A Guide to Diglipur: Home of the Twin Ross & Smith Islands (2026)

For the traveler who wants to venture beyond the popular tourist trail and discover a side of the Andamans that is wild, pristine, and truly untouched, a journey to Diglipur is the ultimate adventure. Located in the far reaches of North Andaman, Diglipur is a land of lush greenery, turtle nesting beaches, and the archipelago's highest peak.

But its crown jewel, and the primary reason for making the epic journey here, is the breathtakingly beautiful duo of Ross and Smith Islands—two separate islands connected by a shimmering, narrow sandbar that you can walk across.

Planning a trip to Diglipur is not a casual undertaking; it's a commitment to an adventure. This guide will provide everything you need to know, from the long journey to the magical experience that awaits at the twin islands.

1. The Star Attraction: The Magic of Ross & Smith Islands

The twin islands of Ross and Smith are the stuff of travel legends.

• The Sandbar: The two islands are connected by a thin, brilliant white sandbar. During low tide, this natural sand bridge emerges from the sea, allowing you to walk from one island to the other. It’s a surreal and incredibly beautiful experience.

• Pristine Beauty: The water here is crystal clear and sparkles in shades of green and blue. The beaches are clean, and the islands are covered in a dense tropical forest, making it a true natural paradise.

• Turtle Nesting Ground: Ross and Smith Islands are a protected marine sanctuary and a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. If you are visiting during the nesting season (December to March), you may be lucky enough to witness this natural wonder.

2. The Journey to Diglipur: A Road Trip Adventure

Reaching Diglipur is a long but scenic journey that is an adventure in itself.

• By Road (Most Common): The primary way to get there is by road from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). Be prepared for a long haul; the journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours.

• The Experience: The trip involves traveling in a vehicle convoy through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve (remembering to be a responsible tourist is crucial here) and crossing several sea channels on vehicle-carrying ferries.

• By Sea: Government-run ferries are also available from Port Blair to Diglipur, but the journey is even longer (often overnight), and the booking process is difficult for tourists.

For most travelers, hiring a private car or taking a government bus from Port Blair is the most practical option.

3. Other Things to See & Do in and Around Diglipur

• Saddle Peak: Diglipur is the base for the trek to Saddle Peak, the highest point in the entire Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. The 8-kilometer trek through the lush rainforest offers stunning views from the top.

• Kalipur Beach: A famous spot for turtle nesting. During the season, you can witness four different species of sea turtles, including Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles, nesting on the beach.

• Alfred Caves: For the truly adventurous, a trek through the forest can lead you to the mysterious Alfred Caves, a network of limestone caves that are home to Swiftlet birds.

4. How to Plan Your Diglipur Trip (Duration, Permits & Stays)

• Duration: This is not a day trip. Due to the long travel time, you need to budget a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights for a trip to Diglipur: one full day to travel there, one full day to explore Ross & Smith Islands, and one full day to travel back to Port Blair.

• Permits: You need to obtain a Forest Permit to visit Ross & Smith Islands. This is usually done at the Forest Office in Diglipur one day before your visit. A tour operator can handle this for you.

• Accommodation: The stay options in Diglipur are limited and consist mostly of basic, clean guesthouses and simple private resorts. Do not expect the luxury of Havelock here.

5. The Role of Ferries in Your Complete Andaman Itinerary

A trip to Diglipur is an incredible addition to a longer Andaman itinerary. Before you embark on this rugged road journey to the north, you'll first explore the central islands of Havelock and Neil via the sea.

The contrast between the two modes of travel is significant. To make the first part of your island-hopping journey seamless and relaxing, booking your travel on a premium private ferry is essential. Using GoNautika to book a comfortable, air-conditioned ferry like Nautika allows you to unwind and enjoy the sea voyage before you begin the long, adventurous road trip to Diglipur.