Andaman & Nicobar Islands · Strategic Zone
DIGLIPURThe wild north Andaman — Ross Smith twin islands & turtle nesting
The Brief
Diglipur is the principal town of North Andaman, the northernmost island group of the Andaman archipelago, India. It is the gateway to the Ross & Smith twin islands (joined by a 4 km sandbar at low tide — one of the most photographed natural formations in the Indian Ocean), Saddle Peak (the highest point in the Andamans at 732 m), and the Kalipur turtle-nesting beach where four sea-turtle species nest between November and February. Diglipur is significantly less developed than Havelock or Neil, with limited infrastructure and a long road journey from Port Blair (12+ hours by bus, or 6-8 hours private). MyTripMyTravel operates Diglipur as a 2-3 day wild-Andaman extension for travellers wanting the islands beyond the resort circuit.
Diglipur sits at the top of North Andaman — 290 km from Port Blair by road, on the trunk route running north through Middle and North Andaman that crosses the Jarawa Tribal Reserve (a strictly regulated passage that runs in convoys at scheduled times only). The town itself is small and administrative; the draws are around it.
Ross & Smith Islands are the headline: two tiny islands joined by a 4 km curving sand-bar that becomes a 30-foot-wide white sand walkway at low tide. The image of two forested islands connected by a thin sand bridge in turquoise water is among the most reproduced in Andaman tourism. Permits are required from the Forest Department; access is by boat from Diglipur.
Saddle Peak (732 m) is the highest point in the Andamans — a guided forest trek through tropical rainforest with views across to the Mayabunder islands and the open Bay of Bengal. Kalipur Beach hosts annual sea-turtle nesting (olive ridley, hawksbill, green, and the rare leatherback) between November and February; the Forest Department runs an interpretive program.
MyTripMyTravel operates Diglipur for travellers who want the genuinely wild north Andaman — but with the logistics owned. The drive is long (or we fly Port Blair → Diglipur via the limited helicopter service when available); stays are simple; the value is the rawness. Typically 2-3 nights extension on a Havelock/Neil-base Andaman trip, not a standalone first visit.
Quick Facts
Diglipur at a glance
When to Deploy
November – April
November to April is the prime window — calm seas, dry days, and the turtle nesting window. December-February is peak with clearest snorkelling visibility. The monsoon (May-October) brings heavy rain, rough seas, and the ATR (Andaman Trunk Road) becomes weather-dependent; many travel operations suspend. November-April is essentially the only practical visit window.
The Itinerary Atoms
WHAT WE OPERATE HERERoss & Smith twin islands
The headline — the 4 km sand-bar between two forested islands. Forest Department permit required.
Saddle Peak trek
The Andamans' highest point (732 m) — a guided forest trek through tropical rainforest.
Kalipur turtle nesting
November-February nesting of olive ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles — escorted by Forest Department interpreters.
Pathi Level Beach
Quieter alternative beach for snorkelling and a swim.
Ramnagar Beach
Quiet stretch near Diglipur town for a slow afternoon.
Alfred Caves limestone walk
A series of limestone caves with bat colonies — guided walk only.
Sunrise / sunset boat from Kalipur
Quiet pole-boat rides during the golden hour.
How to Reach
ACCESS PROTOCOLPort Blair (IXZ) is the primary gateway; a seasonal helicopter service (Pawan Hans) runs Port Blair-Diglipur (~1 hr) when operating.
Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), 290 km from Port Blair — 6-8 hrs in a private vehicle (convoy through Jarawa Tribal Reserve required), 12 hrs by public ATR bus.
Ferry service Port Blair-Diglipur is irregular and not always operating; we do not recommend planning around it.
Private vehicle with permit-compliance for the Jarawa Reserve crossing — convoy times are fixed; we plan around them.
Where to Stay
A small number of eco-resorts near Kalipur Beach — basic but authentic, the only options at this end of the archipelago.
The state tourism corporation lodgings near Diglipur town — clean, reliable, basic.
Some travellers visit on a long single-day from Mayabunder rather than overnighting.
Where to Eat
The Andaman settlement cuisine — fish curry, rice, coconut-influenced preparations. Basic but authentic.
The eco-resort kitchens deliver the most reliable seafood meals — the menu is what's available.
Arranged beach lunches on Ross & Smith — hampers from Diglipur, the experience is the setting.
Go Deeper
DIGLIPUR DEEP BRIEFSIntelligence
DIGLIPUR FAQIs Diglipur worth the long journey from Port Blair?
For travellers wanting the wild Andaman — Ross & Smith sand-bar, Saddle Peak, the turtle nesting — yes. For first-visit Andaman travellers prioritising luxury and clear-water beaches, Havelock and Neil are the answer.
What's the Jarawa Tribal Reserve crossing?
The Andaman Trunk Road passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve (protected indigenous people) and convoy passage is strictly regulated at fixed times. No stopping, no photography, no contact. We plan the convoy times into the drive.
When can I see turtle nesting at Kalipur?
November through February is the nesting season for olive ridley, green, and hawksbill; the rare leatherback nests less reliably. The Forest Department runs interpreted night-walk programs.
How developed is Diglipur?
Significantly less than Havelock or Neil. Limited resort infrastructure, basic dining, limited connectivity. Travellers come here specifically for the unspoiled register — not a luxury extension.
How does Diglipur fit an Andaman trip?
As a 2-3 day extension on a Port Blair-Havelock-Neil base. Not a substitute for the resort islands; a complement for travellers wanting genuinely wild Andaman.
