Chidiya Tapu: South Andaman's Sunset Point & Bird Island

South Andaman's Bird Island

Chidiya Tapu sits at the very southern tip of South Andaman Island, about 25 km from Port Blair — close enough for an easy half-day trip, far enough to feel like a proper escape from the capital. Its name translates to "Bird Island," a nod to the mangrove and forest-edge birdlife that has made this quiet stretch of coastline a minor birdwatching destination in its own right.

But most visitors come for one specific reason: the sunset. Chidiya Tapu is consistently rated among the best sunset points anywhere in the Andamans, and on a clear evening it's easy to see why — an open, west-facing coastline at Munda Pahad Beach with nothing much between you and the horizon.

Beyond the sunset, there's a small biological park, a few short forest walking trails, and very little else in the way of infrastructure — which is exactly the appeal for travellers looking for a slower, quieter counterpoint to Port Blair's museums and the diving circuit further north.

Best Time to Visit Chidiya Tapu

Since the main draw is a clear-sky sunset, weather matters more here than almost anywhere else on the South Andaman circuit.

Our pick: a dry-season evening between October and April, timed to arrive an hour before sunset — enough time to explore before the crowd gathers at Munda Pahad Beach for the main event.

How to Reach Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu sits on South Andaman Island itself, so there's no ferry or permit required — just a scenic drive from Port Blair.

• By Taxi/Auto: The simplest option — a round trip from Port Blair takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour each way on a forested road, and most drivers are used to timing the trip for sunset.
• By Self-Drive: A rented scooter or car works well if you'd rather set your own pace, though the road has limited street lighting after dark for the return leg.
• Combine with Wandoor: Chidiya Tapu is roughly on the way to Wandoor, the jetty for Jolly Buoy Island, so some travellers combine a morning marine park trip with an evening at Chidiya Tapu.

The Sunset at Munda Pahad

Munda Pahad Beach is where the sunset unfolds — an open, west-facing stretch of coast without the headlands or forest cover that block the view elsewhere on South Andaman. On a clear evening, the sky moves through a long stretch of colour before the sun actually dips below the water, which is part of why photographers rate Chidiya Tapu so highly.

It's a genuinely low-key experience — no ticket, no viewing platform, just a beach and a horizon. Arrive with enough time to find a comfortable spot before the small evening crowd builds, and expect it to feel unhurried compared to more built-up viewpoints elsewhere in India.

Chidiya Tapu Biological Park

A short walk or drive from the main road, the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park is a small zoo and rescue-style facility housing native Andaman wildlife — a modest but worthwhile stop if you're visiting Chidiya Tapu in daylight rather than only for the evening sunset. It won't take more than 30-45 minutes to walk through, making it an easy add-on before heading to Munda Pahad Beach.

Birdwatching & Forest Walks

The mangroves and forest fringe around Chidiya Tapu are genuinely good for casual birdwatching, especially around dawn and dusk — the reason the area earned its name in the first place. A few short walking trails run through the forest edge near the coast, offering a quieter, greener alternative to simply waiting on the beach for sunset. Serious birders should aim for an early-morning visit rather than the evening sunset window, when activity and light both favour photography over birding.

Suggested Visit Plan (Half-Day)

Chidiya Tapu is best treated as an afternoon-into-evening outing from Port Blair, timed around sunset.

Food & Facilities

Chidiya Tapu itself has very limited food options — a couple of small local stalls near the beach at best, so it's worth eating in Port Blair before you leave, or carrying snacks and water for the trip. There's no real resort or café infrastructure here, which is part of what keeps it quiet.

Budget Breakdown

Chidiya Tapu is one of the cheapest half-day trips near Port Blair — your main cost is transport.

* Figures are per person, per visit, and exclude travel to Port Blair itself.

Essential Tips for Visiting Chidiya Tapu

• Time your arrival for sunset: Arrive at least an hour before sunset to see the Biological Park and beach without rushing.
• Carry water and snacks: Food options are minimal on-site — eat in Port Blair or bring your own.
• Arrange return transport in advance: Taxis thin out after dark; confirm your ride back before sunset rather than after.
• Check the weather before you go: Since the main draw is the sunset, an overcast evening significantly changes the experience.
• Combine with a marine park trip: The road toward Chidiya Tapu passes near Wandoor, the jetty for Jolly Buoy Island, making it easy to pair a morning boat trip with an evening sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions