Diglipur sits at the far northern end of the Andaman Islands, a working town of markets, rice fields and jetties that doubles as the base camp for some of the archipelago’s wildest country. Most travellers come for three things: the climb up Saddle Peak, a boat to the Ross and Smith twin islands, and the turtle-nesting sands at Kalipur. This guide covers how to reach Diglipur, what to see, where to stay and what to reconfirm before you go.
Diglipur, in the North and Middle Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is the northern town known for Saddle Peak — the archipelago’s highest point — the Ross and Smith twin islands, and the protected turtle-nesting beach at Kalipur. It lies roughly 300 km by road north of the territory’s capital, Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair).
Key takeaways
- Saddle Peak, inside Saddle Peak National Park about 10 km south of Diglipur, is the highest point of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Wikipedia records 732 m, while the Key Biodiversity Areas factsheet gives 737 m above mean sea level.
- Diglipur is roughly 290–330 km north of Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair); the road trip along the Andaman Trunk Road takes about 10–14 hours and includes vehicle-ferry crossings (as of October 2026).
- Kalipur beach, near Diglipur, is a protected sea-turtle nesting site; Wikipedia records nesting at the adjacent Ram Nagar beach from December to February.
- The comfortable season runs roughly November to April; the monsoon (about May–September) brings heavy rain and rough seas that disrupt boats and road ferries.
- Ross and Smith islands — twin islets joined by a natural sandbar — and the swiftlet nesting caves (Alfred Caves) are the other main draws; some sites need a forest permit and a boat, so reconfirm current rules.
About Diglipur: quick facts
Diglipur is the largest town of North Andaman Island and a tehsil of the North and Middle Andaman district, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. According to Wikipedia it lies about 298 km north of the territory’s capital. Do not confuse it with any similarly spelled inland place — this Diglipur is an island town in the Bay of Bengal, reached only by road ferry or boat from the south.
The town sits on the Kalpong river, which Wikipedia describes as the only river in the Andaman islands. Around it lie national-park forest, mangrove creeks, paddy and a scatter of beaches and offshore islets. It is quieter and less developed than Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) or Neil (Shaheed Dweep), which is much of its appeal.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | North Andaman Island, North and Middle Andaman district, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Nearest major town / capital | Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), ~298 km south (Wikipedia) |
| Headline sight | Saddle Peak — highest point in the islands |
| Known for | Saddle Peak trek, Ross & Smith islands, Kalipur turtle nesting, swiftlet caves, mud volcanoes |
| Season | Comfortable Nov–Apr; monsoon roughly May–Sep |
| Language | Hindi and Bengali widely spoken; English in tourism |
Best time to visit Diglipur
The best time to visit Diglipur is the drier, calmer window from about November to April, when seas are usually settled enough for boats to Ross and Smith and the road ferries run more reliably. The southwest monsoon, roughly May to September, brings heavy rain, humidity and rough water that can cancel boats and slow the Andaman Trunk Road. Turtle nesting peaks in the cooler months.
| Period | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| November–February | Driest and least humid; calmer seas | Boats, beaches, Saddle Peak trek, turtle nesting season |
| March–April | Warm and humid, still largely dry | Snorkelling, island-hopping before the rains |
| May–September | Southwest monsoon: heavy rain, rough seas | Fewer crowds, green forest; expect boat and ferry disruption |
| October | Transition; rain easing | Shoulder-season value, variable conditions |
How to reach Diglipur
You reach Diglipur from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) by road along the Andaman Trunk Road or by sea; there are no commercial passenger flights to Diglipur itself. The road distance is reported between about 290 km and 330 km depending on the source, and the journey takes roughly 10–14 hours because it includes vehicle-ferry crossings of the sea straits between the islands. Reconfirm all timings locally before you commit.
By air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport at Sri Vijaya Puram, the only airport with regular passenger flights in the islands, then continue overland. Earlier seaplane links to Diglipur are no longer operating, so do not plan around them.
By road: Government and private buses, shared vehicles and private taxis run north from Sri Vijaya Puram along the Andaman Trunk Road. Buses typically start very early in the morning; a private taxi is faster and more flexible but costs more. The route crosses the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, where a convoy system and strict rules apply.
By sea: Government ferries also connect Sri Vijaya Puram with the north, with sailings only on certain days. Schedules, fares and booking windows change and services can be suspended in rough weather, so treat any sea option as indicative and reconfirm with the shipping authorities before you travel.
| From | Mode | Distance / time |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) | Road (Andaman Trunk Road) | ~290–330 km; about 10–14 hours with ferry crossings |
| Sri Vijaya Puram | Government ferry (sea) | Reported around 180 km by sea; sailings on select days — reconfirm |
| Mayabunder | Road | Several hours north along the trunk road (en route to Diglipur) |
| Diglipur town | Local to Kalipur / Aerial Bay jetty | Short taxi or auto hop (a few km) |
Top things to see and do
Diglipur’s draws are outdoors and spread out, so most need a vehicle and, for the islands, a boat. Below are the headline sights with what to expect; treat all fees, permits and boat details as indicative and reconfirm on the ground.
Saddle Peak National Park. This is the big one. Saddle Peak, on North Andaman Island inside the national park, is the highest point of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — Wikipedia records 732 m and the Key Biodiversity Areas factsheet gives 737 m above mean sea level. The trek from the park gate to the summit is reported at about 8 km one way, steep and through dense evergreen and moist-deciduous forest. Start at dawn, carry all your own water and food, and allow most of a day.
Ross and Smith islands. Two small forested islands joined by a natural sandbar you can walk across at low tide, reached by a short boat ride from Aerial Bay jetty. The water is calm and clear and good for swimming and snorkelling. A forest permit and a boat booking are generally required; reconfirm current permit points and fees.
Kalipur beach and turtle nesting. Kalipur, a short drive from Diglipur, is a dark-sand beach known as a sea-turtle nesting ground; Wikipedia records nesting at the adjacent Ram Nagar beach from December to February. The forest department runs protection and hatchery work here. Watch quietly, keep lights and flash off, and never touch nesting turtles or hatchlings.
Alfred Caves. A cluster of limestone caves near Diglipur, home to nesting swiftlets, reached by a short walk through forest and paddy. The approach can be slippery and some caves are tight; a local guide helps. Access may be restricted in the wet season.
Mud volcanoes. Small cones of bubbling mud (where underground gas pushes mud to the surface) lie in the Diglipur area. They are modest rather than dramatic, but easy to combine with other stops.
| Sight | Time needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle Peak trek | Most of a day | ~8 km one way, steep; forest-dept registration/permit; carry water and food |
| Ross & Smith islands | Half to full day | Boat from Aerial Bay; sandbar at low tide; permit + boat booking |
| Kalipur beach / turtles | 1–2 hours (evenings in season) | Nesting roughly Dec–Feb; no flash, no touching |
| Alfred Caves | 2–3 hours | Short forest walk; guide useful; wet-season access varies |
| Mud volcanoes | About 1 hour | Low-key; easy add-on by road |
A suggested Diglipur itinerary
A focused two to three nights in Diglipur lets you do the headline sights without rushing the long drive. Here is a workable plan; adjust for boat and ferry days.
- Day 1: Early start from Sri Vijaya Puram by bus or taxi; the long drive north with ferry crossings. Reach Diglipur or Kalipur by late afternoon, settle in, and walk the beach at dusk (turtle watch in season).
- Day 2: Boat to Ross and Smith islands for swimming and snorkelling, back by afternoon; add the mud volcanoes or Alfred Caves on the way.
- Day 3: Pre-dawn start for the Saddle Peak trek; descend by afternoon and rest.
- Day 4: Return south to Sri Vijaya Puram, or continue to Mayabunder and the middle islands.
Where to stay in Diglipur
Accommodation in Diglipur is limited and simple compared with the southern resort islands, so book ahead, especially in peak season. Options cluster in Diglipur town and around Kalipur. The price bands below are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026) and should be reconfirmed at booking.
- Budget (indicative ₹800–₹2,000/night): Basic guesthouses and lodges in Diglipur town; fan or AC rooms, limited hot water.
- Mid-range (indicative ₹2,000–₹5,000/night): Small resorts and beach-facing properties around Kalipur with simple restaurants.
- Government / eco options: The administration has operated tourist accommodation in the Kalipur area; availability and booking channels change, so check the official tourism portal directly.
Power and water supply can be intermittent and connectivity is patchy, so pick a property that is clear about generators and hot water, and carry a power bank.
Food to try
Food in Diglipur is home-style and fish-forward rather than fancy, served in small eateries and guesthouse kitchens. Expect simple but fresh plates built around the day’s catch and local produce.
- Fresh seafood — grilled or curried fish, prawns and crab, depending on the day’s catch.
- Bengali-style fish curry (machher jhol — fish in a light spiced gravy), reflecting the islands’ settler communities.
- Coconut-based curries and rice, the island staple.
- Tender coconut water (daab — fresh green coconut), widely sold and worth it in the heat.
Vegetarian meals are available but choice is limited; tell your guesthouse in advance if you have dietary needs, as supplies come up the long road from the south.
Budget breakdown
A trip to Diglipur is inexpensive once you are in the islands, with transport and boats the main variable costs. The table gives a rough per-person daily estimate for a mid-range trip; these are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026), not quoted fares, and assume two people sharing a room and using shared transport where possible.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (per person, sharing) | ₹400–₹1,000 | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| Food (3 meals) | ₹300–₹500 | ₹500–₹900 |
| Local transport / taxi share | ₹300–₹600 | ₹600–₹1,200 |
| Boat to Ross & Smith / activities | ₹500–₹1,000 | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Indicative daily total | ₹1,500–₹3,100 | ₹3,100–₹6,600 |
The long-distance bus or ferry from Sri Vijaya Puram is a separate one-off cost each way, and permits or entry fees for the national park and islands are extra. Confirm all of these locally.
Permits and rules
Diglipur lies within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, so standard territory rules apply, plus forest permits for protected areas. As of October 2026 Indian citizens no longer need an Inner Line Permit for the main Andaman group, but rules change and foreign nationals face separate requirements, so verify your status before travel.
- Forest permits: Trekking in Saddle Peak National Park and visiting islands such as Ross and Smith generally require registering with the forest department and paying an entry fee; permit points, fees and whether a guide is mandatory should be reconfirmed on arrival.
- Jarawa Tribal Reserve: The Andaman Trunk Road passes the reserve, where photographing or interacting with the community is prohibited and a convoy system operates. Follow all posted rules.
- Turtle nesting: On nesting beaches keep well back, use no flash or bright lights, and never touch turtles, eggs or hatchlings.
- Eco rules: Single-use plastic is restricted across the islands; carry out your waste and avoid disturbing coral and wildlife.
Practical tips
Diglipur is remote, so plan for thin infrastructure. The first sentence of advice: carry enough cash, because card and UPI acceptance is unreliable this far north.
- Money: Draw cash in Sri Vijaya Puram before heading up; ATMs in Diglipur exist but can be out of cash, and many small vendors are cash-only.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal and data are patchy and can drop for stretches; download maps and tickets offline.
- Health: There is a government hospital in Diglipur for basic needs; serious cases are referred south. Carry a personal first-aid kit and any regular medicines.
- Trekking safety: For Saddle Peak start at dawn, go with a guide or group, carry water, food and a torch, and tell your accommodation your plan.
- Solo and women travellers: Diglipur is generally calm, but services are limited; travel in daylight on the long road, keep someone informed of your itinerary, and book stays in advance.
- Packing by season: Light cottons and sun protection year-round; add quick-dry clothes, a rain shell and extra grip footwear in the monsoon, and a dry bag for boat trips.
Nearby places
Diglipur pairs naturally with the middle islands on the way back south, and with the small beaches and jetties around the town itself.
| Place | Distance from Diglipur | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kalipur beach | A few km | Turtle nesting, quiet dark-sand beach, base for Ross & Smith boats |
| Aerial Bay jetty | Short drive | Boat departures for Ross & Smith and fishing harbour |
| Mayabunder | Southward along the trunk road | Mangroves and a staging point between Diglipur and the south |
| Ross and Smith islands | Boat from Aerial Bay | Twin islands linked by a sandbar; swimming and snorkelling |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Diglipur and what is it known for?
Diglipur is the main town of North Andaman Island, in the North and Middle Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, about 298 km north of the capital, Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair). It is known for Saddle Peak, the Ross and Smith twin islands, Kalipur’s turtle-nesting beach and nearby swiftlet caves.
How do you reach Diglipur from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)?
Reach Diglipur overland from Sri Vijaya Puram along the Andaman Trunk Road, a roughly 290–330 km trip of about 10–14 hours by bus or taxi that includes vehicle-ferry crossings. Government sea ferries also sail on select days. There are no commercial passenger flights to Diglipur, so plan around the long road journey.
How high is Saddle Peak and is it really the highest point?
Saddle Peak, inside Saddle Peak National Park near Diglipur, is the highest point of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Wikipedia records its height as 732 m, while the Key Biodiversity Areas factsheet gives 737 m above mean sea level. The summit trek is reported at about 8 km one way and is steep forest walking.
When is the best time to visit Diglipur?
The best time to visit Diglipur is roughly November to April, when the weather is drier and seas are calmer for boats to Ross and Smith. The southwest monsoon, about May to September, brings heavy rain and rough water that disrupts boats and road ferries. Turtle nesting season falls in the cooler months.
Do I need a permit for Saddle Peak or the islands around Diglipur?
Yes, generally. Trekking Saddle Peak National Park and visiting islands such as Ross and Smith usually require registering with the forest department and paying an entry fee. Fees, permit points and whether a guide is mandatory change, so reconfirm on arrival. Follow the convoy and no-photography rules through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve en route.
Can you see turtles nesting at Kalipur beach?
Yes. Kalipur, near Diglipur, is a protected sea-turtle nesting beach; Wikipedia records nesting at the adjacent Ram Nagar beach from December to February. The forest department runs protection and hatchery work. Watch quietly after dark in season, keep flash and bright lights off, and never touch nesting turtles, eggs or hatchlings.
Last updated and sources
Diglipur suits travellers who want forest, sea and quiet over resorts, and who do not mind a long journey to get there. Go in the November-to-April window and build in slack for boat and ferry days.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia, “Diglipur”; Wikipedia, “Saddle Peak (Andaman Islands)”; Key Biodiversity Areas, “Saddle Peak National Park”; Onmanorama, “Centre renames Port Blair Sri Vijaya Puram” (13 September 2024). Accessed October 2026.
