DIGLIPUR ISLAND

DIGLIPUR ISLAND – ANDAMAN & NICOBAR TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

Diglipur around 884sq km/553sq miles is a large island in the North Andaman housing lush green tropical forests, virgin beaches and rare attractions. The population is primarily made up of people from Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Cultivation and Fisheries are the two primary occupations of people in this island.

Diglipur Island is 330km by road and morning bus services are available between Port Blair and Diglipur. There are three refreshing breaks during the journey. At these locations, creeks need to be crossed using vehicle ferries, adding around 15 minutes of waiting time for the availability of vehicle ferries. A very beautiful 0.5 km/0.3 m long bridge connecting Mayabunder and Diglipur is a pit stop point.

Diglipur Island is 185 km by sea from Port Blair and shipping services are available for more than 4-5 days in a week. The travel time is about 12 hours. Quality of ships, availability of cabin accommodation and quality of journey are not of the best standard as in Port Blair.

How to Reach :

1.By Air :

The only commercial airport to reach Andamans is located at Port Blair, Veer Savarkar Airport, named after the famous freedom fighter Vir Savarkar who was imprisoned in this island at Cellular Jail earlier known as Kaala Paani. Direct flight to Port Blair is available from Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. The journey usually takes around 2 Hrs 30 Mins.

2.By Sea :

The Andaman group of Islands is well connected by sea. Regular passenger services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

Chennai – Port Blair – Takes around 60 Hrs.

Kolkata – Port Blair – Takes around 66 Hrs.

Visakhapatnam – Port Blair – Takes around 56 Hrs.

Best Time to Visit :

Andaman and Nicobar Island is a year-round tourist destination. The area receives minimum fluctuations in the temperature and is always pleasant. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island is considered from November to mid-May. Monsoons are however recommended to be avoided because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains and strong winds.

Places to Visit :

Ross and Smith Island

Ross Island (in Diglipur) offers a virgin beach bordered by a tropical forest. This island, at a distance of 20 minutes boat ride from Arial Bay jetty is an ideal spot for Beach, Adventure (trekking through tropical forest), Research / Education (like scuba diving, snorkeling, and turtle nesting),Wild elephants can occasionally be spotted. The sand bar joining this island with the adjoining Smith Island is an added attraction.

Smith Island offers a similar experience like Ross Island. This island also houses a small village of about 60 families. Eco rest houses are available for overnight stay. Turtle nesting during season is an added attraction.

Kalipur Adventure Sports Complex

Kalipur Adventure Sports Complex, near Kalipur Beach, was started in 2001. This complex offers water based adventure sports such as speed boats, water scooters etc.

Mud Volcano

A Mud Volcano has been identified at the northern tip of Diglipur Island. Little is known about the place; even locals lack knowledge. Visits by tourists are therefore difficult. Efforts need to be made in locating the volcano and providing facilities to access the same.

Ramanagar Beach

Ramanagar Beach, on the way to Kalighat, is another popular beach destination in Diglipur.

Kalipur Beach

Kalipur Beach, at a distance of 18km/11m from Diglipur, offers a combination of sand and rock shores with fishing village nearby.

Lamba Bay

Lamba Bay Beach borders the Diglipur National Park, leading to Saddle Peak. This beautiful beach has a stretch of shore covered with shells. At the end of this walk is a refreshing fresh water stream ‘Thambu Nali’ in the foothills of National Park.

Diglipur National Park

Diglipur National Park is a dense tropical forest housing a rich bank of exquisite trees, (including sandal), rare flora and wild fruits and offering trekking opportunities including climbing up natural steps formed by the roofs of old trees. Tourists need to take permission from Forest Department to trek through this Park.

A 740 feet climb leads to SADDLE PEAK, the highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which offers an aerial view of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the second peak ICE DEGREE PEAK is the coldest point while the third peak provides a fantastic view spanning Diglipur to Mayabunder