Chidiya Tapu

Half dayBest: Oct–MarNatural Landscapes#sunset#birding#mangroves

Sunset point and bird island

Why this weekend?

Sunset viewpointMunda pahar trekBird watching

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The day-by-day plan

Half day · The sunset run
- Afternoon drive out
- Forest birding stops
- Munda beach swim
- Sunset Point for the show
- Return after dark

Geography & terrain

Chidiya Tapu sits on the southern tip of South Andaman, about 25 km from Port Blair along the winding hill road — a headland of rainforest and mangroves where the island ends in cliffs and the ocean opens east and west, with Munda Pahar beach and its own beach sheltered in the coves below.

History & culture

The headland was an early outpost of the forest villages of South Andaman, and its name — 'bird tapu' or bird island — comes from the chorus of hornbills and other birds that filled its canopy long before tourism; today it is the classic Port Blair evening drive, a civilised forest escape minutes from the capital.

Where to stay

Budget

₹1,000–2,500/night

Mid-range

₹2,500–5,000/night

Comfort

₹5,000+/night

Things to do

Sunset Point
Munda Pahar beach
Bioluminescence shore
Rainforest birding
Mangrove creeks

Eat & drink

Grilled reef fish
Coconut and seafood curries
Tropical fresh fruit platters

Getting there

Fly: Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ), Port Blair
Train: No rail — island chain served by ferries
Road from Port Blair: road + ferry hub for all islands
Getting around: Autos and scooters on the islands; ferries between them

Budget snapshot

Total: ₹5,000–11,000 (2 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹1,000–5,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Activities: ₹700–1,100

Month by month

Jan · Best: 23–30°C · None rain
Feb · Best: 23–30°C · None rain
Mar · Good: 24–31°C · None rain
Apr · Good: 25–32°C · Light rain
May · Hot: 25–32°C · Moderate rain
Jun · Monsoon: 25–30°C · Heavy rain
Jul · Monsoon: 25–29°C · Heavy rain
Aug · Monsoon: 25–29°C · Heavy rain
Sep · Monsoon: 25–30°C · Heavy rain
Oct · Good: 24–30°C · Moderate rain
Nov · Best: 23–30°C · Light rain
Dec · Best: 23–30°C · None rain

Practical info

Language: Hindi / Bengali / Tamil (multi-language islands) (English understood in tourist spots)
Best window: Oct–Mar
Connectivity: Patchy off the main islands — download offline maps
UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops

Practical tips

Come before 4 pm for the full loop — sun sets fast in the tropics
Mosquito repellant is non-negotiable at dusk on the beach
Munda beach has no shade — bring water and a hat

Frequently asked questions

Is Chidiya Tapu worth the drive?

Yes for the sunset and the forest — it is the island's most popular circuit; go on a weekday to dodge the Port Blair crowds.

Can I swim or snorkel here?

Light swimming at Munda Pahar on calm days; snorkelling is better at the marine park or Elephant Beach than on the tapu's exposed shore.

When do we see bioluminescence?

On dark, moonless post-monsoon nights (Sep–Nov) at Munda beach — a blue sparkle with every footstep; no guarantee.