Complete Guide to Trekking in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located approximately 30 kilometers from the capital city of Port Blair, Chidiyatapu, one of the best beaches in Port Blair, specifically Mundapahad is known for its stunning sunsets, diverse birdlife, and an elating trek. The trek begins at Chidiya Tapu Beach, near Chidiya Tapu Biological Park. The trail then extends all the way to the island’s southernmost tip where you see the sea on all three sides. If you have time to spare before your trek then head to the biological park to spot exotic bird species.

Open from 10 am to 5 pm, this trek takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The best time to start the trek is early afternoon depending on how much time you want to spend there. Watching the sunset here is a thrilling experience. The best part? You can do all this and return by 5 pm. Swimming is not advised because crocodiles are frequently spotted here.

Spread over an area of 46.62 square kilometers, Mount Harriet National Park houses the 365m high Mount Harriet peak which is the second-highest point in the Andaman Islands. It is also the highest peak in Southern Andaman. You can get a view of Port Blair, Ross Island, North Bay lighthouse, and Havelock Island from Mount Harriet. If you are lucky and the weather is nice, then you can experience a cool breeze ruffling your hair as you gaze at this view.

The trek to Mount Harriet begins at the entrance gate and is very easy. The simplicity of the trail makes it one of the most popular destinations in Andaman Islands. As you reach the top, you’ll see a government guest house. You can either spend the morning listening to the chirping of the birds or spend a tranquil evening, soaking in a feeling of inner peace, at Mount Harriet. Nature lovers vouch for the beauty of this trail.

Elephant Beach at Havelock Island is where all the water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling happen. You have the option of choosing a guided trek or exploring on your own, as the route is not too challenging. The trek typically starts around 8 AM when the temperature is moderate, allowing for a comfortable experience. After spending ample time at the pristine beach and trying scuba diving, snorkeling or sea walking, you can return by 1 PM.

Before reaching Elephant Beach, you’ll traverse approximately 300 meters of marshland and mangrove forest. This is a sight to behold and the unique patch will surely leave an imprint on your mind! A guide will assist you throughout this part of the journey, ensuring a smooth trek. When visiting Havelock, don’t miss out on this trek to Elephant Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Havelock Island. To get here, take the private ferry from Port Blair to Havelock, which offers a scenic route through the Andaman Sea and is the most convenient way to access the island.

While many visitors flock to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for their pristine beaches, only a handful venture into the hidden treasures of the islands’ dense forests and freshwater bodies. Wimberly Gunj Waterfalls stands out as one such hidden gem amidst the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands, offering an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers.

Unlike crowded tourist spots, Wimberly Gunj Waterfalls remains relatively unknown, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Port Blair, the capital of the islands for it’s very nearby! The trek is interesting, quiet, and not very difficult. Once you reach the waterfall, you can even take a dip and swim until afternoon.

The main tourist attractions on Baratang Island include the limestone caves at Nayadera and the extensive mangrove-covered creeks. Baratang Island is renowned for its limestone deposits, which can be found both above ground and underground, creating fascinating formations and layers. Visitors can easily catch a boat from the Nilambur jetty to reach the renowned limestone caves. Along the way, they can enjoy the picturesque coastline lined with mangrove forests and paddy fields. Navigating canals covered with mangroves, adds an extra thrill to the journey.

The trek is 1.2 km long and the entire trail has labeled trees and the birds found in this region. The terrain is mostly flat making this an easy trek. There are two routes- one that goes through the jungle and one that paves the way through the farms. Once you complete this trek, try heading for the more challenging trek from Diglipur Island in North Andaman to Alfred Caves. The trek from Diglipur Island starts from Ramnagar and heads to Alfred Caves. It’s mandatory to take the assistance of a local guide to complete the trek so make arrangements accordingly. The trail is covered with thick bushes and tall trees and opens into a cluster of 41 amazing caves. The trek is long and will take an entire day from your itinerary. If you are visiting Diglipur island then be sure to experience this trek.

This serene trek starts at Kalapathar Beach and ends at Secret Beach. This beach should not be confused with Collinpur Beach, also known as secrete beach in Port Blair.

The trail starting from Kalapathar follows the edge of the ocean hence you see some beautiful oceanic views on the way. Secret Beach is a secluded cove on the southeastern point of Havelock Island. The terrain is mostly flat. This is a grainy beach so make sure to bring a mat or a bedsheet with you. This beach used to be very exclusive but is not so offbeat anymore. Nonetheless, the trek to this spot is great and worth it!

Considered to be one of the best treks in North Andaman Island, this trek takes you to the highest peak of the Andaman Islands called Saddle Peak, standing 732 meters high. Every traveler who visits the North Andaman makes sure to trek to the Saddle Peak. If you enjoy trekking then don’t miss this trek as it meanders its way through the natural beauty of Saddle Peak National Park.

As you embark on the Saddle Peak trek and keep walking across beaches and creeks, you will spot many natural wonders like unique plants, wild animals, and insects. The rocky terrain adds an element of challenge to the trekking adventure. Since the forest canopy prevents sunlight from entering and hence you’ve to be back to the base by 4:30. Hiring a guide is compulsory and is issued by the forest department as one may easily get lost. Staying here overnight is not permitted. 

This Reptile-oriented expedition is not an everyday ordinary experience. It’s unique, challenging and thrilling. On this trail you get to learn a lot about the nocturnal ecosystem, how reptiles live, the basics of how to use snake hooks, and so on. Nature lovers are in for a treat as spotting snakes, krates, forest lizards, and frogs is commonplace on this trek. You can reach Chidiyatapu from Port Blair by renting a cab, or bike or by hopping on local buses.

Trekking from Long Island to Lalaji Bay Beach is a wonderful experience. The trekking trail starts near the Blue Planet Eco huts. It usually takes at least 2 hours to reach Lalaji Bay. Not only is this option adventurous but also quite economical. The trekking trail is marshy and hence this is not an easy trek. Once you reach Lalaji Bay Beach you can celebrate your win by swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling in the clear waters.