Diglipur sits quietly between rainforests, rivers, and calm beaches where turtles still come ashore at night. It’s where you’ll find Ross and Smith Islands, two landmasses linked by a sandbar so perfect it seems unreal, and Saddle Peak, the highest mountain in the Andamans, standing watch over the Bay of Bengal.

Reaching here takes effort — roughly 300 kilometers north of Port Blair by road or sea — but every kilometer feels like a step further into the raw, untouched side of island life.

Why Diglipur stands apart:

• 🏝️ Northernmost town of the Andaman Islands

• 🌄 Home to Saddle Peak National Park and twin islands Ross & Smith

• 🐢 Famous for turtle nesting at Kalipur Beach

• 🚘 Accessible via the Great Andaman Trunk Road or by ferry

If Havelock is the Andamans’ postcard, Diglipur is its hidden chapter — less glamorous, more grounding, and deeply rewarding for those who make the journey.

 

Where Is Diglipur?

Diglipur is the northernmost major town in the North and Middle Andaman district, around 300 km from Port Blair. It’s a mix of rolling hills, rivers, and small fishing villages surrounded by thick tropical forests.

The town connects to the capital via the Great Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), a long route that winds through creeks and dense reserves. The drive is long — sometimes rough — but it’s also one of the most scenic in the islands.

Nearby, Kalipur Beach serves as a base for exploring Saddle Peak National Park, while boats from Aerial Bay Jetty take visitors to the stunning Ross and Smith Islands.

Diglipur may not be fancy, but it’s real — a slice of Andaman life that still feels untouched.

 

How to Reach Diglipur?

Getting to Diglipur is an adventure in itself. It can be reached by road or by sea — both offering incredible scenery along the way.

By Road via the Great Andaman Trunk Road (ATR)

The ATR connects Port Blair to Diglipur through Baratang, Rangat, and Mayabunder. The route passes through the Tribal Reserve, where travel rules are strict to protect the indigenous community.

• 🚗 Distance: Around 300 km

• ⏱️ Travel Time: 12–15 hours

• ⚠️ Rules: No stopping, photography, or interaction inside the reserve

Vehicles travel in escorted convoys, and you’ll cross creeks on small ferries — it’s long but worth every bit for the views and jungle silence.

By Sea

Passenger ferries operate between Port Blair and Diglipur a few times a week.

• ⛴️ Duration: 10–12 hours

• 💡 Tip: Book tickets in advance through local travel counters or government offices

It’s slower than the road, but smoother and more scenic if you enjoy long ocean rides.

Local Transport

Once there, autos, jeeps, and scooters are available for rent. Scooters are perfect if you want to move between beaches, Saddle Peak, and nearby villages freely.

 

Top Attractions in and Around Diglipur

Diglipur’s appeal lies in its natural variety — beaches, peaks, rivers, and caves. Each spot feels like a small discovery waiting quietly for the few who make it this far.

1. Ross & Smith Islands

These twin islands are joined by a narrow white sandbar that disappears at high tide. The water is crystal clear, the crowd minimal, and the vibe surreal.

• 📍 10 km from Diglipur, boat from Aerial Bay Jetty

• 🪪 Permit: Required, available at Aerial Bay

• 🕒 Best Time: November–April

Walk barefoot across the sandbar, swim in the calm lagoon, and enjoy one of the purest coastal landscapes in India.

2. Saddle Peak National Park

At 732 meters, Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andaman Islands. The trek (around 8 km one way) winds through dense forest filled with tropical birds, orchids, and small streams.

• 📍 Near Kalipur Beach

• 🪪 Permit: Forest Department office

• 🕒 Best Time: October–March

It’s a moderately tough trek, but the panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal from the top is unmatched.

3. Kalipur Beach (Turtle Nesting)

Known for its volcanic grey sand, Kalipur Beach becomes magical during the turtle nesting season between December and February. Four species — including Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles — come here to lay their eggs.

• 📍 17 km from Diglipur

• 🕒 Best Time: December–February

• 💡 Tip: Avoid flashlights and noise during nesting nights

You can also visit the nearby Turtle Hatchery, where local conservationists protect eggs and release hatchlings safely back to sea.

4. Alfred Caves

Deep in the forest lie 40 natural limestone caves, known collectively as Alfred Caves. They’re home to swiftlets and fruit bats — and are best visited with a local guide.

• 📍 35 km from Diglipur

• 🕒 Best Time: November–March

• 💡 Tip: Carry a flashlight and wear trekking shoes

It’s wild, muddy, and full of wonder — exactly the kind of offbeat adventure Diglipur is known for.

5. Mud Volcano at Jal Tikry

This smaller, lesser-known mud volcano quietly bubbles away amid green forest. It’s a quick 15-minute trek to reach it from the road, passing through calm, unspoiled nature.

• 📍 20 km from Diglipur

• 🕒 Best Time: November–April

Though not dramatic, it’s fascinating to see gases escape from beneath the earth in small, steady bursts of mud.

6. Ramnagar Beach

A peaceful, palm-fringed stretch at the northernmost tip of the Andamans. The beach is clean, calm, and perfect for swimming or long walks during low tide.

• 📍 18 km from Diglipur

• 🕒 Best Time: October–March

• 💡 Tip: Carry your own water and snacks — there are no shops nearby

It’s one of those beaches that reward silence with serenity.

7. Kalpong River Hydroelectric Site

The Kalpong River, the only river in the Andamans, hosts India’s first island-based hydroelectric project. While entry to the plant isn’t open to tourists, the surrounding scenery makes it worth a visit.

• 📍 Between Kalipur and Keralpur

• 🕒 Best Time: Year-round

8. Lamiya Bay & Craggy Island

Near the foothills of Saddle Peak, Lamiya Bay is often called the “last beach of North Andaman.” Craggy Island, nearby, is great for snorkeling and photography.

• 📍 10 km from Diglipur

• 🕒 Best Time: November–April

• 💡 Tip: Go early morning for calmer waters

 

Stay and Eat in Diglipur

Diglipur keeps it simple when it comes to accommodation — no high-rise resorts, just peaceful guesthouses and small eco-stays.

• 🏖️ Pristine Beach Resort: Comfortable cottages close to the beach.

• 🌄 Saddle Peak View Resort: Great for trekkers and nature lovers.

• 🏠 Government Guest Houses: Affordable, basic, and clean.

If you’re starting your journey in Port Blair, stay at Sandhya Residency Andaman — one of the most reliable options for travelers. Whether you’re searching for hotel rooms in Port Blair, or a comfortable homestay in Port Blair, Sandhya Residencya Andaman stands among the best hotels at Port Blair Andaman Islands for convenience and comfort.

Food in Diglipur is simple but satisfying — think local thalis, fresh seafood, and homemade curries cooked with island spices. Most resorts and homestays prepare meals to order using local produce.

 

Travel Tips & Permits

Traveling this far north means planning ahead. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• 🪪 Permits: Required for Ross & Smith Islands and Saddle Peak trek. Carry a valid ID.

• 💵 Cash: Limited ATMs; carry enough money in small notes.

• 📶 Network: BSNL & Airtel works best; others are patchy.

• 🌱 Eco Etiquette: Don’t litter, avoid plastic, and respect wildlife zones.

• 🗓️ Best Months: October–April for pleasant weather; December–February for turtle nesting.

 

Conclusion

Diglipur is not a destination you stumble upon — it’s one you earn. The drive is long, the road uneven, and the journey demanding. But once you reach, the world slows down in the best possible way.

You trade noise for the sound of waves, traffic for birdsong, and screens for sunsets. Unlike the polished beaches of Havelock or the crowds of Port Blair, Diglipur stays raw, real, and utterly peaceful.

It’s not about luxury here — it’s about connection. With nature, with silence, and maybe with a side of yourself you didn’t know needed this calm.