Table of Contents
- About North Andaman
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Cities & Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits & Routes
- Activities & Experiences
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Where to Stay
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget & Cost Guide
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Practical Info, Permits & Packing
- FAQs on North Andaman
- Conclusion
About North Andaman
North Andaman is the wild, far-flung end of India’s Andaman archipelago—home to rugged jungles, the Andamans’ highest peak (Saddle Peak), turtle-nesting beaches, and the iconic twin sandbar paradise of Ross & Smith Islands. Centered around Diglipur, this region feels remote and refreshingly untouristy, rewarding patient travelers with empty beaches, rainforest treks, and clear-water snorkeling.
Expect slow travel: long scenic drives, limited but warm hospitality, and nature that still sets the pace.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April (Peak/Best): Clear seas, calmer winds, excellent for island-hopping, trekking, and snorkeling.
- November to February: Turtle-nesting season at Kalipur and Ramnagar; cooler days for the Saddle Peak trek.
- May to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain, rough seas, leeches on trails; boats and caves may close; travel disruptions are common.
Top Cities & Places in North Andaman
Diglipur (Gateway Town)
- Aerial Bay Jetty: Launch point for Ross & Smith Islands boats.
- Local markets: Stock up on snacks, cash withdrawals (ATMs limited).
Ross & Smith Islands
- Two emerald islets joined by a shifting white-sand bar; shallow lagoons perfect for swimming and lounging.
- Forest permit required; no overnight stays; carry back all trash.
Saddle Peak National Park
- At 732 m, the tallest point in the Andamans; dense rainforest, endemic birds, coastal panoramas.
- Trailheads near Lamiya Bay; permits mandatory.
Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches
- Turtle nesting hotspots (Olive Ridley and Green turtles). Night sightings only with Forest Dept. guidance.
- Craggy Island offshore offers superb snorkeling on calm days.
Alfred Caves & Mud Volcano
- Alfred Caves: Seasonal limestone cave network near Ramnagar; go with a local guide (Oct–Mar).
- Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano: Small but intriguing geologic site; short forest walk.
Tourist Circuits & Routes
- Classic North Circuit (from Port Blair): Port Blair → Baratang (limestone caves) → Rangat (Dhanni Nallah mangrove walkway) → Mayabunder (Karmatang Beach) → Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Kalipur, Saddle Peak).
- Diglipur Focus: Fly/arrive Port Blair → overnight in Rangat/Mayabunder → 2–3 nights in Diglipur for islands + trek.
- Nature & Trek: Base in Kalipur/Diglipur → Saddle Peak trek → Craggy Island snorkel → Ross & Smith sandbar day.
Note: Tribal reserves along the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR/NH4) are strictly no-stopping zones. Follow official guidance.
Activities & Experiences
- Island-hopping: Boat to Ross & Smith (permit + boat from Aerial Bay); swim on the lagoon side.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (full-day, strenuous; start by sunrise; carry 2–3 L water/person).
- Snorkeling: Craggy Island (off Kalipur) on calm seas; hire licensed boats and guides.
- Wildlife: Seasonal turtle-watching at Kalipur/Ramnagar; respectful, red-light use only.
- Caves & Geology: Alfred Caves exploration in dry season; short visit to the mud volcano.
- Birding: Look for Andaman endemics in forest edges and mangroves at dawn.
How to Reach North Andaman
From Port Blair to Diglipur
- By Road (ATR/NH4): 8–12 hours via Baratang–Rangat–Mayabunder; multiple creek crossings/ferries; scenic but long. Govt and private buses run daily; private SUVs available.
- By Sea (inter-island ferries): Limited sailings to Mayabunder/Rangat (then road to Diglipur). Schedules/weather can affect services.
- By Helicopter (limited seats): Administrative helicopter services sometimes offer a few tourist seats to Diglipur; highly limited and subject to change.
Local Transport
- Taxis/Autos: Pre-arrange through your stay, especially for early Ross & Smith departures.
- Scooters: Rentals in Diglipur (approx ₹600–₹1,000/day); fuel pumps are sparse—top up early.
- Boats: Only from authorized jetties with lifejackets; weather-dependent.
Where to Stay
- Kalipur/Craggy area: Best for turtle beaches and snorkeling; choices include simple beachside resorts and government tourist lodges.
- Diglipur town (Durgapur): Practical for markets/ATMs and early starts to Aerial Bay; budget hotels and guesthouses.
- Near Aerial Bay: Convenient for Ross & Smith boats; a few mid-range stays and homestays.
Expect basic to mid-range amenities; intermittent power and patchy Wi‑Fi are common. Book early in Nov–Mar.
Food, Shopping & Culture
Local Food
- Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry with mustard (Bengali influence), simple South Indian meals, and island staples (coconut, banana, papaya).
- Limited restaurants; carry snacks and drinking water on day trips.
Shopping
- Small markets in Diglipur for essentials; occasional stalls near beaches in season.
- Look for island spices, coconut products, local honey. Buy shells/coral only from licensed outlets (mostly in Port Blair); collecting from beaches is illegal.
Culture & Etiquette
- Diverse settler heritage (Bengali, Tamil, Ranchi, etc.). Respect local customs and quiet evenings.
- Tribal reserves are off-limits; never photograph or interact along reserve stretches of the ATR.
- Festivals: Local fairs like Subhas Mela (around late Jan) in Diglipur; pan-island celebrations of Durga Puja, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days: North Andaman Snapshot
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder (overnight).
- Day 2: Arrive Diglipur; afternoon Kalipur Beach and sunset.
- Day 3: Morning Ross & Smith; depart for Port Blair or continue north stay.
5 Days: Adventure & Islands
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur (long drive).
- Day 2: Ross & Smith full day.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek (full day).
- Day 4: Kalipur + boat to Craggy Island (snorkeling); evening turtle watch (in season).
- Day 5: Return via Mayabunder/Rangat with a mangrove walk stop.
7 Days: Extended North & Middle Andaman
- Day 1: Port Blair → Baratang (limestone caves) → Rangat.
- Day 2: Rangat → Mayabunder (Karmatang Beach) → Diglipur.
- Days 3–4: Ross & Smith + Saddle Peak.
- Day 5: Kalipur/Craggy Island; evening turtle watch (seasonal).
- Day 6: Optional Alfred Caves + mud volcano.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair.
Budget & Cost Guide
- Accommodation (per night):
- Budget guesthouses: ₹1,000–₹2,000
- Mid-range resorts/homestays: ₹2,500–₹5,000
- Better eco-stays (limited): ₹5,000–₹9,000
- Transport:
- Port Blair → Diglipur bus: ₹600–₹1,000 (one way)
- Private AC SUV: ₹12,000–₹18,000 (one way; negotiable)
- Scooter rental: ₹600–₹1,000/day (+ fuel)
- Activities & permits (indicative):
- Ross & Smith boat (return, per boat): ₹3,000–₹4,500 (shared up to capacity)
- Ross & Smith/Forest entry: nominal fee; camera/drone extra (rates change—check locally)
- Saddle Peak permit: nominal entry + guide optional
- Craggy Island boat/snorkel: ₹2,000–₹3,500 depending on season/group size
- Daily food: ₹400–₹1,000 per person (local eateries vs. resort dining)
Note: Prices are seasonal and subject to change; cash preferred in many places.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Break the long ATR journey with a night in Rangat/Mayabunder.
- Choose stays close to Aerial Bay/Kalipur to cut commute times.
- Pack snacks, ORS, motion-sickness meds; shallow lagoons at Ross & Smith are child-friendly on calm days.
For Honeymooners/Couples
- Expect serene, secluded beaches and starry nights—but minimal nightlife.
- Plan a sunrise start for Ross & Smith and a leisurely sandbar picnic.
- Network can be patchy—download maps and playlists offline.
For Friends/Adventure Seekers
- Attempt Saddle Peak on a clear day; start before dawn.
- Time Craggy Island snorkeling for slack tide and good visibility.
- Rent scooters for short hops; keep headlights on and watch for wildlife at dusk.
Practical Info, Permits & Packing
Permits & Rules
- No special permit for most tourists to enter North Andaman; valid Indian visa required for foreigners.
- Separate forest permits apply for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak; obtain at local check-posts.
- Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits; no stopping or photography along reserve stretches.
- Drones require prior authorization; plastic restrictions are enforced on certain beaches/islands.
Safety & Health
- Swim on lagoon sides and heed local advice; currents can be strong.
- Medical facilities are basic; carry personal meds and first-aid. Consider travel insurance.
- Mobile coverage is improving but patchy (BSNL/Airtel); ATMs are few—carry sufficient cash/UPI backups.
Packing List
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry clothing.
- Sturdy trekking shoes, water shoes, light rain jacket (even in fair months).
- Insect repellent, basic first-aid, 2–3 L reusable water bottle, dry bag.
- Power bank, photocopies of IDs, small trash bag to pack out waste.
FAQs on North Andaman
Q: How long should I stay in North Andaman?
A: Plan 3 nights minimum to comfortably cover Ross & Smith, Kalipur/Craggy, and either Saddle Peak or Alfred Caves. With 4–5 nights, you can add turtle-watching and buffer for weather.
Q: Do I need a permit for Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Yes. A local forest entry permit is required and is usually issued at Aerial Bay before boarding boats. Carry ID and small cash; rules and timings can change with weather.
Q: Is the Saddle Peak trek suitable for beginners?
A: It’s a long, steep rainforest hike (full-day). Fit beginners with proper shoes, water, and an early start can manage; hire a guide if unsure and avoid monsoon months.
Q: Can I see turtles at Kalipur Beach?
A: From November to February, Forest Dept.–guided night watches may allow sightings of nesting turtles. Maintain distance, avoid white lights/flash, and follow all instructions.
Q: What’s the best way to reach Diglipur?
A: Most travelers take the ATR by bus or private car from Port Blair (8–12 hours). Ferries and limited helicopter seats exist but are weather- and schedule-dependent.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards slow travelers with pristine islands, dense rainforest, and quiet beaches. Base yourself around Diglipur to explore Ross & Smith’s famed sandbar, trek to the Andamans’ rooftop at Saddle Peak, and witness seasonal turtle nesting at Kalipur. With simple stays, limited connectivity, and nature-led days, it’s a refreshing, offbeat slice of the Andamans best enjoyed between October and April.
