Andaman trip report : Neil island and Diglipur

kshastry · Mar 23rd, 2007, 23:54

OK guys, here it is...

Just returned from Andamans after a 8 day break. "Tourist season" is in full swing with people swarming the place. Port Blair seemed expensive. I was quoted hilarious prices for a single room at several places.

Anyways, here is some information that may help some of you.

Neil island:

Heard lots of good things about this place. Decided to pay a visit. The ticket (one-way) on the speed boat costs Rs.150 for a non-islander. Better to buy it atleast a day before as seats gets filled up quickly. You may even try on the day of departure by arriving at the Phoenix jetty early. The road leading to Phoenix from north is dug up and that place is mess with sewage and sludge. Boats depart early in the morning, so give your self some more time.

Boarded the boat and after 45 mins or so was deposited on the Neil jetty. Neil, with its lenghty beaches is popular with "foreign tourists". There were hardly any desi tourists. Neil is quite small compared to Havelock. Its widest part is about 5 KM in length. You can walk the whole island in about an hour or two. There seem to be a local bus doing the rounds once in a while.

I engaged an auto-rickshaw (tuck-tuck) and went around to see self-declared private 'resorts' to find accommodation. There are about 3 to 4 of these 'resorts' (Cocon-huts, Tango and... forget the other two). All of them are built facing the beach. They are nothing more than thatched bamboo huts with a bed and a bulb thrown in. I was hopeful of finding something in the range of Rs.200-300 per day. But I was quoted Rs.600. Disappointed, I decided to give them a pass. It seemed I was going to be stuck without a place to stay.

Fortunately government of India came to my rescue. "Hawabill nest guest house" (IP&T) near the jetty proved to be a very decent place. The Dorms cost Rs.150 with clean, proper beds and a community bath/toilet. Good news, there were no other tourists except a occasional day tripper family. They also have a chef who can prepare the food on request.

Neil is a very small settlement about 4000 people. Its also referred as Vegetable bowl of Andamans. The main 'bazaar' has some shops, which also double as eateries. One can get the Veggies / Fishes cooked for his liking. BSNL provides cellphone network, with AirTel coming soon. Sitapur beach is the main attraction. There are no snorkelling or diving spots to write about.

Diglipur

With a demanding 10 hour bus journey, this was a place I always wanted to visit. Diglipur is the largest and farthest town of North Andamans, 290 KMs from Port Blair. Its well connected both by Bus and Speed boats from Port Blair. I went to Bus stand and got a ticket in STS bus(State owned) for the next day. Lucky me, I got an 'aisle' in the back. (Last row should be avoided at all chances if one loves his life) The bus leaves at sharp 4 AM. There are also private buses running (Anand and Geetanjali), luring the passengers with their business class like 'Push back seats' and impressive DVD home theater systems. They cost Rs.75 more.

Something about the bus journey.. All the buses of Andamans (it seemed) have the habit of playing bollywood music at the highest volume, and continously till the Driver is convinced that he reached the destination. We suffered the nasal torture of Himesh Reshmiyya, followed by Kumar Sanu. When I demanded it to be stopped, I was awarded with sad songs by Mukesh.

Bus passes through some stunning landscape of Jarawa country, few barge crossings of the Baratang creek and a drive along the sea shore for about 8 KMs south of Maya Bunder.

Diglipur itself is a small sleepy town, overwhelmingly Bengali. That means more of 'laal chai' (Red tea), Biscoot and those sweets... man, yummy. Finding accommodation is not at all difficult. There are hardly any tourists (Desi or Foreign) in the town. There is one 'Pristine beach resort' (private), Turtle
resort, Kalipur (Govt). I found it to be convenient to stay in town. 'Drua lodge', 'Bepari lodge' are recommended. (Rs.100-200 per night).

Main attractions around Diglipur are Ross & Smith island, Saddle peak national park, Rampur beach and mud volcanos. The whole action seem to be around Aerial bay jetty (the main jetty of Diglipur). This is the starting point for all the adventures.

Ross & Smith islands: One needs permission from Forest Range officer at Aerial bay jetty to enter these Islands. It can be obtained by paying Rs.50 (Indian nationals) Rs.500 ('Foreigners). Boats can be hired at jetty. It can cost anywhere from Rs.500 to 700. It takes 25 mins to reach the islands. You are given 2-3 hours there to explore. The main attraction of the island are that they are actually one single island in the low-tide, linked by a sandy meadow. In the high-tide, it disappears creating the effect of two islands. There are some corals around the island and waters are clearer and safer for snorkelling.

Saddle Peak : Saddle peak is the highest point of north Andamans. At 737 mts, its a good place to get a birds eye view of North Andamans. A permission needs to be obtained from Forest dept to enter / climb Saddle peak. The trail to Saddle peak runs through the Areca fields, small hillocks, edge of a beach and as one starts to ascend, through the dense rain forest. Its not a easy climb. Infact its quite steep at few places. It takes 4-5 hours to reach the summit. One needs to start early in the morning and its better to do with a guide (who are available around Aerial bay jetty upon enquiry). Make sure you carry enough water. There is absolutely nothing at the summit and I can't imagine being there without water after an exhausting climb.

Rampur beach : Hmm... nice beach. Thats all I can say.

All in all, now is the time to visit Andamans. Grab your gear and head out. Its going to only get crowded from now on!

Here are some random photos...

navinkurian2002 · Mar 24th, 2007, 00:44

Excellent info kshashtry .Loved your write up.

Reg neil island .

Quote:

There are no snorkelling or diving spots to write about.

There is a good snorkeling site at the end of the island near paradise resort.There used to be a dive outfit which closed down.There are sites real close but no dive outfit.

Quote:

Diglipur is the largest and farthest town of North Andamans, 290 KMs from Port Blair. Its well connected both by Bus and Speed boats from Port Blair.

Not heard of speed boats.But heard of line boats.

Quote:

Ross & Smith islands: It can cost anywhere from Rs.500 to 700

I think I paid 100-150.

Regarding Saddle Peak could you give us more details on how you went there. As its real far from the main town diglipur and its closer to paradise and turtle in kalipur.It too 4 hrs up and 4 hrs down for an unconditioned trekker.Though i didnt climb as the guide was quoting 300 bucks. Did you go there in a rented jeep? Where did you get the permission? diglipur?

Thanks for the info
Keep it up
Cheers
Navin

Nick-H · Mar 24th, 2007, 02:13

Hmmmm..... Thanks for the report and the pics.

We read about many and various places here on IM, but just occasionally I feel truly tempted. This is one of those occasions!

Mar 23rd, 2007, 23:54	#1
kshastry Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 127	Andaman trip report : Neil island and Diglipur OK guys, here it is... Just returned from Andamans after a 8 day break. "Tourist season" is in full swing with people swarming the place. Port Blair seemed expensive. I was quoted hilarious prices for a single room at several places. Anyways, here is some information that may help some of you. Neil island: Heard lots of good things about this place. Decided to pay a visit. The ticket (one-way) on the speed boat costs Rs.150 for a non-islander. Better to buy it atleast a day before as seats gets filled up quickly. You may even try on the day of departure by arriving at the Phoenix jetty early. The road leading to Phoenix from north is dug up and that place is mess with sewage and sludge. Boats depart early in the morning, so give your self some more time. Boarded the boat and after 45 mins or so was deposited on the Neil jetty. Neil, with its lenghty beaches is popular with "foreign tourists". There were hardly any desi tourists. Neil is quite small compared to Havelock. Its widest part is about 5 KM in length. You can walk the whole island in about an hour or two. There seem to be a local bus doing the rounds once in a while. I engaged an auto-rickshaw (tuck-tuck) and went around to see self-declared private 'resorts' to find accommodation. There are about 3 to 4 of these 'resorts' (Cocon-huts, Tango and... forget the other two). All of them are built facing the beach. They are nothing more than thatched bamboo huts with a bed and a bulb thrown in. I was hopeful of finding something in the range of Rs.200-300 per day. But I was quoted Rs.600. Disappointed, I decided to give them a pass. It seemed I was going to be stuck without a place to stay. Fortunately government of India came to my rescue. "Hawabill nest guest house" (IP&T) near the jetty proved to be a very decent place. The Dorms cost Rs.150 with clean, proper beds and a community bath/toilet. Good news, there were no other tourists except a occasional day tripper family. They also have a chef who can prepare the food on request. Neil is a very small settlement about 4000 people. Its also referred as Vegetable bowl of Andamans. The main 'bazaar' has some shops, which also double as eateries. One can get the Veggies / Fishes cooked for his liking. BSNL provides cellphone network, with AirTel coming soon. Sitapur beach is the main attraction. There are no snorkelling or diving spots to write about. Diglipur With a demanding 10 hour bus journey, this was a place I always wanted to visit. Diglipur is the largest and farthest town of North Andamans, 290 KMs from Port Blair. Its well connected both by Bus and Speed boats from Port Blair. I went to Bus stand and got a ticket in STS bus(State owned) for the next day. Lucky me, I got an 'aisle' in the back. (Last row should be avoided at all chances if one loves his life) The bus leaves at sharp 4 AM. There are also private buses running (Anand and Geetanjali), luring the passengers with their business class like 'Push back seats' and impressive DVD home theater systems. They cost Rs.75 more. Something about the bus journey.. All the buses of Andamans (it seemed) have the habit of playing bollywood music at the highest volume, and continously till the Driver is convinced that he reached the destination. We suffered the nasal torture of Himesh Reshmiyya, followed by Kumar Sanu. When I demanded it to be stopped, I was awarded with sad songs by Mukesh. Bus passes through some stunning landscape of Jarawa country, few barge crossings of the Baratang creek and a drive along the sea shore for about 8 KMs south of Maya Bunder. Diglipur itself is a small sleepy town, overwhelmingly Bengali. That means more of 'laal chai' (Red tea), Biscoot and those sweets... man, yummy. Finding accommodation is not at all difficult. There are hardly any tourists (Desi or Foreign) in the town. There is one 'Pristine beach resort' (private), Turtle resort, Kalipur (Govt). I found it to be convenient to stay in town. 'Drua lodge', 'Bepari lodge' are recommended. (Rs.100-200 per night). Main attractions around Diglipur are Ross & Smith island, Saddle peak national park, Rampur beach and mud volcanos. The whole action seem to be around Aerial bay jetty (the main jetty of Diglipur). This is the starting point for all the adventures. Ross & Smith islands: One needs permission from Forest Range officer at Aerial bay jetty to enter these Islands. It can be obtained by paying Rs.50 (Indian nationals) Rs.500 ('Foreigners). Boats can be hired at jetty. It can cost anywhere from Rs.500 to 700. It takes 25 mins to reach the islands. You are given 2-3 hours there to explore. The main attraction of the island are that they are actually one single island in the low-tide, linked by a sandy meadow. In the high-tide, it disappears creating the effect of two islands. There are some corals around the island and waters are clearer and safer for snorkelling. Saddle Peak : Saddle peak is the highest point of north Andamans. At 737 mts, its a good place to get a birds eye view of North Andamans. A permission needs to be obtained from Forest dept to enter / climb Saddle peak. The trail to Saddle peak runs through the Areca fields, small hillocks, edge of a beach and as one starts to ascend, through the dense rain forest. Its not a easy climb. Infact its quite steep at few places. It takes 4-5 hours to reach the summit. One needs to start early in the morning and its better to do with a guide (who are available around Aerial bay jetty upon enquiry). Make sure you carry enough water. There is absolutely nothing at the summit and I can't imagine being there without water after an exhausting climb. Rampur beach : Hmm... nice beach. Thats all I can say. All in all, now is the time to visit Andamans. Grab your gear and head out. Its going to only get crowded from now on! Here are some random photos... Attached Thumbnails

Mar 24th, 2007, 02:13	#3
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,765	Hmmmm..... Thanks for the report and the pics. We read about many and various places here on IM, but just occasionally I feel truly tempted. This is one of those occasions! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lakshadweep trip report	kshastry	Other Areas	29	Nov 8th, 2007 10:22
Calcutta trip report..	war72	Kolkata (Calcutta)	2	Feb 18th, 2007 12:50
Lostinasia trip report	lostinasia	Chai and Chat	34	Feb 2nd, 2007 13:32
andaman trip	muteflower	India Travel Itinerary Advice	1	Nov 23rd, 2006 18:03
Report on my NE trip 2005	neddy	Off the Beaten Trail in India	6	Jan 13th, 2006 11:37

User Name		Remember Me?
Password