Mount Harriet, in South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a forested colonial-era hill that served as the summer headquarters of the British Chief Commissioner and is now protected as a national park. In 2021 the peak and its park were officially renamed Mount Manipur, so you will see both names in use. This guide gathers what is verifiable from the South Andaman district administration, Incredible India and other official records, with every changeable detail dated.
Mount Harriet (officially Mount Manipur since 2021) is one of the highest points in South Andaman and the main peak of Mount Harriet National Park, reached by a short ferry and road trip from Port Blair. The district administration lists its height as 365 metres. It offers forest trails, sea views and birdlife.
Key takeaways
- Mount Harriet, in South Andaman district, was officially renamed Mount Manipur on 17 October 2021 to honour Manipuri freedom fighters exiled here after the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War.
- The South Andaman district administration lists the peak as “the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 mts. high)”; Wikipedia gives 383 m (1,257 ft) and ranks it the third-highest in the whole archipelago.
- Reach it from Port Blair by ferry from Chatham wharf to Bamboo Flat, then a vehicle to the top; the district site gives “55 Kms by road / 15 Kms by ferry and trek.”
- The park is open roughly 7 am–5 pm (per Incredible India); a 3 km walk leads to Kala Pathar, and a longer 16 km forest trek links Madhuban beach to the rest house.
- The best months are the dry season, roughly November to April; the island monsoon runs May to September.
- A scene associated with Mount Harriet appeared on the reverse of the pre-2019 ₹20 banknote, before the 2019 series switched to the Ellora Caves.
About Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur)
Mount Harriet is a forested peak in South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. The South Andaman district administration describes it as “the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 mts. high)” and notes it “was the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj.” It lies across the harbour from Port Blair (now officially Sri Vijaya Puram), facing the town from the eastern shore.
Do not confuse this peak with the many other places called Harriet elsewhere in the world; the Andaman peak is the one tied to colonial Port Blair, the ₹20 note and, since 2021, the name Mount Manipur. The hill was named after Harriet Christina Tytler, a British artist and photographer and wife of Robert Christopher Tytler, who was connected to the mid-19th-century convict settlement at Port Blair.
The surrounding forest is protected as Mount Harriet National Park (now also called Mount Manipur National Park). According to Wikipedia’s park entry, the park covers about 46.62 km² (4,662 hectares) and was notified as a national park in 1979, though some summaries give a smaller area and a 1969 date, so treat those figures as approximate. It sits within Ferrargunj tehsil and is known for Andaman rainforest, birdlife and butterflies.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (UT) |
| Official current name | Mount Manipur (renamed 17 October 2021) |
| Height | 365 m per the district administration; 383 m (1,257 ft) per Wikipedia |
| Protected area | Mount Harriet / Mount Manipur National Park (~46.62 km²) |
| Nearest town | Port Blair / Sri Vijaya Puram |
| Nearest airport | Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ) |
| Typical park hours | About 7 am–5 pm (per Incredible India) |
The 2021 renaming to Mount Manipur
Mount Harriet was officially renamed Mount Manipur on 17 October 2021. According to Wikipedia, the Union Government made the change and Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced it at a function in Port Blair. The new name honours Manipur’s role in resisting British rule, especially during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The link runs deep. After that war, a group of Manipuri leaders and freedom fighters was transported to the Andamans. The renaming specifically remembers Maharaja Kulachandra Dhwaja Singh, Yuvaraj Tikendrajit Singh, General Thangal and others who were exiled here. In everyday tourism listings and older signage you will still see “Mount Harriet,” which is why this guide uses both names.
The peak also had a place in Indian wallets. A scene associated with Mount Harriet appeared on the reverse of the older (pre-2019) ₹20 banknote. The newer Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series ₹20 note, introduced in 2019, carries the Ellora Caves instead. Numismatic sources differ on exactly how the old note’s view was captioned, so treat the ₹20 note link as a widely cited association rather than an official caption.
Best time to visit Mount Harriet
The best time to visit Mount Harriet is the dry season, roughly November to April, when rain eases and forest trails are firmer underfoot. The Andaman Islands have a tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures all year; the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas from about May to September, which can affect ferries and make steep trails slippery.
Temperatures stay warm throughout. The Incredible India climate table for the area ranges from about 19.5–31.2 °C in January to 22.9–34.3 °C in April. Mornings are the clearest window for views from the top, before cloud and haze build up.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak dry season | Nov–Feb | Driest, most comfortable; best for trekking and views; busiest |
| Warm dry season | Mar–Apr | Hotter and more humid; still good; fewer crowds |
| Monsoon | May–Sep | Heavy rain, rough seas, slippery trails; some plans may be disrupted |
| Retreating monsoon | Oct | Showers easing; greenery at its fullest; variable |
How to reach Mount Harriet
You reach Mount Harriet from Port Blair, usually by a short ferry across the harbour followed by a road climb. The South Andaman district administration states the distance as “55 Kms by road / 15 Kms by ferry and trek from Port Blair” and explains that “Ferry service is available from Chatham wharf to Bambooflat,” after which “from Bambooflat vehicles can be taken to reach Mt. Harriet.”
In practice, most visitors take the government ferry from Chatham (Haddo) to Bamboo Flat, a crossing of roughly 15 minutes, then hire an auto or taxi for the 6–7 km uphill drive to the top. A longer all-road route runs via Ferrargunj for those who prefer to drive the whole way. Ferry timings and the road’s condition change, so confirm the current schedule locally the day before.
| Leg | Mode | Approx. distance / time |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair airport (IXZ) to Chatham / Haddo | Taxi / auto | A few km across town |
| Chatham wharf to Bamboo Flat | Harbour ferry | ~15 minutes |
| Bamboo Flat to the summit | Auto / taxi (or walk) | ~6–7 km uphill |
| Port Blair to summit, all-road | Car | ~55 km via Ferrargunj (district figure) |
By air, the gateway is Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) at Port Blair, which has flights from mainland Indian cities. There is no railway in the Andamans. Inter-island travel otherwise relies on ferries and the Andaman Trunk Road.
Things to see and do at Mount Harriet
The main draws at Mount Harriet are its forest walks, viewpoints over the sea and islands, and its birdlife. Incredible India describes two signature treks: an easy 3 km walk from the top toward the Kala Pathar rocks, and a longer, harder 16 km forest trail linking Madhuban beach with the rest house inside the park. A separate roughly 7 km path climbs from Bamboo Flat to the summit.
- Viewpoint and nature trail near the top — short, easy walks with views toward Port Blair, Ross Island and North Bay on clear mornings.
- Mount Harriet to Kala Pathar — about 3 km one way through forest; moderate and doable in a few hours.
- Madhuban trek — about 16 km of forest and coast between Madhuban beach and the park rest house; a full-day effort best done with a guide and permission.
- Birds and butterflies — the park records Andaman endemics and near-threatened species such as the Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman woodpecker, Andaman treepie and Andaman scops-owl, and is known as a butterfly hotspot.
| Experience | Distance / level | Time needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit viewpoint & nature trail | Short / easy | 1–2 hours | Best in the morning; clearest views |
| Kala Pathar trek | ~3 km / moderate | Half day | Forest walk from the top |
| Madhuban trek | ~16 km / hard | Full day | Guide and prior permission advised |
| Birdwatching | Varies / easy | Flexible | Andaman endemics; early hours best |
A suggested day plan
Mount Harriet works well as a half-day or full-day trip from Port Blair. A simple plan:
- Early morning: Take the first convenient ferry from Chatham to Bamboo Flat, then an auto or taxi up to the park entrance.
- Mid-morning: Walk the nature trail and viewpoints while the air is clear; if you want more, continue toward Kala Pathar.
- Midday: Rest at the summit area; carry your own water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
- Afternoon: Return to Bamboo Flat and ferry back to Port Blair in good time, since the park closes around 5 pm and late ferries can be crowded.
Serious trekkers who want the long Madhuban route should plan a dedicated full day, arrange a guide, and confirm access and permits with the Forest Department first.
Where to stay
Most visitors base themselves in Port Blair and make Mount Harriet a day trip, because the town has the widest choice of rooms and the easiest transport back. Inside the park, the district administration notes “a Forest Guest House where tourists can take rest and refresh themselves”; such government rest houses are limited and usually need advance permission from the Forest Department, so do not rely on walk-in availability.
- Budget (indicative, ₹1,000–₹2,500/night — reconfirm): guesthouses and small hotels around Port Blair and Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Mid-range (indicative, ₹2,500–₹6,000/night — reconfirm): standard hotels in Port Blair with reliable transfers.
- Upper/resort (indicative, ₹6,000 and up — reconfirm): sea-facing resorts around Port Blair and nearby bays.
- Government / forest options: the in-park forest guest house and A&N tourism properties; book ahead through the relevant department.
These bands are planning estimates, not quotes; tariffs rise in peak season (roughly December–January) and around holidays, so book early and reconfirm the current rate.
Budget breakdown
A day trip to Mount Harriet is inexpensive compared with the Andamans’ island-hopping and water-sports costs; the main spends are the ferry, local transport and any guide or entry fees. The table below is a planning estimate for one person on a day trip, excluding your Port Blair hotel and your flights to the islands.
| Item | Indicative cost (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harbour ferry (return) | Low (tens of ₹) | Government ferry; fare is small, varies |
| Auto / taxi, Bamboo Flat to summit (return) | Negotiated | Shared or private; agree the fare first |
| Park entry / camera fee | Reconfirm at gate | Forest Department rates change |
| Guide (for the long trek) | Negotiated | Recommended for Madhuban |
| Water, snacks, buffer | ₹200–₹500 | Few shops near the top |
Entry and camera fees are set by the Forest Department and have been quoted differently by secondary sources, so this guide does not publish a fixed figure; ask at the gate or the department office and keep cash, as digital payment may not work on the hill.
Permits, fees and rules
Indian citizens do not need a special permit to visit the Port Blair area and Mount Harriet. For foreign nationals, the Ministry of Home Affairs relaxed the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regime in 2018 so that most inhabited islands, including South Andaman, could be visited without a prior RAP; nationals of certain “Prior Reference Category” countries and some others still require clearance. These rules and their validity change periodically, so foreign visitors should confirm the current position with the Andaman and Nicobar administration or the Foreigners’ Registration Office before travel.
Separately, Mount Harriet is a national park, so forest rules apply: pay the entry and any camera fee at the gate, keep to marked trails, carry out your litter, and avoid single-use plastic where restricted. For the long Madhuban trek and any overnight stay in the forest guest house, seek prior permission from the Forest Department. Drone use over protected and sensitive areas is restricted; do not fly without written permission.
Practical tips
- Go early: mornings give the clearest sea views and cooler walking; the park closes around 5 pm.
- Carry cash: ferry fares, autos and gate fees are easier with small notes; UPI and card may not work reliably on the hill.
- Connectivity: mobile network and data can be patchy in the forest; download maps and ferry timings in advance.
- Water and food: carry your own; shops near the summit are few.
- Footwear: wear grippy shoes, especially after rain, as trails can be slippery and leechy in the wet months.
- Health and safety: the nearest full hospital (GB Pant) is in Port Blair; tell someone your plan if you attempt the long trek, and do not trek alone.
- Solo women travellers: the day route via the ferry and summit is popular and generally straightforward; prefer daytime hours, keep to busy trails, and arrange a known driver for the Bamboo Flat leg.
- Packing by season: sun protection and light cottons year-round; add a rain layer and quick-dry clothes in the monsoon.
Nearby places
Mount Harriet pairs naturally with Port Blair’s historic and coastal sights, most of them a short ride or ferry away.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Flat | Base of the hill | Ferry landing and the gateway town below the peak |
| Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) | ~15 km by ferry | Cellular Jail, Aberdeen Bazaar, museums, transport hub |
| Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) | Off Port Blair by boat | British-era ruins on a small island |
| North Bay Island | Off Port Blair by boat | Lighthouse and water activities |
| Chidiya Tapu | South of Port Blair | Sunset point and birdwatching |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Harriet the same as Mount Manipur?
Yes. Mount Harriet was officially renamed Mount Manipur on 17 October 2021 to honour Manipuri freedom fighters exiled to the Andamans after the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. Both names refer to the same peak and national park in South Andaman district, and older signage and listings still use “Mount Harriet.”
How high is Mount Harriet?
The South Andaman district administration lists Mount Harriet as “the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 mts. high).” Wikipedia gives a figure of 383 metres (1,257 feet) and ranks it the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands overall. Either way, it is one of South Andaman’s highest points.
How do I reach Mount Harriet from Port Blair?
Take the harbour ferry from Chatham wharf to Bamboo Flat, a crossing of about 15 minutes, then an auto or taxi for the 6–7 km climb to the top. The district administration gives the distance as “55 Kms by road / 15 Kms by ferry and trek.” Confirm current ferry timings locally before you go.
What is the best time to visit Mount Harriet?
The best time is the dry season, roughly November to April, when trails are firmer and skies clearer. The Andaman monsoon runs about May to September with heavy rain, rough seas and slippery trails. Early mornings give the clearest views from the summit before haze and cloud build up.
Is Mount Harriet the place shown on the old ₹20 note?
A scene associated with Mount Harriet appeared on the reverse of the older, pre-2019 ₹20 banknote. The 2019 Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series ₹20 note replaced it with the Ellora Caves. Numismatic sources describe the old view in slightly different ways, so treat it as a well-known association rather than an official caption.
Do I need a permit to visit Mount Harriet?
Indian citizens need no special permit for the Port Blair area and Mount Harriet. Foreign nationals no longer need a prior Restricted Area Permit for most South Andaman islands since the 2018 relaxation, though some nationalities still require clearance. As a national park, forest entry rules and fees apply at the gate; reconfirm current rules before travel.
Last updated and sources
Mount Harriet suits travellers in Port Blair who want a half-day of forest, views and history close to town; go in the dry months, start early, and carry cash and water. Trekkers seeking the long Madhuban route should plan a full day with a guide and prior permission.
Last updated: 2 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: South Andaman district administration — Mount Harriet; Incredible India — Mount Manipur National Park; Wikipedia — Mount Manipur (renaming, elevation, ₹20 note); Wikipedia — Mount Harriet National Park (area, flora and fauna); Ministry of Home Affairs / Andaman and Nicobar administration RAP relaxation (2018, as reported by national press). Accessed September 2026.
