South Andaman's Highest Point
Mount Manipur — officially renamed from Mount Harriet in 2018 to honour Manipur's role in India's freedom struggle, particularly through the Indian National Army — rises across the harbour from Port Blair. Most maps, signage, and long-time residents still refer to it as Mount Harriet, so expect to hear both names used interchangeably.
At roughly 365 to 383 metres (sources differ), it's the highest point in South Andaman and the third-highest in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, after Mount Thuillier on Great Nicobar and Saddle Peak near Diglipur in the far north. What makes it worth the trip isn't just the elevation, though — it's the combination of forest trekking, colonial-era history, and a summit view that takes in Ross Island, North Bay, and the wider Port Blair harbour in one sweep.
It sits well off the main beach-and-diving circuit that dominates most Andaman itineraries, which makes it a good pick for travellers who want a forest-and-history day without leaving the South Andaman area.
⛰️ Mount Manipur at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Mount Manipur
Since most of the appeal is the summit view and a forest trek, dry, clear conditions matter far more here than on a beach day elsewhere in the islands.
Dry season with clearer visibility for the summit view and more comfortable trekking conditions on the forest trails.
Heavier rain makes the forest trails muddy and reduces visibility from the summit, though the forest itself is at its most lush.
Cooler temperatures make the trek more comfortable, and morning haze tends to clear earlier than afternoon humidity allows.
Mount Manipur sees a fraction of the footfall of Ross Island or North Bay, and weekdays are quieter still if solitude is the goal.
Our pick: an early dry-season morning between October and April — the best combination of clear summit views and comfortable trekking weather.
How to Reach Mount Manipur
Mount Manipur sits across Port Blair's harbour, so reaching it involves a short water crossing before the drive up.
- By Ferry + Road: The standard route — a short government ferry from Port Blair to Bamboo Flat or Hopetown, followed by a drive of roughly 30-40 minutes up to the park entrance and summit area.
- By Road (Longer Route): A full road-only route circling the harbour also exists for those who'd rather skip the ferry, but it takes considerably longer.
- By Taxi Package: Many Port Blair taxi/tour operators offer a combined half-day package covering the ferry, the drive, and the return trip.
The Trek & the Summit Viewpoint
The hill is protected within what has long been known as Mount Harriet National Park (the park's own signage and official naming may not have been fully updated to match the hill's 2018 rename, so don't be surprised to see "Harriet" still in use on-site). Trails through the park range from short walks near the entrance to longer routes through dense tropical forest, and the walking itself is a moderate, non-technical trek rather than a serious climb.
The reward at the top is the summit viewpoint — on a clear day, it offers a genuinely wide panorama over Port Blair harbour, including Ross Island and North Bay in the middle distance. It's one of the better vantage points in the South Andaman area for seeing how the harbour's islands and channels fit together, rather than experiencing them one at a time from sea level.
A British Summer Retreat
During the colonial period, this hill served as the summer retreat of the British Chief Commissioner of the Andamans, who used the elevation to escape the heat and humidity of Port Blair below. Some structural ruins from that era remain near the summit — quieter and far less visited than the similar colonial-era ruins on Ross Island, but worth seeking out if the historical layer interests you as much as the view itself.
Suggested Visit Plan (Half-Day)
Mount Manipur works well as a self-contained half-day trip from Port Blair, ideally started in the morning.
Ferry to Bamboo Flat
- ✓Catch the morning ferry from Port Blair
- ✓Short crossing to Bamboo Flat / Hopetown
- ✓Arrange onward transport up the hill
Trek & Summit
- ✓Walk the forest trail toward the summit
- ✓Explore the colonial-era ruins along the way
- ✓Take in the harbour panorama from the top
Return to Port Blair
- ✓Descend and head back to the jetty
- ✓Ferry back to Port Blair
- ✓Free afternoon for other South Andaman sights
Food & Facilities
There's minimal food infrastructure at Mount Manipur itself — carry water and snacks for the trek, and plan to eat properly once you're back in Port Blair, where options are far more plentiful.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry to Bamboo Flat | ₹50 | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| National Park entry | ₹25 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| Onward transport (return) | ₹300 (shared) | ₹800 (taxi) | ₹1,500 (private, half-day) |
| Snacks/water | ₹100 | ₹200 | ₹400 |
| Total (approx.) | ₹475 | ₹1,075 | ₹1,975 |
* Figures are per person, per visit, and exclude travel to Port Blair itself. Entry fees are approximate and subject to change.
Essential Tips for Visiting Mount Manipur
- Check the ferry timetable first: Crossings to Bamboo Flat run on a fixed schedule, not continuously — plan your morning around it.
- Wear proper walking shoes: The forest trails aren't paved, and can be slippery after rain even outside the monsoon months.
- Carry water: There's little to no refreshment infrastructure once you're on the trail.
- Go early for the clearest views: Morning haze tends to clear before afternoon humidity builds, giving the best odds of a clear harbour panorama.
- Expect both names in use: Don't be thrown if guides, drivers, or signage refer to "Mount Harriet" — it's the same place as Mount Manipur.
✅ Do
- →Check the morning ferry schedule in advance
- →Wear sturdy, closed walking shoes
- →Carry water for the trek
- →Go early for the clearest summit views
- →Look out for the colonial-era ruins on the trail
- →Combine with other South Andaman sights the same day
❌ Don't
- →Miss the morning ferry crossing time
- →Wear flip-flops on the forest trail
- →Expect food stalls along the way
- →Visit in heavy monsoon rain if a view is the priority
- →Rush the trek — it's meant to be unhurried
- →Assume the park signage matches the 2018 rename
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Manipur the same as Mount Harriet?
Yes — Mount Harriet was officially renamed Mount Manipur by the Government of India in 2018, honouring Manipur's role in India's freedom struggle. Most older maps, signage, and travel references still use "Mount Harriet," so both names are used interchangeably by locals and drivers.
How do I reach Mount Manipur from Port Blair?
The most common route is a short ferry crossing from Port Blair to Bamboo Flat or Hopetown, followed by a drive up to the summit area. A longer all-road route around the harbour also exists but takes considerably more time.
How high is Mount Manipur?
Roughly 365 to 383 metres, depending on the source. That makes it the highest point in South Andaman and the third-highest in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, after Saddle Peak in North Andaman (near Diglipur) and Mount Thuillier on Great Nicobar.
What can I see from the summit?
On a clear day, the summit viewpoint offers panoramic views across Port Blair harbour, including Ross Island and North Bay in the distance — one of the better wide-angle views of the South Andaman coastline.
Is there a trek at Mount Manipur?
Yes — forest trekking trails run through what is protected as Mount Harriet National Park, ranging from short walks to longer routes through fairly dense tropical forest. It's a moderate walk rather than a technical climb.
What are the colonial-era ruins at Mount Manipur?
The hill served as the summer retreat of the British Chief Commissioner of the Andamans, and some structural ruins from that era remain near the summit — a quieter historical counterpart to the more visited ruins on Ross Island.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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