Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places for Nature Trails
- Tourist Circuits
- Suggested Itineraries
- Activities and Experiences
- Best Time to Visit
- Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is where the emerald forests of the Andaman archipelago rise to their wildest, with towering dipterocarps, secret limestone caves, and beaches where sea turtles still nest under moonlight. From the summit trek to Saddle Peak to mangrove boardwalks and sandbar walks to twin islands, the region is a dream for hikers, birders, and slow travelers who crave raw, tropical wilderness with gentle coastal rhythms.
Top Cities and Places for Nature Trails
Diglipur (North Andaman)
The northernmost traveler hub, Diglipur is the gateway to the archipelago’s highest peak, twin islands, and turtle beaches.
Saddle Peak National Park Trek
- Why go: Highest point in Andamans (approx. 732 m) with sweeping views of rainforests and the Bay of Bengal.
- Trailheads: Lamiya Bay Check Post (primary) or Kalipur side.
- Distance and time: 14–18 km return; 6–9 hours depending on fitness and weather.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous; humid conditions and steady elevation gain.
- Permits: Required at park gate; carry ID and register entry/exit.
- Essentials: 2–3 liters of water per person, snacks, sun and insect protection; start early (around sunrise).
Ross & Smith Islands Sandbar Walk
- Why go: A natural sandbar links two forested islands—one of the most photogenic walks in Andamans.
- Access: Boats from Aerial Bay Jetty (near Diglipur). Forest entry permit required.
- Best time: Morning to early afternoon, checking tides; sandbar submerges at high tide.
- Notes: No accommodation on the islands; pack out all trash.
Kalipur–Lamiya Bay Coastal Nature Trail
- Why go: Gentle coastal path along pebble coves and littoral forests at the base of Saddle Peak.
- Experience: Birdsong at dawn, tidepooling, and shaded rest spots.
Alfred Caves (Seasonal Limestone Caves)
- Why go: A cluster of ancient limestone caves with bat and swiftlet habitats.
- Season: Best in dry months (roughly Jan–Apr); avoid monsoon for safety and to protect wildlife.
- Notes: Go with a registered guide; wear sturdy shoes; tread lightly to minimize disturbance.
Ramnagar and Kalipur Turtle Beaches
- Why go: Known nesting grounds for olive ridley and other turtles in season.
- Experience: Guided night patrols may be possible with Forest Department authorization; strict no-lights, no-touch ethics.
Diglipur Mud Volcano (Shyamkund area)
- Why go: Short forest walk to see small, gently bubbling mud vents.
- Notes: Natural activity varies; stay on marked paths.
Mayabunder (North & Middle Andaman District)
Quiet beaches, mangroves, and cultural encounters anchor the area’s softer trails.
Karmatang Beach Nature Walk
- Why go: Long, shaded beach fringed by casuarinas; seasonal turtle nesting.
- Experience: Sunrise/sunset strolls, birdwatching, and interpretive signboards in parts.
Avis Island Shore Walk
- Why go: A tiny, pretty isle accessed by short boat hop on clear days; sandy shore and shallow waters.
- Notes: Day-only; carry drinking water and reef-safe sunscreen.
Webi (Karen Community) Village Walk
- Why go: Gentle village paths and woodlands; insights into the Karen community’s heritage and boatbuilding.
- Etiquette: Ask before photographing; buy crafts directly if available.
Rangat Area (Adjacent, commonly paired)
While technically part of Middle Andaman, Rangat is routinely included on North Andaman routes for its superb mangrove trails.
Dhaninallah Mangrove Boardwalk
- Why go: A long, family-friendly wooden boardwalk through dense mangroves to a quiet beach.
- Experience: Interpretive panels, crabs, mudskippers, and birdlife.
Yerrata Mangrove Park and Watch Tower
- Why go: Elevated views of mangrove creeks and canopy; short nature paths.
Amkunj Eco Beach Trail
- Why go: Driftwood installations, shaded seating, and a relaxed coastal ramble.
Tourist Circuits
- Diglipur Peaks & Beaches Circuit: Lamiya Bay – Saddle Peak – Kalipur – Ramnagar – Ross & Smith Islands. Ideal 2–3 days.
- Mayabunder Mangrove & Culture Circuit: Karmatang – Avis Island – Webi village and creeks. Ideal 1–2 days.
- Rangat Mangrove Loop (add-on): Dhaninallah – Yerrata – Amkunj. Ideal 1 day en route north/south.
- North Andaman Highlights Loop (ex-Port Blair): Port Blair – Rangat – Mayabunder – Diglipur – return via ATR or ferry/helicopter (when operational). Ideal 5–7 days.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days: Diglipur Nature Trails
- Day 1: Arrive Diglipur; Kalipur–Lamiya Bay coastal walk; sunset at Ramnagar.
- Day 2: Saddle Peak trek (early start); relax at Kalipur beach in the evening.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands sandbar walk (tide-permitting); depart.
5 Days: North Andaman Trek & Mangroves
- Day 1: Port Blair to Rangat; Dhaninallah Boardwalk.
- Day 2: Yerrata Mangrove Park; continue to Mayabunder; Karmatang beach walk.
- Day 3: Avis Island shore walk; drive to Diglipur; Kalipur beach.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek.
- Day 5: Ross & Smith Islands; depart south.
7 Days: Slow Trails & Turtle Season (Nov–Mar)
- Days 1–2: Rangat mangroves and Amkunj eco-trail; overnight Rangat/Mayabunder.
- Days 3–4: Mayabunder culture walk (Webi) and Karmatang turtle education walk (with permissions).
- Days 5–6: Diglipur—Saddle Peak and Alfred Caves (seasonal).
- Day 7: Ross & Smith; unwind and return.
Activities and Experiences
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (strenuous), Alfred Caves (seasonal, guided), short coastal and forest loops.
- Mangrove Walks: Dhaninallah and Yerrata are ideal for families and birders.
- Beach & Sandbar Walks: Ross & Smith, Amkunj, Kalipur, Karmatang for easy ambles.
- Turtle Watching (seasonal): At Ramnagar, Kalipur, and Karmatang with Forest Department guidance only.
- Birdwatching: Look for Andaman drongo, Andaman shama, collared kingfisher; dawn is best.
- Snorkeling: Clear days near Ross & Smith and sheltered coves; always use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid corals.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: Dry season, calm seas—best for treks, mangrove walks, and sandbar visits.
- December to February: Coolest and most comfortable for full-day hikes.
- March to May: Hot and humid; start hikes at dawn and hydrate well.
- June to September: Monsoon; heavy showers, slippery trails, rough seas. Many cave and long forest hikes are unsafe or restricted.
- Turtle nesting: Typically Nov–Feb; strictly regulated. Follow ranger instructions.
Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Local Melas and Cultural Events: Community fairs and performances occasionally occur in Mayabunder and Rangat.
- Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan, region-wide): Cultural shows and food stalls sometimes extend to North & Middle Andaman.
- Conservation Events: Turtle-awareness programs in nesting season may be offered by Forest/NGO teams.
How to Reach
- By Road (from Port Blair): Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) via Baratang–Rangat–Mayabunder to Diglipur.
- Time: Port Blair to Mayabunder ~7–8 hours; to Diglipur ~10–12 hours (road and weather dependent).
- Transport: Government/ private buses, shared jeeps, and taxis.
- Tribal Reserve Protocols: The ATR passes through protected areas; no stopping, no photography, follow all timings and instructions.
- By Sea: Government ferries operate on limited schedules to Mayabunder/Diglipur from Port Blair when conditions allow. Check latest timings locally.
- By Helicopter: Seats are limited and priority is often for residents/medical; confirm with the Directorate of Civil Aviation in Port Blair.
- Local Transport: Autos in towns, hired cabs for day trips, and boats from Aerial Bay to Ross & Smith (subject to weather and permits).
- Permits:
- Saddle Peak: Register at the park gate (Lamiya Bay/Kalipur). Carry ID.
- Ross & Smith: Forest entry permit at Aerial Bay Jetty; boatmen assist with formalities.
- Foreign Nationals: Access is allowed to notified tourist areas; rules change periodically—verify current requirements before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur:
- Kalipur/Lamiya Bay: Beachside eco-resorts and basic lodges close to trails.
- Diglipur Town/Bazaar: Budget guesthouses with easy market access.
- Typical prices: Budget INR 1,200–2,500; mid-range INR 2,800–6,000 per night.
- Mayabunder:
- Near Karmatang and town center: Simple hotels, government tourist lodges (when available).
- Typical prices: INR 1,200–3,500 per night.
- Rangat (stopover):
- Basic lodges and a few mid-range stays near Rangat Bazaar/Amkunj.
- Typical prices: INR 1,000–3,000 per night.
- Notes:
- Book ahead in peak season (Dec–Feb).
- Power and internet can fluctuate; confirm generator/backup if needed.
Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
- Per Day (excluding flights):
- Budget travelers: INR 2,000–3,500 (bus/shared jeep, simple stays, local eateries).
- Mid-range: INR 4,500–8,000 (private cabs, nicer stays, guided day trips).
- Specific Costs (approximate):
- Port Blair–Diglipur bus: INR 500–900 per person.
- Private cab same route: INR 7,000–12,000 one-way.
- Ross & Smith boat + permits: INR 3,000–5,500 per boat (shared), plus entry fees.
- Saddle Peak permit: Nominal entry fee; camera fees may apply.
- Local guide (Alfred Caves/long hikes): INR 800–2,000 depending on duration and group size.
- Money-Saving Tips:
- Use government buses between hubs and hire autos locally.
- Group up for boats to Ross & Smith to split costs.
- Carry cash; ATMs are limited and may be offline.
- Pack reusable bottles and snacks for trail days.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food:
- Expect hearty seafood thalis, grilled fish, crab curry, and coconut-based preparations.
- Simple, clean local eateries cluster around Diglipur and Mayabunder bazaars.
- Fresh fruit, tender coconut, and bakery snacks are convenient trail provisions.
- Shopping:
- Buy locally made wooden/coconut crafts and spices from government emporiums or verified cooperatives.
- Avoid coral, shells, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
- Culture:
- Communities include settlers from mainland India and the Karen community around Mayabunder.
- Be respectful in villages; seek permission before photos and dress modestly.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Opt for easy walks: Dhaninallah Boardwalk, Amkunj eco-trail, Ross & Smith (check tides).
- Pack hats, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
- Confirm life jackets on boats; avoid strong currents and unguarded surf.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Pick sunrise or late-afternoon walks for privacy and softer light.
- Choose stays near Kalipur or Karmatang for quiet beaches.
- Carry a small picnic but leave no trace.
Friends/Backpackers
- Start Saddle Peak at dawn; share cabs and boats to reduce costs.
- Bring a dry bag, headlamp, quick-dry layers, and ORS for humid hikes.
- Download offline maps; mobile signal can be patchy on trails.
FAQs
Q: How difficult is the Saddle Peak trek?
A: It’s a moderate-to-strenuous full-day hike (6–9 hours return) with steady elevation and humid conditions. Start early, carry enough water, and register at the park gate.
Q: Do I need a guide for Alfred Caves?
A: Strongly recommended due to seasonal conditions, wildlife sensitivity, and route-finding inside limestone formations. Visit only in dry months.
Q: Can I visit Ross & Smith all year?
A: Access depends on sea conditions and tides. It’s best from November to April; during rough weather, boats may not operate, and the sandbar can submerge at high tide.
Q: Is turtle watching allowed at Ramnagar/Kalipur/Karmatang?
A: Only with Forest Department guidance where permitted. No lights, no touching, no flash, and maintain distance to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.
Q: Are ATMs and mobile networks reliable in North Andaman?
A: Limited. Diglipur and Mayabunder have a few ATMs; connectivity can be patchy outside towns. Carry sufficient cash and download offline maps.
Conclusion
North Andaman’s nature trails blend rainforest climbs, mangrove boardwalks, and quiet beaches into an intimate tropical adventure. With Saddle Peak’s panoramic hike, Ross & Smith’s ethereal sandbar walk, and gentle coastal and village paths around Mayabunder and Rangat, the region rewards those who move slowly, respect wildlife, and carry a spirit of exploration. Plan around seasons and tides, keep logistics simple, and the islands will reveal their most tranquil corners.
