Diglipur Island

🌴 Diglipur Island – The Untouched Jewel of North Andaman

🧭 Overview

• Location: Northernmost large town in the Andaman Islands, ~325 km by road from Port Blair.

• Region: North Andaman Island.

• Known For: Pristine beaches, twin volcanoes (Saddle Peak), unique mud volcanoes, turtle nesting sites, and rural eco-tourism.

• Ideal For: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, offbeat travelers.

🕰️ History of Diglipur

Early History

• Originally forested and sparsely inhabited by indigenous tribes, especially the Great Andamanese.

• No recorded permanent tribal settlements in Diglipur proper.

Colonial Era

• The British established penal settlements in the Andaman Islands but Diglipur remained relatively untouched due to its remoteness.

Post-Independence

• After Partition, India settled refugees from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) here.

• Developed as an agricultural hub, Diglipur is now known for rice, oranges, bananas, and marine fishing.

• Tourism has grown only recently, making it a less crowded and more natural destination.

🌍 Culture of Diglipur

Population

• Around 40,000–45,000 people live in Diglipur and nearby villages.

• Settlers are mostly from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

Languages

• Bengali is the dominant language.

• Others: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English (basic conversational use in tourism).

Occupations

• Farming (mainly rice and tropical fruits), fishing, and eco-tourism.

Festivals

• Celebrate Durga Puja, Diwali, Pongal, Eid, and Christmas.

• Local village fairs and cultural programs are common in winter months.

Lifestyle

• Rural, peaceful, and close to nature.

• A strong community vibe and respect for environmental preservation.

🏞️ Top Tourist Attractions in Diglipur

1. 🌋 Saddle Peak National Park

• Highest point in the Andaman Islands (732 m).

• Located within a dense tropical forest rich in flora and fauna.

• Home to:

  • Andaman wild pig, imperial pigeon, megapode, and various endemic birds.

• Trekking: 8–10 km trek (moderate to difficult) from Kalipur Beach to Saddle Peak summit.

• Offers panoramic views of the archipelago and the Bay of Bengal.

2. 🐢 Kalipur Beach

• Known for turtle nesting (December to March).

• Four turtle species nest here: Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Green turtles.

• Turtle hatchery maintained by the Forest Department.

• Good for sunsets, beach walks, and spotting nesting turtles at night (with guide).

3. 🌴 Ross and Smith Islands

• The crown jewels of Diglipur!

• Two twin islands connected by a natural sandbar.

• Crystal-clear turquoise water, coral reefs, and white sand.

• Ideal for:

  • Snorkeling

  • Swimming

  • Sunbathing

• Accessible by boat from Aerial Bay Jetty (15–20 mins).

• Entry ticket and permit required (available at the jetty).

4. 💧 Ram Nagar Beach

• Peaceful and less touristy.

• Another important turtle nesting site.

• Good for long beach walks and nature photography.

5. 🛶 Swaraj Dweep (Alfred Caves)

• Series of 22 limestone caves, formed by natural erosion.

• Reachable through a trek from Ramnagar.

• Explore the unique karst formations, bats, and limestone structures with a guide.

• Best visited in dry season (Nov–April).

6. 🌊 Mud Volcanoes at Shyam Nagar

• Less dramatic than lava volcanoes but geologically unique.

• Formed by subterranean gas releasing through mud.

• Reachable by a short trek through forests from Shyam Nagar.

• One of only a few mud volcano spots in India.

7. 🌅 Aerial Bay

• Main harbor for boats to Ross & Smith Islands.

• Lovely sunrise views.

• Fishing and small-scale water activity base.

🏄‍♂️ Adventure and Activities in Diglipur

✅ Trekking

• Saddle Peak offers one of the best treks in the Andamans.

• Requires physical fitness, guide recommended.

• Treks to Alfred Caves and mud volcanoes are moderate.

✅ Snorkeling

• Available at Ross & Smith Islands and Kalipur Beach.

• Coral reefs, clear water, and colorful marine life.

• Equipment rentals available at the jetty or resorts.

✅ Birdwatching

• Diglipur’s forests are rich in Andaman woodpeckers, serpent eagles, megapodes, and other endemic species.

• Saddle Peak and forest areas are hotspots.

✅ Eco-tourism

• Visit organic farms, fruit plantations, and coastal fishing villages.

• Excellent for slow, sustainable travel.

🦐 Cuisine and Food in Diglipur

Local Dishes

• Bengali-style fish curry and rice

• Prawn masala, crab curry, and dry fish chutneys

• South Indian meals like dosa, idli, sambar

• Coconut milk-based seafood stews

Where to Eat

• Simple local dhabas, resort restaurants, and family-run eateries.

• Some options in Kalipur, Aerial Bay, and Diglipur town:

  • Pristine Beach Resort Restaurant

  • Saddle Peak View Restaurant

  • Hotel Laxmi Niwas

⚠️ Note: No luxury dining. Food is fresh, home-style, and filling.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Diglipur

✅ Resorts and Guesthouses

• Pristine Beach Resort (Kalipur) – Best for comfort, food, and beach access.

• Saddle Peak View Resort – Mid-range, scenic location.

• APWD and Forest Rest Houses – Basic government options, must book in advance.

✅ Budget Options

• Small guesthouses and homestays in Kalipur and Diglipur town.

• Prices are affordable, ranging from ₹500–₹2500/night.

🛍️ Shopping in Diglipur

• Not a commercial shopping destination.

• Some small shops in Diglipur town sell:

  • Local handicrafts

  • Shell souvenirs

  • Honey, pickles, and coconut products

• For major shopping, visit Port Blair.

🛫 How to Reach Diglipur

✅ From Port Blair

1. By Road (~12–13 hours)

• Via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR).

• Scenic drive crossing dense forests, tribal reserves, and several ferry crossings.

• Government and private buses available (overnight preferred).

2. By Sea (Ferry)

• Government ships operate 2–3 times a week.

• Takes 10–12 hours, depending on weather.

• Bookings via Directorate of Shipping Services in Port Blair.

3. By Air (Helicopter)

• Limited helicopter services from Port Blair.

• Costly and must be booked well in advance.

• Not ideal for regular travelers.

📅 Best Time to Visit Diglipur

• October to May: Best season.

  • Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking, snorkeling, and turtle nesting.

• Avoid monsoons (June–Sept): Rainfall, mudslides, and poor connectivity.

🌱 Sustainable Travel Tips

• Diglipur is ecologically sensitive. Please:

  • Avoid plastic.

  • Don’t disturb turtles or wildlife.

  • Hire local guides and support community tourism.

  • Stick to marked trails and respect forest rules.

🔚 Conclusion

Diglipur is the least commercialized yet most naturally gifted region in the Andamans. Whether it’s the twin-island paradise of Ross & Smith, the cloud-kissed Saddle Peak, or the rare mud volcanoes, Diglipur rewards travelers with tranquility, biodiversity, and raw beauty.

Perfect for:

• Eco-tourists

• Backpackers

• Trek lovers

• Nature photographers

• And anyone who seeks off-the-grid island magic.