Best Forest Trails in Andaman

Trekking in Andaman

Trekking in Andaman is a perfect way to explore the islands’ hidden treasures beyond the beaches. It combines adventure, nature and serenity, making it an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. Whether you’re hiking through tropical forests, climbing peaks, or walking along coastal trails, trekking in the Andaman Islands is an unforgettable journey into paradise.

Suggested Read: Kayaking in Andaman and Game fishing in Andaman

Highlights of Trekking in Andaman

Andaman Topography has Diverse Trails

Trails vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and experienced trekkers. Routes traverse mangroves, dense forests, hills and even volcanic terrains.

Spectacular Views All Around

Treks often culminate in stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea, pristine beaches, or panoramic views of the archipelago.

Rich Biodiversity

The trails are home to unique flora and fauna, including tropical birds, butterflies and exotic plants.

Cultural and Historical Exploration

Some treks pass through tribal areas or historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Andaman Islands.

Some Popular Trekking Routes of Andaman

Chidiya Tapu – Mundapahad Trek: This is a scenic trail ending at a dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the sea.
Elephant Beach Trek: This is a short, easy trek leading to the serene and picturesque Elephant Beach on Havelock Island.
Mount Harriet to Madhuban: This is a trek through lush forests offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot rare wildlife.
Baratang Mangrove Trek: Enjoy a fascinating trek through mangrove forests leading to the famous Limestone Caves.
Saddle Peak Trek: Seek the adventure of a challenging trek to the highest point in the Andaman Islands, offering incredible views of the surrounding forest and ocean.

Best Time for Andaman Trekking

During the months of November to April, the weather is dry and pleasant, making it the ideal time for trekking in Andaman.

Chidiya Tapu – Black Mountain Trail of Andaman

Chidiya Tapu or the Black Mountain offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity, both above and below the water. Divers can explore a rugged underwater landscape teeming with marine life, while nature lovers can enjoy the serene surroundings and breathtaking views. A trek to its peak makes Black Mountain an unforgettable experience for all adventurers visiting the Andaman Islands.

Havelock – Elephant Beach, Andaman

The trek to Elephant Beach on Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep) is one of the most popular and picturesque trekking experiences in the Andaman Islands. Known for its serene beauty and pristine surroundings, this short yet rewarding trek is ideal for beginners and nature enthusiasts alike. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the island’s lush forests, mangroves and exotic wildlife, culminating in the breathtaking vistas of Elephant Beach.

The starting point of this trek is the village near Radhanagar Beach, with a clearly marked entry point into the forest. The distance and duration of the trek covers approximately 1.8 km and takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on your pace. The trail meanders through dense tropical forests and mangrove creeks, offering a shaded and scenic route. It is relatively flat, with occasional patches of muddy terrain during the monsoon or after rainfall.

Be ready to be surprised by the burst of rich biodiversity in this trek. The trail teems with flora and fauna, including tropical trees, colourful birds and butterflies. Be prepared to get awed by a sudden encounter with small reptiles and crabs along the way. The secluded nature of the trail makes you feel at peace with the environment as you absorb the colours, sights and sounds of nature. It is a tranquil setting away from the crowds.

At the end of the trail lies the stunning and the very popular Elephant Beach, known for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. It is not only a trekker’s paradise, it is an excellent spot for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing too.

Suggested Read : How to reach havelock island

Mount Harriet – Madhuban, Andaman

The Mount Harriet to Madhuban trek is one of the most scenic and adventurous trekking routes in the Andaman Islands. This trail takes you through lush tropical forests, winding paths and breathtaking landscapes, offering an up-close encounter with the natural beauty and biodiversity of the islands. Located within the Mount Harriet National Park, this trek is perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts seeking a mix of challenge and serenity.

The starting point of this trek is Mount Harriet, which is the third-highest peak in the Andaman Islands. It is situated not very far away from Port Blair. You can reach Mount Harriet by a short ferry ride from Chatham Jetty followed by a road journey. The trek ends at Madhuban, a coastal area known for its scenic beauty. It covers approximately 16 km and takes 6–8 hours, depending on your pace and stops. The difficulty level of this trek is moderate and is suitable for experienced trekkers and those in good physical condition.

The trek promises a rich milieu of diverse flora and fauna. The trail passes through dense tropical rainforests, home to unique plant species and wildlife. Watch out for exotic birds, butterflies, and occasionally, wild animals like deer and wild pigs. Mount Harriet offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Along the trail, you will encounter scenic vistas, including cliffs, forest clearings and views of the coastline near Madhuban. Mount Harriet is historically significant, as it was once the summer headquarters of the British during colonial times. The design of the ₹20 Indian currency note featuring the scenic lighthouse at North Bay was inspired by the views from Mount Harriet. This trail also has some excitement for the beach lovers. The trek ends at Madhuban, where you can relax by the serene beach and enjoy the tranquil environment.

Diglipur Island – Alfred Caves, Andaman

The Alfred Caves trail on Diglipur Island is a fascinating trekking experience, perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Known for its mysterious network of limestone caves and rich biodiversity, this trail offers an exhilarating journey into the heart of Diglipur’s dense forests. The caves are one of the lesser-explored wonders of the Andaman Islands, making the trek an ideal choice for those looking to venture off the beaten path. The Alfred Caves trail is an extraordinary trek that combines adventure, natural beauty and a sense of mystery. It’s a chance to explore the hidden treasures of Diglipur Island, from its verdant forests to its unique limestone caves. Ideal for trekkers who enjoy exploring untouched landscapes and discovering geological wonders, this trail is a must-do for those visiting the northern reaches of the Andaman Islands.

This trail starts from a small village near Ram Nagar Beach, about 25 km from Diglipur town. The Alfred Caves is a cluster of 41 limestone caves, hidden within the forested hills of Diglipur. It is located approximately 3–4 km one way, depending on the route taken. It will be 2 to 3 hours round trip, excluding time spent exploring the caves. The difficulty level of the trail is moderate. The trail requires navigating through dense forests, rocky terrain and narrow paths.

The highlights of this remarkable trail are dense forests. The trek takes you through tropical rainforests filled with lush greenery, towering trees and exotic plants. To add to the adventure there is the scope of cave exploration. The Alfred Caves are a labyrinth of narrow limestone formations. Some caves are so tight that crawling is required to explore them. The caves are a nesting site for swiftlets, the birds that produce edible nests used in delicacies like bird’s nest soup. Here, you find the home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies and reptiles. Revel in the unique vegetation and endemic species that thrive in this untouched ecosystem. Enjoy the sense of mystery that pervades all around. The caves are steeped in intrigue due to their hidden location, challenging accessibility and unique formation.

Suggested Read : Things to do in diglipur

Baratang – Limestone Caves, Andaman

The trek to the Limestone Caves in Baratang is one of the most captivating experiences in the Andaman Islands. Situated amidst dense mangroves and lush tropical forests, this trail combines a scenic boat ride, a short trek and an exploration of the mesmerizing limestone formations. The trek is perfect for those looking to explore the geological marvels of the islands and immerse themselves in its serene natural beauty. The Baratang Limestone Caves trail offers a unique combination of adventure, scenic beauty and geological exploration. From the enchanting mangrove ride to the awe-inspiring caves, this journey provides a glimpse into the lesser-explored wonders of the Andaman Islands. It’s an experience that blends tranquillity, natural beauty and a touch of adventure, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Andaman archipelago.

The journey in this beautiful nature trail of Andaman begins at Nilambur Jetty, Baratang Island, about 100 km from Port Blair. A boat ride through mangrove creeks that tales approximately 20 to 30 minutes will take you to the starting point of the trek. It is a 1 km trek, taking about 15–20 minutes that leads to the magical Limestone Caves. The Limestone Caves in itself are a natural wonder showcasing intricate formations created over millennia by the deposition of calcium carbonate. The difficulty level of this trek can be assigned as an easy level trek that is suitable for all age groups, including families and first-time trekkers.

In this trail, enjoy mangrove boat ride, a journey begins with a serene boat ride through winding mangrove creeks, offering stunning views of the dense canopy and tranquil waters. Then, the trek will take you through a forested trail, rich in biodiversity, with chances to spot birds, small reptiles and unique vegetation. The limestone caves are the highlight of the trek, featuring fascinating stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The cool interiors and natural carvings make for a surreal and awe-inspiring experience. Baratang is home to the Jarwa Tribe Reserve, though interaction with the tribes is strictly regulated and prohibited. But the very fact that you are close proximity to these wild, ancient, ferocious tribal habitation is enough to make you feel your ‘wow-moment’.

Diglipur Island – Saddle Peak, Andaman

Saddle Peak, standing at 732 meters, is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located within Saddle Peak National Park near Diglipur, it offers trekkers a challenging yet rewarding experience through lush evergreen rainforests and diverse ecosystems. From Port Blair, Diglipur is approximately 300 kilometres from Port Blair. Travel options include government ferries, private boats, or road transport via the Andaman Trunk Road. Embarking on the Saddle Peak trek offers an immersive experience into the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Andaman Islands, making it a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.

The trail length is approximately 8 kilometres one way. The difficulty level can be assigned as moderate to challenging, with steep sections. The duration of the trekking trail is typically 7 to 8 hours round trip. The starting point is Lamiya Bay, near Diglipur. Get awed by the rich biodiversity as the trail winds through dense tropical rainforests, home to over 13 indigenous bird species and diverse flora and fauna. The scenic views along the trail are spectacular. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Andaman coastline and surrounding islands. The waterfalls and streams that you encounter along the way provide refreshing spots to rest as you enjoy the peace and serenity of natural beauty all around for which Andaman Islands are especially famous.

Tips for Trekking Hassle-free in Andaman

What to Wear:

Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.
Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather.

What to Carry:

A bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Insect repellent for protection against mosquitoes in the forest.
A small backpack for essentials like sunscreen and a hat.
A camera or binoculars to capture the scenic beauty and wildlife.

Precautions:

Follow the designated path to avoid getting lost in the forest.
Be cautious of slippery sections, especially after rain.

Safety Items:

A trekking pole for support on uneven terrain.
Maps or a GPS device to stay on track.