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Where the land meets endless sea views, Saddle Peak National Park stands as North Andaman’s ultimate trekking haven. Tucked away at the northernmost corner of North Andaman Island, the park offers a mix of thick tropical forests, rugged trails, and stunning sea views. The park is home to the highest peak in the islands, standing tall at 732 metres, making it one of the top activities to do in Andaman for trekkers and adventure lovers.
Further, the park’s amazing shoreline, unique animal sightings and tropical forests have earned it the reputation for being a biodiversity hotspot. In contrast to the more crowded areas of the Andaman Islands, Saddle Peak offers quite an authentic adventure where you can admire nature in its best form with every stride.
Introduction to Saddle Peak National Park
Established in 1979, Saddle Peak National Park covers an area of nearly 33 square kilometres, making it one of the smaller protected regions in the Andaman Islands. While the park may seem compact, it more than makes up for it by housing the archipelago’s tallest peak, which rises 732 meters. The combination of mountain trekking, coastal beauty, and thick forests makes it an irresistible choice for travellers looking for something beyond beaches.
The park also holds great ecological importance, harbouring unique plant species, endemic birds, and even the rare Andaman wild pig, making it one of the most exciting places to visit in Andaman. Its raw, untouched terrain appeals to both adventure seekers and eco-tourists who seek a balance between exploration and conservation.
Trekking to the Summit
Trekking to the top of Saddle Peak is a popular activity in Saddle Peak National Park. The walk, which can be somewhat tiring but ultimately worthwhile, takes somewhere from six to eight hours to complete at a moderate pace. Due to limited facilities along the trail, it is recommended that you carry adequate water and some food.
While hiking, you will come across diverse ecosystems with distinct flora and fauna as you ascend through the forest’s changing elevations. From the summit, hikers are greeted with wide views of Ross and Smith Islands, long stretches of coastline and deep blue waters.
Key Attractions Inside the Park
1. Saddle Peak Trek
The best part of the park definitely has to be the trek to Saddle Peak, which covers a journey of nearly 6 to 8 hours on each side. The trail goes through lush evergreen trees, streams, and ridges until it ends at the top. From the top, you can see the North and Middle Andaman Islands for miles and miles, all the way to the horizon.
2. Unique Flora and Fauna
There are different kinds of flora in the park, including rare medicinal plants like wild ginger and neem, along with towering trees such as padauk and Dipterocarps that rise over the pathways. This rich forest cover also provides a natural habitat for diverse wildlife.
You might see the Andaman hill myna, the imperial pigeon, or the monitor lizard in the wild. If you time it rightly, you might become one of those lucky tourists who can get a glimpse of the hard-to-find Andaman wild pig.
3. Kalipur Beach and Turtle Nesting
Kalipur Beach is one of the few spots in the world where four types of sea turtles lay their eggs, and it is also located quite close to the entrance to the park. People who visit to see the turtles typically go on a walk and then return at night to observe them laying eggs.
4. Alfred Caves
Located near Diglipur, these are a network of 41 caves, mainly known for their interesting limestone formations. Although technically outside the park, they complement the experience of exploring Saddle Peak and are often included in an Andaman itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the park at any time of year, but November through April is when it really shines. This period usually has the ideal conditions that one might need for trekking and birdwatching. So, you can enjoy having factors like mild weather, lower humidity, and better visibility.
The monsoon season, which lasts from May to September, often sees heavy rainfall, making it difficult to trek. In order to ensure a safe and fun trip, you should definitely check the weather forecast and the guidelines shared by the park when planning your trip.
Trekking Tips and Essentials
Though trekking in Saddle Peak National Park is quite a rewarding activity, it requires preparation to ensure a safe and memorable journey.
- Start Early: Begin the trek at dawn to avoid the midday heat and give yourself enough time to return before sunset.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: The trail is long and moderately steep, so sturdy shoes with good grip are essential for the trek.
- Pack Light but Smart: Carry enough drinking water, some energy snacks, and things like sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
- Hire a Guide: It is recommended that you explore the place with expert, local guides. They will ensure safety for you and also enrich your experience with interesting knowledge about plants and animals.
- Stay with Your Group: Since the trails are dense and lightly marked, it is easy to lose your way without guidance.
Photography and Nature Observation
Saddle Peak National Park is a photographer’s and nature lover’s dream come true, where you can find many chances to be creative. Dawn and evening give the dense jungle a wonderful glow, making it look golden for great landscape photos.
People who love macro photography can get great shots of butterflies, orchids, and small reptiles that live in the shady undergrowth. Binoculars and camera zoom lenses help you see birds that are far away, sitting gracefully on top of the tall trees in the forest.
Conservation Efforts and Responsible Tourism
The park has a fragile ecosystem and thus faces the major challenge of balancing tourism with conservation efforts undertaken by local authorities. Visitors are expected to follow leave-no-trace principles, ensuring litter and plastic waste are minimised at all times.
Further, for responsible tourism, make sure to avoid loud noises, stick to marked trails, and never feed the wildlife. Every responsible visitor contributes positively to ongoing preservation efforts, allowing future generations to witness the same beauty and biodiversity.
How to Reach Saddle Peak National Park?
Saddle Peak National Park is accessible via a beautiful journey along North Andaman’s less-travelled pathways. Most travellers, both domestic and international, enter the Andaman Islands via Port Blair, the capital.
The entrance to Saddle Peak National Park is near Kalipur, making it a convenient starting point for hikes and exploration.
Conclusion
Saddle Peak National Park offers far more than just a trek to the highest mountain in the Andaman archipelago. Its untouched rainforests, vibrant birdlife, cultural significance, and spectacular landscapes create a rewarding destination for those preferring authentic adventure. Travellers who respect the ecosystem and embrace responsible practices will discover unparalleled peace and fulfilment here. So, when planning your Andaman trip, make sure to include Saddle Peak since it’s an experience not to be missed.