Diglipur is a quirky little town that is considered a hidden gem of North Andaman. It is situated on the northernmost tip of the island chain. Owing to its remoteness from the rest of the Andamans, the town is off the tourist trail. You can reach Diglipur via Andaman Trunk Road or by a ten-hour voyage via ships.
You should visit Diglipur if you are willing to see the ingenious version of the Andaman Islands. This town is a serene parallel world that is mostly unnoticed. The town has lodges, a vegetable and fish market, a temple, bakeries, and a water stream filled with hyacinth. If you don’t like crowds, then it is an ideal place as tourists are a rare sight here.
Diglipur is home to gorgeous beaches. The most beautiful beaches here are as follows:
This beach is a long stretch of palm trees fringed by mangrove forests on both sides. The bay doesn’t have the typical light blue turquoise colors because the grayish volcanic sand makes the sea look darker. The place is not good for snorkeling owing to the murky waters but is a perfect spot for swimming. It is considered to be the best around the town.
The beach is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. Therefore, the beach closes at 5 pm and no one is allowed to walk on the sand afterward. You can also see an artificial hatchery set up there. The turtle nesting season is between December and March, and you can see eggs being laid by sea turtles and released into the water. The beach is being developed into an eco-friendly picnic place for visitors by the forest department.
The gorgeous Lamiya Bay Beach is at the foothills of the highest peak on the island—Saddle Peak. The beauty of the dazzling beach is further accentuated by the polished pebbles that are laid down on the shoreline. The beach is visited mostly by either honeymooners or nature lovers as it is a highly photographic beach with shrubs and trees displaying contrast. To savor the beauty of sun, sand and shade on a sunny and bright day, there are beautiful eco-friendly huts and watchtowers on the shoreline for the tourists.
Located behind the tranquil village of Kalipur, you can easily reach Kalipur Beach by taking a local bus from the main Diglipur bazaar. It is majorly popular for observing turtle nesting and that too four different species of sea turtles (Olive Ridley, Leather Back, Hawksbill, and Green Turtles), who come here to nest their eggs. The government has built a hatchery there for this purpose. If you are fortunate, then you can see turtles laying their eggs late at night as well as baby turtles being set free into the ocean early in the morning.
Kalipur Beach features volcanic grey colored sand and crystal clear water. It is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. Jellyfish are found in abundance here. Owing to sand flies, sunbathing is not recommended. During the time of low tides, the beach appears to be grim dead corals breaking the surface and a few mangrove trees embracing the shore.
Offering an amazing romantic experience to honeymooners, Diglipur has emerged as a sought-after destination. Its beaches are perfect for witnessing unforgettable sunrises and sunsets in the Andamans. Here, you can take a stroll on the beach with your better half amidst a magical glorious orange and pink sunset in the backdrop. The sky is painted in several lovely hues. Such a fabulous marvel of nature, isn’t it? Evenings here are extremely romantic. Spend some quality time in Diglipur if you want to cherish impressive natural attractions. The small town is secluded and thus, you both will get the much-needed privacy.
Diglipur has a lot more than its beaches. When in this tiny town, visit Alfred Caves. Diglipur is home to over 40 unexplored caves. Alfred Caves are among the most popular that were named after the scientist who discovered them. These limestone caves are secluded because of the dense jungle. These are unique and rare, and a bit tough to reach. You need to trek to reach these caves and this hiking is not meant for the faint-hearted. You will be required to do strenuous trekking for nearly one hour via narrow jungle trails. The best time to visit there is between October and April. The paths get slippery and unsafe during the reason season. Another unusual place in Diglipur is Jal Tikry (mud volcanoes) in Shyamnagar village. Trekking through its dense forests will make you witness a unique scientific phenomenon called the mud volcanoes (locally known as Jal Tikry). Some of them have been dormant for some time now while others are active for years. This site is something very rare and unique. You should include it in your travel bucket list for sure.
The popular Saddle Peak National Park is located in Diglipur. Established in 1987, the park spans across an area of 85 square kilometers in the northern part of the Andaman District. It has rare species of flora and fauna like the wild pig, Andaman hill myna, imperial pigeon, water monitor lizards, and saltwater crocodiles. The forest land of the islands is covered with luxuriant and lush green and thick tropical rain forests. The vegetation is characterized by a humid, warm, and wet tropical climate. The park spans north to south along the eastern coast of North Andaman Island. Majority of the eastern boundary of Saddle Peak Park borders the sea with a long and rocky beach. You can reach the park by trekking, which is quite a popular activity here.
Trekking to reach this peaceful national park in Diglipur is very famous. The trek is eight kilometers long starting from its entry to the peak of the mountains. Hikers love to go on this trek. Tourists of all age groups can visit this national park. The park also has a freshwater pool from which water is piped to Diglipur. It has as many as ten perennial streams and 132 seasonal streams. Uninhabited by human beings, the wilderness at Saddle Peak National Park stays protected here. Patches of white sand and coastal rocks covers the shoreline running along the park.
Yes, Diglipur is a great place in the Andaman Islands to go for snorkeling. A sought-after town among adventure lovers, it is a good place to witness the rich marine life in India. The crystal-clear warm waters offer great visibility. Spot beautiful coral reefs and colorful species under the water here. Adding a magical touch to your underwater experience, the clear waters reveal hues of blues and greens once the sun starts shining bright. That is truly a mesmerising sight. The island beaches are kissed by sea waves and offer great opportunities for snorkeling. Enjoy spotting some underwater creatures in their natural habitat.
Diglipur has a priceless treasure of natural attractions, wildlife, and biodiversity. Saddle Peak National Park is one such spot in this town that is an ideal destination for wildlife activists, photographers, and conservationists. The park is counted among the top tourist attractions owing to its rich flora and fauna. On your way, you will find several huts and benches at close distances so that you can take rest. Trekkers can spend some time and bask in the natural beauty here. At the top, the views are just breathtaking! You can also witness the ruins of lost temples and perennial streams flowing through different regions of Saddle Peak National Park.
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 4 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 50 for foreigners
A vacation in the Andaman Islands is incomplete without going for scuba diving in Diglipur. This serene tourist hotspot is home to white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, colorful corals, cobalt waters, and rich underwater world. Exploring the depths of such a wonderful place is a mesmerising experience for sure. Scuba diving is a sought-after activity in Diglipur and travellers from all over the world visit this town when in the Andaman Islands. If you are a water enthusiast (or not), you are going to enjoy the incredible marine life offered by the emerald isles. Necessary equipment such as an oxygen cylinder, water goggles, a pair of fins, regulator, weights (to keep you underwater), etc. will be provided here of the best quality for your security.
Nearby the main market and stadium area in Diglipur, you will find four-five guesthouses that have all the basic facilities. Do not expect luxury amenities here. Stay in Kalipur if you want to stay at a lavish resort. The resort also offers affordable cheap bamboo huts to backpackers. The property is twenty kilometers from Diglipur. During peak season, accommodations get crowded in Diglipur.
Some of the best accommodations in Diglipur are mentioned below:
As Diglipur is not that of a tourist hub, there are not so many restaurants. However, bakeries are in surplus here. The best restaurants and food outlets in Diglipur are as follows:
Located far up in the North Andaman, Diglipur is around 290 kilometers by road and 180 kilometers by sea from Port Blair. You can reach there by road, sea, or air.
Diglipur is a safe town, and the law and order here are in place. Solo travellers can also visit this place without any trouble.
Yes, and it is highly recommended that you do it. Located in Port Blair, Andaman Island Travels can make all the bookings on your behalf. Its expert team is engaged in offering customised Andamans packages to meet the requirements of its esteemed clients. The tour operating company is well-known for planning amazing holidays across the island and giving total customer satisfaction.