Diglipur at a glance
Diglipur lies in the north of the Andamans and is the base for three things: the twin islands of Ross and Smith, the climb to Saddle Peak and the beaches where turtles nest. It is a long way from the busy Havelock and Neil circuit, so build in time for the road and check each permit before you go.
The tourism department also offers a multi-day route through North and Middle Andaman. If you would rather join a ready-made plan, compare the Andaman island tours and see which ones go this far north.
How to reach Diglipur
The north is reached by road.
By bus on the Andaman Trunk Road
Public and private buses run to Diglipur on the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). The same road crosses the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, where an escorted convoy and strict rules apply. Read the Baratang page for how that stretch works.
By sea
Do not count on a daily private catamaran to Diglipur. Check the current ferry timetable for the north before you plan around a boat.
Time on the road
The drive north is long, and the exact time depends on the convoy and the vehicle ferry. Ask your driver or operator for the current time before you fix a date.
Permits for some nationalities
Visitors from Myanmar need a Restricted Area Permit for Diglipur and Mayabunder. See the permits page for the current rules.
Diglipur and North Andaman tours
Island excursions and multi-day trips in the Andamans, with live prices and availability.
Ross and Smith Island
Two islands joined by a sandbar.
Ross and Smith are joined by a sandbar, and visitors need a Forest permit. Do not mix them up with Ross Island near Port Blair, which is a different place with the same first name.
The permit costs ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹500 for foreign visitors; ask for the current fee when you apply. The Forest Office in Diglipur is open from 06:00 to 14:00, except Sunday. A closed counter on Sunday does not by itself mean the islands are closed, so ask locally.
Boats leave from Aerial Bay Jetty, and the crossing takes about 25 minutes. Hired boats and speedboats serve the route. Agree the fare before you board.
Saddle Peak
The high point of the Andamans.
Saddle Peak rises to 732 m and is the highest point of the Andamans. It is a wooded ridge above a quiet bay. Ask locally about the entry fee, the trekking time and whether you need a guide, because these details change.
Set off early, carry water and leave time to get back before dark. Weather can turn in the rainy months, and the monthly rainfall is on the weather and best time to visit page.
Diglipur planning table
What each place needs before you go.
| Place | Permit or cost | Access and timing |
|---|---|---|
| Ross and Smith Island | Forest permit, ₹50 Indian and ₹500 foreign visitors | Boat from Aerial Bay Jetty, about 25 minutes; Forest Office 06:00 to 14:00, closed Sunday |
| Saddle Peak | Ask locally about fee and guide | 732 m, set off early |
| Kalipur Beach | Forest facilities at Kalipur | Nesting months December and January |
| Dive sites | Confirm that a centre operates | Main diving is around Havelock and Neil |
For travellers with limited time, Ross and Smith Island is the clearest day: it has a permit, a counter with set hours and a short boat crossing. Add Saddle Peak and Kalipur around it if you have more days.
Kalipur and Ramnagar: turtle beaches
Kalipur and Ramnagar are nesting beaches. December and January are the winter nesting months, and the forest has facilities at Kalipur. A sighting is never guaranteed, and nests are not to be approached.
Rules on distances and night access change. Ask the forest staff at Kalipur what is allowed before you go out after dark. Shorebirds such as the Pacific golden plover can be seen on the rocky shore at Kalipur.
Diving and Long Island
Two things to check separately.
Sites for dive centres around Diglipur were identified in 2026. That does not mean a centre is running, so confirm that one operates before you plan diving here. The main diving areas remain around Havelock and Neil, see scuba diving in the Andamans.
Long Island is part of the northern and middle Andaman area. Transport to it needs a separate check, so ask locally for current times.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that connect to Diglipur.
Diglipur: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Diglipur?
By bus on the Andaman Trunk Road. Public and private buses run, while a daily private catamaran is not something to count on.
Do I need a permit for Ross and Smith Island?
Yes, a Forest permit. It costs ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹500 for foreign visitors. The Forest Office in Diglipur is open from 06:00 to 14:00, except Sunday.
How high is Saddle Peak?
732 m. It is the highest point of the Andamans.
When do turtles nest near Diglipur?
December and January are the winter nesting months at Kalipur and Ramnagar. A sighting is not guaranteed.
Can I dive near Diglipur?
Dive-centre sites were identified in 2026, but check that a centre is operating before you plan a dive. The established diving areas are around Havelock and Neil.
How long is the boat to Ross and Smith Island?
About 25 minutes from Aerial Bay Jetty. Agree the fare before you board.