Key Highlights of Diglipur

• Location: North Andaman district, covering ~884 sq km, about 80 km north of Mayabunder and 130 km from Rangat.
• Population: ~43,183 (2011 census), primarily Bengali and Tamil settlers, with some indigenous Nicobarese nearby.
• Climate: Tropical, with temperatures of 20°C-32°C. Best visited from October to March for clear weather; monsoons (June-September) bring heavy rains and rough roads.
• Connectivity: Reachable from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) by bus (9-12 hours, ₹250-₹500) or taxi (₹10,000-₹12,000). No airport; nearest is Port Blair (IXZ). Limited ferry services from Port Blair (8-10 hours, ₹1,000-₹1,500, weekly).
• Tourism Appeal: Famous for Ross & Smith Islands, Saddle Peak, and turtle nesting beaches, offering a mix of adventure, nature, and seclusion.

Top Attractions in Diglipur

1. Ross & Smith Islands:
   • Twin islands connected by a natural sandbar, accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from Aerial Bay Jetty (₹1,000-₹1,500 for a group, permit required).
   • Entry: ₹50-₹100 (forest permit); ideal for swimming, snorkeling (bring own gear), and photography.
   • Highlight: Crystal-clear waters and a stunning sandbar make it one of Andaman’s most picturesque spots.
   • Tip: Book boats early; visit at low tide for the full sandbar experience.
2. Saddle Peak National Park:
   • Home to Saddle Peak, the highest point in the Andamans (732 meters), with a 7-8 km trek through dense forests.
   • Entry: ₹25-₹50 (permit); guided treks (₹500-₹1,000) recommended for safety.
   • Highlight: Panoramic views, rare flora (orchids), and fauna (Andaman wild pigs, hornbills). Takes 3-5 hours round trip.
   • Tip: Start at 5-6 AM; wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Budget-friendly for adventure seekers.
3. Kalipur Beach:
   • A turtle nesting beach (Olive Ridley, Leatherback, December-March), 18 km from Diglipur town.
   • Entry: Free; guided nesting tours (₹500-₹1,000, seasonal) require forest department permission.
   • Highlight: Serene with volcanic grey sand; ideal for sunrise views and nesting sightings.
   • Tip: Combine with Lamiya Bay for a half-day trip.
4. Lamiya Bay Beach:
   • A rocky, scenic beach near Saddle Peak’s base, 20 km from Diglipur.
   • Entry: Free; good for relaxation and photography.
   • Highlight: Heart-shaped rocks and tranquil vibes, less crowded than Kalipur.
5. Alfred Caves (Limestone Caves):
   • Remote caves near Ramnagar, 30 km from Diglipur, similar to Baratang’s but less accessible.
   • Access: 2-3 hour trek through forests (₹500-₹1,000 for a guide, permit required).
   • Highlight: Untouched stalactites and stalagmites for adventure enthusiasts.
   • Tip: Challenging for casual travelers; skip unless staying 2+ nights.
6. Pathi Level Beach & Mud Volcano:
   • A quiet beach near Diglipur with a nearby mud volcano (smaller than Baratang’s).
   • Entry: Free; reachable by jeep or scooter (₹100-₹200).
   • Highlight: Low-key spot for nature lovers; volcano is a quick stop.
   • Tip: Pair with Ross & Smith for a day trip.

Budget Travel Tips for Diglipur

• Accommodation: Limited options; budget guesthouses like Pristine Beach Resort, APWD Guest House, or Titlee Guest House cost ₹1,000-₹3,500/night. Book via forest department or local agents. Many opt for 1-2 nights due to remoteness.
• Food: Eateries in Diglipur Bazaar serve Indian and seafood dishes (fish fry, rice, dal) for ₹80-₹200. Try Hotel Relax or local stalls. Pack food for beach trips as vendors are scarce.
• Transport:
  • From Port Blair: Government buses (₹250-₹500, 9-12 hours) from STS Bus Terminal, Aberdeen Bazaar, are cheapest. Private AC buses (₹1,500-₹2,000) or taxis (₹10,000-₹12,000) are faster. Includes vehicle ferries at Middle Strait and other checkpoints.
  • Ferry: Weekly ferries from Port Blair (₹1,000-₹1,500, 8-10 hours) are unreliable; check schedules at Phoenix Bay Jetty.
  • On Island: Auto-rickshaws (₹100-₹300) or rented scooters (₹500-₹700/day) for local travel. Bicycles (₹100/day) suit short distances.
  • Convoy System: Travel through Jarawa Reserve requires convoys (6:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM). Depart Port Blair by 2-3 AM for the first convoy.
• Activities: Focus on low-cost spots (Kalipur, Lamiya Bay, Ross & Smith). Group boat rides and shared guides for Saddle Peak or turtle tours save money. No dive centers; bring snorkeling gear for Ross & Smith.
• Essentials: Carry cash (ATMs are limited), mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water, and trekking shoes. Mobile networks (BSNL best) are weak; Wi-Fi is unavailable in budget stays.

Practical Information

• Safety: Diglipur is safe but isolated. Follow convoy rules and avoid stopping in the Jarawa Reserve. No lifeguards at beaches; swim cautiously. Night travel is limited due to poor roads.
• Jarawa Tribe: The Jarawa Reserve is en route; interaction, photography, or offering food is illegal and punishable. Respect their privacy.
• Permits: Indian nationals need no special permits for Diglipur. Foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit (free, issued at Port Blair airport). Forest permits (₹50-₹500) are needed for Saddle Peak, Ross & Smith, or turtle nesting.
• Medical Facilities: Basic health center; serious cases are referred to Port Blair (9-12 hours).
• Language: Hindi, English, and Bengali are spoken. Locals are friendly but speak limited English.

Why Visit Diglipur?

Diglipur is a paradise for budget adventurers and nature enthusiasts, offering unique attractions like Ross & Smith Islands and Saddle Peak, unmatched by Andaman’s more popular destinations. Its turtle nesting beaches and remote vibe make it ideal for those seeking an authentic, crowd-free experience. It’s typically included in longer itineraries (e.g., 9N10D Port Blair + Havelock + Neil + Baratang + Rangat + Diglipur for ₹30,000-₹40,000 per person, as mentioned earlier), with a 1-2 night stay to cover key sites. Pair it with Mayabunder or Rangat for a complete North and Middle Andaman adventure.

For tailored itineraries or bookings, contact Andaman Visit (www.andamanvisit.com), (+91 933 244 7352) If you need specific details (e.g., hotel recommendations, ferry schedules), let me know!