Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview & Quick Comparison
- Best Time to Visit
- Must-Visit Places
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- How to Reach (Port Blair to Mayabunder/Diglipur)
- Getting Around Locally
- Where to Stay & Estimated Costs
- Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
- Who Should Choose Which?
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Packing & Safety Essentials
- Suggested Itineraries
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a North Andaman escape and torn between Mayabunder and Diglipur? Both are serene, far‑north bases sprinkled with mangroves, turtle beaches, and offbeat islands. Mayabunder is quieter and central for North & Middle Andaman explorations, while Diglipur delivers headline experiences like Ross & Smith Twin Islands and the Saddle Peak trek. This guide compares both, so you can confidently choose the one that matches your travel style, time, and budget.
Overview & Quick Comparison
- Location: Both lie in the North & Middle Andaman district, north of Port Blair.
- Vibe:
- Mayabunder: Slow-travel charm, fewer tourists, calm beaches, good midway base.
- Diglipur: Adventure-forward; iconic sandbar island, highest peak trek, more varied day trips.
- Travel time from Port Blair (by road):
- Mayabunder: ~8–10 hours (approx. 240 km)
- Diglipur: ~10–12+ hours (approx. 320–330 km)
- Top highlights:
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach (turtle season), Avis Island (day permissions), Ray Hill Eco experiences.
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith Islands, Saddle Peak National Park, Kalipur & Ramnagar beaches, Alfred Caves, mud volcano (Shyam Nagar).
- Choose if you want:
- Mayabunder: Quiet base, family-friendly beaches, fewer crowds, easy access to mid-North sights.
- Diglipur: Bucket-list landscapes, trekking, island-hopping, more day-trip variety.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (Dec–Mar): Dry, sunny, calmer seas—best for trekking and Ross & Smith’s sandbar.
- Shoulder (Oct–Nov, Apr): Green landscapes, turtle nesting begins (Nov–Feb); warmer in April.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Heavy rain, rough seas; some boats/activities may be suspended.
- For turtles: Nov–Feb at Karmatang (Mayabunder) and Kalipur (Diglipur). Observe quietly, no lights.
Must-Visit Places
Mayabunder
- Karmatang Beach: Long, quiet shoreline; turtle nesting in season; sunset friendly.
- Avis Island (day visit): Small, scenic island with clear waters; permissions and boat needed; access can vary.
- Ray Hill: Forest-backed eco spot for gentle nature walks and views; check on current activities.
- Rampur Beach & nearby creeks: Calm waters, local life, photogenic mangroves.
Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands: Two islands linked by a white-sand bar. Permits and boat from Aerial Bay jetty; best at low tide.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andamans (732 m). Full-day trek; register at entry gate (Lamiya Bay).
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Rustic, volcanic-sand stretches; seasonal turtle nesting; sea often better for wading than deep swims.
- Alfred Caves: Limestone cave network near Ramnagar; typically a seasonal, guided morning activity.
- Mud Volcano (Shyam Nagar): Small, active mud pools; quick, curious stop.
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Culture
- Communities include Bengali, Tamil, Ranchi, and Nicobari influences; village life is unhurried and welcoming.
- Respect local customs; avoid photographing people without permission.
Food
- Seafood thalis with fresh catch; simple eateries serve fish curry, rice, dal, fried fish.
- Try banana fritters, coconut-based curries, seasonal fruits.
- Homestays often provide hearty home-cooked meals—great value and taste.
Shopping
- Small markets for basics, spices, and local snacks.
- Avoid buying shells/coral—protected by law.
- Cash preferred; card acceptance is limited.
How to Reach (Port Blair to Mayabunder/Diglipur)
- By Road (most common):
- Via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR); scenic drive through Middle & North Andaman.
- Mayabunder: ~8–10 hours; Diglipur: ~10–12+ hours, depending on road/bridge/ferry conditions and stops.
- Shared buses and jeeps run early morning; private cabs are faster and more flexible.
- By Sea (inter-island ferries):
- Occasional government ferries connect Port Blair with Mayabunder/Diglipur; schedules are limited and weather-dependent.
- Book at the DSS counter in Port Blair; carry valid ID.
- By Helicopter (limited seats):
- Heli services may operate to both towns, subject to weather and priority bookings; expensive and not guaranteed.
- Permits: Carry government-issued photo ID. Some islands/parks require local permits (e.g., Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak). Rules can change—confirm locally before travel.
Getting Around Locally
- Auto-rickshaws & Taxis: Easiest option; negotiate fares or use known local operators.
- Shared jeeps/buses: Budget-friendly for inter-village hops; fixed routes and timings.
- Two-wheelers: Limited rentals; check availability in town centers.
- Boats:
- Diglipur: Charter boats from Aerial Bay to Ross & Smith (return same day).
- Mayabunder: Boats for Avis Island/nearby creeks when permissions and conditions allow.
Where to Stay & Estimated Costs
Accommodation
- Mayabunder: Small hotels/guesthouses in town; simple beachside stays near Karmatang; occasional forest/eco cottages when operational.
- Diglipur: Wider range—beach resorts around Kalipur, basic lodges in town, homestays near Ramnagar/Lamiya Bay.
Estimated Costs (per day, per couple)
- Stay: Budget INR 1,500–2,500; Mid-range INR 3,000–6,000; Upper mid INR 6,000–10,000+
- Food: INR 600–1,500 (local eateries to resort restaurants)
- Local transport:
- Port Blair → Mayabunder cab: ~INR 12,000–15,000 one-way
- Port Blair → Diglipur cab: ~INR 16,000–20,000 one-way
- Shared bus: ~INR 400–900 per person (route/time dependent)
- Boats & permits:
- Ross & Smith boat charter: commonly a few thousand INR per boat (season-dependent); permit fee is nominal (carry ID).
- Avis Island/other boat trips: rates vary; check locally.
- Guides/activities: Saddle Peak or Alfred Caves guides (if hired): budget INR 1,000–3,000+ depending on duration/group size.
Note: Prices fluctuate by season, availability, and fuel costs. Confirm on the ground for current rates.
Nearby Getaways & Day Trips
From Mayabunder
- Karmatang–Rampur circuit: Beach time, mangrove views, village stops.
- Avis Island: Clear-water day outing when access is permitted.
- Rangat (southbound): Dhani Nallah Mangrove Boardwalk, Moricedera; about 1.5–2.5 hours away.
From Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Islands: Half-day to day trip from Aerial Bay jetty.
- Lamiya Bay & Saddle Peak Gate: Coastal views plus trek entry point.
- Kalipur–Ramnagar–Alfred Caves: A full day of beaches and geology; go early for caves.
- Mud Volcano (Shyam Nagar): Quick detour paired with Kalipur.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Short trip (2–3 days): Choose Diglipur for Ross & Smith plus a marquee trek or beach circuit.
- Slow travel, fewer crowds: Choose Mayabunder for quiet beaches and a mid-North base.
- Adventure & variety: Diglipur wins with islands, caves, peak, and more day trips.
- Family-friendly, easy days: Mayabunder suits relaxed schedules and calm beach time.
- Wildlife focus (turtles): Both are good in season; combine if time allows.
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
General Tips
- Start trips early—roads are long and activities like Ross & Smith are best in morning light and favorable tides.
- Carry cash; ATMs exist but can run out or be offline.
- Mobile data is patchy; BSNL works most widely; download offline maps.
- Respect protected areas; follow forest/park instructions; carry photo ID.
- Swim only where advised; some beaches have currents or seasonal wildlife advisories.
Families
- Base near Karmatang (Mayabunder) or Kalipur (Diglipur) for easy beach access.
- Keep beach sessions to mornings/late afternoons; pack sun protection and snacks.
Honeymooners
- Time Ross & Smith around low tide for a near-private sandbar walk.
- Choose stays with sea views and on-site dining; evenings are quiet and romantic.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use shared jeeps/buses to cut costs; team up to split boat/cab fares.
- Add a dawn Saddle Peak trek and an Alfred Caves morning to maximize variety.
Packing & Safety Essentials
- Footwear: Trek shoes for Saddle Peak; sandals for beach days.
- Sun & sea kit: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, microfiber towel, reusable water bottle.
- Protection: Light long sleeves for sun/sandflies; mosquito repellent.
- Trek kit: Daypack, 2–3 L water, snacks, small first-aid kit; register for treks.
- Water & tides: Check tide times for Ross & Smith; heed lifeguards/boatmen.
- Wildlife etiquette: During turtle season, no lights/flash; keep distance; stay quiet.
- Documents & cash: Photo ID, permits, enough cash for remote areas.
Suggested Itineraries
2–3 Days in Mayabunder
- Day 1: Arrive; sunset at Karmatang.
- Day 2: Avis Island (if permitted) or Ray Hill; evening at Rampur.
- Day 3: Buffer morning beach time; depart.
2–3 Days in Diglipur
- Day 1: Arrive; Kalipur–Ramnagar beach loop.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith Islands (half/full day); sunset at Lamiya Bay.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek or Alfred Caves + mud volcano; depart.
4–5 Days Combined
- Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder; Karmatang sunset.
- Day 2: Avis Island/Ray Hill; evening drive to Diglipur.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek; relax at Kalipur.
- Day 5: Return south with Rangat mangrove stop.
FAQs
Q: Which is better for first-time visitors—Mayabunder or Diglipur?
A: Diglipur. It packs marquee sights like Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak. Choose Mayabunder if you prefer a quieter, central base and unhurried beach time.
Q: How many days do I need for each place?
A: 2 days each works well. With 3–4 days, you can cover both highlights comfortably.
Q: Can I visit both in one trip from Port Blair?
A: Yes. Drive north via Mayabunder to Diglipur, then return. Allow 4–5 days to avoid rushed travel.
Q: Is Ross & Smith open year-round?
A: Generally, yes, but boat operations depend on weather and sea conditions. A local permit and valid ID are required; mornings and low tide are best.
Q: Is it safe for solo travelers?
A: Largely yes. These are quiet towns with friendly locals. Keep copies of ID, inform your stay of day plans, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Conclusion
Choose Mayabunder for quiet beaches, slower days, and a convenient mid-North base. Choose Diglipur for the Andamans’ greatest hits—Ross & Smith’s sandbar, a rewarding summit at Saddle Peak, and varied day trips. With enough time, combine both for a balanced North Andaman experience that blends offbeat calm with headline adventures.
