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?

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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

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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

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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 logistics are hard).

Galathia to Kondul Island

Advisory: Access to Galathia is very limited right now because it is a nesting ground for Giant Leatherback Turtles and is close to tribal areas.

• The Landscape: If you have special research permissions, this hike takes you through beautiful forests and along the coast. The rough trails that start at Galathia Beach cross streams and have amazing views of the ocean.
• Kondul Island is known for its quiet beaches and peaceful atmosphere. It shows off the natural beauty of the Nicobar group.

4. Making plans for your trek

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When making your plans for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it’s important to find a balance. You don’t want to be too tired to enjoy the beach!

Suggested Adventure Schedule:

• Day 1–2 (South Andaman): Get to Port Blair. Take the easy Munda Pahar trek at Chidiya Tapu for sunset or the Mount Harriet trek for half a day.
• Day 3–5 (Havelock): In the morning, go on the Elephant Beach jungle trek, and then go snorkelling. 
• Day 6–8 (North Andaman): If you have time, go north to Diglipur for Saddle Peak and Ross and Smith Islands.

This method makes sure there is a good mix of jungle and sea.

5. Cultural Encounters: A Word About Duty

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When you trek in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you don’t just see nature; you also learn about the history of the people who live there. But there is an important difference that needs to be made.

• Native Tribes: Indigenous tribes live on the islands, such as the Jarawa, Sentinelese, and Shompen. The law says that you can’t talk to them because it would put their health and freedom at risk. You can’t “trek” into tribal reserves.
• Communities of Settlers: You can meet the settler communities (Bengali, Tamil, Karen, Ranchis) along easy-to-reach trekking routes, such as those near Diglipur or Campbell Bay.
• The Exchange: Find out about their unique way of life, how they adapted to the islands, and how they farm in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.
• The Effect: Participating in these cultural exchanges makes your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands more interesting and helps the local economy without taking advantage of weak tribal groups.

6. Plants and Animals: The Jungle Watch

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Watch where you’re going as you walk. There are many species here that are not found anywhere else on Earth.

• Birds: If you’re lucky, you might see the Narcondam Hornbill, the Andaman Wood Pigeon, and the White-bellied Sea Eagle flying over the trees.
• Reptiles: You can often see monitor lizards on forest trails. They are shy and not dangerous.
• Trees: Look at the huge Padauk trees and the complicated root systems of the mangroves.

7. Important Tips for a Great Trekking Experience

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Here are some important tips to make sure your trekking trip is safe and fun:

• Bring only what you need: Bring only the things you need, like water, a camera, and first aid supplies. In high humidity, a heavy backpack can make your hike a lot harder.
• Shoes: Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes. The ground in the jungle is often wet, muddy, and slippery. Wearing flip-flops can hurt you.
• Water is Life: You might not think that the humidity will drain you faster than it does. Bring at least two litres of water with you on your hike to stay hydrated.
• Protection from Bugs and the Sun: Even in the shade, UV rays are strong. Put on sunscreen and a hat. It’s very important to bring bug spray and salt/sanitiser because leeches are common in the rainforests, especially after it rains.
• Guides: Do what your guide tells you to do. For trails like Saddle Peak or in Nicobar, you must have a local guide, or it is highly recommended to avoid getting lost in the thick plants.

8. Long-term viability: Do not leave a trace

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These hidden gems are hard to find in more popular tourist spots, but they give you a sense of peace and calm. To keep them that way:

• No plastic: Don’t leave snack wrappers or water bottles in the woods.
• Quiet: Don’t make too much noise to show respect for the animals.
• Souvenirs: Don’t take plants, shells, or coral from the forest.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a permit to hike in the Andaman? 

A: You don’t need a special permit to go on normal hikes like Elephant Beach or Chidiya Tapu. You do need to buy an entry ticket or forest permit at the checkpost to get to Saddle Peak and Mount Harriet, though. Indians need a special permit from the Deputy Commissioner to go to Nicobar, and foreigners are usually not allowed.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone? 

A: Yes, on well-known trails like Elephant Beach. However, it is highly recommended to hire a guide or go in a group for deep jungle hikes like Saddle Peak because there is no mobile signal and the forest is very thick.

Q: What time of year is best for trekking in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? 

A: From November to April. The weather is nice and dry. Do not go during the monsoon season (May to September) because the trails get very muddy, slippery, and full of leeches.

Q: Is it possible to camp in the jungle? 

A: No, not usually. Camping in forest reserves is not allowed. You should plan your hikes as day trips and then go back to your hotel or a campsite that has been approved.

Glossary

• Endemic means that a species is only found in one place, like the Andaman Wood Pigeon.
• Biosphere Reserve: An ecosystem with plants and animals that are not common in science or nature (for example, Great Nicobar).
• Leech: A small, worm-like creature that lives in wet forests and sticks to skin. It is common in the jungles of the Andaman Islands.
• Mangrove: A shrub or tree that grows in salty or brackish water along the coast to protect it.

The Wilderness Awaits, in conclusion

We don’t want to leave the sun-kissed shores, but it’s clear that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are much more than just beaches. They are full of exciting trekking opportunities. Every path has a story to tell, from thick jungles to secret coves.

Adding a hike to your Andaman and Nicobar Islands itinerary gives you a deeper, more adventurous, and more direct connection to nature than just lying on the beach. So grab your gear, tie your shoes, and head out into the wild. The call of adventure is waiting for you to go beyond the shore.

Are you ready to plan your unusual trip to the island? The Tarzan Way (TTW) can help you find the right mix of land and sea.