Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places on the Unexplored Trails
- Tourist Circuits & Offbeat Routes
- Activities on the Trails
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Estimated Costs & Permits
- Sample Itineraries
- Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- Budget Tips for North Andaman
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Essential Packing & Safety
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Unexplored Trails in North Andaman: Where Wild Forests Meet Empty Shores
North Andaman is the far-flung, forested end of the archipelago where the road thins, signal bars vanish, and trails lead to emerald coves and cloud-hugging peaks. This is where you’ll trek under giant dipterocarps to Saddle Peak, follow deer tracks to turtle-nesting beaches at Kalipur and Ramnagar, squeeze through the bat-filled labyrinth of Alfred Caves, and wade the bright-white sandbar linking Ross and Smith Islands. These routes remain lightly walked, rewarding patient travelers with silence, endemic wildlife, and a rare sense of discovery.
Top Places on the Unexplored Trails of North Andaman
Diglipur & Kalipur Coastline
The jumping-off point for most North Andaman adventures. Diglipur town is practical, while Kalipur and Ramnagar serve up empty beaches, black volcanic sands, and turtle nesting in season.
- Highlights: Kalipur Beach (turtles), Ramnagar Beach (quiet sands), Aerial Bay jetty (boats to Ross & Smith).
- Good for: Easy coastal walks, sunrise photography, gentle shell-collecting (observe legal restrictions; do not remove live shells or corals).
Saddle Peak National Park & Lamiya Bay
At 732 m, Saddle Peak is the highest summit in the Andamans, rising straight out of sea-level forests. The trail starts near Lamiya Bay and climbs through dense evergreen jungle.
- Trail: 6–8 hours round-trip for fit hikers; steep, rooty sections; limited water on trail.
- Highlights: Panoramic views of the North Andaman coastline, endemic birds, giant trees, Lamiya Bay boardwalk.
- Permit: Required from the Forest Department (see costs below).
Alfred Caves, Ramnagar
A seasonal network of 40+ limestone caves near Ramnagar, home to swiftlets and fruit bats. Access typically requires a local forest guide.
- Trail: Half-day scramble through forest and narrow passages; best in the dry season.
- Highlights: Karst formations, quiet forest, wildlife sounds, raw caving experience.
- Note: Wear helmets and gloves; avoid disturbing nesting birds and bats.
Ross & Smith Islands Sandbar Walk
Two ivory-sand islands joined by a shifting sandbar in turquoise water. While known, it’s blissfully uncrowded outside peak holidays.
- Access: 20–30 minute boat ride from Aerial Bay; simple trail and boardwalks on Smith.
- Highlights: Wading the sandbar, reef-fringe swims, casuarina shade.
- Note: Closed or limited boat service in rough seas; heed tide timings.
Craggy Island Snorkel & Rock-Hop
A stubby, rocky islet off Kalipur, accessed by a short boat hop and minor rock scrambling.
- Highlights: Clear shallows, reef fish; often no other visitors.
- Note: Go with local boatmen; currents can shift quickly.
Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano (Diglipur)
Less-visited mud cones bubbling quietly in a forest clearing.
- Trail: Short forest path; combine with village visits.
- Note: Stay on marked paths; do not step on mud domes.
Tourist Circuits & Offbeat Routes
- Kalipur–Ramnagar Coastal Loop (Half-day)
- Distance: ~12–18 km by road with short beach walks.
- Flow: Diglipur → Kalipur Beach → Ramnagar Beach → village tea stop → back via forest edges.
- Saddle Peak Ascent (Full day)
- Distance/Time: 8–10 km round-trip; 6–8 hours.
- Flow: Lamiya Bay trailhead → Forest canopies → Two saddles → Summit.
- Alfred Caves Seasonal Circuit (Half-day)
- Distance/Time: 3–5 km on foot; 3–4 hours with a guide.
- Flow: Ramnagar trailhead → Forest walk → Cave clusters → Exit via alternate spur.
- Ross–Smith Islands & Craggy (Day trip)
- Flow: Aerial Bay boat → Smith Island trails & sandbar → Optional Craggy snorkel (weather permitting).
- Shyam Nagar Forest & Mud Volcano (Half-day)
- Flow: Diglipur → Shyam Nagar → village interaction → return via rural backroads.
Activities on the Trails
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (challenging), Lamiya Bay nature trail (easy), coastal rambles at Ramnagar/Kalipur (easy).
- Caving: Alfred Caves with authorized local guide only.
- Snorkeling: Smith Island lagoon, Craggy Island reef (clear, calm mornings are best).
- Wildlife & Birding: Andaman shama, Andaman treepie, endemic woodpeckers; turtle nesting (Dec–Feb) at Kalipur/Ramnagar with strict protection protocols.
- Mangrove & Creek Explorations: Seasonal country-boat rides in local creeks near Kalighat/Ramnagar with boatmen; availability varies by season and tides.
- Photography: Sandbar geomorphology at Ross–Smith, cloud forests on Saddle Peak, village life and bamboo craft in northern settlements.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: Dry, clear seas, best for trekking, boats to Ross–Smith, and snorkeling.
- December to February: Turtle nesting peaks at Kalipur and Ramnagar (visit only with permissions; no lights/flash).
- May to September: Southwest monsoon; heavy rain, choppy seas, leeches on forest trails. Saddle Peak and boat trips may be restricted.
How to Reach North Andaman
- By Road (most common): Port Blair → Diglipur via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), ~325 km, 10–14 hours.
- Transport: Government buses, private AC buses, shared cabs, or hired cars.
- Note: The ATR passes through Jarawa Tribal Reserve; convoy timings and no-stopping rules apply. No photography; respect all regulations.
- By Sea: Inter-island ferries connect Port Blair with Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur (schedules vary; seats limited). Check locally a few days in advance.
- By Helicopter: Limited seats, weather-dependent, priority for residents/medical. Not reliable for tourists.
- Local Moves: Auto-rickshaws and hired jeeps around Diglipur; boats from Aerial Bay to Ross & Smith; village buses to Kalipur/Ramnagar.
- Permits:
- Indian citizens: No island-entry permit; park/area permits apply where noted.
- Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) policy may vary; carry passport/visa at checkpoints and confirm current rules in Port Blair.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur Town: Budget lodges and simple hotels close to markets and bus stand.
- Kalipur/Ramnagar: Rustic beachside stays, government-run tourist huts (when operational), a few homestays.
- Nature Lodges: Limited forest-adjacent properties near Lamiya Bay/Saddle Peak base; basic amenities.
- Indicative Prices (per night, double):
- Budget: INR 1,000–2,000
- Mid-range: INR 2,500–5,000
- Government/Resort Huts (when available): INR 2,000–3,500
- Essentials: Power cuts are common; many stays run on generators/solar. Hot water may be bucketed. Book ahead in peak months.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food:
- Seafood thalis with reef fish, crab, or lobster (season-dependent).
- Bengali-influenced curries, coconut-based gravies, simple island breakfasts (poori-sabzi, buns, tea).
- Ask for fresh catch at Kalipur/Ramnagar eateries; many cook-to-order.
- Shopping:
- Bamboo and cane craft, spices, island-made pickles, cashew and areca products.
- Avoid buying coral, sea fan, or shells; it’s illegal to trade protected marine life.
- Culture:
- Settler communities (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu) and Karen communities around Mayabunder area influence crafts and cuisine.
- Village cricket on dusky fields, boatmen stories, and a slow, self-reliant rhythm of life.
Estimated Costs & Permits
- Transport:
- Port Blair → Diglipur bus: INR 800–1,200 per seat
- Shared cab: INR 1,500–2,500 per seat
- Private car with driver: INR 3,500–5,000 per day
- Inter-island ferry (when available): INR 400–1,200 per sector
- Boats & Local Activities:
- Ross & Smith boat (round-trip, whole boat): INR 2,000–3,500 depending on season and boat size
- Craggy Island hop (whole boat): INR 1,200–2,000
- Local guide for Alfred Caves: INR 500–1,000 per group
- Permits & Fees (indicative; subject to change):
- Saddle Peak National Park entry: ~INR 50–100 (Indians); higher for foreigners; camera fees may apply
- Ross & Smith island entry/jetty fee: ~INR 50–100 (Indians); higher for foreigners
- Turtle nesting zone visits: Only with permissions/escorts where applicable; often no fee, strict rules
- Daily Budget (per person):
- Shoestring: INR 1,500–2,500 (bus + simple stay + local meals)
- Comfort: INR 3,000–6,000 (shared cab or hired car + mid-range stay + activities)
Prices vary by season, availability, and fuel costs. Carry cash; ATMs are limited and connectivity can be patchy for digital payments.
Sample Itineraries
3 Days: North Andaman Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Diglipur; sunset walk at Kalipur; dinner with fresh catch.
- Day 2: Early boat to Ross & Smith; swim, sandbar walk, short island trails; optional Craggy snorkel.
- Day 3: Lamiya Bay boardwalk and Saddle Peak lower sections or village loop to Ramnagar; depart.
5 Days: Trails, Caves, and Turtles
- Day 1: Port Blair → Diglipur by ATR; evening at Kalipur.
- Day 2: Full Saddle Peak trek; recovery swim at Lamiya Bay.
- Day 3: Alfred Caves with guide (dry season); lazy afternoon at Ramnagar.
- Day 4: Ross & Smith day trip; return by golden hour.
- Day 5: Shyam Nagar mud volcano + rural backroads; depart or continue to Mayabunder.
Festivals & Seasonal Highlights
- Turtle Nesting (Dec–Feb): Kalipur and Ramnagar beaches. Silent observation only; no lights; follow local forest rules.
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan, Port Blair): If routing via capital, catch cultural programs before heading north.
- Local Celebrations: Settler-community festivals (Durga Puja, Pongal) observed quietly in towns and villages.
Budget Tips for North Andaman
- Travel by government bus for long hauls; use shared boats to split costs.
- Eat at local messes and tea stalls; ask for “today’s fish.”
- Book Ross & Smith boats on-site to negotiate group rates.
- Carry cash in small denominations; ATMs may run dry.
- Choose homestays or government tourist huts when available for value and proximity to nature.
Traveler-Specific Tips
- Families:
- Stick to easy segments: Ross & Smith boardwalks, Lamiya Bay nature trail, Kalipur beach hours.
- Pack snacks, ORS, and sun protection; midday heat is strong.
- Honeymooners:
- Pick beach stays at Kalipur/Ramnagar; target sunrise sandbar walks at Ross & Smith.
- Private boat timings and picnic setups are possible off-peak; confirm weather first.
- Friends/Adventure Groups:
- Tackle the full Saddle Peak; add Alfred Caves and Craggy snorkel.
- Hire a jeep for flexible dawn starts and sunset finishes.
Essential Packing & Safety
- Packing:
- Trail shoes with grip, quick-dry clothing, light rain shell (even in dry season).
- 2L water capacity per person, electrolytes, basic first-aid, headlamp.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, microfiber towel, dry bag.
- Insect repellent; leech socks if trekking post-rain.
- Copies of ID, cash, portable power bank (power cuts are frequent).
- Safety:
- Check tides and weather before boats or coastal walks; seas change fast.
- Follow forest rules; obtain permits; do not trek solo on remote trails.
- Crocodile advisories: Obey local warnings, especially around estuaries and mangroves; avoid swimming where signs advise against it.
- No stopping or photography in Jarawa Reserve stretches on ATR.
- Leave no trace: pack out all garbage; avoid plastics; stay on marked paths.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a guide for Saddle Peak and Alfred Caves?
A: Saddle Peak can be done independently with a permit if you’re experienced, but a local guide is recommended for safety. Alfred Caves typically require an authorized guide due to fragile habitats and complex passages.
Q: Are Ross & Smith Islands open year-round?
A: They are generally accessible in the dry season (Nov–Apr). Boat services may be suspended or limited during rough seas and monsoon months. Always check locally the day before.
Q: Is there mobile network and ATM access in North Andaman?
A: Connectivity is patchy; BSNL works best, with occasional coverage from other operators. ATMs exist in Diglipur but can run out of cash. Carry enough cash and offline maps.
Q: What’s the best season for turtle sightings at Kalipur?
A: December to February is typical for nesting. Visit only with permissions, avoid lights and flash, and maintain distance to protect turtles.
Q: Can foreign nationals travel to Diglipur?
A: Yes, subject to current Restricted Area Permit rules. Carry your passport/visa at checkpoints and confirm latest regulations in Port Blair before traveling north.
Conclusion
North Andaman’s unexplored trails blend raw jungle, high ridgelines, and secretive shores. From the summit of Saddle Peak to the shifting sands of Ross & Smith, from echoing chambers in Alfred Caves to turtle-shadowed beaches at Kalipur, this is a region for travelers who favor time, patience, and quiet over crowds. Plan around seasons and tides, respect forest and marine rules, and you’ll find an Andaman that still feels wonderfully undiscovered.
