Ultimate Guide to Exploring Saddle Peak National Park in Diglipur, Andaman

Truthfully, Saddle Peak National Park is not somewhere you will “just happen to find”. There are no cafés, shopping areas, or beach shacks with loud music to attract tourists. Instead, the reason people come here is because of the voice in their head that says, “Come and climb the highest mountain in the Andaman Islands and see where that brings us”.

Located on the North side of the Andaman Islands near the town of Diglipur, Saddle Peak National Park is a truly wild, green, slightly mysterious, and untouched area of land. Not only does this area contain Saddle Peak, which is 732 meters above sea level and is the highest point on the Andaman Islands, but it also contains thick tropical rainforests, misty trails, wooden bridges, and plenty of amazing views. This will make every drop of sweat worth it.

The beauty of this National Park does not try to grab your attention; it lets the natural environment of the area speak for itself. If you can visit, you will discover that the beauty within Saddle Peak National Park is truly breathtaking.

Natural Biodiversity and Scenic Landscapes

I was immediately struck by the vibrancy of Saddle Peak National Park. The terrain is not just filled with shades of green, but there are many levels, textures, and movements within the forest.

As I walked through the park, leaves fluttered in the wind, bird calls echoed from the treetops, and in the distance I could tell something was standing watch over me (mostly birds, I promise). As a national park, this area is protected and has an incredibly diverse ecosystem. 

I was greeted by vast differences between the way the landscape appears; one moment I would be walking through dense canopies of tropical evergreen trees, and within moments I would enter an opening that was an explosion of sunlight, a shining example of nature’s ability to display itself.

Some of the features that make the landscape unique:

• Tropical evergreen forests
• Freshwater streams flowing across trails
• Logs provide natural bridges to cross streams and rest under shaded trees
• Occasional clearings that allow for panoramic views of the forest.

Potential wildlife sightings:

• Andaman wild pigs (they do remain fairly low-key and mind their own business)
• Water monitors along freshwater streams
• Colorful butterflies and various insects
• Birds, such as the Andaman hill myna or imperials.

Although the park is not a zoo, visitors may not see wildlife, which is part of its charm.

Trekking Experience at Saddle Peak

The outdoor hike to Saddle Peak is what makes this region so unique; it’s 8 km long (one way). Therefore, it’s not a walk in the park, but it doesn’t require the fitness levels of superheroes either. However, you will be able to look back and be very proud of completing the trek.

The trail is well-marked and is mostly natural. The trail winds through the forest, across streams, and up gradual mountain hills. As I hiked, I would need to stop frequently (and not because I was sometimes tired, I was tired) and take in all the beautiful things surrounding me.

The highlight of my journey:

• A designated trail with distance markers
• Wooden steps with handrails in steep areas of the trail
• An area along the trail to stop and rest
• The shade of the trees will keep you cool for most of the journey.

When the trek begins, the air is getting cooler and more refreshing at each new elevation. As you start to near the top, all the trees open up, and if the weather cooperates, then you will have an awe-inspiring view of the North Andaman Islands.  My trekking experience is more memorable because I had a Andaman Group Tour Packages, and my friends joined me. 

Entry Details, Timings and Best Time to Visit

There are some important things to think about before heading off into the jungle (that is, before putting on your hiking shoes). By being properly regulated, Saddle Peak National Park offers a regulated environment that helps the area remain as beautiful and unspoiled as possible. Even if you have booked Andaman Luxury Tour Packages, the park rules remain the same for everyone to ensure conservation.

Permits/Entry:

• Permits can be obtained through local means, and entry fees vary for Indian nationals and tourists. For those on Andaman Budget Tour Packages, it is worth noting that camera fees are usually extra. 
• You may enter the park only during designated hours, based on park personnel; no entry permitted outside these hours.

Timing:

• Open Friday mornings until early afternoon.
• No late entry permitted for safety reasons.

Best Time of Year To Visit:

• The best months of the year are from October through April. Families opting for Andaman family tour package during the winter months will find the weather perfect for this 8km trek. 
• The trail(s) should be avoided if they are wet due to the tropical/traditional rainy season.

You may want to begin your hike early in the morning, as this time of day tends to be cooler and can make the hike feel more alive to you. You will have enough time to finish before nighttime arrives, allowing for plenty of daylight remaining for your hiking pleasure.

Conclusion

If you like peace and natural surroundings, and hiking or walking, then Saddle Peak National Park should be on your Andaman honeymoon packages.

For me, the greatest joy was not only reaching the top, but also being able to enjoy the sounds of nature and the various types of scenery along the way, and the sense of accomplishment when I finished. Saddle Peak doesn’t try to impress you; it simply exists. Sometimes the best way to travel is to explore through a curated Andaman travel package that allows you to experience new places at a relaxed pace.

Sometimes the best way to travel is to experience new cultures and places at a relaxed pace.

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