Before you go
Diglipur with elderly parents: what to know
- Treat the journey as the main strain. The road from Port Blair can take most of a day, and ferries are long and occasionally altered, so break the trip with a rest day if you can.
- Choose Kalipur for a base, and limit the day to one outing: the beach, Lamiya Bay or the mud volcano are gentle, while Saddle Peak and the boat landings at Ross and Smith are not.
- Boat transfers to the islands involve stepping onto and off small wooden boats; accept a hand and ask for a lifejacket.
- Carry water, sun protection and insect repellent. Sandflies are common at dusk on the beaches.
- Carry all essential medicines, because the nearest large hospital is a long way off, and keep cash handy because card and UPI acceptance can be patchy.
Easiest first
Places in Diglipur sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (3)
- Kalipur Beach (Places to visit · A morning or evening; longer in turtle season) — The beach is flat and easy, with soft sand and few built paths. Night turtle watches mean walking in the dark on sand, so go with the forest staff or your host. Sandflies are common, so carry repellent.
- Lamiya Bay (Places to visit · About an hour) — The shore is flat but pebbly and uneven underfoot, with little shade or seating. Transport is the practical issue: buses run to the area, but taxis and autos can be hard to find for the return.
- Mud Volcano near Diglipur (Places to visit · About an hour on site, plus the drive) — The jungle path from the parking area is short but uneven and muddy after rain. Wear closed shoes and avoid it in wet weather. Distance and road time are the main strain.
Some walking — plan a break (1)
- Ross and Smith Islands (Places to visit · Half a day including the crossing) — Boat landings are the hard part: you step onto and off a small wooden boat, often in shallow water, and there is little shade or seating on the sandbar. Travellers with weak knees may prefer to see the islands from the boat.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (1)
- Saddle Peak National Park (Places to visit · Most of a day for the summit; a few hours for part of the trail) — Not suitable for most older travellers beyond the first stretch. The trail is steep and humid, with roots and streams to cross, and no seats or facilities. A short walk at the start is enough to enjoy the forest.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Diglipur with parents
KalipurBest for: Beach days, turtle season and access to Saddle Peak and Lamiya Bay
Diglipur townBest for: Travellers on a short stop who want shops, ATMs and bus connections
Aerial BayBest for: Early boat departures to Ross and Smith Islands and arrivals by sea
Smith IslandBest for: Travellers who want a night on an island with very little else
Small decisions
Practical tips for Diglipur
- Permits. Saddle Peak National Park and Ross Island need forest department permission, usually issued locally at the trailhead or near the Aerial Bay jetty. Check current fees and opening hours with your host.
- Getting in. The only practical routes from Port Blair are the Andaman Trunk Road and the government ships. Both are long, and the ships do not always sail as published, so keep a day in hand.
- Money. ATMs are in Diglipur town, but can run short. Carry enough cash for permits, boats and meals, and do not count on cards or UPI at the beach or the jetty.
- Mobile signal. BSNL is generally the most reliable network, and other providers can be weak. Tell family that you may be out of contact for stretches.
- Sandflies and crocodiles. Sandflies are common on the beaches, so carry repellent. Saltwater crocodiles occur in the area, so follow forest staff advice about where not to swim.
- Turtle season. Turtles nest on the coast roughly in the cooler months. Keep to the staff's rules at night: no flash, no torches pointed at the animals and no crowding the nest.
- Heat and rain. The islands are humid all year. Walk in the early morning, carry water and wear light, quick-drying clothes. In the rains, rough seas can stop the boats.
- Restricted sites. Some places, such as Craggy Island and the Alfred Caves, are not generally open to visitors and need special permission. Do not go without proper authorisation.
Plan the rest of your Diglipur trip
Want help?
Have Diglipur planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.