Andaman

Places to visit in Diglipur for beaches, caves and treks

Andaman By Pragya September 30, 2026 13 min read

The places to visit in Diglipur offer a completely different side of the Andaman Islands. Located in North Andaman, Diglipur is surrounded by dense tropical forests, quiet beaches, hills, islands and natural attractions. It is a destination where the journey itself becomes part of the experience, with roads passing through green landscapes and coastal villages before reaching secluded beaches and forest areas.

One of Diglipur’s biggest highlights is the Ross and Smith Islands, where two islands are connected by a naturally formed sandbar. Around the town, you can also explore peaceful beaches such as Kalipur and Ramnagar, while Lamiya Bay offers a quieter coastal setting near the foothills of Saddle Peak. For adventure travellers, Diglipur has even more to offer. Saddle Peak, the highest point in the Andaman Islands, provides opportunities for trekking through tropical forest. The Alfred Caves introduce visitors to the area’s limestone formations, while the Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano is a fascinating geological attraction hidden within the forest.

Diglipur is best suited to travellers who enjoy nature, wildlife, trekking, photography and peaceful surroundings. It is less about luxury resorts and busy tourist streets and more about experiencing the natural landscape of North Andaman.

In this Guide

Ross and Smith Islands – Explore Diglipur’s most iconic island attraction, where two beautiful islands are connected by a natural sandbar. Learn about the boat journey, beach experience, water activities and the best way to plan your visit.
Beaches Near Diglipur – Discover the peaceful coastline around Diglipur, including Kalipur Beach, Ramnagar Beach and Lamiya Bay Beach. These beaches are known for their natural surroundings, quiet atmosphere, turtle nesting areas and scenic views.
Saddle Peak, Alfred Caves and the Mud Volcano – Go beyond the beaches and explore Diglipur’s natural wonders. Trek through the forests of Saddle Peak, visit the unusual limestone formations of Alfred Caves, and see the fascinating geological landscape of the Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano.
Offbeat Stops – Diglipur has several lesser-known attractions that are ideal for travellers who prefer peaceful and less-crowded places. Explore places such as Kalpong, Karmatang and other natural spots to experience a quieter side of North Andaman.
Places to Visit in Diglipur at a Glance – Get a quick overview of Diglipur’s major attractions, including beaches, islands, trekking spots, caves and geological sites, along with what makes each place worth visiting.
How to Reach Diglipur – Find out how to travel to Diglipur from other parts of the Andaman Islands, including the available road, ferry and air connections, along with useful information for planning your journey.
How Many Days and Best Time to Visit – Understand how much time you should keep for a Diglipur trip and which months are generally suitable for exploring its beaches, islands, forests and outdoor attractions.

Sandbar joining Ross and Smith Islands, one of the top places to visit in Diglipur, North Andaman

Ross and Smith Islands, the top sight in Diglipur

For many travellers, the Ross and Smith Islands are the main reason to visit Diglipur. These two beautiful islands lie close to each other and are connected by a naturally formed sandbar. Surrounded by clear green-blue water and tropical greenery, the islands offer one of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in North Andaman.

The natural sandbar is the highlight of the experience. Its appearance changes with the tide. During low tide, the sandbar becomes a visible stretch of beach connecting the two islands, allowing visitors to walk between them. As the tide rises, seawater gradually covers the sandbar, changing the entire landscape. This makes the timing of your visit important if you want to experience the sandbar clearly.

Once on the islands, you can spend time walking along the beach, swimming where conditions are considered safe, relaxing by the shore and taking photographs. Snorkelling may also be possible, depending on local permissions, weather and sea conditions. The islands are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace rather than as a rushed sightseeing stop.

How to get there

Boats generally depart from Aerial Bay Jetty, and the journey takes around 25 minutes.
A forest permit is required before visiting the islands. The North and Middle Andaman district administration lists the permit fee as ₹50 for Indian tourists and ₹500 for foreign tourists.
The permit can be obtained from the Forest Office in Diglipur during its stated working hours. The office remains closed on Sundays.
Boat charges can vary depending on the operator, season and type of boat. Private boat prices should be confirmed locally before departure.
It is advisable to start early because boat services are dependent on weather, sea conditions and local operating schedules. Return arrangements should also be confirmed before leaving the jetty.

Best for: couples, photographers, beach lovers, nature enthusiasts and travellers looking for a peaceful island experience.

Beaches Near Diglipur

The beaches around Diglipur have a different character from the busier tourist beaches of the Andaman Islands. Instead of large crowds and extensive commercial development, you will find quiet shores, tropical vegetation, rocky coastlines and important wildlife habitats. Several beaches can be combined into a single sightseeing plan, while others are better suited to travellers who have extra time and want to explore less-visited parts of North Andaman.

Kalipur Beach: This beach is one of Diglipur’s best-known beaches and is particularly important for sea-turtle nesting. The surrounding landscape combines the beach with dense tropical vegetation, creating a peaceful setting for visitors. The winter months are associated with turtle nesting activity, with the official district tourism information specifically highlighting December and January. However, turtles and their nesting areas are protected, so visitors should follow all instructions from the Forest Department and avoid disturbing the animals Apart from wildlife, Kalipur is a pleasant place for a quiet beach walk, photography and relaxation. Its location also makes it convenient to combine with Lamiya Bay and the Saddle Peak area.

Lamiya Bay Beach: A few kilometres beyond Kalipur, Lamiya Bay Beach offers another scenic coastal experience. The beach lies near the foothills of Saddle Peak, creating an attractive combination of sea, rocks, forest and mountains. Lamiya Bay is less about organised activities and more about enjoying the natural surroundings. You can walk along the coast, sit near the rocks, listen to the waves and photograph the landscape. On a clear day, the contrast between the blue-green sea and the forested hills makes this one of the more scenic stops around Diglipur. Because Kalipur and Lamiya Bay are close to each other, they can easily be included in the same sightseeing outing.

Ramnagar Beach: Located around 35 km from Diglipur, Ramnagar Beach is another important coastal attraction. The beach is known for its natural surroundings and also has a nature trail for visitors interested in exploring beyond the shoreline. Ramnagar is also associated with turtle nesting, making it an important wildlife area. Visitors can enjoy the beach, walk along the shore and explore the surrounding natural environment. Facilities such as eco-huts and benches provide places to rest during a visit. If you are interested in combining beach time with a little nature exploration, Ramnagar is a worthwhile addition to a Diglipur itinerary.

Karmatang Beach: This beach is another significant turtle habitat in the North Andaman region. Several species of sea turtles use the area’s coastline for nesting, making conservation an important part of the beach experience. The beach is also associated with water-based activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, subject to local permissions and sea conditions. However, wildlife protection should always take priority over recreational activities. If you visit during a turtle nesting period, avoid entering restricted areas, touching animals or using bright lights around nesting sites. Following local instructions helps protect the fragile coastal environment.

Pathi Level Beach: For travellers looking for something quieter, Pathi Level Beach can be considered an offbeat option. It offers a more secluded coastal experience away from the better-known sightseeing spots. The journey may involve additional walking or local arrangements, so it is better suited to travellers who have extra time and are comfortable exploring less-developed locations. The attraction here is the peaceful setting rather than a long list of organised activities.

Planning the beach circuit

You can easily combine Kalipur Beach and Lamiya Bay during the same outing because of their proximity. Ramnagar and Karmatang can be planned as longer excursions, while Pathi Level is better kept for travellers with additional time. Together, these beaches show why Diglipur is different from a typical resort destination. The experience is centred on quiet coastlines, forests, wildlife and natural landscapes, making the area particularly appealing to travellers who prefer nature over crowds.

Quiet forest-lined Kalipur Beach near Diglipur where sea turtles nest in winter

Saddle Peak, Alfred Caves and the Mud Volcano

This is where Diglipur feels distinctly different from the rest of the Andaman Islands. Beyond its beaches and islands, the region has dense forests, mountain trails, limestone formations and unusual geological features. These attractions are ideal for travellers who want to spend some time walking through nature rather than simply relaxing by the sea.

Saddle Peak, rising to about 732 metres, is the highest point in the Andaman Islands and one of Diglipur’s main attractions for adventure lovers. Located within the Saddle Peak National Park area, the route takes you through dense tropical and evergreen forest, making the journey itself an important part of the experience. The trek is suited to travellers who enjoy hiking, birdwatching, photography and forest landscapes. As you move through the forest, the surroundings become increasingly quiet and wild, offering a very different experience from the beaches around Kalipur and Lamiya Bay. Saddle Peak is not simply a viewpoint that you can reach by road. It involves a proper forest and trekking experience, so visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and changing conditions. Follow Forest Department regulations and use an authorised guide where required, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the trail.

Best for: trekkers, adventure lovers, photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The Alfred Caves, located near Ramnagar, are a fascinating group of 41 limestone caves hidden within the tropical forest. Their natural rock formations and enclosed passages make them one of the more unusual attractions around Diglipur. The caves are also home to swiftlets and fruit-eating bats, adding a wildlife element to the experience. Reaching them involves travelling through forest terrain, so the journey is just as much a part of the attraction as the caves themselves. Because the route passes through a natural forest environment, it is better to start early and allow enough time to return before evening. Visitors unfamiliar with the area should consider taking assistance from a local guide or forest staff, where required. The official district tourism information identifies October to March as a suitable period for visiting the Alfred Caves.

Best for: adventure travellers, nature lovers, photographers and people interested in geology.

The Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano is one of Diglipur’s most unusual natural attractions. Located near Hathilevel, around 20 km from Diglipur, the site can be reached after a short trek of approximately 15 minutes through semi-evergreen forest. Unlike a conventional volcano, a mud volcano does not produce flowing lava. Instead, mud and gases rise from underground, creating small cones and muddy formations on the surface. The walk takes you first past older, relatively dry formations before reaching areas where fresh mud can be seen emerging. This makes the site particularly interesting for visitors who want to see a geological phenomenon in a natural setting rather than a conventional tourist attraction. The area has benches and information boards, making it easier to understand the geological feature and spend some time observing the surroundings. The short forest walk also means the mud volcano can be combined with other Diglipur attractions during the same day.

Best for: families, photographers, geology enthusiasts and travellers looking for an offbeat experience.

Planning these three attractions

Saddle Peak, Alfred Caves and the Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano offer three very different experiences: mountain trekking, cave exploration and geological sightseeing. They are therefore worth including if you want your Diglipur trip to go beyond beaches and islands. Keep in mind that these are natural and forest-based attractions. Weather, forest permissions, trail conditions and local regulations can affect access, so check the latest local instructions before setting out.

Forest trail towards Saddle Peak, a trek among the best places to visit in Diglipur

Offbeat Stops in Diglipur

If you have an extra day in Diglipur, you can go beyond the well-known beaches and explore some of the area’s quieter and more unusual attractions. These places are ideal for travellers who enjoy nature, landscapes, wildlife and experiences away from the usual tourist circuit.

Kalpong Hydroelectric Project

Located near Nabagram, the Kalpong Hydroelectric Project is one of the most unusual attractions around Diglipur. It is the largest dam in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the islands’ only hydroelectric power project, with an installed capacity of 5.25 MW. The surrounding landscape of forested hills, water and open greenery makes the area interesting even for visitors who are not particularly interested in engineering. If you enjoy infrastructure, photography or exploring lesser-known places, Kalpong can be a worthwhile addition to a Diglipur itinerary. Access restrictions may apply, so check locally before visiting.

Craggy Island

Craggy Island is a small, relatively less-visited island known for its clear coastal waters and marine environment. Compared with the more popular Ross and Smith Islands, it offers a quieter experience and can appeal to travellers interested in snorkelling and exploring underwater life. Since access, boat services and activity availability can vary, it is better to confirm local conditions before making Craggy Island the main focus of your day. If conditions are suitable, the island can provide a peaceful alternative to the busier sightseeing spots.

Forest Walks Around Diglipur

The natural surroundings of Diglipur are an attraction in themselves. The region is surrounded by dense tropical forests, hills and coastal vegetation, making short forest walks and nature trails a good option for travellers who want a slower experience. These walks are particularly enjoyable for people interested in birdwatching, photography and observing the local landscape. However, the Andaman forests are environmentally sensitive, so visitors should remain on permitted routes, avoid disturbing wildlife and follow local forest regulations.

Other Places Worth Exploring

Diglipur’s attractions are spread across beaches, forests, hills and coastal areas. Kalipur Beach is known for its peaceful setting and turtle-nesting habitat, while Lamiya Bay offers a scenic rocky coastline near the foothills of Saddle Peak.

For adventure seekers, Saddle Peak provides the opportunity to explore the highest point in the Andaman Islands, while the Alfred Caves offer a more unusual experience involving limestone formations and forest surroundings. Shyam Nagar Mud Volcano is another distinctive stop, where naturally occurring mud and gas activity creates an unusual landscape.

If you prefer quieter beaches, Ramnagar Beach, Karmatang Beach and Pathi Level Beach provide opportunities to enjoy Diglipur’s coastline away from the more crowded tourist spots. Each has a slightly different character, from nature and turtle habitats to secluded coastal scenery.

Together, these places show why Diglipur is different from the more developed tourist areas of the Andamans. You can combine its famous attractions such as Ross and Smith Islands with quieter beaches, forest landscapes, caves, mud volcanoes and lesser-known natural sites for a more varied Diglipur sightseeing experience.

Map of places to visit in Diglipur including Kalipur, Ramnagar and Saddle Peak

How to reach Diglipur

Diglipur is about 290 to 300 km from Port Blair. You have three options.

Bus: Government and private buses run along the Andaman Trunk Road. The trip takes about 10 hours. You can check the government ATR bus schedule for departure times.
Ferry: A government ferry runs from Port Blair to Aerial Bay via Rangat. It sails only a few times a week, so check the schedule before you book.
Helicopter: Pawan Hans flies between Port Blair and Diglipur. Seats are limited, so book early.

You will pass Rangat on the way. Our Rangat sightseeing guide shows what to see on the road.

Coming from Havelock or Neil? There is no easy direct link. Spend a night in Port Blair first. Our Neil Island sightseeing guide helps if you are combining islands, and our private cruise vs government ferry comparison helps you pick the right boat. The town itself is described on Wikipedia’s Diglipur page.

How many days and best time to visit

Plan 2 to 3 days in Diglipur.

Day 1: Ross and Smith Islands in the morning. Then Kalipur and Lamiya Bay.
Day 2: Saddle Peak trek early. Then the mud volcano. Add Alfred Caves if time and fitness allow.
Day 3: Ramnagar, Karmatang or Kalpong dam.

The best time to visit is October to May. Seas are calmer and boats run smoothly. For turtle nesting, aim for December and January. For Alfred Caves, October to March works best.

Pack light, carry cash and keep your ID for permits. Mobile signal can be weak in this part of the islands.

Want someone to handle the ferries, permits and stays? Browse our Andaman itineraries and we will build a North Andaman leg into your trip.