Chidiya Tapu, at the southern end of South Andaman Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is one of the easiest half-day trips from the territory’s capital. Birdwatchers, slow travellers and anyone chasing a sea-facing sunset make the short run down here from the city. This guide gathers what is worth knowing before you go, and flags the details that change often so you can reconfirm them.
Chidiya Tapu is the southern tip of South Andaman Island, about 28 km from the capital Port Blair (officially Sri Vijaya Puram since September 2024). Its name translates as “Bird Island”, and people come for birdwatching, a small forest biological park, the short Munda Pahad trail and wide sunsets over the sea.
Key takeaways
- Chidiya Tapu sits roughly 28 km south of Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), about a one-hour drive, according to the South Andaman district administration.
- The name means “Bird Island”; the forest here holds several species endemic to the Andamans, which is the main draw for birders.
- Best season is broadly October/November to May; June to September is the southwest monsoon, with heavy rain and rough seas.
- A short forest trail leads to the Munda Pahad headland and sea-facing sunset views; start early enough to walk back before the forest closes for the day.
- Indian citizens need no permit for Chidiya Tapu; foreign nationals should reconfirm current Restricted Area Permit rules with the authorities before travel.
- Biological park timings and entry fees vary between sources, so treat the figures below as indicative and confirm at the gate.
About Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is a coastal forest area at the southernmost tip of South Andaman Island, in South Andaman district of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The South Andaman district administration describes it as lying about 28 km from Port Blair and known for bird watching, sunset views and panoramic scenery over the sea.
The name is often translated from Hindi as “Bird Island” (chidiya, bird; tapu, island in the local usage). It is sometimes spelled Chidiyatapu or Chiriya Tapu; all refer to the same place. Do not confuse it with other “bird” viewpoints elsewhere in India; this is the specific headland south of the Andaman capital.
The surroundings are mangrove, littoral forest and rocky shore rather than a single groomed beach. A forest biological park and a Forest Department guest house sit near the area, the latter run under the Chief Wildlife Warden at Haddo, per the district administration.
| Location | Southern tip of South Andaman Island, South Andaman district, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
|---|---|
| Distance from capital | About 28 km from Port Blair / Sri Vijaya Puram (district administration) |
| Known for | Birdwatching, Munda Pahad trail, sunset viewpoint, forest biological park |
| Typical visit | Half a day; longer if birding at dawn or staying for sunset |
| Nearest airport | Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at the capital |
Best time to visit
The comfortable window to visit Chidiya Tapu runs broadly from October or November to May, outside the heaviest rain. June to September is the southwest monsoon, when the Andamans see heavy rainfall and rough seas, so boat movements and visibility suffer. The islands are warm and humid year-round.
For birding, the cooler, drier months from roughly November to April are generally easier, with early morning the most active time. Sunsets are best on clear evenings; during the monsoon, cloud cover often hides them.
| Period | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Drier, less humid, calmer seas | Birding, sunsets, general sightseeing; peak tourist season |
| Mar–May | Hot and humid, still mostly dry | Fewer crowds early, beach time; carry sun protection |
| Jun–Sep | Southwest monsoon, heavy rain, rough seas | Lush forest and lower prices, but unpredictable; plans may change |
| Oct | Transition, tapering rain | Shoulder season; weather improving |
How to reach Chidiya Tapu
You reach Chidiya Tapu by road from the Andaman capital, about 28 km away and roughly an hour’s drive, per the district administration. There is no airport, railway or jetty at Chidiya Tapu itself; you first fly into the capital, then travel overland to the southern tip of South Andaman.
By air: The capital’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IATA code IXZ) is the single gateway to the islands, with mainland flights via cities such as Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. From the airport, Chidiya Tapu is a taxi or car ride south.
By road: From the city you can hire a taxi, join a day tour, or drive a rented two-wheeler or car. Local buses also run on this route; timings are limited, so check the current schedule at the city bus stand. The last stretch is a quiet forest road.
| From | Distance | Typical road time |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair / Sri Vijaya Puram city | About 28 km | Around 1 hour |
| Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) | Roughly 30 km | Around 1 hour |
| Chidiya Tapu Beach to Munda Pahad viewpoint | Short forest trail (about 1.5 km, per some guides) | About 30–45 minutes one way on foot |
Things to see and do in Chidiya Tapu
The main draws at Chidiya Tapu are birdwatching, the Munda Pahad trail and the sunset point, plus a forest biological park nearby. Distances are short and most can be combined in one visit. Keep volatile details — park timings and fees especially — flexible, as sources disagree.
Birdwatching: The forest is known for Andaman endemic birds. Birding operators regularly list species such as the Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Flowerpecker and Andaman Serpent Eagle among the area’s targets. Dawn is the most productive; a local guide helps with sightings.
Munda Pahad trail and sunset point: A marked forest trail from near the shore climbs to the Munda Pahad headland, a common vantage for sunset over the sea. Carry water and start early enough to return before the forest area closes for the evening.
Chidiya Tapu Biological Park: A forest biological park near the area holds native Andaman species. Published timings and fees vary widely between travel sites, so confirm the current day-closed, hours and ticket at the gate or with the Forest Department before relying on them.
| Spot | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Chidiya Tapu shore / sunset point | Rocky, mangrove-fringed coast with wide sea views | 1–2 hours, best near sunset |
| Munda Pahad trail | Short forest walk to a headland viewpoint | About 1–1.5 hours return |
| Chidiya Tapu Biological Park | Forest park with native island species | 1–1.5 hours; check timings/fee |
| Birding in surrounding forest | Endemic and resident birds, best at dawn | 2–3 hours with a guide |
A suggested half-day plan
Chidiya Tapu works well as a half-day trip from the capital, either an early-morning birding run or a late-afternoon sunset visit. A compact plan:
- Morning option: Leave the city before dawn, reach the forest at first light for birding, then visit the biological park if it is open, and head back by late morning.
- Afternoon option: Set out after lunch, explore the biological park, then walk the Munda Pahad trail in good time and settle at the sunset point for the evening.
- Combine Chidiya Tapu with other southern sights near the capital on the same day if you have a vehicle.
- Build in buffer time; the drive, limited bus timings and forest closing hours all shape how much you can fit in.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in the capital and make Chidiya Tapu a day trip, as the city has the widest choice of hotels and transport. On-site options at Chidiya Tapu are limited. A Forest Department guest house operates near the area under the Chief Wildlife Warden, Haddo, per the district administration; book through the department well ahead, as such accommodation is limited and subject to availability.
| Type | Where | Indicative price band |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / homestay | In and around the capital | Roughly ₹1,000–₹2,500 a night (planning estimate — reconfirm) |
| Mid-range hotel | Capital city | Roughly ₹3,000–₹6,000 a night (planning estimate — reconfirm) |
| Upper-tier / resort | Capital and nearby | ₹8,000 and up a night (planning estimate — reconfirm) |
| Forest guest house | Near Chidiya Tapu | Government tariff; book via Forest Department |
Prices rise in the November–February peak and on weekends; book ahead for those dates.
Food to try
There is little dining at Chidiya Tapu itself, so plan to eat in the capital or carry provisions. The islands lean on seafood and simple home-style cooking, alongside South Indian and Bengali influences from settler communities.
- Fresh seafood — locally caught fish, prawns and crab, often grilled or in a curry.
- Coconut-based curries (gravies cooked with coconut, common across the islands).
- South Indian staples such as dosa (a thin rice-and-lentil crepe) and idli (steamed rice cakes) at city eateries.
- Fresh coconut water, widely sold and a good choice in the heat.
Carry your own water and snacks for the forest; do not litter, and take all packaging back with you.
Budget breakdown
A Chidiya Tapu day trip is inexpensive on its own; the bigger costs are the flight to the islands and your city hotel. The table below is a planning estimate for the local day-trip portion only, for one person, and should be reconfirmed — fares and fees change.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return transport from city | ₹600–₹2,500 | Shared tour cheaper; private taxi higher; bus lowest |
| Biological park entry | Nominal ticket | Figure varies by source; confirm at gate |
| Guide (birding, optional) | ₹500–₹1,500 | Worth it for serious birders |
| Food and water | ₹200–₹500 | Carry from the city |
Assumptions: local travel only, excludes flights, island-stay hotel and other sightseeing. Camera fees, where charged, are extra.
Permits and rules
Indian citizens need no special permit to visit Chidiya Tapu or South Andaman. Entry to the biological park and some forest areas may carry a ticket and standard forest rules. Foreign nationals should reconfirm the current Restricted Area Permit (RAP) position for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as rules have changed over the years and sources disagree on the present status.
A 2018 government relaxation excluded many inhabited islands from the RAP regime for a fixed period that has since lapsed, and later guidance again lists a permit requirement for foreign visitors. Because of this, foreign travellers should check with the authorities or the FRRO at the capital before travel rather than rely on travel-site summaries.
Follow posted forest and wildlife rules: stay on marked trails, do not feed or disturb animals, avoid single-use plastic, and carry out your waste. Drone use over forest and protected areas needs permission; do not fly without it.
Practical tips and safety
The single most useful safety habit at Chidiya Tapu is to respect the water. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit creeks and mangroves across the Andamans, and warning or safety boards are posted in the area. Do not enter the water where boards advise against it, and keep children close near creeks and mangrove edges.
- Timing: Plan around the forest’s closing hour so you are not caught out after the trail shuts; start the sunset walk with time to spare.
- Connectivity: Mobile network and data can be patchy on the islands and weaker in forest areas; download maps and tickets in advance.
- Cash and UPI: Carry some cash, as card and digital payments are not reliable at smaller points; draw cash in the city.
- Health: The nearest full hospital facilities are in the capital, not at Chidiya Tapu; carry any personal medicines and basic first aid.
- Solo and women travellers: The route is a routine day trip, but the forest is quiet; prefer daylight, tell someone your plan, and consider a guide or group for dawn birding.
- Packing: Light cottons, sun protection, insect repellent, water, sturdy shoes for the trail; add a rain layer in the monsoon.
Nearby places
Chidiya Tapu pairs naturally with sights around the Andaman capital, which is the base for most itineraries. The table lists well-known points near Chidiya Tapu; distances are approximate and should be reconfirmed.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair / Sri Vijaya Puram | About 28 km | Capital; hotels, Cellular Jail, museums, transport hub |
| Corbyn’s Cove Beach | Near the capital | Closest city beach for a quick stop |
| Wandoor / Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park gateway | West of the capital | Marine park access; reconfirm current boat and permit rules |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chidiya Tapu and how far is it from Port Blair?
Chidiya Tapu is at the southernmost tip of South Andaman Island, in South Andaman district of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The district administration puts it about 28 km from the capital, Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram), roughly an hour’s drive by road. There is no airport or jetty at Chidiya Tapu itself.
Why is Chidiya Tapu called Bird Island?
Chidiya Tapu means “Bird Island”, from the word chidiya (bird). The coastal forest here is known for birdlife, including several species endemic to the Andamans. Birding operators commonly list the Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Treepie and Andaman Serpent Eagle among sightings, with early morning the most active time for birdwatching.
What is the best time to visit Chidiya Tapu?
The best time to visit Chidiya Tapu is broadly October or November to May, outside the heaviest rain. June to September is the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rainfall and rough seas that can disrupt plans. For birding and clear sunsets, the drier, cooler months from about November to April are generally the most reliable.
Do I need a permit to visit Chidiya Tapu?
Indian citizens need no special permit to visit Chidiya Tapu or South Andaman, though forest areas and the biological park may charge a ticket. Foreign nationals should reconfirm the current Restricted Area Permit rules for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with the authorities or the FRRO at the capital, as the position has changed over time.
Is Chidiya Tapu good for sunset, and how does the Munda Pahad trail work?
Yes. Chidiya Tapu is a popular sunset point, with wide sea views from the shore and the Munda Pahad headland. A short forest trail, described by some guides as around 1.5 km, leads up to the viewpoint. Start early enough to walk back before the forest area closes in the evening.
Are there crocodiles at Chidiya Tapu, and is it safe to swim?
Saltwater crocodiles live in creeks and mangroves across the Andamans, and safety or warning boards are posted around Chidiya Tapu. Treat the water with caution: do not swim where boards advise against it, keep children away from creek and mangrove edges, and follow all posted instructions and local advice before entering the sea.
Last updated and sources
Chidiya Tapu suits birders, sunset-watchers and anyone wanting an easy half-day from the Andaman capital. Go in the drier months from about November to May, start early for birds or late for sunset, and reconfirm park timings and permit rules before you set out.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: South Andaman district administration (southandaman.nic.in); Incredible India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Deccan Herald on the Port Blair–Sri Vijaya Puram renaming (September 2024); general best-season and endemic-bird details cross-checked against Andaman tourism and birding-tour operator listings. Accessed September 2026.
