Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Permits and Regulations for North Andaman
- Top Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities and Local Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Estimated Costs
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Safety and Responsible Travel
- FAQs: Permits for North Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is the wild, far-north stretch of the Andaman Islands, famed for its twin islands (Ross & Smith), the archipelago’s highest peak (Saddle Peak), serene beaches like Kalipur and Ramnagar, limestone caves, and turtle nesting shores. Because this region borders protected forests and tribal reserves, understanding permits and on-ground regulations is essential for a smooth trip. This guide explains exactly which permits you need, how to get them, and how to plan your North Andaman journey end-to-end.
Permits and Regulations for North Andaman
1) Do you need a permit to visit North Andaman?
- Indian nationals: No Restricted/Protected Area Permit is required to visit the Andaman District (including North Andaman). Carry a valid government photo ID.
- Foreign nationals: A valid Indian visa is mandatory. A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) has historically been required for foreigners in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and is typically issued on arrival at Port Blair (airport/seaport) for up to 30 days, with a possible short extension via FRRO/Immigration in Port Blair. Rules have seen periodic relaxations; check the latest advisory from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Andaman & Nicobar Administration before travel.
Important: Access to tribal reserves is strictly prohibited. Transit through notified stretches (e.g., Jarawa Reserve on the Andaman Trunk Road in Middle Andaman en route north) is allowed under strict no-stop, no-photography rules.
2) Site-specific permits in North Andaman
- Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur):
- Permit: Environment/forest permit required. Obtain it at Aerial Bay Jetty or the Diglipur Forest Range Office.
- Indicative fee: INR 100–150 for Indian tourists; INR 500 for foreign tourists (subject to change). Separate boat charges apply.
- Timings: Typically day visits 7:00–14:00; last return by mid-afternoon. Closed during rough seas.
- Saddle Peak National Park (Lamiya Bay):
- Permit: Entry/trekking permit from park gate or Forest Range (Diglipur/Lamiya Bay).
- Indicative fee: INR 50–100 (Indians), INR 500 (foreigners); camera fee may apply. Guide recommended.
- Timings: Day treks only; start early (before 7:00–8:00) and exit before dusk.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Turtle Nesting:
- Permit/permission: If visiting at night during nesting season, obtain permission from the local Forest Beat/Range Office; a guide may be mandatory.
- Season: Typically December–February (varies by year and conditions).
- Restrictions: No flash, no touching, keep distance, red-light torches only.
- Alfred Caves (Ramnagar):
- Permit/escort: Visits are usually guided and may require Forest Department permission. Dry-season access only.
3) Transit regulations through sensitive zones
- Jarawa Reserve (ATR, Middle Andaman): No stopping, no photography/video, no interaction. Follow posted speeds and instructions at check posts.
- Check posts: Expect ID checks and vehicle recording at multiple points.
4) Special activities and equipment
- Drones: The islands are sensitive. Comply with DGCA’s NPNT rules (DigitalSky registration/UIN/permissions) and obtain local police/administration permissions. Drones are prohibited near airports, defense areas, tribal reserves, and many protected zones. When in doubt, avoid flying.
- Diving/snorkeling: No special permit for recreational diving in permitted sites when booked via licensed operators. Marine parks and certain reefs have restrictions; follow operator guidance.
- Fishing: Recreational fishing may require permissions and is restricted in many areas. Spearfishing is prohibited.
5) Documents to carry
- Passport and valid Indian visa (foreign nationals)
- Government photo ID (Indians)
- Multiple photocopies and soft copies for permits
- Passport-sized photos (occasionally requested)
6) Quick permit checklist
- Confirm current RAP status if you’re a foreign national.
- Plan day of visit and get Ross & Smith permit at Aerial Bay Jetty.
- Obtain Saddle Peak trek permit at the park gate; start early.
- For turtle nesting, secure Forest Department permission and a guide.
- Do not stop or photograph in Jarawa Reserve during transit.
- Avoid drones unless fully authorized.
Note: Fees, timings, and rules change with administration orders and weather. Always recheck locally in Port Blair or Diglipur.
Top Places in North Andaman
- Diglipur Town: Base for exploring North Andaman; access to boats and permits.
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands connected by a sandbar; dazzling turquoise lagoon and white sand.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andamans (732 m); dense rainforest trek with panoramic views.
- Kalipur Beach: Black-sand stretches, coral views, and seasonal turtle nesting.
- Ramnagar Beach: Quiet, casuarina-lined shore; gateway to Alfred Caves.
- Lamiya Bay: Trailhead for Saddle Peak; rocky beach and forest edge.
- Alfred Caves (Ramnagar): A cluster of limestone caves accessed seasonally with guides.
- Mud Volcanoes (Shyam Nagar area): Small, active mud domes in a forested setting.
Tourist Circuits
- North Andaman Nature Circuit (2–3 days): Diglipur base → Ross & Smith → Kalipur/Ramnagar → Saddle Peak → Lamiya Bay.
- Island & Beaches Circuit: Diglipur → Ross & Smith → Kalipur Beach (evening) → Ramnagar Beach → Alfred Caves (seasonal).
- Trek & Wild Circuit: Saddle Peak full-day trek → Birdwatching around Ramnagar → Mud Volcanoes → Sunset at Kalipur.
Activities and Local Experiences
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (moderate–challenging); begin early, carry water and snacks.
- Beach time and lagoon swims: Ross & Smith’s shallow lagoon; heed lifeguard and boatman advice.
- Snorkeling: Clear patches near Ross & Smith and Kalipur (conditions vary). Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Turtle watching: Seasonal at Kalipur/Ramnagar with permission and guides.
- Birding: Forest edges around Lamiya Bay and Ramnagar; dawn/dusk are best.
- Caving: Guided visits to Alfred Caves in the dry season.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): UT-wide cultural celebrations; dates vary annually.
- Local fairs and beach events: Occasional community-led fairs in Diglipur and school festivals.
- National festivals: Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas, Eid are widely observed.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days (Short North Andaman Focus)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur (early start by road). Evening at Kalipur Beach.
- Day 2: Morning Ross & Smith (get permit at Aerial Bay). Late afternoon return or overnight in Diglipur.
3 Days (Classic Highlights)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur. Sunset at Ramnagar/Kalipur.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith (4–5 hours). Optional snorkel. Evening free.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek (permit at gate) → Lamiya Bay. Overnight in Diglipur or depart south.
4 Days (Seasonal Turtle + Caves)
- Day 1: Travel to Diglipur; secure necessary permits locally.
- Day 2: Ross & Smith. Evening permission for turtle watch (seasonal).
- Day 3: Alfred Caves with guide (dry season only). Beach time at Ramnagar.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak half/full day and depart.
How to Reach North Andaman
- By Road (most common):
- Route: Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur via NH4 (ATR).
- Duration: 8–10 hours by private car; 10–12 hours by bus (traffic/sea conditions can affect time).
- Notes: Transit through Jarawa Reserve is regulated; follow all instructions. No stopping or photography.
- By Public Bus: Government and private buses run from Port Blair to Diglipur (usually early morning departures).
- By Ferry (limited/seasonal services): Inter-island ferries may connect Port Blair/Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur, but schedules are irregular. Check the Directorate of Shipping Services in Port Blair.
- By Air/Seaplane: No commercial flights operate to Diglipur at the time of writing; past seaplane services are discontinued.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur Town: Budget lodges and mid-range hotels; convenient for transport and permits.
- Kalipur/Ramnagar: Beachside guesthouses and simple resorts; quieter settings.
- Indicative prices (per night):
- Budget stays: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 2,500–5,000
- Upper mid-range/boutique: INR 5,000–9,000
- Tips: Book ahead in peak season (Dec–Feb). Confirm 24/7 power backup and water availability.
Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood (fish curry, crab, prawn), simple Indian thalis, South and Bengali influences. Limited vegetarian options—plan accordingly.
- Cafes/availability: Expect basic eateries and dhabas; timings can be early-close. Carry snacks for treks and long drives.
- Shopping: Small local markets for daily goods. For souvenirs, prefer authorized emporiums (mainly in Port Blair). Avoid buying coral, turtle shells, or any wildlife derivatives.
- Culture: A mix of settler communities; polite, slow-paced island life. Dress modestly in villages; keep beaches clean.
Estimated Costs
- Permits:
- Ross & Smith: INR 100–150 (Indians), ~INR 500 (foreigners)
- Saddle Peak: INR 50–100 (Indians), ~INR 500 (foreigners), camera fee extra
- Turtle watch/caves: Nominal permissions; guide fees may apply
- Transport (one-way Port Blair → Diglipur):
- Government bus: INR 700–1,200 per person
- Shared cab: INR 1,200–2,000 per person
- Private taxi: INR 10,000–14,000 per vehicle
- Boats to Ross & Smith: INR 1,200–3,000 per boat (round-trip; depends on capacity and season).
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per day.
- Guides: INR 500–1,500 per activity (trek/caves/night patrols), depending on duration and group size.
- Accommodation: INR 1,200–9,000 per room per night (see ranges above).
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Families: Choose centrally located stays in Diglipur; carry snacks, hats, and sun protection. Stick to calmer beaches and plan shorter activities. Keep IDs handy for check posts.
- Honeymooners: Stay near Kalipur/Ramnagar for quiet beaches. Time Ross & Smith visit early for fewer crowds. Sunset strolls; consider a private boat if budgets allow.
- Friends/Backpackers: Use government buses/shared cabs to save costs. Start Saddle Peak trek at dawn. Coordinate permits the evening before. Pack a basic medical kit.
Packing: Lightweight clothes, trekking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, waterproof phone pouch, cash (ATMs are limited), copies of IDs/visas.
Safety and Responsible Travel
- Sea safety: Observe flags and lifeguard guidance; avoid venturing beyond safe zones, especially at Ross & Smith.
- Wildlife & reefs: Do not touch corals or turtles; no collection of shells/corals (illegal).
- Tribal reserves: No halting or photography; strict penalties apply.
- Connectivity & cash: Mobile data is improving but can be patchy; carry sufficient cash.
- Waste: Carry back all plastic; use refillable bottles.
FAQs: Permits for North Andaman
Q: Do Indian citizens need a permit to visit North Andaman?
A: No special entry permit is required for Indian nationals to visit the Andaman District, including North Andaman. Carry valid government ID and follow regulations in sensitive zones.
Q: Do foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for North Andaman?
A: Foreigners need a valid Indian visa and, as per long-standing rules, a RAP typically issued on arrival in Port Blair for up to 30 days (with a limited extension). Regulations have seen periodic relaxations; confirm current rules with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration or MHA before travel.
Q: How do I get the permit for Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Obtain the environment/forest permit at Aerial Bay Jetty or the Diglipur Forest Range Office on the day of travel. Fees are nominal; boats can be arranged at the jetty.
Q: Is a permit required for the Saddle Peak trek?
A: Yes. Buy the entry/trekking permit at the park gate (Lamiya Bay) or Forest Range Office. Start early and exit before dusk.
Q: Can I stop to take photos while driving through the Jarawa Reserve?
A: No. Stopping, photography, and any interaction are strictly prohibited while transiting the reserve. Follow speed limits and instructions at check posts.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards travelers with pristine islands, tropical forests, and tranquil beaches. Permits are straightforward: Indian citizens generally don’t need entry permits; foreigners should verify RAP status before arrival. Locally, obtain simple forest permits for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak, and seek permissions for seasonal turtle watching or cave visits. Respect transit rules in sensitive zones, plan logistics from Port Blair, and you’ll experience the unhurried beauty of the archipelago’s far north with ease.
