tides).
- Day 5: Diglipur → Mayabunder. Beach play and sunset.
- Day 6: Drive back to Port Blair.
Notes: Start drives early to align with regulated reserve-crossing windows. Always check sea conditions for island trips.
Budget and Estimated Costs
Indicative On-Ground Costs (excluding flights)
- Private AC cab with driver: INR 5,500–8,500 per day (distance-based; Port Blair–Diglipur return spread over 3–5 days).
- Shared AC coach: INR 1,200–1,800 per seat one-way (Port Blair → Diglipur sector; availability varies).
- Government bus: INR 250–450 per seat one-way (basic, slow, limited comfort).
- Ross & Smith boat hire: INR 4,000–6,500 per boat (round-trip from Aerial Bay; 4–6 pax), plus forest/entry permits approx. INR 50–500 per person (higher for foreign nationals).
- Permits for protected areas (e.g., Saddle Peak trails): Approx. INR 50–500 per person; guide fees extra if required.
- Meals: INR 200–400 per person at local eateries; seafood specials INR 500–900 per dish.
- Family rooms: Budget INR 1,500–3,000; mid-range INR 3,000–6,000; limited premium INR 6,000–9,000 per night.
Sample Package Ranges (2 adults + 1–2 kids, 4N/5D North Focus, excluding flights)
- Budget: INR 45,000–60,000 (mix of shared transfers, govt lodges/clean guesthouses, limited activities).
- Mid-range: INR 60,000–85,000 (private vehicle, better stays, Ross & Smith, guided walks).
- Upper mid: INR 85,000–110,000 (larger rooms, more inclusions, flexible private touring).
Prices fluctuate with season (Nov–Feb peak), fuel surcharges, and boat availability.
How to Reach North Andaman
Step 1: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Direct/connecting flights from major Indian cities (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai).
Step 2: Port Blair to North Andaman
- By Road (most common): 8–10 hours to Diglipur via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), with regulated crossings through a tribal reserve zone. Ethical rule: no stopping/photographing wildlife or tribal communities.
- By Government/Private Buses: Cheaper but slower; comfort basic.
- By Ferry: Infrequent inter-island services to Rangat/Mayabunder; schedules change seasonally and may not align for families.
- Helicopter (limited seats; weather-dependent): Priority for residents/medical; not reliable for planning.
Tip: Break the road journey with a night in Rangat or Mayabunder for kid-friendly pacing.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Stays
- Rangat: Tourism department lodges (e.g., Hawksbill Nest) and simple guesthouses near Amkunj/Dhani Nallah.
- Mayabunder: Family rooms near Karmatang Beach; government lodges where available.
- Diglipur: Beachside resorts and simple hotels around Kalipur/Ramnagar and Diglipur town; look for quad/family rooms.
Amenities vary; expect simpler stays than Havelock/Neil. Book early in Dec–Feb and align with your Ross & Smith trip day.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis (snapper, crab, prawns) with island spices.
- Fresh coconuts, banana fritters, basic South Indian breakfasts.
- Simple bakeries in Diglipur town for snacks between drives.
Shopping
- Local handicrafts, coconut-shell souvenirs, spices. Avoid buying coral/shells that are not certified legal.
Culture
- Communities of Bengali settlers, Karen heritage in Mayabunder, and long-time islanders shape cuisine, boat-building, and festivals.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
For Families with Young Kids
- Bring a baby carrier; boardwalks and beaches aren’t always stroller-friendly.
- Pack rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, sun hats, and small beach shoes.
- Carry snacks, ORS, and motion-sickness meds for long drives on the ATR.
- Swim only in permitted zones; heed local notices at Kalipur/Karmatang.
For Honeymooners
- Choose a slower itinerary with sunset beaches (Amkunj, Karmatang) and a full Ross & Smith day.
- Consider a private car for flexibility and quiet photo stops.
For Friends/Groups
- Boat to Ross & Smith splits well among 4–6 people; book first slot of the day.
- Add light hikes (Saddle Peak foothills) and mangrove kayaking (seasonal, guided).
Packing and Safety
- Dry bags, insect repellent, small first-aid kit, headlamps for power cuts.
- Cash buffer: ATMs are limited and can run dry; carry enough for 2–3 days.
- Respect tribal reserve rules: no photos, no interactions, no stopping.
Practical Essentials (Permits, Connectivity, Safety)
- Permits:
- Indian nationals: No entry permit needed for Andamans; local permits required for specific islands/parks (e.g., Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak).
- Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (usually on arrival at Port Blair); check current rules before travel.
- Timings & Tides:
- Ross & Smith boats usually operate mornings to early afternoon; last returns often by 2–3 pm depending on tides and weather.
- Connectivity:
- Mobile: BSNL and Airtel work best; data is patchy. Download maps offline.
- Card machines unreliable; keep cash.
- Health & Safety:
- Primary health centers in Rangat/Diglipur; major hospital in Port Blair.
- Monsoon: Slippery trails, rough seas; expect possible cancellations.
FAQs
Q: Is North Andaman suitable for families with small children?
A: Yes. Choose short drives with a night halt in Rangat/Mayabunder, focus on Ross & Smith’s shallow waters, mangrove boardwalks, and calm beaches. Avoid long hikes and always follow local swim advisories.
Q: What is the ideal trip length for a North Andaman family package?
A: Four to five nights (excluding Port Blair arrival/departure buffer) lets you visit Rangat, Diglipur, and Ross & Smith without rushing.
Q: Do we need permits for Ross & Smith Island?
A: Yes. A forest/entry permit is required and is typically arranged at Aerial Bay Jetty, along with hiring a licensed boat. Carry valid ID and cash.
Q: Can we include Baratang Limestone Caves on the way?
A: Often, yes. Many family circuits stop at Baratang en route to Rangat, depending on reserve crossing schedules and boat availability at Baratang.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks reliable in Diglipur?
A: ATMs and networks exist but can be unreliable. Carry adequate cash and expect patchy mobile data; BSNL/Airtel work best.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards families with serene beaches, mangrove walks, and the unique beauty of Ross & Smith’s twin isles. With sensible pacing—breaking the long road journey, planning around tides, and choosing kid-friendly activities—your family can enjoy a crowd-free, nature-rich Andaman experience. Simple stays, warm island hospitality, and engaging conservation encounters make this region a memorable, low-key alternative to the busier southern islands.
