As the name suggests, Chidiya Tapu is the perfect haven for unseen migratory birds and common native birds found in the Andaman Islands and it is one of the popular places to visit in Port Blair. Recognized as the most enchanting beach in Andaman and tourists arrive here on a large scale as the beach extends the best ever sights for them including the eye catching sunrise and sunset views. This is a silent yet crowded beach encircled by evergreen forests on one side and the short hills on the other side.
As it is considered to be the presenter of the most finishing touch of sunset and sunrise views, it is the main hub in Andaman Islands. The beach is filled with 46 varieties of endangered species of birds, and white spotted deer. There are a lot of seasonal orchids and other varieties of plants.
Highlights: The major attractions of Chidiya Tapu are the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park, the Sylvan Sands, the Munda Pahar Beaches etc. You will be able to stay at a forest guesthouse located nearby atop a hillock and from there, the panoramic view of Chidiya Tapu in detail.
Activities: Apart from sunset and sunrise views, plenty of people come for an Andaman and Nicobar trip to see this beach, to identify the rare species appear in multiple colours and size. Even though many of the birds are commonly found on the beach, you would find it as a unique and unnatural scene to find the colourful gathering of them.
Boating is an attractive activity done here as well as snorkeling and swimming are also a part of the adventure activities usually experienced by those who visit here.
Distance from Port Blair: It is located about 25 kms from Port Blair.
Chidiya Tapu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Andaman, and if you are on a trip to the islands, do not forget to spend a few hours at this wonderful place. Chidiya Tapu is mainly popular for its wide range of birds and is a haven for bird watchers. Indigenous and migratory birds can be seen decorating the skies here, enticing nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the place.
This island in Andaman is also a treasure trove of thick forests and stunning views of the ocean. At almost every turn, the mesmerizing views of a thick green blanket and azure sea waters await you. Experience serenity as the dense mangroves cover the entirety of the island and provide a sense of calm to the senses. A walk through the jungles will make you forget everything about your hectic lifestyle.
The island is also an attractive option for adventure sports lovers. It has a rich underwater sea life, including colourful corals and vibrant marine wildlife. Go snorkelling or scuba diving and experience the rich world under the surface, explore the labyrinthine reefs, get caught in the whirlpool of tiny fishes, and swim with majestic sea turtles. The island also has an option of sea walking, for those of you who do not know how to swim. Now you can witness the mesmerizing underwater view under the guidance of experienced and helpful staff.
Pre-book your Andaman tour package for most comfortable and lavish experience.
If you like staying on land, you can check out the trail that leads to the famous Mund Pahad, or the Black Mountain. The path is rife with mesmerizing views of the island, and the vantage point will take your breath away, as you witness the blue sea stretched out as far as the eye can see. The biological park is another good destination, where you can enjoy a picnic with your family in the middle of dense forests and witness wild animals in their natural habitat. Chidiya Tapu is also famous as The Sunset Point, so you can simply head over to the beach at the end of a long day and be enthralled by the tangerine sun setting over turquoise sea waters.
Chidiya Tapu Biological Park
Catch the rich biodiversity and a wide range of tropical flora and fauna of the Andaman islands at this biological park that was established in 2001. The park aims towards conservation and the study of endemic and endangered species of plants and animals that are indigenous to the islands. The place is covered with thick green jungles that provide the animals with natural habitat and act as a source of physical and mental relief towards its visitors.
The park features exotic plant species like Mahuas and Padauks, to exquisite birds and animals. It is spread over 40 hectares and there is a lot to see here, including wild pigs and spotted deers roaming openly in the jungle. There is also a reptile centre for those of you who are interested in watching crocodiles and snakes. For bird watchers, it is a heavenly delight, as indigenous and migratory birds can often be spotted flying without any reserve in the park.
The serpentine treks, the sound of birds singing in the background, and the occasional sighting of a wild animal is a thrilling experience. For the nature admirer and photography enthusiast, there is no better place on Chidiya Tapu than spending a few hours here.
- Highlights: endemic and endangered species of plants and animals in their natural habitat
- Visiting time: 10 am to 5 pm, open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays
- Visiting Duration: people usually spend 2-3 hours here
- Location: Chidiyatapu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, and INR 50 for foreigners
- Guides: Guides are recommended because there are many hidden gems here that you may otherwise miss. They are available for rates as low as 1500 INR.
How to reach Chidiya Tapu
- From Port Blair
Chidiya Tapu is located nearly 30 kilometres from Port Blair, and there are several ways to reach the island from there. Most people tend to take a bike and cycle to reach the exotic island, as the serpentine road offers stunning vistas and spectacular views. If you take this route, you will get to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the dense jungles, rolling hills, and the rocky beach of Kalapathar. You can also hire a car to get to Chidiya Tapu from Port Blair.
- From Havelock Island
If you are in Havelock and want to get to Chidiya Tapu, you will have to go via Port Blair, as there is no direct route between the two islands. From Havelock to Port Blair, there are several routes, including cheap ones like a government tourist ferry that leaves thrice a week, or a thrilling helicopter ride that will offer stunning views of the islands. Once you reach Port Blair, you can simply take a bike or a ferry to Chidiya Tapu.
Best time to visit Chidiya Tapu
Although the island experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, it is best to visit Chidiya Tapu in the months between October and April which is also the best time to visit Andaman.
In the summer months of May to July, the temperature notches over 40 degrees and the weather can be quite hot. It is not ideal to venture out in these harsh conditions, the beaches are scorching, the roads are empty, and even birds and animals retreat to the jungles to keep themselves cool.
During the monsoon months of August to September, heavy rainfall can result in dangerous conditions on the beaches, as the waves can be quite high in this weather. These months see the ocean get unpredictable and tsunami warnings are quite common.
So, the best time to visit is during the spring and winter months. The weather during these months is clear, pleasant, and ideal for exploration. Since the temperatures do not drop to extremes, it is also the perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches and indulging in water sports.
Click here to know more about the best places to visit in Port Blair.
Essential Info:
1. Places to visit near Chidiya Tapu
There are several tourist destinations near the island, where you can romance with nature and enjoy the scenery around.
The most prominent tourist destination near Chidiya Tapu is Kalapathar Beach. You will encounter this place on your way from Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu. Spend a few moments admiring the long trail of black rocks and boulders on the beach. Once you reach the island, there is a trekking trail to Munda Pahad that is strewn with mesmerizing views of the islands. You can also check out Cinque Island, another place that is ideal for a retreat towards all the beauty nature has to offer.
2. Things/ Activities to do in Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is a paradise for nature lovers, and one of the most popular things to do in Chidiya Tapu is bird watching. The island is famous all over the country for hosting a wide variety of bird species, some of them endemic and endangered. You will also get to witness exotic migratory birds along with the indigenous ones.
To up your adrenaline levels at the island, indulge in activities like snorkelling, pearl hunting, boating, deep sea walking and scuba diving. If you are travelling with your family, a quiet picnic in the biological park will be an ideal getaway for you.
Chidiya Tapu is also famous as The Sunset Point. The colourful hues splashed around the sky at dusk are not a sigh to be missed.
Also, check out the best things to do in Andaman and Nicobar for your next trip.
3. Places to eat in and near Chidiya Tapu
There are several places in and around the island where you can get some delicious food without burning a hole in your pocket. The cuisines included are local as well as continental.
Some of the most famous restaurants include Brewberrys and Waves. Both these places are a bit on the expensive side, but the gourmet food and stunning decor make up for it. There are also some resorts on the island that offer some mouth-watering snacks, like Palm Grove, Rose Valley, and Fortune Resorts. Along with the food, you get to enjoy the stunning views of the island at these places.
Enjoy your trip to the island with these amazing water sports in Andaman.
4. Places to stay near Chidiya Tapu
If you are planning on spending a few days on the island, there are several options for a luxurious stay.
Sea Princess Beach Resort offers the perfect blend of modern facilities and stunning views. The hotel is only 15 kilometres from the island, so you can go sightseeing anytime you want. Hotel Blue Marlin offers spacious and airy rooms at an affordable price. If you are looking for a truly pampering stay and are not afraid of paying extra cash for it, check out Comfort Inn Blue Waves. On the flip side is The North Reef that is cheap and cosy - ideal for students and backpackers.
Here are the best resorts in Andaman that you should book for a comfortable stay.
5. Medical Facilities in Chidiya Tapu
Port Blair is only a few kilometres from Chidiya Tapu and the capital city has state of the art medical facilities and several hospitals to take care of emergency medical problems. Qualified doctors, nurses, medicines, imaging equipment are easily available here. The island itself also has a PHC that is equipped with 10 beds.
6. Timing to visit Chidiya Tapu
The island is famous for its gorgeous sunsets, so it is best to go here at dusk. But if you want to explore the biological park, it is better to plan your trip during the afternoon, so that you can spend a few hours at the park before heading to the beach to watch the famed sunset.
Here is the list of best hotels in Andaman that won't let you feel homesick.
7. Mobile Connectivity in Chidiya Tapu
A network connection is dicey at best on the island, because of the remoteness of this place. The connection is good in parts of Port Blair, and Havelock island, but Chidiya Tapu is covered mostly by deep woods, and therefore, internet connection is slow. If you can get a satellite connection, the connectivity is good, but that is an expensive option.
8. Travellers' Tip before visiting Chidiya Tapu
It is best to get some malaria vaccinations before going to the islands, as well as take precautions when it comes to food and water. Do not drink tap water here, and carry a first aid kit with you. If you are a foreign national, always keep your visa and passport with you, and do not enter restricted areas.
