Diglipur (Ross and Smith Islands)

DIGLIPUR
 
Digilpur is a 10 hrs drive from Port Blair. It is the northern most inhibited island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The highest peak in Andamans called Saddle Peak is in Diglipur. Another tourist attraction in Diglipur is Ross and Smith island.These are two different islands joined by a small sand strip.
 
HOW TO REACH DIGLIPUR ISLAND

Diglipur can be reached by road from Port Blair. The best option is to hire a both way car from Port Blair. There are public and private buses for Diglipur via Rangat and Mayabunder. Government boat service is also available, however there is no fixed schedule for boats. An airport is under construction in Diglipur and direct flights may also be available in future.
 

PLACES TO VISIT IN DIGLIPUR

ROSS AND SMITH ISLANDS

Ross and the Smith islands are the main attractions of Diglipur. A permit needs to be obtained from the Forest department to visit these Islands. A chartered speed boat can take you to the island from Aerial Bay jetty.

What sets this islands from the rest is their natural connections the sandbar, which is highlighted with the astonishing crystaline waters, making it perfect for a photoshoot.
During the high tide, the sandbar goes underwater making it possible to traverse between the islands, and when the tide is low, the sandbar reappears making it look like something from a fairytale. 

There is also a Marine Sanctuary, an ideal place for viewing colorful corals and the species that inhabit them. Furthermore, the beaches are enclosed by tropical forests, the perfect place for a nice hike! For the underwater activities there are many snorkeling sites making the Smith & Ross islands the perfect destiny for your tropical vacations.  
 
SADDLE PEAK

Saddle peak is the highest spot in the islands, it houses 13 types of endemic birds species, 36 endemic species of insects and 6 species of endemic trees, which in group, offer a ecotouristic paradise for every explorer. The peak itself is great for hiking, it also has the only hydroelectric source of the islands. 

ALFRED CAVES
These caves are 22 connected caves, which are yet to be fully explored. They are sure to leave you amazed. They are quite an experience if explored with the proper protection and gear.
 

CRAGGY ISLAND
 

A swim away from the Pristine Resort, you have the Craggy Island, where guests will have the opportunity to sunbathe or snorkel in its emerald green waters, in which schools of fish pass directly under your feet. 

Kalipur
 

Kalipur is located 30 minutes away from Diglipur, and it hosts luxurious resorts, as well as being the only spot in the world where 4 of the sea turtle species converge and call home.
 
What to do in Saddle Peak?
 
An easy trek, which offers great views along the way, and also arriving at the top.
You should bring hiking shoes, which are very convenient when trying to explore nature. Laid-back travelers may not like to do so, but it is really worth it to be prepared. Needless to say, these islands are fit for every type of tourist.
The climb is quite steep, and is also 8kms. longm, which in summertime, could present a challenge to some.
Kalpong, the only river in the islands offers a refreshing stream of drinkable water. The path follows the beach and then goes through multiple jungle, there are three viewpoints, the middle one being the best for a top view of the islands, but obviously, the top one is the most rewarding.
 
Mud Volcanoes
These phenomena are found near Hathilevel, around 20 kms from Diglipur, they are a chain of mud volcanoes that can be seen from the jungle of Shyamnagar. In order to access them, one must trek for about 15 minutes in the green forests in order to reach the volcano. Seating places and guided tours are available for visitors once the point is reached.
 
Turtle Nesting at the Kalipur Beach
Under the Northern Andaman and very close to the Coco Islands, you can find Diglipur. Where the best beaches in the district are located, Kalipur is one of the most recognized and it is famous for the Nesting Turtles in March and October.
Other beaches also known for their sea turtles are Ramnagar and Karmatang. All these three places are home of four different species of turtles, the most common are the Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles that arrive in big groups to nest in the beach shore. 
 
Species of Turtles
The Loggerhead sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled turtle, which lays about 110-120 eggs.
The Olive Ridley is medium sized and lays 50-170 eggs.
The flatback sea turtle is found in Australia, and lays about 50 eggs.
The Green sea turtle lays hundreds of eggs, up to about 200.
The Riddle sea turtle is rather small and lays around 100 eggs.
The Leatherback sea turtle lays 110 eggs approximately.
The Hawksbill sea turtle is distinguished by an irregular pattern of color, and lays about 140 eggs. 
 
 
In the periods of March and October, foreign tourism skyrockets as people from all over the world come to witness this natural miracle. One of the most luxurious hotels is situated near the Kalipur beach; the Pristine Beach resort.
Some other districts in India where turtles arrive for nesting are: Maharashtra, Goa, and Orissa. But the rates of turtles that arrive have diminished due to contamination and noisy environment.
 
In the October season, the beach guards pick-up the eggs and keep them concealed in incubators for them to hatch safely, away from any harm or predators or egg hunters. Once they’ve hatched, which takes around a month and a half, volunteers release the baby turtles into the sea. The beach guards are incharge of patrolling the zone to stop any kind of theft and secure the nests. Also small sites are secured for the eggs to hatch, and they are not opened until the turtle hatchlings have entered the ocean. This procedure is followed to increase the turtle populations since the egg poaching market has increased, dramatically affecting the turtle’s survival rates.
 

8 Places to head to while in Diglipur
•           Ramnagar. Famous for its Beaches, flora and fauna.
•           Lamiya Bay. Famous for the rocky beaches and its ecological life.
•           Alfred Caves. Famous for being a great spot for adventure.
•           Hathi Level Beach. Famous for Flora, Corals and isolation from the outer world.
•           Jal Tikrit. Famous for mud volcanoes and the trek to get to them.
•           Smith and Ross Islands.
•           Kalipur Beach.
•           Saddle Peak Park.
 
 

WHERE TO STAY

Diglipur is a ecotourism spot, which has very few options. TA bit further away from Diglipur, Kalipur offers high-end resorts, which can offer a more luxurious stay, but at a higher price, which also rises a lot in touristic seasons. Most global travelers stay in Kalipur, so make sure you book your hotel with anticipation.