Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places and Trails for Trekking in the Andaman Islands
- Tourist Circuits for Trekkers
- Activities Beyond Trekking
- Best Time to Visit for Trekking
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- Getting Around and Inter-Island Transport
- Accommodation Options for Trekkers
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Packing and Safety Tips
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- Sample Itineraries
- Budget Tips for Trekkers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Think turquoise lagoons, salt-laced breezes, and rainforest ridgelines sloping into the sea. The Andaman Islands are better known for beaches and diving, yet they also hide some of India’s most rewarding tropical treks—coastal cliff walks, forest boardwalks to limestone caves, and a summit trail to the archipelago’s highest peak. This guide curates the best trekking routes across South, Middle, and North Andaman, with practical details on seasons, permits, costs, and logistics so you can plan a safe, memorable adventure.
Top Places and Trails for Trekking in the Andaman Islands
1) Mount Manipur (formerly Mount Harriet) to Madhuban, Port Blair
- Distance/Difficulty: 10–16 km one-way; moderate undulating rainforest trail.
- Highlights: Andaman wild pigs, butterflies, tall Dipterocarp forests, Andaman Sea viewpoints.
- How to do it: Reach Mount Manipur National Park via Bamboo Flat ferry from Port Blair, then by road. Entry permits are issued at the park gate; start early.
- Time needed: 4–6 hours (one way). Arrange pickup at Madhuban or return the same way.
- Notes: Carry 2–3 liters of water; leeches in monsoon; stick to marked paths.
2) Chidiya Tapu to Munda Pahad Cliff Walk (South Andaman)
- Distance/Difficulty: 1.5–2 km one-way; easy coastal trail.
- Highlights: Sunset cliffs, birdlife (the name means “Bird Island”), wind-shaped roots and coves.
- Time needed: 45–60 minutes one way; sunset spot.
- Notes: Gates close after dark; carry a torch for return if needed. Avoid cliff edges in heavy wind.
3) Saddle Peak National Park Summit, Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Distance/Difficulty: ~8–9 km one-way from Lamiya Bay trailhead; strenuous tropical ascent.
- Highlights: Highest point in Andamans (approx. 732 m), panoramic views over islands, endemic flora.
- Permits/Guides: Forest permit required at trailhead; guide often mandatory. Typical entry from early morning; last permitted entry is usually mid-morning.
- Time needed: 6–8 hours roundtrip for fit hikers.
- Notes: Start at dawn, carry 3–4 liters water, electrolytes, hat, and rain protection.
4) Alfred Caves, Ramnagar (Diglipur)
- Distance/Difficulty: 2–4 km of forest and cave approach; moderate with some scrambling.
- Highlights: A cluster of limestone caves amid tropical forest; swiftlet nesting habitat.
- Season: Generally Nov–Mar for best access; subject to forest department regulations.
- Notes: Hire a local guide; wear grippy shoes; avoid touching formations and nests.
5) Elephant Beach Forest Trek, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
- Distance/Difficulty: ~2 km one-way; easy to moderate, can be muddy.
- Highlights: Forest trail to a famous snorkeling beach with water sports options.
- Notes: Tide and weather can affect conditions. Boats also operate from Havelock jetty when open.
6) Baratang Limestone Caves Boardwalk (Middle Andaman)
- Distance/Difficulty: ~1.5 km boardwalk; easy.
- Highlights: Speedboat through mangroves, walk to stalactite/stalagmite formations.
- Access: Day trip from Port Blair via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) convoys; follows strict regulations within tribal reserve areas.
7) Long Island to Lalaji Bay (Middle Andaman)
- Distance/Difficulty: 5–6 km forest trail; moderate due to heat/humidity.
- Highlights: Quiet beach at Lalaji Bay, chances of spotting marine life near shore.
- Notes: Confirm trail status locally; boats sometimes operate to Lalaji Bay; carry water and snacks.
8) Nature Walks at Barren Island Viewpoints and Kalipur
- Distance/Difficulty: Short coastal and village trails; easy.
- Highlights: Volcanic vistas from designated viewpoints (offshore), turtle nesting zones at Kalipur (seasonal, regulated).
- Notes: Turtle nesting beaches have strict protection norms; follow local guidance.
Tourist Circuits for Trekkers
South Andaman Circuit (3–4 days)
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail history, Mount Manipur–Madhuban trek.
- Chidiya Tapu: Munda Pahad sunset walk.
- Baratang: Mangrove ride + Limestone Caves boardwalk (day trip).
Island Hopping Circuit (4–5 days)
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Elephant Beach trek; snorkeling/diving.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Reef-walk to Natural Bridge at low tide (guided). Short coastal rambles.
North Andaman Circuit (3–4 days)
- Diglipur: Saddle Peak summit day, Alfred Caves (seasonal).
- Ross & Smith Islands: Sandbar beach day, light nature walks.
Middle Andaman Add-ons (1–2 days)
- Rangat/Long Island: Lalaji Bay trail (conditions permitting), mangrove boardwalks.
Activities Beyond Trekking
- Diving/Snorkeling: Havelock, Neil, North Bay, Kalipur (seasonal).
- Kayaking: Bioluminescence and mangrove paddles at Havelock/Port Blair (night tours depend on season).
- Birding: Chidiya Tapu, Mount Manipur NP, Saddle Peak foothills.
- Beach days: Radhanagar (Havelock), Laxmanpur (Neil), Wandoor (Port Blair).
Best Time to Visit for Trekking
- Ideal: October to April (drier, calmer seas, better visibility).
- Monsoon: May to September brings heavy rain, slippery trails, leeches, and possible closures. Plan conservatively.
- Temperatures: Typically 24–32°C with high humidity year-round.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Usually in January with cultural performances, food stalls, and exhibitions.
- Beach Festivals: Occasional local beach and cultural fairs on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep.
- National Days: Republic Day/Independence Day parades and events in Port Blair.
How to Reach the Andaman Islands
- By Air: Direct/connecting flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (routes vary by season).
- By Sea: Long-duration passenger ships operate intermittently from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (2–3 days, basic cabins). Not ideal for short trips; schedules limited.
- Entry formalities:
- Indian nationals: Valid photo ID is sufficient for tourist islands.
- Foreign nationals: Visa for India required. Most popular tourist islands/routes don’t need separate advance permits, but registration and specific permissions may be required for certain protected areas; check the latest advisories on arrival.
Getting Around and Inter-Island Transport
- Ferries: Government ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock, Neil, Rangat, and Diglipur. Private catamarans (e.g., fast ferries) ply popular routes.
- Road (ATR): The Andaman Trunk Road links South, Middle, and North Andaman. Transit through protected tribal reserve stretches is regulated with specific timings; follow all rules and do not stop in restricted zones.
- Local transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rental two-wheelers on major islands. Limited buses on longer stretches.
- Boats for excursions: Elephant Beach, Baratang mangroves, and Ross & Smith often require permitted boats.
Accommodation Options for Trekkers
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses to boutique hotels.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Beach resorts, eco-stays, and mid-range hotels near Radhanagar and Govind Nagar.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Small resorts and homestays near Laxmanpur and Bharatpur.
- Rangat/Long Island: Simple lodges and limited tourist bungalows; availability can be seasonal.
- Diglipur: Basic guesthouses and a few resorts near Kalipur/Ramnagar.
Approximate nightly rates (double, per room): Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid-range INR 3,000–7,000; Premium INR 8,000–20,000+ (seasonal variations apply).
Camping: Wild camping is generally not permitted inside national parks/forests or on beaches without explicit authorization. Use licensed accommodations.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Daily budget (per person):
- Budget: INR 2,500–4,000 (shared rooms, ferries, local eateries).
- Mid-range: INR 5,000–8,000 (private rooms, some guided trips).
- Comfort: INR 9,000–15,000+ (resorts, private transfers, activities).
- Key line items:
- Inter-island ferries: INR 300–1,800+ per sector (type/route dependent).
- Elephant Beach boat (if not trekking): ~INR 1,000–1,500 per person.
- Saddle Peak permit/guide: Permit often a few hundred INR; guide commonly INR 1,000–2,000 per group (check current rates locally).
- Shared taxi Port Blair–Baratang (roundtrip): INR 1,000–2,500 per person depending on vehicle and group size.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800 per day + fuel.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry, lobster/crab (seasonal), South Indian and Bengali influences, tropical fruits (coconut, banana, pineapple).
- Shopping: Handicrafts, coconut coir products, spices. Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—these are protected.
- Culture & ethics: The islands are home to indigenous communities with strictly protected reserves. Do not attempt contact, detours, or photography in restricted areas. Respect signage and local guidance at all times.
Packing and Safety Tips
- Essential gear: Lightweight quick-dry clothing, breathable long sleeves, hat, sunglasses, trekking shoes with grip, rain jacket/poncho, headlamp, small first-aid kit, blister care, ORS, and a 2–3 liter water capacity.
- Tropical specifics: Insect repellent, leech socks (monsoon), dry bags, reef-safe sunscreen, microfibre towel.
- Navigation & comms: Offline maps; mobile networks can be patchy. Carry cash as ATMs may be limited.
- Trail safety: Start early, check tide charts for coastal walks, register at park gates where required, and hire licensed guides for longer/less-trodden routes.
- Environmental care: Pack out all waste; single-use plastics are discouraged or restricted in some parks.
Traveler-Specific Advice
For Families
- Choose shorter walks: Munda Pahad, Baratang boardwalk, Elephant Beach trek.
- Schedule rest days with calm beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar) and keep snack/water breaks frequent.
For Honeymooners
- Time a sunset walk to Munda Pahad or Laxmanpur Beach 2; book a bioluminescence kayaking session (seasonal).
- Pick boutique stays on Havelock/Neil and add a private guide for Saddle Peak if you’re fit hikers.
For Friends/Adventure Groups
- Attempt the Mount Manipur–Madhuban trail and Saddle Peak on a week-long trip.
- Combine with diving certifications or multi-day island-hopping for variety.
Sample Itineraries
3 Days: South Andaman Taster
- Day 1: Port Blair sights + Cellular Jail. Sunset at Chidiya Tapu (Munda Pahad walk).
- Day 2: Mount Manipur–Madhuban trek (half/full day). Evening light & sound show (seasonal) at Cellular Jail.
- Day 3: Baratang Limestone Caves day trip.
5 Days: Island Hopping + Forest
- Day 1: Fly to Port Blair. Corbyn’s Cove, local seafood.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock. Elephant Beach trek + snorkeling.
- Day 3: Radhanagar Beach morning. Optional kayak or dive.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil. Natural Bridge reef-walk (low tide). Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair. Souvenir shopping and departure.
7 Days: North Andaman Summit Focus
- Day 1: Port Blair arrival. Chidiya Tapu walk.
- Day 2: Drive/ferry via ATR to Diglipur (scenic stops as allowed).
- Day 3: Saddle Peak summit day.
- Day 4: Alfred Caves with guide (seasonal) + Kalipur beach.
- Day 5: Ross & Smith Islands day trip.
- Day 6: Return south; optional Long Island–Lalaji Bay depending on time/boats.
- Day 7: Port Blair wrap-up and departure.
Budget Tips for Trekkers
- Book government ferries in advance for cheaper inter-island travel; use shared cabs/buses on long road stretches.
- Travel Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr for good weather and slightly lower rates than peak Dec–Jan.
- Carry a reusable bottle and purification tablets to reduce bottled water costs and plastic waste.
- Bundle permits/guides with your accommodation or local operators to save time and negotiate group rates.
- ATM and digital payments can be inconsistent—carry enough cash for remote stretches.
FAQs
Q: Do I need special permits to trek in the Andamans?
A: For most tourist-accessible treks (e.g., Munda Pahad, Elephant Beach route), no special advance permit is needed, but national parks like Mount Manipur and Saddle Peak require entry registration and sometimes a licensed guide. Rules can change—confirm locally on arrival.
Q: When is the best season for the Saddle Peak trek?
A: November to March offers the driest, clearest conditions. Start at dawn to avoid heat and comply with entry cut-offs.
Q: Is camping allowed on beaches or inside forests?
A: Unregulated camping is generally prohibited in national parks/forests and on many beaches. Stay in licensed accommodations or designated areas if explicitly allowed.
Q: Are there leeches and snakes on the trails?
A: Leeches can appear in the monsoon; wear leech socks and carry salt. Snakes exist in the wild—watch your step, avoid tall grass, and do not disturb wildlife.
Q: Is the Elephant Beach trek suitable for kids and seniors?
A: Yes, for most—it’s a short, mostly flat forest trail, but can be muddy and slippery. Good footwear and unhurried pacing help.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands blend emerald forests with sparkling seas, delivering treks that range from gentle coastal walks to rainforest summit pushes. Time your visit for the dry season, secure local permits where needed, and move island to island by ferry to reach marquee routes like Saddle Peak, Mount Manipur–Madhuban, and the forest path to Elephant Beach. With sensible pacing, tropical-ready gear, and respect for protected ecosystems, your Andaman trekking trip will reward you with rich wildlife, big ocean views, and quietly spectacular trails.
