Places - Diglipur Islands
Diglipur is a (884sq km/553sq miles) large island in the North Andaman housing lush green tropical forests, world class beaches and rare attractions like the Mud Volcanoes. The island has a population of 42,880 people spread across 42 villages and 13 gram panchayats. The population is primarily made up of people from Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and hence this island offers a unique cultural experience. Cultivation and Fisheries are the two primary occupations of people in this island.
Diglipur Island is 330km/207m by road and morning bus services are available between Port Blair and Diglipur. There are three refreshing breaks in journey. At these locations, creeks need to be crossed using vehicle ferries, adding around 15 minutes of waiting time for the availability of vehicle ferries. A very beautiful 0.5 km/0.3 m long bridge connecting Mayabunder and Diglipur is one more relaxing point.
Diglipur Island is 185 km/116 m by sea from Port Blair and shipping services are available for more than 4-5 days in a week. The travel time is about 12 hours. Quality of ships, availability of cabin accommodation and quality of journey are issues in ship travel.
Places to visit in and around Diglipur Islands :-
Ross Island (in Diglipur) offers a virgin beach bordered by a tropical forest. This island, at a distance of 20 minutes boat ride from Arial Bay jetty is an ideal spot for
- Beach tourism
- Adventure (trekking through tropical forest)
- Research / Education (like scuba diving, snorkelling, and turtle nesting)
Diglipur National Park is a dense tropical forest housing a rich bank of exquisite trees, (including sandal), rare flora and wild fruits and offering trekking opportunities including climbing up natural steps formed by the roofs of old trees. Tourists need to take permission from Forest Department to trek through this Park.
A 740 feet climb leads to Saddle Peak, the highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which offers an aerial view of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the second peak 'ice degree peak' is the coldest point while the third peak provides a fantastic view spanning Diglipur to Mayabunder
Smith Island offers a similar experience like Ross Island. This island also houses a small village of about 60 families. Eco rest houses are available for overnight stay. Turtle nesting during season is an added attraction.
Kalipur Beach, at a distance of 18km/11m from Diglipur, offers a combination of sand and rock shores with fishing village nearby
Lamba Bay Beach borders the Diglipur National Park, leading to Saddle Peak. This beautiful beach has a stretch of shore covered with shells. At the end of this walk is a refreshing fresh water stream 'Thambu Nali' in the foothills of National Park.
Kalipur Adventure Sports Complex, near Kalipur Beach, has been started in 2001. This complex offers water based adventure sports such as speed boats, water scooters etc.
A Mud Volcano has been identified at the northern tip of Diglipur Island. Little is known about the place; even locals lack knowledge. Visits by tourists are therefore difficult. Efforts need to be made in locating the volcano and providing facilities to access the same.
Radha Nagar Beach , on the way to Kalighat, is another popular beach destination.
Kalighat Creek, on the way from Diglipur to Mayabunder offers a breathtaking view of the mangroves / equatorial forests.