The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Call of the Emerald Jungle: An Introduction When we think of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, we often picture beautiful beaches. We imagine spending lazy days on Havelock’s white sands or snorkelling in Neil Island’s turquoise waters. But there is a world of adventure waiting to be discovered beyond the sun-kissed shores. This group of islands is really an underwater mountain range. The tops of the mountains make a rough, green landscape with dense tropical rainforests, high peaks, and hidden waterfalls. If you only go to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ coast, you’ll miss half the magic. There are many hidden treasures to find on Mount Harriet’s mossy trails and Saddle Peak’s hard climb. The road less travelled gives you amazing views and a deep sense of accomplishment that a deckchair can’t match. This guide is your chance to put on your boots and go into the wild. We will explore the different landscapes, find our way along the less-travelled trails, and give you the important tips you need for a safe and eco-friendly adventure in the Bay of Bengal. With The Tarzan Way’s immersive storytelling journeys, you can responsibly explore these jungles, making sure that your footprints leave behind memories instead of damage. Key Takeaways Different Landscapes: Explore a world beyond the beach, with rough mountains (Saddle Peak), one-of-a-kind sandbars (Ross and Smith), and thick biospheres (Mount Harriet). Top Treks: In-depth guides to the Elephant Beach jungle walk, the Mount Harriet (Manipur) National Park trek, and the well-known Saddle Peak climb. A Nicobar Reality Check: This is important information about permits and restrictions in the Nicobar district (Campbell Bay and Galathia) that will help you make sure your plans are legal and possible. Wildlife Watch: Find out about the different animals you might see, like the Nicobar Pigeon and the Robber Crab. Responsible Trekking: Why “tribal tourism” is limited and how to interact with the local culture in a way that is fair. Getting ready: Important gear lists and advice on how to deal with tropical humidity and leeches. 1. Why go trekking in the Andamans? Credit: Unsplash Trekking in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is very different from trekking in the Himalayas or the Western Ghats. The altitude isn’t the hardest part; the weather is. The Atmosphere: It’s like going back in time. There are huge buttress-rooted trees, giant ferns, and thick canopies that block out the sun in the old forests. The humidity: The tropical climate makes things even harder. Because of the humidity, a short 5km hike can feel like 15km. Staying hydrated is very important. The Reward: Almost every hike ends with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Nothing beats coming out of a dark, green jungle and seeing the endless blue of the sea. Adding a hike or two to your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will turn it from a regular vacation into a real adventure. 2. Andaman Trek Trails: The Giants of the North and South Credit: Unsplash The Andaman Islands have the easiest and best-kept trails for tourists. Trek through Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park This park is in South Andaman, just a short ferry ride from Port Blair. It has a lot of history and is very beautiful. The Experience: The Mount Harriet National Park trek takes you through thick forests and rolling hills, making it a thrilling journey for people who like rough terrain. The 16-kilometre path from Mount Harriet to Madhuban is a birdwatcher’s dream come true. The View: The view from the top of the mountain takes your breath away. You can see all the islands around you. Did you know that the view from the top of Mount Harriet is the same as the one on the back of the Indian ₹20 bill? Moderate level of difficulty. Saddle Peak: The Top of the Islands Saddle Peak is the highest point in the archipelago, rising 732 meters above sea level. It is located in North Andaman near Diglipur. The Trail: This is a hard climb that starts in thick forests and goes up through different types of plants. The trees get shorter as you go higher because of the wind. The Reward: From the top, you can see the North Andaman coast and the deep ocean in a darker blue colour all around you. Hard/Strenuous (takes a whole day). The Ross and Smith Island Trek This is a one-of-a-kind land adventure in North Andaman, even though it’s not a vertical climb. The Trail: The Ross and Smith Island trek is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes travellers across a narrow, natural sandbar that connects two beautiful islands. The Vibe: The turquoise waters on both sides, the gentle sway of coconut palms, and the rhythmic lull of waves make for a sensory feast like no other. You are basically walking on the ocean. Level of difficulty: Easy (Walk). Havelock’s Elephant Beach Trek Elephant Beach is mostly reached by boat. The adventurer goes through the jungle. The Trail: A 2-kilometre hike through tall trees and a wetland. It can be muddy, but it’s always exciting. The reward is that you come out of the thick green jungle right onto the white sands. Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate. 3. Adventures in Hiking in Nicobar: The Forbidden Frontier Credit: Unsplash Note: It’s very important to keep your EEAT (Expertise/Trustworthiness) high here. The Nicobar Islands are a Tribal Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. Access is very tightly controlled. Most of the time, foreigners aren’t allowed, and Indians need special permits. Trek through Campbell Bay National Park This is as far away as it gets, on Great Nicobar, the southernmost island. The Experience: Visit Campbell Bay National Park to see the wide range of plants and animals that live there. The hike through the allowed areas lets you see a lot of different plants and animals. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for the Giant Robber Crab, the Crab-eating Macaque, and the beautiful Nicobar Pigeon. Moderate difficulty (but the