5 Places Not to Miss in The North Andaman: Going Beyond Havelock and Neil Island
There is no denying the fact that Andaman and Nicobar islands are one dream destination on the Indian subcontinent. Stunning vistas and majestic topography set it apart. Unrivaled Nature unfolds herself and flourishes here, more than anywhere else. It is no wonder 200,000 visitors visit the Andaman Islands every year. But Alas! 95% of them never leave the "Port Blair - Havelock - Neil" triangle. We have spent 5 weeks here and for me, the true attractions of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago lie in the North Andaman Island.
***
So drop out of your modernized lifestyle. Answer to the call of your primitive DNA. And delve into the wilderness the northern islets has to offer.
***
 |
| The literal layers of blue merging into the white! Picture Courtesy: Argha Nag |
North Andaman Highlights
North Andaman has the highest peak, amazing jungles, the turtle nesting beaches, uninhabited islands, a mud volcano, and the famous Ross Island, connected by a sand bridge to the Smith island.
True, North Andaman lies 13 hours bus
or ship journey north from Port Blair. However, the adversities are not
forever. Neither is it the only catch here. You will be able to enjoy the serenity in the beauty of this Island without the
touristing bunch.
If unhurried and quiet holidaying,
away from the buzz of the city is your forte, then the North Andaman is your new
best friend. Whether to call it a boon or bane, your phone will not ring for
the duration of stay. Beyond the outskirts of Diglipur town, there is no
network coverage.
Diglipur
Diglipur is the first and only town
you will see in the North Andaman and most travelers just pass-thru on the way
to Kalipur. Diglipur is the last place where you will get everything you need; catch
any mobile signal, visit an internet cafe or stock up on supplies.
 |  |
Diglipur area North Andaman Map. Courtesy: EagleFlyFree
Saddle Peak
It is the highest peak of Andaman and
Nicobar Archipelago. While the peak's elevation is only 732 meters above sea
level, the hike to Saddle peak requires quite an effort. Plan
for a full-day and take plenty of water with you.
You do not have to peak the summit.
The journey itself is extraordinary. Evidently, the visible path takes you right through
the shades of the fantastic rain forest. And the ocean will always be right
there if you feel like having a splash. This trek is delightful. And it is a very
easy and comfortable, compared to the jungle walks in Africa or the Amazon
basin. Temperatures are ambient here. Expect
some 29-32 degrees Celsius during the winter season.
***
At
the entrance to the Saddle Peak national park stands a tiny Forest Department
building where your permit will be issued on the spot for a small fee.
***
Craggy Island
I fell in love with this tiny,
uninhabited island. And deservedly so. It is one of those places where you be
the Robinson Crusoe. The most photographed site, maybe, with its colorful
underwater world. The reefs would leave your jaw on the floor (read ocean
floor); just the perfect spot for Snorkeling!
Granted, one should not come all this
way without some precaution to keep you from the scorching heat of the sun. The jungle
is too dense to take shelter into. And there is no natural shade on the beach. It
is always advisable to carry a larger umbrella. A hammock or two may save your
day here. Even beach blankets could serve as canopy sheds here.
***
When
you design your North Andaman trip, you will see a few sources saying that
“Craggy Island is just a swim away from Kalipur beach”. Trust me, it is
not “just a swim away”. Take a boat instead.
***
 |
| Anchoring by Craggy Island |
Turtle Nesting and Hatching in The Kalipur Beach
Come the hatching season and the Kalipur
beach becomes the nesting grounds of the turtles. You will find four turtle species here- Olive
Ridley, Leather Back, Green Turtle, and Hawks Bill. Nesting season runs from mid-December to March and little
turtle hatch within 45-50 days. The beach offers three accommodations
nearby wherefrom you can observe the turtles in the night.
***
Pro
Tip: It
is good to be rational here. Turtles will not come every night. Sometimes you
wait till 1 a.m. and then go to sleep, just to hear that 3 turtles came to nest
just after you left. Locals advise coming one hour before high tide and stay
for 2 hours. If there is no turtle nesting, go back to rest and come back again
the next night. If you want to increase your chances, remain silent and
definitely use NO light! Loud sounds and blazing your mobile light on the beach
will scare the turtle away. If you need to use light, use low red light.
***
***
 |
| Turtle hatchling on the shorelines Courtesy: Andaman Emerald |
The Twin Islands of Ross and Smith
Imagine
a milieu of perfect cerulean seawater divided by a beige stretch of shoal; sounds overwhelming? Then this is your Spot! You can walk the white sand from one island to the other. The Indian Ocean will always flow with you. You can’t possibly pull yourself away
from this slice of Paradise!
You would come across the duo when
you surf through the net for the Andaman Islands. You will see iconic pictures
of the twin islets pretty often. As often as not, visitors flock here for the
stunning geographical formations. And that makes the tedious journey to the North
Andaman all the more alluring and enduring.
Boats depart from Aerial Bay Jetty
and charge around 4000 rupees per boat (not person) for a return trip with 3
hours waiting time in the islands. This price will work for up to five people
and the trip gets more expensive if there are more people.
How to Reach North Andaman? By Ships
Ships sail between Port Blair
and Diglipur 3 to 6 times a week. Fares are from INR 630 for the deck to INR 1470
for a deluxe cabin. The ship sails all day or all night. Best is to take a cabin,
sleep well and wake up in the morning in Diglipur. Ships anchor at the Aerial
Bay.
Read more about Traveling Andaman islands by Ships in the Andaman TravelGuide.
How to Reach North Andaman? By Bus
There are 4 buses daily from Port
Blair to Diglipur. These depart Port Blair at 4:15am IST, 7:00am IST, 10:00am
IST and last at 12:45am IST. Lately (in November 2019) an overnight bus started
from Port Blair to Diglipur. Buses return from Diglipur at 7:00am IST, 10:00am
IST and then there is an overnight bus back to Port Blair.
 |
| Backpacking by Bus |
Getting from Diglipur to Aerial bay and Kalipur
A public bus is a cheapest and
reasonably convenient way to reach both Aerial Bay and Kalipur from Diglipur. Buses
leave every hour from Diglipur central market area and the last bus
leaves at 7 pm. Do not miss it!
Auto rickshaws and taxis between
Diglipur and Kalipur will cost 300-600 INR one way. Bargaining in a friendly
manner can benefit you here.
If you arrive by ocean vessel,
you will disembark at Aerial Bay jetty. No need to go to Diglipur, just jump on
the Diglipur - Kalipur bus as it passes by Aerial Bay and disembark at your
accommodation near Kalipur beach.
Where to Stay? North Andaman Hotels, Resorts, and Accommodation
Within walking distance to Kalipur
beach, there are 3 accommodation options: Turtle Resort, Pristine Resort, and Saddle Peak View
Resort.
Tourism department operated Turtle
Resort is the best value for money choice
here. Double room with hot water and AC will cost from INR 1200 at
the Turtle Resort or similarly priced Saddle Peak. Pristine is the most
expensive of the three.
North Andaman offers so many things
to do. I would recommend spending at least 4 days here. 5 days and you will
love it even more. So, set sails! Ahoy Matey!
Click here to check Andaman IslandsTravel Guide.
Follow the Authors on their Socials here: Facebook and Instagram.
Follow the Authors on their Socials here: Facebook and Instagram.
 |  |
8 comments
Wow, these places are really beautiful and if I am going to travel in one place I will definitely choose this place because it's definitely a perfect destination for a traveler like me.
ReplyDeleteNorth Andaman sounds like a wonderful place to visit! The photos alone are enough to get me there.
ReplyDeletewww.poutineandprada.com
Wow, the water is so clear! It sounds like an amazing place to spend some time exploring.
ReplyDeleteHow i wish i can see those hatching turtles too. Place looks amazing, would love to visit
ReplyDeleteSuch a great place for a vacation. Seeing those hatching turtles is so exciting and a very great experience.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great place for vacation especially during the winter season here in the north. The water is calling my name ;-)
ReplyDeleteAndaman beaches are famous for their beautiful magnificent deep blue waters and serenity and calm environment.
ReplyDeleteBest hotels in Erode
Great article and a nice way to promote online. I’m satisfied with the information that you provided Andaman Nicobar trip
ReplyDeleteHi there! Leave your valuable suggestions here.