If you have any doubt regarding self-drive rentals and cab rentals in Havelock Island and Port Blair, you don’t have to worry. In this article, we will help you choose the cost-effective option to have the best sightseeing experience. 

In the Andaman Islands, a lot of people are concerned about whether to go for self-driving rentals or transfers. These days, you can also avail bike rentals in Andaman. In Havelock, self-driving car rentals are not available yet. You can get two wheelers only if you go for a self-driving option like in other states of the country. 

Zoom Car and other leading self-drive car rental chains have not entered in Andaman yet. So, local operators manage most of the arrangements for tourists in Andaman. Andaman is the melting pot of diverse cultures, where people from different states in India visit and gather. A lot of locals in Andaman have their origin in UP, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Andaman is a decent union territory which adds to its cosmopolitan vibes unlike other states of the country. In these islands people can communicate in both English and Hindi as they are fairly educated. 

Self-driven car rentals were recently introduced in 2017 in Port Blair. You can now explore the beauty of Andaman at your own pace by driving across the islands for 8 hours. All you need to fill the fuel by yourself and pay entry passes wherever needed. It goes without saying that Andaman is a naturally beautiful archipelago. A lot of people choose to go with self-driving car rentals to visit their favorite tourist destinations when they enter Andaman. 

But there are two questions that most tourists frequently ask – 

  • Do we really need self-driven car rental to experience the tranquility of Andaman? 
  • Is self-driven car rental really a cheaper option than hiring a car driven by a chauffeur?

Many tourists who visit Andaman prefer to drive cars themselves as they just want to explore the city at their own pace. In addition, they don’t want to involve anyone else to have a completely personal experience. Many travelers feel that renting a self-drive car is cheaper and helps save them a lot in the trip. Let’s explain both the questions. 

You can definitely take a self-driven vehicle if you have always desired to have personalized rental car experience for your own pleasure and for your own space without having to involve anyone else. Keep in mind that mobile networks don’t work in most places in Andaman Islands. You need to have proper knowledge about dealing with such circumstances. However, you can always have someone who can help you over there. The islands are very safe and are easy to approach for everyone. 

Actually, renting a self-driven car is costlier than hiring a car with a driver. It is better to hire a bike for rent if you are on a limited budget in Andaman. 

How much does renting a self-driven vehicle cost?

If you want to hire a hatchback or smaller vehicle for self driving, you may have to pay up to Rs. 3500 to Rs. 4500 plus fuel expenses and tax for up to 8 hours. After this, you will need to pay around Rs. 10 per km for the given limit. The vehicle has the capacity of over 5 people. Some of the common hatchbacks available for self-driving are Santro, Hyundai i110, WagonR and Ford Figo. 

You can also go for Sedan cars which cost almost the same as a hatchback but their availability is limited. Verna, Honda City, and SX4 are some of the common sedan cars as alternatives to hatchbacks. You can also hire an off road vehicle in Andaman to have a completely different feel. Gypsy and Jeep are the vehicles available currently. These off-road vehicles cost up to Rs. 7000 exclusive of fuel and tax. 

Do you need a driver cum guide or a self-drive car rental for Andaman tour? 

It is one of the main concerns for a lot of people. Whether you should hire a self-driven vehicle for rent or you need a driver with a car rental for transfer. If you want self-driven experience and visit the attractions on your own, you can definitely rent a vehicle for self drive. But it may cost more than you may expect. 

You can also rent a car with a driver who is experienced and knowledgeable about several points of attraction across Andaman. He can definitely take you to different places that you may not know. It is another great option. You can check out different sightseeing packages in Andaman that are listed here. When it comes to rentals, you can always go for the second option. Drivers are healthy, experienced and well trained with neat and sanitized vehicles. We have maintained our fleet of vehicles and all the vehicles are available with drivers like Scorpio, Swift Dzire, Xylo, Ertiga and other cozy cars to have a better tour. Tata Sumo and small vehicles are not that comfortable for sightseeing. So, you need to look for a cozy vehicle to explore Andaman. 

Keep in mind that there is no Uber, Ola or any cab hire chain in Andaman. There are tuk-tuks and autos available but they are not as comfortable as some locations have bumpy tracks. Of course they are considered cheaper than private cabs. You may go for 2-wheelers for personal tours but road conditions and road safety are major concerns. 

At the end, it is up to the traveler as what they want to explore in Andaman. It is up to your personal preference. You can hire a cab with a driver which is the most preferred option as you can cover a lot of sightseeing attractions. It is also cost-effective, convenient and easy. You can let all your worries and stress to car rental services in Andaman to enjoy a smooth ride. 

You can visit a lot of places in Andaman and Nicobar which mark a perfect romantic getaway where you can enjoy the best time with your loved ones. Surreal beaches, breathtaking views, shining sands, and crystal clear waters welcome the couples from different parts of the world all the year round. 

You can find the right blend of idyllic islands, marooned beaches, and endless stretches of coasts in Andaman Islands to bring the zest from within. It is the ideal destination where you can stay close to nature and chill in its lap. You can dive deeper to explore marine life and corals to get out of your comfort zone. There are so many things to enjoy with the Andaman Nicobar couple package

The capital of Union Territory, Port Blair has maintained its charm even today. You can enjoy excursions to marine parks and beaches, day tours to several islands, and visit attractions in Port Blair. You can visit Cellular Jail and explore the rich history and light and sound show. 

1. Kaala Pathar Beach 

Beaches in Andaman are really very beautiful. You can have a great break and find some peace from the madding crowd at KalaPathar Beach. Its pathway is covered by lush greens. Located around 67 km from Port Blair in Havelock Island, Kaala Pathar Beach receives fewer crowds than Radhanagar Beach. It is also a nice place to spend some ‘you’ time in the heart of smooth sands and blue water. 

2. Elephant Beach 

It is a short walk away from Radhanagar Beach. It also has white sandy beaches but its corals are its special attraction. At Elephant Beach, the coral reef starts only a few meters off from the rare shoreline. The beach is also known for snorkeling and diving as gears are easily available here. You can also enjoy other water activities here. It is also located in Havelock Island and 41 km from Port Blair airport. 

3. Ross Island 

It attracts tourists for its historical landmarks like Viper Gang Jail or Cellular Jail which depicts its dark past. The island was basically a penal colony to punish the freedom fighters in the 1857 rebellion by the British. It was also called Kalapani where horrible tortures were given to the prisoners. During World War II, Japanese invaded this island. It is now a peaceful island which has seen all such tragedies. You may visit this island to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. 

4. Jolly Buoy Island 

Located an hour away from Wandoor Beach by ferry, Jolly Buoy Island provides a memorable experience while sailing across the crystal clear ocean. The island is one of the two islands of Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park open to tourists for a few months only. You can enjoy diving and witness marine life in the sea. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular options here. You should wear a swimsuit underneath because there are no changing rooms. You can get there on ferries only, which operate from Wandoor Beach. It is located an hour from Wandoor Beach by ferry. First ferry goes at 8.30 am and second and last ferry at 10.30 am. 

5. Amkunj Beach 

Experience the peaceful sound of the waves, topaz blue waters and solitary beach on your honeymoon getaway. Amkunj Beach is a less crowded attraction on Northern Andaman. It also lacks in commercial activities like swimming and snorkeling. The beach is capped by rocks. It is a great place to spend some pleasant and quiet time with your loved one. It is located in Rangat and 165 km from Port Blair airport. 

6. Little Andaman Island 

It is a lesser known gem of Andaman which has been gaining fame as a great place for surfing. It also has a surf school teaching visitors and offering equipment. Along with hanging out, you can also go trekking or take elephant rides. You can take the best trek of your life to White Surf Waterfall which splits up milky white mists across. You can get to the jungle where the waterfall is located. It is a great honeymoon destination in Andaman and Nicobar located 128 km from Port Blair. 

7. Great Nicobar Island 

Located 540 km from Port Blair, the Great Nicobar Island is among the largest of the Nicobar group and a huge ecosystem. It is open only for Indians. It has some of the most beautiful settings over the Indira Point. It is truly a magnificent destination to visit. You should also visit the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve here. 

8. Chidiya Tapu

Located around 28 km from Port Blair at the southernmost corner of South Andaman, Chidiya Tapu is a beautiful destination with lots of natural attractions. Experience the ever changing colors of the ocean and romantic sunset in the evening. Witness the birds of colorful feathers. It is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss if you are on a honeymoon. 

9. Limestone Caves 

If you want to visit Baratang Island, you shouldn’t miss Limestone Caves located around 100 km from Port Blair. These natural phenomenons were formed over millions of years. Now they have emerged as captivating formations which attract a lot of tourists. Getting to the caves is a sight to behold for several years. These caves are located in the midst of dense mangroves and tribal reserves. You can also find crocodiles sunbathing along the rocks. Wear good walking shoes and have a reliable guide by your side when getting there. 

Limestone Caves

10. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 

It is one of the must-visit attractions in Andaman. Authorities have been working harder to keep track of conservation measures here. You can visit Red Skin Island and Jolly Buoy Island to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 

Bottom Line 

Andaman Bliss is a one stop destination to book customized Andaman group packages and family packages along with honeymoon packages. We are one of the best travel agents known for strong online presence, complete services and friendly staff. 

Imagine crystal clear waters, beautiful white sands, and palm-fringed beaches. If you just want to relax in a hammock, sipping fruity chilled cocktails by the sea and watch the waves, you may definitely want to book family tour packages to visit Andaman. Here are the reasons to visit Andaman – 

Relax and Chill at the Beach 

Admit it! Your dad will definitely fall in love with the crystal clear beaches of Andaman. A lot of beaches in Andaman offer really serene views with some peace and solitude which is away from noise of other beaches in India. Radhanagar Beach is voted among the world’s best beaches. You can get there to witness the exotic sunset or take some bath in the sea. You can explore another sunset on Neil Island which is a quieter and unexplored beach. 

honeymoon andaman

Enjoy Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

After taking some rest and chilling out, it’s time to do some adventure with family. You can go scuba diving because Andaman is best even if you are diving for the first time. There are experienced divers available to train you for an hour before you start your actual adventure. 

As you go deeper, you will explore the unexplored and vivid marine life full of mind-blowing sizes and shapes of corals. You can also feed the multi-colored schools of fish here that will swarm across you. There are dried baits and bread crumbs available to feed them.  You can have a safe diving experience by getting in touch with some of the trusted diving centers. They are available in Havelock where you can find a huge reserve of corals. 

If you want to do something calming, snorkeling is another great option that people of all ages can enjoy. In Havelock Island, Elephant Beach is the best place to explore the rich underwater world while snorkeling. You may even find sea turtles which get back to the sea. You can even ride a glass bottom boat to witness the corals in the crystal clear waters. 

Explore the Unexplored 

You can explore the beaches all around the Andaman Islands. Northern Andaman houses a lot of native tribes including Jarawa. You can drive along the lush green and dense forests on the Andaman Trunk Road and visit Diglipur limestone caves for different delights. You can also visit Cuthbert Bay, which houses leatherback turtles. You can also watch dolphins in Lalaji Bay Beach leaping off the waters. If you want to explore the beach and rich history, go to Cellular Jail, Port Blair to catch up on the incredible light and sound show for a beautiful evening. 

Enjoy the Delightful Seafood 

You can taste the delicious seafood which can definitely refresh your mood even though you are not that kind of foodie. Spend some great time with family for a night and taste the delightful seafood platter and some wine. There are many small cafes dotting several islands of Andaman where you can taste some best quality seafood and freshly caught fish in Port Blair. You must go to New Lighthouse Restaurant and The Red Snapper. So, pack your bags and prepare your family to hit the most relaxing islands in the world and spend vacations to have a lifetime experience. 

seafood

Best Seasons to Visit Andaman 

Summers

Andaman receives pleasant and warm summers which last till the month of June. It is considered to be the best season to visit Long Island, Port Blair, Clique Islands, Havelock, Ross and Smith Islands, Diglipur and Little Andaman. You can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, paragliding, surfing, trekking, banana boat riding and other activities in this UT. During summers, temperature remains maximum 37 degrees C and minimum 24 degrees C. 

Monsoon 

Andaman Islands become a huge crowd puller in July and August when tourists hop from miles away. In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, monsoon rainfall goes from normal to heavy. It often witnesses heavy rains by the end of monsoon. It makes sea waves quite unpredictable and water sports inaccessible. During this season, temperature goes from 22 degrees to 35 degrees. 

Winter 

Winter is the best time as temperature doesn’t get chilly here. The weather remains mild, neutral and pleasant. Temperature stays from 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C. It is also the ideal time to go with family. 

What to Carry When Going for Andaman Holiday?

In order to have a more comfortable and stress-free beach vacation, it is recommended to travel with the right things to visit the remote tropical paradises. There are limited resources in some islands. So, it is recommended to be prepared. 

  • Sunscreen – Salt in the air could cause skin burns as tropical sun is harsh. So, it is recommended to carry a waterproof sunscreen to have lasting results. 
  • Flip flops – This beachwear has been proven ideal on islands. High heels could cause pain on the beach walk. 
  • Water – Carry a bottle of water and refill the same at places where you can find RO water. It can help cut down the usage of plastic and keep you hydrated. 
  • Insect repellent – Tropical forest is well regarded for its diversity of insects and mosquitoes. Sand flies attack on the beaches of islands and can ruin your experience. So, it is wise to carry a mosquito repellent which also works against insects and sand flies. 
  • Towel – Carry a beach towel which can dry quickly. 
  • Pair of clothes – It is important to carry a pair of clothes. Carry airy light clothes to keep you dry in humid and warm weather. 
  • Hammock – You may definitely want to spend a great time on the beach and keep the sand away. Carry a hammock to tie on the branch extending on the beach or beach mat to lie on. 

Havelock Island has always been the first choice for adventure and nature lovers in Andaman. It attracts a lot of tourists all the year round. Some of the activities you can enjoy here are scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, diving, parasailing and sailing. You can visit the island to enjoy a lot of adventure sports or just sunbathe and relax. Savor some mouth-watering seafood and shop for beautiful handicrafts. Revel in the festivities and explore the clean and fresh air, pristine beaches, and relax your senses well. Beach and adventure lovers can enjoy a lot of things on this island. 

Some of the famous things to enjoy include water activities, such as sunbathing, scuba diving, water sports, beach combing, surf riding, sea walk, swimming, snorkeling, game fishing, watching sunrise or sunset, bird watching, elephant ride, kayaking and even more. Havelock Island Andaman is the most popular destination for adventure seekers which attracts lots of scuba divers.  

Sightseeing 

Elephant Beach and Radhanagar Beach are two of the most popular beaches for sightseeing in Havelock Island. Radhanagar Beach is well known as a beautiful beach in Asia. Located further north of Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach is visited by a lot of tourists. You can best explore the corals and it is an ideal attraction for snorkeling. It is well known to have clean and beautiful beaches. 

You can also find dolphins here if you are in luck. This stunning island is the best epitome of ecotourism where you can witness palm fringed beaches, marine species, lush greens, and dense forests. You can easily get here with great diversity of flora and fauna. You can enjoy brisk walks with exotic views and white sandy beaches. 

havelock

Scuba Diving 

It is another well-known activity and a must do in this island. Havelock is open for tourists with stunning coral reefs and crystal clear waters, making it ideal for this activity. It has some of the diving attractions ideal for both experienced and first time divers. It has visibility of over 40 meters underwater and you can spot beautiful fishes like BannerFish, Manta Rays, Snappers, Angelfish, Cuttlefish, Stingrays, Barracuda, Tuna, and Glassfish, apart from stunning corals. 

You can explore the rich variety of diving spots and plenty of marine species. Some of the best diving sites are Aquarium, Seduction Point, Pilot Reef, Lighthouse, Mac Point, Turtle Bay, and Minerva ledge. December to May is the best season for diving. 

Drive through the beaches 

Havelock Island is blessed with natural greens and beaches. You can easily explore this tiny island by 2- wheeler or car. It is an ideal attraction for bird watching and hiking through the dense green jungles. You can explore the hidden beaches in two days by scooter or bike.

drive

Witness the beautiful Sunrise and Sunset 

Radhanagar Beach is another popular tourist attraction where you can watch the beautiful sunset. There is no better place than Radhanagar Beach to watch the beautiful sun going down through the refreshing and cool breeze. Neil’s Cove is another popular attraction to watch the beautiful sunset. 

sunshine

Snorkeling/Swimming 

Tourists can swim at the crystal clear and calm waters of various beaches like Elephant Beach, Vijayanagar and Radhanagar. You can snorkel in shallow waters to witness the coral reefs without having to go underwater. You can glide along the shelf and witness the vivid coral formations underwater. You can see colorful algae, fish, plankton and sea anemones next to you. It is a fun and adventurous activity where you can witness the shallow reef areas. You can enjoy snorkeling at most beaches, including Elephant and Radhanagar beaches. 

Ride an Elephant 

Havelock Island has a spectacle of elephants that bathe and swim in the nearby ocean and it is a great attraction. The Forest Department manages the Elephant Training Camp at Kalapathar which has opened its doors to tourists. You can ride these elephants at Elephant Beach. 

elephant

Bird Watching 

The island is covered by emerald greens and lagoons. The shores are also lined by mangrove swamps in some stretches. This landscape is well regarded for its primeval splendor. You can witness white-barred black mantle, woodpecker or white-headed mynas here along with fulvous-breasted, red crown woodpecker. These species are native to this place. Other endemic birds are Andaman swallow and olive-backed sunbird. Hence, it is a paradise for bird watchers. It is definitely the best thing to enjoy here for nature lovers. 

birds

Game Fishing 

It is another popular activity you can enjoy in Havelock. Ritchie’s archipelago offers the best catches for fishing lovers. A lot of organizations offer different fishing boats and equipment. You can also find fishing competitions organized over the years. 

Kayaking 

It is another popular activity you can enjoy at Havelock Island. This island has calm and safe creeks offering an ideal scope for kayakers. It has a lot of travel agencies offering all gears for hire. 

kayaking in Andaman

Trekking 

You can explore the scenic beauty on foot in this island and trekking is a well-known activity to enjoy in this place. This activity is the best way for adventure lovers. You can witness the dense greens at Havelock with this activity. 

Shopping 

You cannot find enough shopping options in Havelock like in other islands. Village No. 2 and Market No. 3 have a few local shops which open only from morning till afternoon. It has small markets selling a lot of items, such as basic food items, toiletries, chocolate, bottled water, as well as soft drinks. You can also buy jewelry made of wood and shells which are good options. Shop some old crafts on the island or some t-shirts with block printing.  

Bottom Line 

There are plenty of activities to do in Havelock Island. It is totally up to you as what you want to enjoy here. You can just relax on the beach or enjoy a lot of water sports.

Neil Island is a small yet exotic island known for ultimate biodiversity, unmatched coral reefs, lush greens and white sandy beaches capped with beautiful vegetation and tropical forest. Hence, Neil Island has been the ultimate tourist destination of Andaman Islands. 

It is well known to have high density of forest and vegetation. This is why Neil Island is considered as the “Vegetable bowl of Andaman”. Its beaches are natively named after the epic Ramayana’s characters like Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, Ramanagar, Sitapur etc. You can easily walk around this tiny island and cover it within 2 hours. 

You can enjoy a lot of activities here while visiting Neil Island. These things are categorized into activities and sightseeing. You can visit this place for some of the natural and heart-warming views. You can enjoy all the fun activities listed here with family friends and others – 

1. Scuba Diving 

Scuba Diving is the most popular and exciting activity for your Andaman tour plan. Thousands of tourists visit Andaman just to enjoy this activity and get certification in this activity. The crystal clear water and soothing temperature makes Neil Island popular for this activity. You can witness favorable temperatures all year round. One can also get SSI/PADI certification for Open Water Diving. 

It is truly a wonderful sport which gives you some amazing experience to explore the underwater world with still sea and marine life to accompany you. You just have to follow certain rules while swimming and diving. Don’t wear jewelry or shiny clothes as they attract predators and sharks while diving. Keep in mind all the rules when diving in. 

Scuba Diving 

2. Snorkeling 

With plenty of corals, crystal clear waters and vivid marine creatures, Bharatpur Beach is famed for underwater sports. Snorkeling is one of the ideal sports for having meditative experience and exploration. Here, you can enjoy great underwater life without having to enter the deep sea. If you are on a budget trip, it is recommended to visit this beach. You can go for dedicated snorkeling trips if you want to reach the advanced level. You can even visit nearby resorts or shops to rent proper snorkeling gear.

Snorkeling 

3. Swimming 

Neil Island is known to offer an ideal environment with clear and shallow waters and beaches to enjoy swimming. It is a complete exercise and you can also please your mind and soul. This island has shallow waters which are ideal for swimming for the people of all ages. You can also rent floaters to swim in deeper waters. 

swimming

4. Game Fishing 

The sea of Neil Island is a breeding ground for a range of fish thanks to the presence of plaintiffs. Hence, this island is an ideal place for tourists who get there for fishing. A lot of groups or organizations offer a lot of fishing gears and boats. There are also guides available who have knowledge in all fishing grounds. 

game fishing

5. Other Water Activities 

If you don’t know swimming or don’t want to dive or perform any water activity, Bharatpur Beach also has other activities to try. You can ride a Glass Bottom Boat for a nominal price. You can have a 10-minute ride but it is super fun and memorable. You can enjoy the thrilling and adrenaline filled jet skiing here. Keep in mind that these activities are open from 9 am to 4 pm every day. 

6. Cycling 

Neil Island is a close knit, small island which is stretched over just 17 sq. km. A lot of tourists prefer to visit this island while walking and complete visiting in just two hours. But cycling is an even better way to explore this island. You can easily get around while cycling for recreational purposes. Water sports and beach explorations have different attractions and you can easily cycle around the roads while covering the rolls of greens, farms, and sweet breeze. You can easily rent a cycle at a lot of resorts. 

cycling

7. Relax on the beach 

Neil is a quaint, sleepy and slow-paced island. Here, life seems to go slow with a wet and calm breeze. It’s a great place to take a pause from your mundane life, rest, and stretch out on white sandy beach without any disturbance. You can take a sunbath, laze in the sands, listen to calm waves crashing around and see the sunset behind your eyes. In every breath, you will feel the time passing by. 

beach relax

8. Eating Out 

Neil Island is known to have peculiar restaurants where you need to order food up to 3 hours before. It is because the chef has to shop for fresh vegetables and seafood from the local market, come back and prepare your meal. Though it takes time but it is worth it. It will definitely tingle with your taste buds and refresh your mood. 

A lot of restaurants are known to offer Chinese and Indian dishes. You can definitely find a homely touch on all food items. French and Italian dishes are also available here along with local ones. You can find a few eateries here which open till midnight.  

9. Embark on 3 Point Tour 

Neil Island is well known for its wonderful beaches. This 3-point tour is a worthwhile attraction here and it is something you shouldn’t miss. You can start with Natural Rock Formation or Howrah Bridge and reach Bharatpur Beach. You can enjoy a lot of water sports and underwater activities here. Don’t forget to cover the sunset at Laxmanpur Beach and Bharatpur Beach.   

Planning a visit to Neil Island? Be sure to book an Andaman trip package at reasonable prices. You can choose from the best packages from our experts.

Port Blair is the only place to enter and exit from the Andaman Islands. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the Union Territories of India in Bay of Bengal and North and Middle Andaman are two districts and third one is district headquarter, Mayabunder town. This district covers around 3251.85 sq. km. On August 18, 2006, this district was built with the bifurcation of Andaman district.  Rangat, Diglipur, and Mayabunder are three tehsils of the district. 

1. Karmatang Beach 

Karmatang Beach is a popular settling ground for hawksbill turtles, olive ridley turtles, green ocean turtles, and leatherback turtles. This beach is being developed as a famous tourist spot and is considered ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

2. Lamiya Bay Beach 

On the foothills of Saddle Beach, Lamiya Bay Beach is well connected to Kalipur Beach. It lies at the highest peak of the archipelago. You can take the road to Kalipur beach to reach Lamiya Bay from the jetty and travel ahead of the beach. You can find absolute peace and solitude here at this beach while hearing the waves and sitting on the rocks. It really brings a great sound to bring calmness and peace. 

3. Ramnagar Beach 

It is a beautiful beach around 70 km from Mayabunder, which is easy to reach from Kalara Junction and 35 km away from Diglipur. It is well suited to enjoy swimming. You can definitely enjoy the nature trail here. You can access seating arrangements, eco huts, benches and other environmental friendly beach facilities and you can also witness turtle nesting here. 

4. Kalpong Dam

Kalpong Dam or Kalpong Hydroelectric Project is known to be the largest dam built around Kalpong River. It is a concrete and Rockfill gravity dam with 15,270,000 m3 of storage capacity with 1.84 km2 of reservoir area. On the left fork, the concrete dam is 138m long and 34m high. The Rockfill dam is 146m long on the right fork and 27m high. This hydroelectric project has 5.25 Mw of power capacity. It is the one and only hydro-electric dam in Andaman. 

5. Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano 

Located around 20 km from Diglipur near Hathilevel, Shyam Nagar has dense green jungles and a chain of mud volcanoes at Diglipur. You need to walk through the lush greens for 15 minutes to get there. You can spot the dormant and big mud volcano. You can also witness the emerging and fresh mud volcanoes when going further. You can also find seating facilities with information boards. 

6. Turtle Nesting Ground in Kalipur Beach 

You can spot thousands of turtles in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on their nesting season. Turtle nesting started in the winter months of December and January in Andaman Islands. You can witness turtle nesting at Ramnagar Beach and Kalipur Beach at Diglipur. Forest Department also offers facilities for this activity at Kalipur. 

7. Twin Islands – Smith and Ross Islands 

Ross and Smith are joined together to make a group of islands by a sandbar. Otherwise, they are two islands. You need to get a forest permit to visit Ross and Smith Islands from the Forest Office, Diglipur. The cost of entry permit is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 500 for tourists. You can obtain the same on weekdays (Monday to Saturday) from 6am to 2pm. You can hire a speed boat or dinghi ‘fisherman’s boat’ from Ariel Bay jetty, Diglipur, which takes up to 25 minutes. 

These islands really look stunning and stay ahead of other islands in natural beauty. Their base is connected by a sandbar. It has gem green and crystal clear water. You can have a great sunbathing experience here. The sand bar leaves a trail of water and disappears in high tide. The sand bar appears again in low tide and makes the islands look more beautiful. 

The Island has a Marine Sanctuary where you can spot vivid species and coral reefs from underwater. The beach is the best choice for trail hiking and trekking by several tourists and is covered by tropical greens. You can also enjoy activities like snorkeling and scuba diving here. It adds a natural charm with crystal clear waters. You can also spot olive ridley turtles in Ross and Smith Islands. You can also spot turtle nesting if you reach there at the right time. 

8. Saddle Peak 

For eco tourists, a rare experience is awaiting at Diglipur. It is well known for its rice, oranges and forests along with marine species. At 732m lies Saddle Peak as the highest peak in Andaman. 

9. Alfred Caves 

These are the limestone caves near Ramnagar Beach in Diglipur subdivision. You need to reach Kalara Jn first and then Ramnagar to reach Alfred Caves. You can also hop on a bus from Diglipur towards Ramnagar. You can seek a forest guard or guide to help you along the way. You need to start your trip early in the morning to get back by evening. You can enjoy the trek through the main jungle which takes you to these caves. It is a combination of 41 limestone caves. Fruit eating bats and swiftlets call these caves their den. October to March is the best time to explore these caves. These caves open up in small caves with steep entrances. 

Getting There 

You can get there by booking the Andaman trip package which includes these places as part of your itinerary. 

Road – Both private and government buses are available to reach Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Rangat from Port Blair. 

Boat – You can avail regular boat on weekdays to Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Rangat. These boats are provided by the Directorate of Shipping Services. 

Sea Plane – Sea Plane is another great way to access Diglipur. It is available on weekdays by the Civil Aviation Department. 

Pawan Hans – You can access this service on weekdays to reach Rangat, Diglipur, and Mayabunder by the Civil Aviation Department according to schedule.