Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places in North Andaman
- Offbeat Tourist Circuits
- Best Activities & Experiences
- Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Best Time to Visit
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is the serene, less-touristed end of the Andaman archipelago, where rainforests rise to Saddle Peak, turtles nest on quiet shores, and sandbars link islands like a dream. Centered around Diglipur and Mayabunder, this region rewards slow travelers with twin-island walks at Ross & Smith, limestone caves, mangrove creeks, and far fewer crowds than South Andaman. This offbeat guide covers what to see, how to get there, where to stay, and how to do it responsibly.
Top Places in North Andaman
Diglipur & Around
- Ross & Smith Islands (Aerial Bay): Iconic twin islands connected by a shifting sandbar; turquoise shallows ideal for wading and snorkel dips. Permit required at Aerial Bay Jetty.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andamans (approx. 732 m). A challenging rainforest trek with coastal vistas; trail starts near Lamiya Bay.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Quiet black-and-golden sands; seasonal turtle nesting (Dec–Feb). Craggy Island off Kalipur offers clear-water snorkeling.
- Alfred Caves (near Ramnagar): Cluster of limestone caves; dry-season visits with local guide recommended.
- Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano: Small, bubbling mud features; a short add-on if you’re exploring Diglipur’s hinterland.
Mayabunder & North Passage
- Karmatang Beach: Long, breezy curve of sand with turtle nesting zones and sunset viewpoints.
- Avis Island: Small, pretty day-trip isle with calm shallows; boats arranged locally (weather/permits vary).
- Austin Strait & Rampur Viewpoint: Panoramas of mangroves and island-dotted channels; great for photography.
- Interview Island (advanced/permit only): Remote wildlife sanctuary known for feral elephants and rich birdlife. Special permissions and charter boats required.
Offbeat Tourist Circuits
1) Diglipur Highlights (2–3 days)
- Day 1: Aerial Bay Jetty → Boat to Ross & Smith → Beach time & snorkel → Return via Lamiya Bay sunset.
- Day 2: Early start to Saddle Peak trek → Evening at Kalipur Beach.
- Optional Day 3: Alfred Caves with local guide → Kalipur/Craggy Island snorkeling or Mud Volcano.
2) Mayabunder Loop (1–2 days)
- Morning at Karmatang Beach → Afternoon boat to Avis Island (if operational) → Evening viewpoints over Austin Strait.
- Optional: Permit/charter day to Interview Island (hard-to-arrange; only for experienced travelers).
3) Overland Traverse (Port Blair → Diglipur)
- Transit via Baratang and Rangat with stops at mangrove creeks and viewpoints (respect all protected areas; no stopping inside tribal reserves).
Best Activities & Experiences
- Twin-Island Sandbar Walk: Wade between Ross & Smith during mid-tide; carry a dry bag and follow lifeguard timings.
- Rainforest Trekking: Summit Saddle Peak for sweeping views; register at the forest check post; start early.
- Snorkeling: Craggy Island and Ross & Smith shallows (good viz in calm season); use reef-safe practices.
- Turtle Watching (seasonal): Guided night walks at Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Karmatang when permitted by forest staff.
- Cave Exploration: Alfred Caves with a local guide; avoid monsoon months.
- Birding & Mangroves: Watch for Andaman endemics in coastal forests; short mangrove boat rides near Mayabunder (subject to availability).
Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- Turtle Nesting Season: Roughly Dec–Feb, with occasional activity outside peak months; access controlled by forest authorities.
- Local Community Festivals: Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas, and Eid are celebrated modestly in bazaars (Diglipur, Mayabunder).
- Calm-Sea Window: Nov–Apr brings clearer water for snorkeling and safer small-boat crossings.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days (Quick Offbeat)
- Day 1: Arrive Diglipur → Ross & Smith
- Day 2: Saddle Peak trek → Kalipur beach evening
- Day 3: Alfred Caves or Craggy Island snorkel → Depart
5 Days (North Andaman Focus)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Overland to Diglipur (or ferry when available)
- Day 2: Ross & Smith + Lamiya Bay
- Day 3: Saddle Peak
- Day 4: Kalipur/Ramnagar turtles (seasonal) + Craggy Island
- Day 5: Transfer to Mayabunder → Karmatang + Avis Island (if operational)
7 Days (Slow & Remote)
- Days 1–4: As per 5-day plan
- Day 5: Mayabunder mangroves & viewpoints
- Day 6: Attempt Interview Island (permits/charter dependent) or rest/beach day
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair
How to Reach North Andaman
From Port Blair
- By Road (ATR): 10–12 hours/300+ km via the Andaman Trunk Road to Diglipur, passing Baratang, Rangat, and Mayabunder. Expect checkpoints and variable road conditions. No stopping in protected tribal reserve zones.
- By Bus: Government and private buses (day/night) to Diglipur and Mayabunder; book a day in advance in peak season.
- By Ferry (limited schedules): Inter-island government ferries occasionally connect Port Blair–Mayabunder–Diglipur/Aerial Bay; schedules change—check locally at the Directorate of Shipping Services.
- By Helicopter (very limited): Administrative helicopter services may operate to Diglipur; seats are few and priority often goes to residents/medical cases.
Tip: If seas are rough, choose overland travel. Always confirm the latest ferry/road updates a day before travel.
Where to Stay
Diglipur Area
- Kalipur Beach & Aerial Bay: Simple beachside resorts, government tourist lodges, and a handful of homestays.
- Diglipur Town: Budget hotels/guesthouses near the bazaar; convenient for buses/ATMs.
Mayabunder Area
- Karmatang/Mayabunder: Basic hotels, eco-huts, and government guesthouses; quieter than Diglipur.
Facilities are modest across North Andaman—manage expectations, carry essentials, and confirm electricity/backup and meal availability before booking.
Estimated Costs
- Daily Budget (per person):
- Backpacker: INR 2,000–3,500
- Mid-range: INR 4,000–7,000
- Transport: Port Blair → Diglipur bus INR 500–900; shared cabs cost more but save time. Ferries (when available): approx. INR 400–1,000.
- Boats & Permits: Ross & Smith boat (shared/charter) approx. INR 800–1,500 per person or INR 3,000–4,500 per boat; entry/eco-fee approx. INR 50–200 for Indians, higher for foreigners. Interview Island charters vary and require permits.
- Guides: Alfred Caves/Saddle Peak local guide INR 800–1,500 depending on duration.
- Meals: Local thalis INR 150–300; seafood plates INR 300–700.
- Rooms: Basic INR 1,200–2,000; mid-range INR 2,500–4,500.
Prices fluctuate by season and availability; carry cash as digital payments can be patchy.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Fresh fish curry, crab and prawn fry, simple veg thalis, and island fruits (try Diglipur pineapples when in season).
- Tea shops and bakeries for snacks; dinner service can end early—plan ahead.
Shopping
- Small markets at Diglipur Bazaar and Mayabunder for basics, spices, and coconut products. Not a destination for big souvenir shopping.
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Multicultural settler communities (Bengali, Ranchi, Tamil, Burmese-origin families). Polite greetings and modest clothing are appreciated in villages.
- Strictly avoid any interaction with or photography of protected tribal communities on the ATR. Stick to the road and follow all rules.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen, carry your trash back, and avoid stepping on corals or disturbing nesting turtles.
Best Time to Visit
- Nov–Apr: Best weather and sea conditions; ideal for boats, snorkeling, and treks.
- Dec–Feb: Peak chance for guided turtle nesting sightings (subject to permissions).
- May–Sep: Monsoon; heavy rain, rough seas, and occasional route disruptions.
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Families
- Break up the long Port Blair–Diglipur drive with an overnight at Rangat/Mayabunder.
- Choose gentle beaches (Karmatang, Kalipur’s shallow sections) and pack snacks, sunhats, and motion-sickness tablets.
Honeymooners
- Base near Kalipur or Aerial Bay for quiet stays; time Ross & Smith for mid-morning light and fewer crowds.
- Carry a picnic, dry bag, and light sarong; sunsets at Lamiya Bay are gorgeous.
Friends & Adventure Travelers
- Start Saddle Peak before sunrise; keep a steady pace and carry 2–3 liters of water.
- Hire vetted local boatmen for Craggy Island and ask about currents/visibility that day.
Packing & Safety
- Reef-safe sunscreen, aqua shoes, quick-dry towel, headlamp, insect repellent, reusable bottle, basic meds.
- Network is patchy; BSNL often works best. Carry cash; ATMs are limited (Diglipur/Mayabunder bazaars).
- Respect tide timings, heed lifeguards, and avoid venturing into forests/reefs without guidance.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Yes. Obtain a same-day permit at Aerial Bay Jetty (photo ID required). There’s a small entry/eco-fee, and boat tickets are purchased on-site or via local operators.
Q: Is Saddle Peak trek difficult?
A: It’s a moderate-to-strenuous full-day hike with steep sections. Register at the forest post, start early, carry ample water, and consider a guide if unfamiliar with tropical trails.
Q: Can I see turtle nesting in North Andaman?
A: Yes, primarily Dec–Feb at Kalipur, Ramnagar, and Karmatang. Access is managed by forest authorities and may require guided night visits; sightings are not guaranteed.
Q: Are ferries to Diglipur reliable?
A: Schedules are limited and weather-dependent. Overland buses/cabs on the ATR are more predictable. Always check current ferry timings a day in advance.
Q: Is scuba diving available in North Andaman?
A: Diving infrastructure is limited compared to Havelock/Neil. Snorkeling at Craggy Island and Ross & Smith is more common; occasional seasonal dive operations may exist—check locally.
Conclusion
North Andaman trades resorts and rush for rainforest treks, turtle beaches, and empty horizons. With Diglipur and Mayabunder as gateways, you can walk a twin-island sandbar, climb the archipelago’s highest peak, and drift over coral gardens far from crowds. Travel is slower, services are simpler, and the rewards are richer—an offbeat Andaman experience where nature leads.
