Table of Contents
- Introduction to North Andaman in May
- Weather in May: What to Expect
- Top Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Best Activities in May
- Festivals & Events in May
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Food, Shopping, and Local Culture
- Estimated Costs for a May Trip
- Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- FAQs about North Andaman in May
- Conclusion
Introduction to North Andaman in May
North Andaman is the wilder, quieter end of the Andaman archipelago, home to Diglipur, Mayabunder, ancient rainforests, mangroves, and the postcard-perfect twin islands of Ross & Smith. Visiting in May brings warm seas, lush landscapes after pre-monsoon showers, and fewer crowds—great for solitude-seekers and nature lovers.
Expect longer travel times than the southern islands, simpler infrastructure, and stunning payoffs: the highest peak in Andaman (Saddle Peak), bird-filled forests, and lagoons where the water shifts from jade to sapphire with the tide.
Weather in May: What to Expect
- Temperature: 26–33°C, high humidity.
- Rain: Pre-monsoon showers and occasional thunderstorms; some days are blue-sky, others cloudy with short, heavy bursts.
- Sea conditions: Generally moderate; occasional swell can affect boat schedules.
- Underwater visibility: Often 5–15 m (lower than peak season), but calm mornings can be clear.
- Comfort tips: Carry a light rain jacket, dry bag, breathable clothing, electrolytes, and insect repellent.
Top Places in North Andaman
Diglipur
The main base in North Andaman with markets, simple stays, and access to top sights.
- Ross & Smith Islands: A white sandbar linking two emerald isles. Great for swimming and snorkeling in sheltered waters. Note: At high tide in May, parts of the sandbar may submerge.
- Saddle Peak National Park (732 m): Highest point in Andaman. Dense evergreen forest, sweeping views. Full-day trek; start early.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Quiet, volcanic-grey sands, good for sunrise walks. Occasional turtle hatchings tail off by May.
- Mud Volcano (Shyam Nagar): Small but interesting geologic feature near Diglipur.
Ross & Smith Islands
Iconic twin islands reached by boat from Aerial Bay jetty. Forest permits required; plastic is restricted. Shallow lagoons are family-friendly—watch the tide.
Saddle Peak National Park
Primeval rainforest trekking with endemic birds and views of the ocean on both sides of the island. Entry permits at the park gate; carry ample water.
Kalipur & Ramnagar
Laid-back beaches north of Diglipur town. Sandflies can be present near vegetation—carry repellent. Follow local advisories about swimming.
Mayabunder & Karmatang
Sleepy harbor town with coconut groves and mangroves.
- Karmatang Beach: Broad bay good for breezy evening walks.
- Avis Island: Small coconut-fringed isle near Mayabunder; access may require permission and depends on boat availability.
Rangat & Mangroves (en route)
Technically Middle Andaman, but a common stop on the North Andaman route.
- Dhaninallah Mangrove Boardwalk: Elevated trail through dense mangroves to a quiet beach.
- Amkunj Beach & Eco Park: Wave-watching, driftwood art, and picnic spots.
Tourist Circuits and Routes
Classic Road Circuit: Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur
- Duration: 10–12 hours driving (with breaks) from Port Blair to Diglipur.
- Highlights: Mangrove creeks, limestone landscapes, quiet beaches, and North Andaman’s forests.
- Note: The Andaman Trunk Road crosses a tribal reserve corridor—no stopping or photography; follow escorted timings as mandated.
Island-Hopping Focus (North End)
- Base in Diglipur for 2–3 nights.
- Day trips: Ross & Smith Islands, Kalipur/Ramnagar, mud volcano.
- Optional: Avis Island from Mayabunder if boats and permissions allow.
Nature & Trekking Circuit
- Rangat mangrove walks → Mayabunder stay → Diglipur for Saddle Peak trek → Recovery day at Ross & Smith.
Family-Friendly Short Circuit
- Break journey with a night in Rangat or Mayabunder.
- One full day at Ross & Smith; evenings at Karmatang or Kalipur.
Best Activities in May
- Snorkeling: Ross & Smith lagoons offer easy, clear shallows on calmer mornings. Bring your own gear in May.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak is rewarding but humid; start by 5–6 am with 3–4 liters of water per person.
- Mangrove Walks & Kayaking: Around Rangat/Mayabunder; check local operators and tides.
- Birdwatching: Look for endemic Andaman drongo, woodpecker, and coucal at dawn/dusk.
- Stargazing & Possible Bioluminescence: Clear nights can dazzle; occasional bioluminescence may appear in calm, dark coves.
Seasonal notes: Alfred Caves near Diglipur are typically best Jan–Apr and may be slippery or closed by May. Confirm locally.
Festivals & Events in May
Major island-wide festivals (like Subhash Mela or the Island Tourism Festival) usually fall outside May. Local religious observances (e.g., Eid or Buddha Purnima) may occur depending on the lunar calendar, affecting shop hours and transport for a day.
If seeking specific cultural events in North Andaman in May: Information not available.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days: North Andaman Snapshot
- Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder/Rangat (break the journey), sunset at Karmatang or Amkunj.
- Day 2: Continue to Diglipur; afternoon Kalipur/Ramnagar.
- Day 3: Morning Ross & Smith; late afternoon drive back or stay one more night.
5 Days: Islands, Forests, and Mangroves
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat; Dhaninallah boardwalk.
- Day 2: Rangat → Diglipur; sunset at Kalipur.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Islands (carry picnic; respect plastic bans).
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek; easy evening.
- Day 5: Diglipur → Mayabunder (optional Avis Island) → Port Blair next day.
7 Days: Slow North Andaman in May
- Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder; Karmatang Beach.
- Day 2: Avis Island (if operational); village walk and mangroves.
- Day 3: Mayabunder → Diglipur; Kalipur and mud volcano.
- Day 4: Ross & Smith Islands.
- Day 5: Saddle Peak trek.
- Day 6: Buffer day for weather; second lagoon day or birding.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair with a break in Rangat.
How to Reach North Andaman
From Port Blair
- By Road (Andaman Trunk Road): 8–10 hours to Mayabunder; 10–12 hours to Diglipur. Options: government buses, shared jeeps, or private cabs. The route crosses a protected tribal reserve—no stops; photography prohibited; escorted timings may apply.
- By Ferry: Government ferries operate on limited schedules to Mayabunder/Diglipur. Weather and demand affect frequency; book at the Directorate of Shipping Services counters.
- By Helicopter: Very limited seats and weather-dependent; priority for locals/medical. Rarely practical for tourists in May.
Permits: Indian nationals do not need special permits for North Andaman. Foreign nationals must carry passport and may require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) as per current regulations. Always check the latest rules before travel.
Local Transport
- Auto-rickshaws and local taxis in towns; for sights spread out from Diglipur, arrange a cab or motorbike (limited availability).
- Boats to Ross & Smith from Aerial Bay jetty (morning to early afternoon only). Forest permit and boat fees apply.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Diglipur: Simple beachside resorts near Kalipur, guesthouses in Diglipur bazaar, and government-run tourist lodges. Examples include long-standing beach resorts and tourism department guest houses; availability varies by season.
- Mayabunder: Small hotels/guesthouses around town and near Karmatang; occasional government lodges.
- Rangat (en route): Handy for breaking the journey; budget lodges and a government tourist rest house.
Power cuts and limited internet are common; book flexible, confirm generator/back-up, and carry cash as card machines may be unreliable.
Food, Shopping, and Local Culture
Food
- Expect homestyle seafood thalis (fish curry, rice, dal), fried fish, and seasonal crab when available.
- May brings mangoes and juicy local fruits; roadside stalls are common.
- Vegetarian options exist but are simpler; inform kitchens early.
Shopping
- Diglipur bazaar and Mayabunder market for daily needs, snacks, and basic gear.
- Handicrafts are limited up north; for certified shell/wood crafts, plan purchases in Port Blair’s government emporiums. Avoid buying coral or turtle-shell items (illegal).
Culture
- Communities include settlers from mainland India; languages commonly heard: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Andamani dialects.
- Dress modestly in villages; ask before photographing people.
Estimated Costs for a May Trip
- Transport: Port Blair → Diglipur shared jeep INR 800–1,300; private cab INR 7,000–10,000 one-way (car type dependent). Government bus INR 300–700.
- Boats & Permits: Ross & Smith forest permit approx. INR 50–150 per person; boat INR 1,200–2,500 per boat (return), rates vary by group size and season.
- Accommodation: Budget INR 800–2,000; mid-range INR 2,500–5,000; limited boutique options INR 5,000–9,000 per night.
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person per meal at local eateries.
Per-day estimate (May):
- Budget: INR 2,000–3,500
- Comfort: INR 3,500–7,000
- Premium (limited supply): INR 7,000–12,000
All prices are indicative and subject to change.
Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Break the long drive with a night in Rangat or Mayabunder.
- Ross & Smith is ideal for shallow-water play; watch tides and sun.
- Carry snacks, ORS, sunhats, and rain covers; motion-sickness tablets for winding roads.
Honeymooners
- Choose quieter stays near Kalipur or Karmatang for privacy.
- Plan a sunrise beach walk and a midweek Ross & Smith visit for fewer crowds.
- Connectivity is patchy—embrace the digital detox; carry a power bank.
Friends & Adventure Groups
- Target early starts for Saddle Peak; rotate pack duties and water.
- Consider mangrove kayaking and birding at dawn.
- Respect safety advisories: avoid swimming near creeks/mangroves; heed occasional crocodile warnings; no night swims.
Packing Essentials for May
- Light, quick-dry clothing; compact rain jacket; dry bags; reef-safe sunscreen; DEET or picaridin repellent; leech/sandfly protection for forest/beach edges.
- Snorkel mask, water shoes, microfiber towel, reusable water bottle with filter if possible.
- Cash (ATMs limited), ID copies, basic first-aid, and any prescriptions.
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Follow forest and marine rules; do not carry plastic to Ross & Smith; pack out all waste.
- No interaction or photography in the Jarawa reserve corridor.
- Check weather/tide before boat trips; mornings are usually calmer in May.
FAQs about North Andaman in May
Q: Is May a good month to visit North Andaman?
A: Yes if you prefer greener landscapes, lower crowd levels, and don’t mind humidity or occasional showers. Sea conditions can be moderate; plan flexible days for boats.
Q: Can I visit Ross & Smith Islands in May?
A: Generally yes. Boats operate in fair weather, typically mornings to early afternoon. The sandbar may partially submerge at high tide; check tide times and carry minimal plastic.
Q: Is the Saddle Peak trek advisable in May?
A: It’s doable with an early start. Expect heat, humidity, and possible slippery sections if it rains. Carry permits, at least 3–4 liters of water per person, and snacks.
Q: Are turtle hatchings visible in May at Kalipur?
A: Turtle nesting season usually peaks Dec–Feb. By May, sightings are occasional at best. Check with local forest staff for any ongoing protection activity.
Q: What permits do I need?
A: Forest permits for Ross & Smith (issued at Aerial Bay) and for Saddle Peak (at park gate). Indian citizens don’t need special island permits; foreign nationals should verify current Restricted Area Permit rules.
Conclusion
North Andaman in May is about lush forests, empty beaches, and slow, soulful travel. The weather swings between bright and broody, the seas are warm, and the pace is unhurried. With sensible planning for tides, rain, and long road distances, you’ll find some of the archipelago’s most tranquil corners—Saddle Peak’s canopy views, mangrove walks, and the shimmering sandbar of Ross & Smith.
