Andaman Islands are known for its pristine beaches which are lined with white sands and turquoise waters. Yet adventure seekers know that the Andaman Islands are also known for a diverse range of outdoor activities including trekking. The region is sprinkled with some of the best trails. The Island has a variety of forests – dense tropical, evergreen, deciduous, rainforests, and even grasslands – all alive with lush greenery and rare species of birds and animals.
Trekking in Andaman is a great way to explore the diverse terrain. Many offbeat waterfalls, hidden caves, and beaches are accessible by trekking so we at Go2Andaman recommend you do a few treks and trails to see Andamans through a different perspective!
For thrilling experiences and a perfectly planned adventure itinerary, download this exciting [Adventure Guide] here.
Top Known and Lesser- Known Treks in the Andamans
Chidiyatapu to Mundapahad Trekking Trail
Located approximately 30 kilometers from the capital city of Port Blair, Chidiyatapu, one of the best beaches in Port Blair, specifically Mundapahad is known for its stunning sunsets, diverse birdlife, and an elating trek. The trek begins at Chidiya Tapu Beach, near Chidiya Tapu Biological Park. The trail then extends all the way to the island’s southernmost tip where you see the sea on all three sides. If you have time to spare before your trek then head to the biological park to spot exotic bird species.
Open from 10 am to 5 pm, this trek takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The best time to start the trek is early afternoon depending on how much time you want to spend there. Watching the sunset here is a thrilling experience. The best part? You can do all this and return by 5 pm. Swimming is not advised because crocodiles are frequently spotted here.
Distance: 2 km
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Attractions: Southernmost tip of the island, Sunset, Panoramic view of the sea
Best Time to Visit: 10 am to 5 pm, All year round
Read More: Best Time to Visit Port Blair
North Bay Island to Mount Harriet Trekking Trail
Spread over an area of 46.62 square kilometers, Mount Harriet National Park houses the 365m high Mount Harriet peak which is the second-highest point in the Andaman Islands. It is also the highest peak in Southern Andaman. You can get a view of Port Blair, Ross Island, North Bay lighthouse, and Havelock Island from Mount Harriet. If you are lucky and the weather is nice, then you can experience a cool breeze ruffling your hair as you gaze at this view.
The trek to Mount Harriet begins at the entrance gate and is very easy. The simplicity of the trail makes it one of the most popular destinations in Andaman Islands. As you reach the top, you’ll see a government guest house. You can either spend the morning listening to the chirping of the birds or spend a tranquil evening, soaking in a feeling of inner peace, at Mount Harriet. Nature lovers vouch for the beauty of this trail.
Read More: Things to Do in Port Blair
Distance: 1 km
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Attractions: View of nearby islands, Highest peak, Sunset, Base for other treks
Best Time to Visit: 7 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. All year round except monsoons.
Havelock to Elephant Beach Trekking Trail
Elephant Beach at Havelock Island is where all the water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling happen. You have the option of choosing a guided trek or exploring on your own, as the route is not too challenging. The trek typically starts around 8 AM when the temperature is moderate, allowing for a comfortable experience. After spending ample time at the pristine beach and trying scuba diving, snorkeling or sea walking, you can return by 1 PM.
Before reaching Elephant Beach, you’ll traverse approximately 300 meters of marshland and mangrove forest. This is a sight to behold and the unique patch will surely leave an imprint on your mind! A guide will assist you throughout this part of the journey, ensuring a smooth trek. When visiting Havelock, don’t miss out on this trek to Elephant Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Havelock Island. To get here, take the private ferry from Port Blair to Havelock, which offers a scenic route through the Andaman Sea and is the most convenient way to access the island.
Distance: 1.5 km
Duration: 30-45 min
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Attractions: Mangroves, Snorkeling, Seawalking, Banana Boat Riding, Sofa Boat Riding, Jet Skiing, Dolphin Submarine etc
Best Time to Visit: 6 am to 4 pm
Read More: Things to do in Havelock Island
Bamboo Flat to Wimberley Gunj Waterfall Trekking Trail
While many visitors flock to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for their pristine beaches, only a handful venture into the hidden treasures of the islands’ dense forests and freshwater bodies. Wimberly Gunj Waterfalls stands out as one such hidden gem amidst the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands, offering an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers.
Unlike crowded tourist spots, Wimberly Gunj Waterfalls remains relatively unknown, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Port Blair, the capital of the islands for it’s very nearby! The trek is interesting, quiet, and not very difficult. Once you reach the waterfall, you can even take a dip and swim until afternoon.
Distance: About 2 km
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Attractions: Waterfall, Freshwater swimming, Peaceful Trail
Best Time to Visit: Before sundown
Baratang to Limestone Cave Trek
The main tourist attractions on Baratang Island include the limestone caves at Nayadera and the extensive mangrove-covered creeks. Baratang Island is renowned for its limestone deposits, which can be found both above ground and underground, creating fascinating formations and layers. Visitors can easily catch a boat from the Nilambur jetty to reach the renowned limestone caves. Along the way, they can enjoy the picturesque coastline lined with mangrove forests and paddy fields. Navigating canals covered with mangroves, adds an extra thrill to the journey.
The trek is 1.2 km long and the entire trail has labeled trees and the birds found in this region. The terrain is mostly flat making this an easy trek. There are two routes- one that goes through the jungle and one that paves the way through the farms. Once you complete this trek, try heading for the more challenging trek from Diglipur Island in North Andaman to Alfred Caves. The trek from Diglipur Island starts from Ramnagar and heads to Alfred Caves. It’s mandatory to take the assistance of a local guide to complete the trek so make arrangements accordingly. The trail is covered with thick bushes and tall trees and opens into a cluster of 41 amazing caves. The trek is long and will take an entire day from your itinerary. If you are visiting Diglipur island then be sure to experience this trek.
Distance: 1.2 kilometers
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Attractions: Limestone caves, flora and fauna, mangroves, forests
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Kalapathar Beach to Secret Beach Trek
