Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Diglipur Island lies 298 kilometres via road and 100 nautical miles (180 kilometres) via sea from the capital city, Port Blair. Grand Andaman Trunk Road is the portal to enter Northern Andamans, and one can reach Diglipur island via the same. Andaman Trunk road runs north from Port Blair to Diglipur island through a lush jungle while crossing three creeks and the Jarawa tribal province. The journey takes nearly 13 hours.
What's Noteworthy -
Getting around Diglipur is a replica of how one reaches Diglipur, thrilling yet exhilarating. Some highlights require a forest permit that one can obtain from the Forest Office at Diglipur. The remote island and its attractions sprawl at a time consuming and nerve-racking distance, especially for the ones travelling on a shoe-string budget. Diglipur demands its visitors to go beyond their comfort zones, and if you are up for an adventure, this is it.
What's Noteworthy -
To be in Diglipur is to be floating, snorkelling, diving, swimming and quite frequently, trekking. Do you intend to go somewhere exotic and distinctive? Do you yearn to explore the seas, laze under the shades of palm trees, play around in the sand and have the best time of your life? Then, Diglipur is where you need to be. Adorning North Andamans, Diglipur is the largest town in this province of the Andaman archipelago. How to Reach Diglipur Island from Port Blair? The island sprawls over an area of approximately 900 square kilometres and is a prominent destination for ecotourism lying 298 kilometres via road and 100 nautical miles (180 kilometres) via sea from Port Blair. Whether you want to lay back and get a tan or ride the waves, Diglipur caters to all. Grab your gear and head to this unparalleled tropical paradise.
The beauty of Diglipur is bound to paralyse your senses and make you overlook that stunning beaches are just a short ride away. This region located in the northern province of Andamans is a world in itself. You can hike to the highest peak of the Bay of Bengal, traverse a cluster of forty-one limestone caves, go island hopping, witness turtle nesting in all its glory, walk around tiny mud volcanoes or amuse yourself at the sight of twin islands. The experience of places to visit in Diglipur Island is rare, incredible and worth the time and effort required of travellers. Seriously, you have a multitude of options in Diglipur. What you choose will depend a lot on how many days you can spare in this region on your vacation.
The list of tourist attractions in Diglipur Island is extensive. Ross and Smith Islands are renowned for a fifty-meter long natural sand bar that connects these two islands while being surrounded by the cerulean ocean! Diglipur is home to a bunch of remarkable limestone caves, known as Alfred Caves that are a nesting ground for the popular edible swiftlets. Another highlight on the island has to be the amusing mud volcano at Shyam Nagar where travellers can observe both dormant and active mud volcanoes. Kalipur Beach and Ramnagar Beach enjoy their geographical advantage that ensures annual visits by four kinds of turtles when they transform into nesting grounds. Lamiya Bay Beach is the base for the trek to Saddle Peak, the highest point on the archipelago. That said, this summit is a must-visit in Diglipur.
Sightseeing spots in Diglipur Island promise of a perfect, airbrushed start into what could quite probably be the most ingrained, indulgent holiday of your lives. The island is an amalgamation of diversity, drop-dead gorgeous and welcomes you with a well-rehearsed show. The weather is pleasant throughout the year owing to its temperature ranging between 23°C - 31°C and gentle sea-breezes. The tourist season in North Andamans reaches its peak between November and March, but Diglipur due to its topography remains a remote and offbeat destination in Andamans. Adorning the hues of blue, white and dawn-tinted, the skies in Diglipur are a bewitching phantasm. Swaying with the tropical breeze and the routine blushing sunsets, the gentle lull of the ocean mutes the all-pervading roar of the urban jungle, and you know, you have arrived.
“With a belief that traveling has its own way of teaching new lessons, I and my wife explore every place to learn something new and experience something different. And on our third honeymoon, we wanted to a mix of nature, adventure, beach, water sports, and romance, and Andaman struck a ...
A quirky little town, Diglipur is a hidden gem in North Andaman that is situated on the northernmost tip of the island chain. It is off the tourist trail probably because of its remoteness from the rest of the Andaman Islands. You can reach this place via road (Andaman Trunk Road) or by a ten-hour voyage through ships.
The three most beautiful beaches in Diglipur are as follows:
This beach is a long stretch of palm trees fringed by mangrove forests on both sides. The bay doesn’t have the typical light blue turquoise colors because the grayish volcanic sand makes the sea look darker. The place is not good for snorkeling owing to the murky waters but is a perfect spot for swimming. It is considered to be the best around the town.
The beach is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. Therefore, the beach closes at 5 pm and no one is allowed to walk on the sand afterward. You can also see an artificial hatchery set up there. The turtle nesting season is between December and March, and you can see eggs being laid by sea turtles and released into the water. The beach is being developed into an eco-friendly picnic place for visitors by the forest department.
The gorgeous Lamiya Bay Beach is at the foothills of the highest peak on the island—Saddle Peak. The beauty of the dazzling beach is further accentuated by the polished pebbles that are laid down on the shoreline. The beach is visited mostly by either honeymooners or nature lovers as it is a highly photographic beach with shrubs and trees displaying contrast. To savor the beauty of sun, sand and shade on a sunny and bright day, there are beautiful eco-friendly huts and watchtowers on the shoreline for the tourists.
Located behind the tranquil village of Kalipur, you can easily reach Kalipur Beach by taking a local bus from the main Diglipur bazaar. It is majorly popular for observing turtle nesting and that too four different species of sea turtles (Olive Ridley, Leather Back, Hawksbill, and Green Turtles), who come here to nest their eggs. The government has built a hatchery there for this purpose. If you are fortunate, then you can see turtles laying their eggs late at night as well as baby turtles being set free into the ocean early in the morning.
Kalipur Beach features volcanic grey colored sand and crystal clear water. It is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. Jellyfish are found in abundance here. Owing to sand flies, sunbathing is not recommended. During the time of low tides, the beach appears to be grim dead corals breaking the surface and a few mangrove trees embracing the shore.
Diglipur offers the most romantic experience to honeymoon couples. The beaches are popular for the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the Andaman Islands. Imagine strolling on the beach with your partner amidst a glorious pink and red sunset in the background! Such a fantastic marvel of nature can be witnessed at its secluded beaches. The evenings offer the best natural views. You can catch the most beautiful sunrise of your life here with the sky painted in various lovely hues. If you want to witness impressive natural attractions, then you should spend time in Diglipur. The surrounding sights are amazingly beautiful as well.
There are two places that you should visit when in Diglipur. These are as below:
Jal Tikry: Shyamnagar village in Diglipur beholds something very rare. Trekking through its dense forests will make you witness a unique scientific phenomenon called the mud volcanoes, which are locally known as Jal Tikry. These are active for years and some of them have been dormant for quite some time. Considered as one of the rarest occurrences across the whole world, you should include this place in your travel bucket list for sure.
Diglipur is popular for the Saddle Peak National Park. It was established in 1987 and it spans across an area of 85 square kilometers. The national park lies in the northern part of the Andaman District. It is home to rare species of flora and fauna like the wild pig, Andaman hill myna, imperial pigeon, water monitor lizards, and saltwater crocodiles. Luxuriant and lush green and thick tropical rain forests cover the forest land of the islands. The vegetation is characterized by a humid, warm, and wet tropical climate. The park runs north to south along the eastern coast of North Andaman Island. Most of the eastern boundary of this national park borders the sea with a long and rocky beach. In order to scale Saddle Peak, trekking and hiking are undertaken by the tourists.
Offering an eight kilometers long trek from its entry to the peak of the mountains, this park is a one-stop destination for hikers. The national park is a great place to be visited by tourists of all age groups. The park also has a freshwater pool from which water is piped to Diglipur. There are as many as ten perennial streams and 132 seasonal streams inside the national park. Saddle Peak National Park is uninhabited by humans beings and wilderness stays protected here. The shoreline running along the park has patches of white sand and coastal rocks.
If you are an adventure lover, then you should visit Diglipur with your snorkeling gear and enough time in your hands. It is a good place to enjoy snorkeling. The warm water is crystal clear and it offers good visibility. Here, you can spot beautiful coral reefs and colorful species under the water. The clear blue waters add a touch of magic to the whole experience. The clear waters reveal hues of blues and greens once the sun starts shining bright. The color changes with the tide and the sun and you will be absolutely mesmerised by that sight. The island beaches are kissed by sea waves and offer great opportunities for snorkeling. You can be sure to spot some interesting sights of underwater creatures.
Your vacation in the Andaman Islands is incomplete if you don’t go for scuba diving in Diglipur. This tourist attraction is popular for having white sandy beaches, hypnotising turquoise lagoons, colorful corals, tempting cobalt waters, and enthralling marine life. Imagine going into the depths of such a magical place! It would be an experience of a lifetime. People from all over the world come here to experience this amazing water adventure activity, and their preference is Diglipur because that’s the one-stop destination for enjoying water activities at their best. If you are a water enthusiast (or not), you are going to enjoy the incredible marine life offered by the emerald isles. You will be provided with all the necessary equipment including an oxygen cylinder, water goggles, a pair of fins, regulator, weights (to keep you underwater), etc.
The Andaman Islands, the archipelago of hundreds of islands, is extremely rich in natural attractions, wildlife, and biodiversity. For wildlife activists, photographers, and conservationists, Saddle Peak National Park is counted among the top tourist attractions owing to its rich flora and fauna. There are several huts and benches at close distances for trekkers to rest while they hike to the Saddle Peak National Park. So that the trekkers can spend some time and bask in the natural beauty of the region, a vantage point has been artificially created atop the peak. One can also see ruins of lost temples and perennial streams flowing through different regions of the park.
Location: Saddle Peak, North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 4 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 50 for foreigners
There are four-five guesthouses in Diglipur nearby the main market and stadium. They have all the basic necessities only. Thus, you should not expect luxurious amenities here. If you are looking for high-end resorts, then you can stay in Kalipur, which is twenty kilometers away from Diglipur. Cheap bamboo huts are also offered by them. The properties get crowded during peak season.
Some of the best places to stay in Diglipur are as follows:
As the place is not a tourist hub, restaurants are not in abundance here. But bakeries are surplus here. Some of the best restaurants and food outlets in Diglipur are mentioned below:
Diglipur is located far up in the North Andaman, and is nearly 290 kilometers by road and 180 kilometers by sea from the capital city, Port Blair. You can choose to reach there by road, sea or air.
Yes, Diglipur is quite a safe town to visit. The law and order are in place. You will not face any problem as such. The place can be visited by solo travellers as well.
Andaman Island Travels offers a diverse variety of holiday packages in Diglipur that are carefully designed to keep in mind the requirements of its esteemed clients. These packages can be customised also to suit individual preferences. The tour operating company has a reputation for planning an excellent vacation across the Andamans.