Table of Contents
- About North Andaman’s Hidden Beaches
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Cities and Places for Hidden Beaches
- Tourist Circuits for Hidden Beaches
- Things to Do and Activities
- Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Where to Stay (Accommodation)
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
About North Andaman’s Hidden Beaches
North Andaman is the quiet end of the archipelago, where emerald hills drop into coral-lined coves and sleepy villages border powdery sand. Away from the headlines of Havelock and Neil, the far north—centered around Diglipur and Mayabunder—hides a string of serene beaches, turtle-nesting shores, and empty bays you can often have to yourself. If you love raw nature, gentle lagoons, and light-footprint travel, these are the shores to explore.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak beach season: November to March (calm seas, clear water, pleasant sun).
- Shoulder: October and April (hotter; good visibility if seas are settled).
- Monsoon: May to September (rough seas, frequent rain; some boat trips may be suspended).
- Turtle nesting: Typically December to March at select beaches (regulated access).
Top Cities and Places for Hidden Beaches
Diglipur and Surrounds (North Andaman’s prime base)
- Ross & Smith Islands Sandbar Beach: Two tiny islets linked by a white-sand bar in turquoise water. Ideal for lagoon swims and beach walks. Forest permit required; boats depart Aerial Bay Jetty (near Diglipur).
- Ramnagar Beach: Quiet, shady stretch with gentle entry and access to nearby snorkeling by boat (Craggy Island). Minimal facilities; carry drinking water.
- Kalipur Beach: Dark-sand cove backed by palms; known for turtle nesting (seasonal, strictly regulated). Good sunrise spot; reef shoes recommended.
- Lamiya Bay Beach: Pebble-sand arc at the base of Saddle Peak National Park; dramatic scenery and very low crowds.
- Craggy Island Reef Beach (by boat): Tiny islet off Ramnagar with clear water and vibrant coral gardens; fair-weather snorkeling only with a local boatman/guide.
Mayabunder Region (north-central gateway)
- Karmatang Beach: Long, tree-lined curve of sand with gentle waves and few visitors; occasional turtle activity in season.
- Avis Island Beach (permit/boat): A small, uninhabited island off Mayabunder with glassy shallows and bright sand; boats and local permissions typically required.
Long Island and Nearby (technically Middle Andaman, popular on northern circuits)
- Lalaji Bay (Long Island): A broad, secluded beach reached by forest trail or boat; great for solitude and picnics.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Often accessed on day trips from Long Island/Rangat; excellent for soft sand and clear, shallow water.
Note: Infrastructure is basic across these beaches. Carry cash, water, snacks, a dry bag, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Tourist Circuits for Hidden Beaches
- Diglipur Island-Hopping Day: Aerial Bay Jetty → Ross & Smith Islands (half-day) → Ramnagar Beach sunset.
- Wild North Duo: Kalipur Beach (early morning) → Lamiya Bay + Saddle Peak foothills nature walk.
- Mayabunder Quiet Shores: Karmatang Beach morning swim → Avis Island beach picnic (permit/boat) → Mayabunder sunset viewpoint.
- Extended “North & Middle” Loop: Port Blair → Rangat/Long Island (Lalaji Bay, Merk Bay) → Mayabunder (Karmatang, Avis) → Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Ramnagar, Kalipur) → return.
Things to Do and Activities
- Snorkeling: Craggy Island, calm edges of Ross & Smith; always check currents and go with a local boatman in fair weather only.
- Sandbar walks: Wade the shifting white ribbon between Ross & Smith; respect tide times and lifeguard/forest guard advice.
- Turtle watching (regulated): Seasonal, nocturnal observation near Kalipur/Karmatang with official guidance only; never disturb nests or use flash.
- Nature trails: Lamiya Bay and foothills of Saddle Peak National Park offer quiet forest-and-coast strolls.
- Picnic and beachcombing: Carry in/carry out everything; there are often no shops or bins by the shore.
Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Subhash Mela (Diglipur): Annual fair around late January celebrating Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary with local stalls and cultural performances.
- Turtle nesting season: Typically December–March on select beaches; access may be restricted or only allowed with officials.
- Island Tourism Festival (UT-wide): Usually in Port Blair; if your dates align, you may experience spillover cultural programs in northern towns.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days: Diglipur Focus
- Day 1: Arrive Diglipur; Ramnagar Beach; sunset.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith Islands (permits + boat); relax at Kalipur in the evening.
- Day 3: Lamiya Bay and Saddle Peak foothills; depart.
5–6 Days: North & Middle Hidden Shores
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat/Long Island (overnight).
- Day 2: Lalaji Bay; optional Merk Bay excursion.
- Day 3: Mayabunder; Karmatang Beach; optional Avis Island (permit/boat).
- Day 4: Drive to Diglipur; Kalipur Beach.
- Day 5: Ross & Smith Islands; evening at Ramnagar.
- Day 6: Lamiya Bay; return south.
How to Reach North Andaman
- Nearest airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
- By road to Diglipur: 9–12 hours (approx. 325 km) via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) through Baratang, Rangat, and Mayabunder. Movement through reserve stretches is regulated with fixed timings.
- Public transport: Government and private buses connect Port Blair–Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur. Book early in peak season.
- By sea: Infrequent government ferries may operate to Mayabunder/Diglipur; schedules vary—check the Directorate of Shipping Services locally.
- Helicopter: Limited seats (priority for residents/medical). Check at the civil aviation counter in Port Blair.
- Local movement: Hire a car with driver, auto-rickshaws for short hops, or limited motorbike rentals. Boats for Ross & Smith depart Aerial Bay Jetty.
Where to Stay (Accommodation)
- Diglipur: Simple hotels and eco-stays around Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Subhashgram. Expect basic amenities, generator backup, and early kitchens.
- Mayabunder: Small guesthouses near the town and Karmatang Beach; quiet atmospheres.
- Long Island: Rustic lodges and forest rest houses; advance arrangements recommended.
Indicative prices (per night): Budget INR 1,200–2,000; Mid-range INR 2,000–5,000; Boutique eco-stays INR 5,000–7,500+. Availability fluctuates—book ahead for December–February.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Daily budget (per person):
- Budget: INR 2,000–3,500 (bus + guesthouse + local meals)
- Comfort: INR 3,500–6,500 (car hire share + mid-range stays)
- Upgrade: INR 6,500–10,000+ (private car + boutique eco-stay)
- Typical extras:
- Boat to Ross & Smith: Often charged per boat or per person; verify locally. Forest permit fee applies.
- Boat to Craggy Island/Avis Island: Rates vary by season and sea state; confirm return fare and wait time.
- Snorkel gear rental: Limited; better to carry your own.
Note: Many payments are cash-only. ATMs exist in towns but can be unreliable—carry sufficient cash.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, Andamani fish curry with rice, coconut-based preparations, and seasonal crab/lobster (order ahead). Simple bakeries and tea stalls in towns.
- Shopping: Small markets at Diglipur and Mayabunder for snacks, basics, and local produce. Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—these are protected by law.
- Culture: A blend of communities from mainland India (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Ranchi) coexisting with a slow island rhythm. Evenings are quiet; respect early closures and local customs.
Traveler Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
For Families
- Choose calm-water slots at Ross & Smith and Karmatang during mid-tide.
- Pack snacks, ORS, hats, and rash guards; shade and cafes are rare on beaches.
- Explain “leave no trace” to kids—these ecosystems are delicate.
For Honeymooners
- Time a morning boat to have Ross & Smith’s sandbar relatively empty.
- Sunset strolls at Ramnagar or Kalipur; stargazing is superb on clear nights.
- Carry a dry bag and microfiber towels for impromptu dips.
For Friends and Small Groups
- Split private boat hires for island-hopping; confirm fuel surcharge and wait times.
- Bring your own snorkel sets; agree on hand signals and a buddy system.
- Offline maps and a local SIM help—signal can be patchy beyond towns.
Packing and Safety Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, insect repellent, basic first-aid, and a headlamp.
- Respect tides and flags; lifeguards are limited. Avoid swimming during rough seas.
- Permits: Forest permit required for Ross & Smith; follow instructions from officials. Turtle nesting zones have strict rules.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Yes. A forest permit is required and is typically obtained at Aerial Bay Jetty near Diglipur. A nominal fee applies, and boats operate in fair weather during set hours.
Q: Which hidden beaches are best for snorkeling?
A: Craggy Island (by boat from Ramnagar) offers clear water and healthy coral on calm days. Some edges of Ross & Smith are good, too. Always check local conditions and avoid strong currents.
Q: Is turtle watching allowed at Kalipur or Karmatang?
A: It is regulated and seasonal. You may be allowed to observe with officials or guides at a distance. Do not use flashlights or disturb nests; rules can change, so check locally.
Q: How many days should I spend in North Andaman?
A: A focused Diglipur trip needs 2–3 nights. To include Mayabunder and Long Island’s hidden beaches, plan 5–6 days.
Q: Are there eateries or facilities on these beaches?
A: Most hidden beaches have minimal or no facilities. Carry water, snacks, and a trash bag; use toilets at your accommodation or designated spots near jetties.
Conclusion
North Andaman’s hidden beaches reward travelers who trade resorts for raw beauty: quiet sandbars, turtle shores, and reefy coves framed by forested hills. Base yourself in Diglipur and Mayabunder, move with the tides and weather, respect local regulations, and keep your footprint light. The payoff is unhurried days on uncrowded shores and some of the Andamans’ most genuine coastal moments.
