Cycling Across the Andamans: Curating the Tour of Andaman from Port Blair to Diglipur

Every time I visit the Andaman Islands, it is never just about riding a bicycle. This journey from Port Blair to Diglipur was part exploration, part groundwork for the upcoming Tour of Andaman, Edition - 6 happening from 19th to 25th September and part rediscovering how special these islands truly are for cycling.

While the ride itself covered several days, the real purpose of the trip was to understand the logistics, meet local stakeholders, identify safe cycling routes, and strengthen partnerships with hotels, communities, and officials. Every kilometre ridden helped refine how we design the Tour of Andaman so that cyclists from across the country can safely experience these islands.

Day 1: Exploring Port Blair on Two Wheels

Before heading north, I spent a day riding around Port Blair to understand the local routes that visiting cyclists can explore.

One of the most rewarding rides here is to Mount Harriet National Park. The route involves taking a short ferry from Port Blair to the other side of the harbour and then climbing up through lush forest roads toward Mount Harriet. The climb is steady and scenic, offering beautiful views of the surrounding islands.

From the coastline, you can also see North Bay Island, famous for its lighthouse and coral reefs. The ferry crossings themselves add a unique dimension to cycling here—combining sea travel with riding through quiet forest roads.

Another option for cyclists visiting Port Blair is riding toward Chidiya Tapu, a beautiful coastal stretch known for sunset views and birdlife. The road is peaceful, scenic, and perfect for cyclists looking to explore the southern edge of South Andaman.

These rides make Port Blair an excellent base for cyclists who want to spend a day or two acclimatizing before attempting longer island rides.

Day 2: Port Blair to Jirkatang — Entering the Tribal Reserve Zone

The long northbound journey begins from Port Blair toward Jirkatang, roughly 50 km away. This point marks the entrance to the protected section of the Andaman Trunk Road that passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve.

Cycling beyond Jirkatang is not allowed due to strict regulations protecting the indigenous Jarawa community. Vehicles must cross this stretch in government-regulated convoys.

Convoy timings typically include:

• 6:00 AM

• 9:00 AM

• 12:00 PM

• 2:00 PM

• 5:00 PM

For cyclists, this becomes one of the first major logistical challenges.

Since bicycles cannot ride through the reserve, they must be transported on buses or trucks crossing in the convoy. Not every driver is comfortable carrying a bicycle, and the system is not designed with cyclists in mind.

For the Tour of Andaman, understanding and coordinating this movement is essential.

From Jirkatang, I crossed the reserve by bus and reached Rangat, a quiet town in Middle Andaman.

Day 3: Rangat to Mayabunder — Mangroves, Creeks and Island Roads

The ride from Rangat to Mayabunder is arguably one of the most scenic cycling stretches in the Andamans.

The road runs through dense tropical forests, tidal creeks, and mangrove ecosystems. In several places, wooden boardwalks allow visitors to walk deep inside the mangrove forests, offering a rare chance to experience this fragile ecosystem.

Along this stretch, I also spent time meeting local hotel owners and homestay operators. These interactions are crucial because the Tour of Andaman relies heavily on local partnerships for accommodation, food, and support services.

In Mayabunder, I stayed with members of the Karen community — descendants of settlers from Burma who have made the Andamans their home for generations. Their hospitality and cultural stories add a beautiful human dimension to the cycling experience.

Day 4: Mayabunder to Diglipur — The Northern Frontier

The final leg toward Diglipur brings riders into North Andaman.

This stretch introduces more challenging terrain:

• Rolling hills

• Steady climbs

• Technical turns and descents

The closer you get to Diglipur, the more demanding the terrain becomes. Climbs grow longer and steeper, testing endurance.

But the reward is equally spectacular: quiet island roads, dense forests, and landscapes that feel untouched.

Diglipur itself is an important destination in the Tour of Andaman route planning because it opens access to some of the most beautiful natural areas in North Andaman.

Our Groundwork Behind the Tour of Andaman takes you sky high

While this journey might appear like a personal cycling adventure, it is actually part of the extensive groundwork required to organize the Tour of Andaman.

During this trip, I met:

• Hotel owners and homestay operators

• Local community leaders

• Police officials

• Transport operators

• Government representatives

Together, we discuss:

• Accommodation availability

• Emergency response planning

• Hospital accessibility

• Police station locations along the route

• Food stops and hydration points

• Safe cycling sections

These details help create a carefully curated itinerary where rider safety and comfort remain the highest priorities.

Challenges of Cycling in the Andamans

Despite its beauty, cycling here requires serious planning.

No Bicycle Rental Infrastructure

Unlike mainland destinations, there are almost no bicycle rental shops in the Andamans.

Cyclists must either:

• Fly in with their own bicycle

• Borrow one locally if possible

Limited Mechanical Support

Professional bike repair shops are extremely limited outside Port Blair. Riders must carry their own repair kits and spare tubes.

For the Tour of Andaman, we ensure dedicated mechanical support vehicles, something independent cyclists must plan carefully.

Road Conditions in the Andamans

One of the common questions cyclists ask before planning a ride across the Andaman is about the road conditions.

Overall, the roads along the Andaman Trunk Road are quite good and very rideable, especially considering the remote island geography. In many sections, the tarmac is freshly laid and smooth, making for beautiful cycling stretches through forests and coastal landscapes.

However, road conditions can vary depending on ongoing construction work and the impact of the monsoon season. The heavy rains that the islands receive every year can affect certain sections of the road over time.

Cyclists should expect a mix of surfaces along the route:

Long stretches of fresh, well-laid tarmac that are smooth and enjoyable to ride

A few sections where road work is in progress

Short patches (often 50–100 metres) where the tarmac disappears temporarily

Occasional potholes or puddles, especially after rains

At the moment, most of the route is in very good condition, and the ride experience remains excellent. The changing terrain and occasional rough patches are part of the adventure of cycling through a remote island highway.

For riders participating in the Tour of Andaman, these sections are already mapped and factored into the route planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Remote Connectivity

Travel between North and South Andaman can take 10–12 hours, depending on convoy timings. Public transport is limited and time-bound.

This is why planning and time management are essential for cyclists.

Ferry Option to Diglipur

There is also a ferry connecting Port Blair and Diglipur through the Directorate of Shipping Services.

However, ferries are not frequent and schedules often change, making them an option that requires advance planning.

Why the Tour of Andaman Matters

Cycling across the Andamans is not as straightforward as riding in many mainland destinations.

It requires:

• Local coordination

• Route research

• Safety planning

• Community engagement

The Tour of Andaman brings all these elements together, allowing cyclists to experience the islands with logistical support, safety protocols, and curated local experiences.

Final Thoughts

Cycling from Port Blair to Diglipur is one of the most unique bike touring journeys in India.

The roads pass through mangrove forests, tribal reserves, quiet villages, and pristine island landscapes. But more importantly, every ride here tells a story of people, ecosystems, and cultures that make the Andamans truly special.

For some riders, this journey may become a self-supported cycling expedition.

For others, joining the Tour of Andaman provides the opportunity to explore these islands with a well-designed route, strong local connections, and a community of fellow cyclists.

Either way, the Andamans promise a cycling experience that stays with you long after the ride ends.