Places to Visit in Diglipur: 8 Spots + Route & Permits

Quick Overview: The top places to visit in Diglipur are:

Suggested Read: Trekking in Andaman and Sea walk in Andaman

Ross and Smith Islands, joined by a natural sandbar
Saddle Peak, the highest point in the Andamans at 732 metres
Kalipur Beach, a rare mainland turtle-nesting site
Alfred limestone caves; and the active mud volcanoes at Shyam Nagar.

Most places sit within 25 km of Diglipur town.

Diglipur sits at the far north of the Andamans, about 325 km and 9 to 12 hours by road from Port Blair. It is the one part of the islands where you get a real trek, a mainland turtle beach, a walkable sandbar and active mud volcanoes inside the same two-day trip. This guide lists the places to visit in Diglipur in the order most travellers see them, with the distance from town, the permit you need, and how long each one takes.

Two nights is the right amount of time. Group the sights by direction and you cover the lot without backtracking. Everything below is within roughly 25 km of Diglipur town, and the practical sections after the list handle permits, the road versus ferry question, and what to sort out before you leave Port Blair.

Places to Visit in Diglipur at a Glance

Place	From Diglipur town	Permit	Time to allow	Best for
Ross and Smith Islands	~15 min to Aerial Bay Jetty, then 20-25 min by boat	Yes, forest	3-4 hours	Sandbar walk, snorkelling
Saddle Peak National Park	Trailhead near Lamiya Bay	Yes, forest	Half to full day	Rainforest trek, high views
Kalipur Beach	~8 km	No	1-2 hours (evening for turtles)	Turtle nesting, black-and-white sand
The Alfred Caves	Near Ram Nagar ~35 km	Guide advised	3-4 hours with trek	Limestone caves, light adventure
Craggy Island	Offshore from Kalipur	No	1-2 hours	Snorkelling at low tide
Mud Volcanoes, Shyam Nagar	~20 km	No	20-30 min	Geology, a quick stop
Kalpong River and Waterfall	6.8 km	Sometimes	2-3 hours	Boating, greenery
Lamiya Bay / Ram Nagar	Near Kalipur and Saddle Peak base	No	1 hour	Quiet pebble and sand beaches

1. Ross and Smith Islands

Ross and Smith are twin islands off Diglipur joined by a natural white sandbar that surfaces at low tide and slips underwater at high tide, so you can walk from one island to the other across the sea. This is the single most photographed spot in North Andaman, and for most people it is the reason to come to Diglipur at all.

Location: Off the north coast, reached from Aerial Bay Jetty, about 15 minutes from Diglipur town
Getting there: A 20 to 25 minute boat ride from Aerial Bay Jetty. A private speed boat runs about Rs 5,500 for 5 seats or Rs 8,500 for 8; a shared boat is roughly Rs 1,200 to 1,500 per person (rates valid July 2026)
Permit: Yes. A forest permit is required before you board, Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreign nationals, issued at the Diglipur Forest Office, 6 am to 2 pm except Sunday
Best time: Late morning, timed to low tide so the sandbar is exposed. Allow 3 to 4 hours for swimming, snorkelling and the sandbar walk

Go for the sandbar, but snorkelling off Smith Island is the quiet reward: shallow coral, calm water, and far fewer people than Havelock. Ask your boatman for the day tide chart before you fix a departure time. If the sandbar is underwater when you arrive, you have mistimed it.

2. Saddle Peak National Park

Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 732 metres, protected inside a national park of dense tropical rainforest. The climb is the best land adventure in the islands and the main draw for anyone who wants more than beaches.

Location: North-east of Diglipur, with the usual trailhead near Lamiya Bay.
Getting there: Drive to the trailhead, then trek. The route runs about 8 km one way and takes roughly 4 to 5 hours up through rainforest
Permit: Yes, a forest permit arranged in advance at the Diglipur Forest Office. A local guide is strongly recommended and often required
Best time: Start early, ideally by 6 to 7 am, in the November to February dry window. Avoid it in monsoon when the trail turns to mud

This is a proper trek, not a stroll. Carry 2 litres of water per person, wear grippy shoes, and expect leeches after any rain. If you are short on time or fitness, skip the summit and do Ross and Smith plus Kalipur instead. The peak rewards effort, not a casual half hour.

3. Kalipur Beach

Kalipur Beach sits about 8 km from Diglipur town near Aerial Bay, and it is one of the few places in India where sea turtles nest on a mainland beach. The sand has an unusual black-and-white mix that you will not see elsewhere in the Andamans.

Location: About 8 km from Diglipur town, close to Aerial Bay Jetty
Getting there: 15 to 20 minutes by auto, taxi or rented scooter
Permit: None for the beach itself
Best time: December to April for turtle nesting, under forest-department supervision. Early morning and evening are the nesting windows

Four species are recorded here: olive ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback. The forest department runs a hatchery nearby, and on select mornings and evenings you can watch hatchlings released to the sea. Come in nesting season and this is worth the whole journey. Out of season it is a pretty, quiet beach and little more.

4. The Alfred Caves

The Alfred Caves are a cluster of limestone caves in the forest near Ram Nagar, reached on foot through jungle trails. They are for travellers who want a light adventure, not a polished tourist site.

Location: Near Ram Nagar, north of Diglipur town 35 km approximately.
Getting there: Drive to the trailhead, then a trek of roughly an hour each way through forest
Permit: No entry permit for the caves, but a local guide is strongly advised because the trail is easy to lose
Best time: November to February. Avoid monsoon, when the trail floods and the caves are unsafe

Parrot Cave and Durgapur Cave are two other limestone caves in the same area worth adding if you have a guide and the time. Carry a torch, wear closed shoes, and do not attempt the caves alone or in the rain.

5. Craggy Island

Craggy Island is a small uninhabited island lying just offshore from Kalipur Beach, ringed by coral that makes it one of the better snorkelling spots in North Andaman. It pairs naturally with a Kalipur visit.

Location: Offshore from Kalipur Beach
Getting there: A short boat ride, or a swim at low tide for confident swimmers only
Permit: None specific, but check locally before setting out by boat
Best time: Low tide on a calm day for the clearest water

Snorkel here and you often have the reef to yourself. Do not attempt the swim from Kalipur unless conditions are calm and you know the tide. When in doubt, take a boat.

6. The Mud Volcanoes at Shyam Nagar

The mud volcanoes at Shyam Nagar, near Hathi Level, are among the only active mud volcanoes in the Andamans: low grey cones that bubble cool mud and gas up from underground. It is a short, strange, worthwhile stop.

Location: About 20 km from Diglipur town, near Hathi Level at Shyam Nagar
Getting there: Drive most of the way, then a 15-minute walk through semi-evergreen forest
Permit: None
Best time: Any dry day. The site has seating and information boards and takes 20 to 30 minutes to see

Do not expect lava or drama. These are small, cool craters that gently ooze mud, interesting for the geology rather than the spectacle. Most travellers fold it into a Ross and Smith or Saddle Peak day since it sits on the same side of town.

7. Kalpong River and Kalpong Waterfall

The Kalpong River is the only major river in the Andamans, running through Diglipur past mangroves and forest, with Kalpong Waterfall along its course. It is the calm, green counterpoint to the treks and boat rides.

Location: Inland from Diglipur town, approximately 6.8 km away.
Getting there: By road to the access point, with river boating arranged locally
Permit: Sometimes required for stretches near the forest and the Kalpong hydro area, check locally
Best time: November to February, when water levels and weather suit boating

A boat run past the mangroves is a slow, quiet hour or two, best if you already like rivers and birdlife. If your days are tight, this is the first thing to drop in favour of Ross and Smith and Saddle Peak.

8. Lamiya Bay and Ram Nagar Beaches

Lamiya Bay and Ram Nagar are the quiet beaches near the Saddle Peak base and Kalipur, good for a slow hour rather than a full stop. Lamiya Bay is known for its pebbles, Ram Nagar for its long, empty sand.

Location: Near Kalipur and the Saddle Peak trailhead
Getting there: A short drive from Kalipur, easily combined with it
Permit: None
Best time: Late afternoon, on the way back from Saddle Peak or Ross and Smith

Neither beach is built for swimming, and North Andaman creeks can hold saltwater crocodiles, so treat the water with caution. Come for the quiet and the walk, not a swim.

How to Reach Diglipur from Port Blair

Diglipur is reached from Port Blair by road along the Andaman Trunk Road or by government ferry. The private air-conditioned cruises such as Makruzz and Nautika serve Havelock and Neil, not Diglipur, so plan around the bus, a private cab, or the government ship.

Route	Distance / duration	Frequency	Notes
By road (bus or cab)	~325 km, 9 to 12 hours	Daily buses and cabs	Runs via Rangat and Mayabunder along the Andaman Trunk Road, including the Jarawa reserve convoy
By government ferry	Roughly 8 to 10 hours by sea	Select days only	Tickets open about 2 days before departure and sell out fast

Most travellers break the long road journey with a night at Rangat or Mayabunder, or route through Havelock or Neil on the way up. Booking the return leg before you head north saves you a stressful scramble for ferry tickets in Diglipur.

Do You Need a Permit for Diglipur?

You do not need a permit to enter Diglipur itself, but you do need a forest permit for its two headline sights. Ross and Smith Islands and Saddle Peak National Park both require a forest permit issued at the Diglipur Forest Office, open 6 am to 2 pm every day except Sunday. The fee is Rs 50 for Indian nationals and Rs 500 for foreign nationals (valid July 2026).

Kalipur Beach, the mud volcanoes and Lamiya Bay need no permit. Foreign nationals no longer need the separate Restricted Area Permit for most of the Andamans, but carry your passport and a valid Indian visa, since checks still happen in the north.

A Practical 2-Day Diglipur Itinerary

Two days built around geography covers every major place to visit in Diglipur without doubling back.

Day 1 (north side, water):

Morning: forest permit at the Diglipur Forest Office, then Aerial Bay Jetty for the boat to Ross and Smith Islands, timed to low tide.
Afternoon: Kalipur Beach and, on a calm day, snorkelling off Craggy Island.
Evening (in season): return to Kalipur for the turtle-nesting window.

Day 2 (forest and geology):

Early morning: the Saddle Peak trek, starting by 6 to 7 am with a guide.
Afternoon: the mud volcanoes at Shyam Nagar, then the Alfred Caves if you still have daylight and energy.

If you only have one day, drop Saddle Peak and the caves. Do Ross and Smith, Kalipur and the mud volcanoes, all of which sit on the same side of town.

What to Know Before You Go

Carry enough cash for the whole trip. Diglipur has ATMs, but they run dry or go offline, and few small vendors take cards or UPI reliably.
Fill your fuel tank in or near Diglipur town, since pumps are sparse once you head out to the sights.
Mobile network in North Andaman is patchy: BSNL and Airtel work in town and drop out on the treks and boats, so tell your hotel your plan for the day.
Stays run about Rs 500 to 3,000 a night and meals Rs 200 to 400, so North Andaman is easy on the budget, but options are basic and book out in peak season.

Related Subtopics

Ross and Smith Islands: Twin islands off Diglipur joined by a walkable natural sandbar at low tide.
Saddle Peak National Park: The 732 m high point of the Andamans, protecting rainforest and an 8 km trek.
Kalipur Beach: A rare mainland turtle-nesting beach with black-and-white sand near Aerial Bay.
Diglipur Forest Office: Where you buy the forest permit for Ross and Smith and Saddle Peak, 6 am to 2 pm except Sunday.
Shyam Nagar mud volcanoes: Active mud craters near Hathi Level, about 20 km from town, no permit needed.
Aerial Bay Jetty: The departure point for boats to Ross and Smith, about 15 minutes from Diglipur town.
Kalpong River: The only major river in the Andamans, offering mangrove boating near Diglipur.
Olive ridley turtle: One of four turtle species that nest at Kalipur between December and April.
Andaman Trunk Road: The road link from Port Blair to Diglipur, via Rangat, Mayabunder and the Jarawa reserve convoy.
Craggy Island: A small offshore island near Kalipur with coral good for low-tide snorkelling.

Places to Visit in Diglipur FAQ

What are the top places to visit in Diglipur?

The top places to visit in Diglipur are Ross and Smith Islands, Saddle Peak National Park, Kalipur Beach, the Alfred Caves, Craggy Island, and the mud volcanoes at Shyam Nagar. Most sit within 25 km of Diglipur town and can be covered in two days.

How many days do you need in Diglipur?

Two days is enough for the main places to visit in Diglipur. Spend one day on Ross and Smith Islands and Kalipur Beach, and one on the Saddle Peak trek plus the mud volcanoes. Because the road journey eats most of a day each way, give Diglipur at least two nights.

Do you need a permit to visit Diglipur?

You do not need a permit to enter Diglipur, but Ross and Smith Islands and Saddle Peak National Park require a forest permit from the Diglipur Forest Office. It costs Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreign nationals, and the office is open 6 am to 2 pm except Sunday.

How do you reach Diglipur from Port Blair?

Diglipur is about 325 km from Port Blair, 9 to 12 hours by bus or private cab along the Andaman Trunk Road, or roughly 6 to 10 hours by government ferry on select days. Private cruises like Makruzz do not go to Diglipur, so plan around the road or the government ship.

What is the best time to visit Diglipur?

The best time to visit Diglipur is November to February, when the weather is cool and dry and seas are calm for the boat to Ross and Smith. For turtle nesting at Kalipur, come between December and April. Avoid the June to September monsoon, which disrupts ferries and treks.

Is Kalipur Beach good for turtle watching?

Kalipur Beach is one of the few mainland turtle-nesting beaches in India. Between December and April, olive ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles come ashore under forest-department supervision, and a nearby hatchery releases hatchlings on select mornings and evenings.

Is Diglipur Worth the Trip?

Go to Diglipur if you want the one corner of the Andamans that mixes a real trek, a walkable sandbar and a mainland turtle beach, and you do not mind a long road day to earn it. Skip it if your trip is short and you mainly want beaches and diving, in which case Havelock and Neil give you more for less travel. If you do make the journey, build it around Ross and Smith and Kalipur, add Saddle Peak if you are fit, and give yourself two nights so the drive is worth it. Sort your forest permit and your return ferry on arrival, not on the day you leave.

Planning Your Diglipur Trip With andamantourism.org

andamantourism.org is a local, Andaman-based operator based in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), enlisted with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Directorate of Tourism, A&N Administration. We run trips to Diglipur, Ross and Smith Islands and Saddle Peak throughout the year, so the permits, boat rates, ferry timings and trail conditions on this page reflect what we arrange for guests, not second-hand figures. We pre-book the forest permits, boats and North Andaman stays that fill up fast in season. Call +91 98100 66496 or email info@andamantourism.org to plan your Diglipur trip.

Last updated: July 2026

About the author: Rohit Chadha runs andamantourism.org, a local Andaman tour operator enlisted with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Directorate of Tourism, A&N Administration, and a member of IATO, TAAI and AATO.