Diglipur Island, located in northern Andaman, is a popular ecological destination with plenty of flora and marine life. Diglipur, the largest town in the North Andaman Islands, frequently goes overlooked due to its remoteness from other prominent tourist sites i.e. Havelock and Port Blair). But it may be the isolation that makes Diglipur so unique and exciting!
It is one of the biggest peaks on the island, and it is frequently visited by hikers looking to view the archipelago’s distinctive biodiversity. Visit Ramnagar and Kalipur beaches to watch turtle nesting. A trip to the 41 Limestone caverns is also recommended.
There are several ways to actively spend your vacation here. Climbing the highest mountain in the Bay of Bengal, discovering the stunning twin islands of Ross and Smith, and witnessing a living mud volcano are just a few of the highlights.
How to reach Diglipur
Those considering a vacation in Diglipur Andaman Islands may reach the island by ferry from Port Blair and Mayabunder. If you’re travelling from Port Blair, take the boat to Aerial Bay Jetty in Diglipur, which is fairly close to Kalipur.
One can also go north along the Andaman Trunk Road, passing through three creeks and passing through the
Jarawa tribal territory. The voyage, on the other hand, is gruelling and can take up to 12 hours. There are several early morning buses that go every day from Port Blair to Diglipur. You can also rent a cab or car for the same. Along with it, AC buses are also available.
Getting Around Diglipur
To be honest it is quite a problem moving around Diglipur. The prime factor is the distant attraction spots from Diglipur. There are packed yet inexpensive local buses. These vehicles are few, and if you miss one, you will have to wait hours to see the next one.
Shared public jeeps are another speedier alternative, although they are more expensive and not always readily accessible. Those who wish to travel in comfort can either rent a scooter from a resort or hire a driver to accompany them.We recommend taking a tour package to Diglipur that contains all your travel, sightseeing, visiting to Ross and Smith Island, your hotel stay. Basically all things in your tour is covered in a diglipur package. What is not covered in your package is your personal stay. Lunch and Dinner can be added to your package if you require. But generally we recommend travellers to take a call on food options after reaching Andaman Islands.
Prime activities to do in Diglipur
The Digipur island does not offer adventures as such but the unrivalled beauty is worth paying a visit, especially in the winters when one can glance at the turtle nesting, mud volcanos and other nature’s marvellous.
- Trek to the Saddle Peak
Saddle Peak, at 732 meters, is the tallest structure in the Bay of Bengal archipelago. The surroundings are a bio-diverse scenic wonderland, as the dense rainforest is inhabited by over 13 unique bird species, 36 native bug species, and 6 indigenous tree species.
The solitary river in the Andamans, Kalpong, runs through the jungle and provides a delightful fresh-water brook where the water is still drinkable. All these features make this peak worth trekking and exploring.
- Turtle Nesting- lively experience
If you visit Diglipur from December to April, you will most likely see turtles breeding and hatching. Kalipur is among the few pristine beaches where four different kinds of sea turtles nest.
The sand on the beach is rocky grey, and the water is crystal blue. As a result, it is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Sunbathing is not recommended due to the presence of sand insects. Kalipur beach is around 8 km from Diglipur.
- Witnessing the Mud Volcanoes
The Diglipur Mud Volcanoes are natural treasures buried within deep forest cover. These, like its Baratang counterparts, are tiny muddy craters formed by natural gases generated by decomposing organic stuff underneath, which gradually forces the mud higher.
It’s not a particularly impressive sight, since most of the time there’s just a mound of dried muck and little bubbling puddles. However, visitors may explore 41 active clay craters while taking in the surrounding scenery and fauna.
- Mesmerizing twin islands
These magnificent twin islands are linked by a 50-meter-long sandbank. This silky white sand bar sinks into the water during high tide and rises again during low tide. The mild seas are crystal clear, and the untouched virgin coastlines are among the most picturesque on the isles.
Unlike Ross Island, which has deep forest cover, Smith Island offers the greatest facilities, including huge bamboo huts with lots of shelters, changing rooms, and bathrooms. The beauty of the beaches is heavenly and highly recommended at least for some time when in Andaman.
- Sunbath at Lamia Bay Beach
Lamia Bay, also known as pebble beach, is located at the foot of the saddle peak trekking trail. This is a fantastic spot for local fishing, and there are a couple of turtle hatcheries nearby. This beach is not well-known among tourists.
Time required in Diglipur
A 2-3 day trip would be excellent to cover everything. As the places are distinct and far away from the jetty and city centre so to explore it thoroughly it is the minimum time required.
Hotels and Resort in Diglipur
There are not so many options available for you to choose from due to the kind of remoteness of the island irrespective of its beauty. The Pristine Beach Resort in Kalipur is the greatest place to stay in the area.
There are several state places to stay with air conditioning, such as the Turtle Nesting Resort and the APWD Guest Houses. But their availability largely depends upon the prior booking as it is primarily meant for government officials.
