Introduction to Diglipur
Diglipur, the largest town in the North Andaman Islands, often remains undiscovered by many tourists due to its distance from other popular attractions like Havelock and Port Blair. However, it is precisely this remoteness that makes Diglipur a unique and adventurous destination.
With its abundant flora and fauna, natural parks, and vibrant marine life, Diglipur offers numerous opportunities for active and fulfilling holidays. Whether it’s climbing the highest peak in the Bay of Bengal, exploring the breathtaking twin islands of Ross and Smith, witnessing an active mud volcano, or observing turtles nesting and hatching on pristine beaches, Diglipur is a wonderland for all nature enthusiasts.
Things to Know About Diglipur
- Off the Beaten Path: Diglipur is an offbeat destination that sees fewer tourists compared to other parts of the Andaman Islands. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and less crowded getaway.
- Getting There: Diglipur can be reached by road or by sea. By sea, there are government ship services available from Port Blair a few times per week. The journey takes approximately 10 hours, and tickets can be booked in advance. By road, one can travel on the Andaman Trunk Road, which takes about 12 hours. Buses and private cars are available for transportation.
- Adventure Lovers’ Paradise: Diglipur is a haven for adventure lovers. The key attractions include visiting the Ross and Smith islands, climbing Saddle Peak, and witnessing turtle nesting on the beaches. These activities offer thrilling experiences and opportunities to connect with nature.
- Places of Interest: Diglipur town itself has only a few places of interest, but the nearby area of Kalipur is where most people stay, and it offers a range of adventurous activities. Accommodations in Diglipur are limited, with popular options being Pristine Resort and Turtle Nest Resort.
- Recommended Duration: To fully enjoy the attractions of Diglipur, it is advisable to spend at least two days in the area. This allows ample time to explore and engage in various activities at a relaxed pace.
How to Reach Diglipur
- By Sea: Traveling by ship is the best option for visiting Diglipur. Government ship services operate from Port Blair to Diglipur a few times per week. Tickets can be purchased at the designated offices.
- By Road: Traveling by road is another option, although it can be tiring. The Andaman Trunk Road connects Port Blair to Diglipur, passing through three creeks and the Jarawa tribal area. Buses and private cars are available for transportation, and advance booking is recommended.
- By Air: While seaplanes no longer operate in Diglipur, helicopter services are available for medical emergencies. If there are vacant seats, tourists can book them at an additional cost. However, seats are limited, and availability may vary.
Top Things to Do in Diglipur
- Climb Saddle Peak: Saddle Peak, standing at 732 meters, is the highest point in the Bay of Bengal. The climb offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with diverse flora and fauna along the way. A permit is required from the Forest Department office, and the climb should be started early in the morning.
- Swim at Ross and Smith: The twin islands of Ross and Smith are a stunning natural attraction. Connected by a sandbar, these islands boast pristine beaches, clear waters, and a tranquil ambiance. Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in this untouched paradise. Boat rides are available to reach the islands.
- Watch Turtle Nesting and Hatching at Kalipur Beach: Kalipur Beach is known for its turtle nesting and hatching activities. From December to April, various sea turtle species come ashore to lay their eggs. Visitors can witness this incredible natural phenomenon at the government hatchery. Swimming and snorkeling are also popular activities at Kalipur Beach.
- Trek to See Active Mud Volcanoes: Diglipur is home to active mud volcanoes hidden in dense forests. These natural wonders are created by gases emitted from decaying organic matter underground, pushing the mud to the surface. Visitors can explore the area and marvel at the unique geological formations. No special permits are required to visit the mud volcanoes.
By immersing yourself in the natural beauty and adventurous offerings of Diglipur, you can experience a side of the Andaman Islands that is both captivating and awe-inspiring. Stay tuned for the next part of our blog series, where we will delve deeper into the attractions and hidden gems of Diglipur.
Relax at Lamia Bay Beach:
Located at the foot of the Saddle Peak trekking path and about 2 kilometers from Kalipur Beach, Lamia Bay, also known as Pebble Beach, is a hidden gem in Diglipur. This serene beach is a great spot for local fishing and also houses a few turtle hatcheries. Due to its lesser-known status, not many tourists visit this beach, making it a peaceful and secluded place to relax and enjoy nature.
To reach Lamia Bay Beach, buses are available every half an hour from Diglipur town. Alternatively, you can easily find private taxis and rickshaws on the way to the beach. However, it’s important to note that public transportation for the return journey might not be as readily available, so it’s advisable to plan your return transportation in advance.
Restricted Places with Permit:
There are three additional places of interest in Diglipur that are often mentioned but require a special permit for entry. These places are the Kalpong Hydroelectric Power Plant, Craggy Island, and Alfred Caves. As of March 2020, these places were not generally open for tourism, and visitors should not venture into these areas without proper permission. It’s essential to obtain the necessary permits and follow the regulations set by the authorities.
Recommended Duration:
To fully explore the attractions in Diglipur, including Kalipur turtle nesting, the Saddle Peak trekking, Alfred Caves, and Craggy Island, it is recommended to plan a 2-3 day getaway. This duration allows sufficient time to cover all the places of interest at a relaxed pace.
When to Visit Diglipur:
The ideal time to visit Diglipur is during the winter months from October to April. During this period, the sea is calmer, making it easier to access the islands and explore the region. Additionally, the summer months in Diglipur can be quite hot, so it’s best to avoid traveling during that time. Visiting between October and April also aligns with the turtle nesting and hatching season, providing a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon.
Getting Around Diglipur:
Getting around Diglipur and its scattered attractions can be time-consuming, especially when traveling on a budget. Local buses are available but can be crowded and have limited frequency. If you miss a bus, you may have to wait for a considerable time until the next one arrives. Shared public jeeps are another option, providing faster transportation, but they can be pricier and not always readily available.
For those seeking comfort and convenience, renting a scooter from the Diglipur market is a recommended option. The cost of renting a scooter is around 500-600 INR per day. Alternatively, you can hire a car with a driver, but it’s advisable to negotiate the price beforehand.
Hotels and Resorts in Diglipur:
The best accommodation option in Diglipur is the Pristine Beach Resort in Kalipur. The resort offers a range of rooms with prices ranging from 800 to 2800 INR, depending on the facilities and categories. Kalipur is the most visited place in Diglipur, and many tourists prefer to stay here and explore the nearby attractions.
In addition to the Pristine Beach Resort, there are a few government-run guesthouses like the Turtle Nesting Resort and APWD Guest Houses. The government guesthouses offer AC rooms at 2000 INR and non-AC rooms at 800 INR, but availability depends on prior booking. There are also smaller tourist lodges available, but their reliability may vary.
Restaurants in Diglipur:
Diglipur is not a major tourist destination, so the local eateries primarily serve local cuisine.
However, some of these local eateries offer delicious food options. Try the thalis (South Indian and Bengali) and ask for the day’s catch if you enjoy seafood.
For more continental cuisine, you can travel to Kalipur, where the Pristine Beach Resort offers a variety of North Indian dishes and a small selection of Chinese and Italian dishes. Keep in mind that the resort’s prices may be higher compared to local eateries.
Diglipur also has a bustling market with a wide selection of vegetables and fruits. You can find shops selling refreshments, sweet and salty snacks, and other snacks. Chai (tea) and fresh coconut water are also available in the market area.
The Pristine Beach Resort is the only place to stay and enjoy a variety of cuisines in Diglipur. However, other places also serve good non-vegetarian food, with most establishments offering local seafood and non-vegetarian delicacies. It’s important to note that vegetarian restaurants are scarce in Diglipur, but if you order in advance and are willing to wait, you can get vegetarian food at the Pristine Beach Resort.
The New Hira Family Restaurant, located in Shubhashgram, is another recommended restaurant in Diglipur. They serve delicious and affordable food, catering to different tastes and understanding the hospitality expected by guests.
Important Information about Diglipur:
- Currency:
Diglipur is a town area with a good number of residents, so ATMs serving Indian currency are readily available. Indian currency is the only accepted currency in Diglipur, as in other parts of the Andaman Islands. It is advisable to carry enough cash in accepted denominations while traveling, as 2000 rupee and 500 rupee notes might be problematic. If needed, it’s best to exchange or obtain smaller denomination notes in Port Blair before traveling to Diglipur. - Communication and Internet:
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) connections work best in Diglipur. While Vodafone and Airtel connections may work, their connectivity can be weak. Internet connection in resorts might not be very reliable, so it’s recommended to have alternative arrangements for internet access if necessary. - Supermarkets/Bazaars:
Diglipur is a bustling town and one of the largest in the Andaman Islands, so local markets are available in various places. These markets primarily cater to the local population and offer a glimpse into their daily life and living conditions. However, you can also find a few shops selling local handicrafts and other products in these bazaars. - Safety:
While Diglipur is generally considered safe, it may not have the same level of safety infrastructure as popular tourist destinations like Neil, Havelock, or Port Blair. However, the overall friendly and helpful nature of the Andaman people makes it a good place to visit. It’s important to listen to the authorities and take adequate safety measures while traveling. Avoid visiting restricted areas without a permit and be cautious during activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. Interacting with the locals is encouraged, but avoid exploiting them with incentives to visit restricted and inaccessible places. Abiding by rules and regulations is essential, and refrain from taking corals and sea creatures home as souvenirs.
Lastly, while traveling, it’s advisable to have a buffer day in hand for your return flight to the mainland. Avoid planning the flight on the same day you return from Diglipur to allow for any unforeseen delays or changes in the schedule.
