Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ross & Smith Islands
(Indian/foreigner ?50/500; Forest Office 6am-2pm Mon-Sat)
Like lovely tropical counterweights, the
twin islands of Smith and Ross are connected by a narrow sandbar of dazzling white sand,
and are up there with the best in the Andamans.
Since this is designated as a marine sanctuary, you need a ?500 permit from the Forest
Office opposite Aerial Bay Jetty. However, at time of research, you could apply in writing
to the Forest Office to visit Smith Island for free (which is duly linked to Ross…); Pristine
Beach Resort can assist with this process.
You can organise a boat from Aerial Bay for ?2000, but if you're staying at Pristine Re-
sort it's easier and cheaper to take its
dunghi
for ?1800, meaning you don't have to travel
to Aerial Bay.
Craggy Island
, a small island off Kalipur, also has good snorkelling. Strong swimmers can
make it across (flippers recommended), otherwise a
dunghi
is available (?200 return).
BEACH, SNORKELLING
Saddle Peak
(Indian/foreigner ?25/250)
At 732m, Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andamans. You can
trek through subtropical forest to the top and back from Kalipur in about six hours; the
views from the peaks onto the archipelago are incredible. Again, a permit is required from
the Forest Office and a local guide will make sure you don't get lost. Otherwise follow the
red arrows marked on the trees.
TREKKING
DON'T MISS
TURTLE NESTING
Reputedly the only beach in the world where leatherback, hawksbill, olive ridley and green turtles all nest along
the same coastline, Kalipur is a fantastic place to observe this evening show between mid-December and April.
Turtles can be witnessed most nights, and you can assist with collecting eggs, or with the release of hatchlings.
Contact Pristine Beach Resort for more information.
There's also turtle breeding grounds at Cuthbert Bay, a 45-minute drive from Rangat.
Sleeping & Eating
A new budget guesthouse in Kalipur was about to open a few doors down from Pristine at
time of research.
Pristine Beach Resort
GUESTHOUSE
$
