North Andaman's Quiet Base
Diglipur is a town in North Andaman and the farthest major settlement from Port Blair — roughly 290 km away by a combination of road and ferry. That distance is exactly why so few visitors make it here, and exactly why the things around Diglipur feel different from the well-trodden Havelock-Neil circuit further south.
This is the gateway to Saddle Peak, the highest point in the entire Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, reachable by a genuine forest trek. It's also close to Kalipur Beach, known for its sea turtle nesting season, and to Ross & Smith Islands — twin islands connected by a natural sandbar that most Andaman itineraries never reach.
None of this is a quick add-on. Given the travel time involved, Diglipur works best as a dedicated 2-3 day extension for travellers who have already covered the southern islands and want to see North Andaman's wilder, far quieter side.
🏔️ Diglipur at a Glance
Planning something active? Read our guide to adventure activities in the Andamans.
Best Time to Visit Diglipur
Between the trek, the beach, and the boat trips, weather plays a bigger role in a Diglipur trip than almost anywhere else in the Andamans.
Cool, dry conditions for the Saddle Peak trek, calm seas for the Ross & Smith Islands boat trip, and turtle nesting season at Kalipur.
Warmer and more humid for the trek, but boat trips and beach time remain comfortable, especially in the morning.
Heavy rain can close the Saddle Peak trail and cancel boat trips to Ross & Smith Islands with little notice — a difficult window for this trip.
Rains easing off, forest still lush — a reasonable shoulder-season option if your dates don't allow for peak winter.
Our pick: November to February — comfortable trekking weather, calm seas for island hopping, and the best chance of seeing turtle activity at Kalipur.
How to Reach Diglipur
Reaching Diglipur is a genuine journey rather than a short transfer, and it's worth planning around rather than underestimating.
- By Road + Ferry: The standard route — roughly 290 km from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road, including a ferry crossing, typically taking 8-12 hours.
- Via Rangat & Mayabunder: Most travellers break the journey with stops in Rangat and Mayabunder rather than attempting it in one push.
- By Air/Helicopter: Where scheduled, flights or helicopter services can significantly cut travel time — check current availability, as these services can be limited or seasonal.
Saddle Peak National Park
At roughly 730 metres, Saddle Peak is the highest point in the entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands, sitting inside Saddle Peak National Park just outside Diglipur. Reaching the summit means a genuine forest trek of several hours up and back, through dense tropical forest that thins out toward the top to reveal sweeping views over North Andaman's coastline.
This isn't a casual stroll — a reasonable level of fitness helps, and a local guide is strongly recommended (and, depending on current forest department rules, may be required). Start early to avoid the worst of the midday heat and to leave enough daylight for the descent.
Kalipur Beach & Turtle Nesting
A short distance from Diglipur, Kalipur Beach is best known for its sea turtle nesting season, roughly November to February, when several turtle species come ashore at night to lay eggs. Outside that window, it's simply a quiet, uncrowded beach — a peaceful contrast to Diglipur's other big draw, the Saddle Peak trek, and a good base for both.
Day Trips from Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands connected by a natural sandbar, a short boat ride from Diglipur — one of the most striking and least crowded sights in the entire archipelago.
- Alfred Caves: A limestone cave system near Diglipur, a quieter and less-visited alternative to the caves at Baratang further south.
Suggested Visit Plan (2-3 Days)
Given the travel time to get here, Diglipur rewards staying a few days rather than rushing through.
Arrival & Kalipur Beach
- ✓Arrive in Diglipur, settle into accommodation
- ✓Evening walk at Kalipur Beach
- ✓Ask locally about turtle nesting activity, if in season
Saddle Peak Trek
- ✓Early start for the Saddle Peak trail
- ✓Full trek to the summit and back with a guide
- ✓Rest in the evening after a long trekking day
Ross & Smith Islands
- ✓Morning boat trip to Ross & Smith Islands
- ✓Time at the sandbar and both islands
- ✓Return to Diglipur or begin the journey back south
Where to Eat in Diglipur
Food options are simple and local — this is not a place for a wide restaurant scene, but what's available is fresh and unpretentious.
- Local Bengali/South Indian eateries: Basic thalis and fresh seafood, reflecting the mixed settler population of North Andaman.
- Guesthouse kitchens: Many stays offer home-cooked meals on request, often the most reliable option in the evenings.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Transport to Diglipur | ₹500 | ₹1,500 | ₹4,000 |
| Saddle Peak guide | ₹800 | ₹1,200 | ₹1,500 |
| Ross & Smith boat trip | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| Food/day | ₹400 | ₹800 | ₹1,500 |
* Figures are per person. Ross & Smith boat trips are often priced per boat and shared among a group, which can lower the per-person cost.
Essential Tips for Visiting Diglipur
- Budget real travel time: Don't underestimate the 8-12 hour journey from Port Blair — break it up rather than rushing.
- Book a local guide for Saddle Peak: The trek is genuinely demanding, and a guide makes both the route and any current permit requirements simpler.
- Check turtle season dates locally: Nesting activity at Kalipur varies year to year — ask your guesthouse for current conditions.
- Carry cash: ATMs and card payment options are limited this far from Port Blair.
- Confirm Ross & Smith boat conditions: Trips depend on sea conditions and can be cancelled at short notice — build in a buffer day if possible.
✅ Do
- →Plan at least 2-3 days for Diglipur
- →Break the journey via Rangat or Mayabunder
- →Hire a local guide for Saddle Peak
- →Ask about turtle nesting conditions on arrival
- →Carry enough cash for the whole stay
❌ Don't
- →Try to do Diglipur as a single day trip
- →Attempt Saddle Peak without a guide or plan
- →Assume ATMs will be widely available
- →Skip checking sea conditions before boat trips
- →Rush straight from Port Blair in one long drive
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Diglipur from Port Blair, and how do I get there?
Diglipur is roughly 290 km from Port Blair — the farthest major town in the islands — and typically takes 8-12 hours by a combination of road and a ferry crossing over Middle Strait, or less by connecting bus/ferry services. Where available, a shorter flight or helicopter option can cut this down considerably; check current schedules, as these services can be limited.
Is Diglipur worth the long journey from Port Blair?
If you have the extra 2-3 days, yes — Diglipur is the base for Saddle Peak, the highest point in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, plus Kalipur's turtle-nesting beach and the Ross & Smith Islands sandbar, none of which you can reach from Havelock or Neil. If your trip is short, though, it's reasonable to skip it in favour of the more accessible southern islands.
How difficult is the Saddle Peak trek?
It's a genuine forest trek rather than a casual walk — figure on several hours up and back through Saddle Peak National Park, with a moderate level of fitness needed. A local guide is recommended and, depending on current forest department rules, may be required.
When is the best time to see turtles nesting at Kalipur?
Roughly November to February is the main nesting season at Kalipur Beach, when several species of sea turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs. Visiting during the day outside this window still gives you a quiet, scenic beach, just without the nesting activity.
Can I visit Ross & Smith Islands from Diglipur in a day?
Yes — Ross & Smith Islands are a short boat ride from Diglipur and are commonly done as a half-day or full-day trip, weather and sea conditions permitting. Boats generally leave in the morning, so it's worth arranging this the evening before through your accommodation.
Should I stay overnight in Diglipur, or visit as a day trip?
Given the distance from Port Blair, Diglipur only really makes sense as a multi-day stay of 2-3 nights, ideally combined with stops in Rangat and Mayabunder on the way up or back, rather than attempted as a single long day trip.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Tell Kudozz Club where you want to go and what kind of trip you’re looking for. We’ll build a Diglipur and Andaman itinerary around your dates and budget.
Continue Exploring
View all guides
Off-beatKalipur Beach Travel Guide: Turtles, Saddle Peak & Tips
A quiet turtle-nesting beach near Diglipur and the starting point for the Saddle Peak trek — Kalipur is North Andaman at its calmest.
Off-beatRoss & Smith Islands Travel Guide: Sandbar, Permits & Tips
Two islands, one natural sandbar you can walk across at low tide — Ross & Smith is North Andaman's most pristine, least-crowded beach escape.
Off-beatAjodhya Hills Travel Guide: Trekking & Tribal Culture
Complete Ajodhya Hills guide — Bamni Falls, Turga Falls, Murguma Dam, Marble Lake, trekking trails, Chhau dance heritage, how to reach from Purulia, and a full visit plan.
Off-beatMayabunder Travel Guide: Interview Island & Karmatang Beach
North Andaman's quietest gateway town — feral elephants on a protected island, a turtle-nesting beach, and a genuine break from the Havelock/Neil circuit.