The Birdwatcher’s Guide to Andaman: Best Spots for Endemic Species in Chidiya Tapu & Beyond (2026)

You’ve probably seen the pictures of the Andaman Teal or the glossy Andaman Drongo and thought, "I need to see that in real life." But here is the thing: birds don't follow a tourist itinerary. They don't care about your 10:00 AM ferry to Havelock. If you show up at Chidiya Tapu at noon, all you’re going to see is a lot of trees and a few very hot tourists.

Andaman is an ornithological goldmine, with over 20 species that exist nowhere else on the planet. If you're a serious birder (or just a fan of really cool-looking feathers), you need a plan that involves early alarms and some very specific coordinates.

Let’s get your binoculars ready.

1. Chidiya Tapu: Why They Call it "Bird Island"

Located about 25km from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Andaman birding.

• The Prime Spots: Don't just stay at the sunset point. The roadside forest stretches about 4km before the beach are where the magic happens.

• What to Look For: Keep your eyes peeled for the Andaman Woodpecker (look for the red crest) and the Andaman Serpent Eagle soaring over the canopy.

• Timing: If you aren't there by 5:45 AM, you’ve already missed the best part of the show.

2. Mount Harriet: The High-Altitude Endemic Hub

Now renamed Mount Manipur, this is the third-highest peak in the islands and a haven for forest-dwelling endemics.

• The Target: This is the best place to spot the Andaman Wood Pigeon (the state bird) and the elusive Andaman Cuckoo-Dove.

• The Trail: Walk the 16km trek toward Madhuban if you’re serious. The dense mixed evergreen forests here hold species you simply won't see at sea level.

3. Shoal Bay & Sippighat: The Wetland Wonders

If you’re into waders and waterbirds, skip the forests for a morning and head to the marshes.

• Sippighat Wetlands: This is where you find the Andaman Teal. After the 2004 Tsunami, these areas became permanent salt marshes, attracting a massive variety of migratory birds during the winter months.

• Shoal Bay: Excellent for spotting kingfishers (like the Ruddy Kingfisher) and the Andaman Crake hidden in the mangroves.

4. Pro-Tips: The Birder’s Toolkit

• The "Muted" Rule: Wear dull greens or browns. If you show up in a bright yellow "I Love Andaman" t-shirt, the birds will see you coming from a mile away.

• Leech Protection: Especially if you're birding during the shoulder months (May or October), the forest floor at Mount Harriet is crawling with them. Wear long socks and carry some salt.

• Local Expertise: While you can go solo, hiring a local birding guide for just one morning can double your "life list." They know the specific calls that distinguish an Andaman Drongo from its mainland cousins.

5. The 10-Second Summary

• Best Location: Chidiya Tapu (Roadside forest) for diversity.

• Best Specialty Spot: Mount Harriet for high-altitude endemics.

• Best Time: November to April (Peak migratory season).

• Travel Tip: Use GoNautika.com to bridge your trips between Port Blair and Havelock. You can't see the birds if you're stuck at a ferry counter!