Highest Peak of Andamans: Saddle Peak

With an elevation of 732 metres above sea level, Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Bay of Bengal and offers spectacular views over the North and Middle Andaman Islands. The path, which is 8 kilometres long and steep and is surrounded by Saddle Peak National Park, is located in the park.

Saddle Mountain National Park is located roughly 5 miles from Diglipur and 300 kilometres from Port Blair and is home to the tallest peak in the Andamans and a diverse range of wild flora and animals, deciduous evergreen rainforests, and natural marvels. The national park, which was established in 1979, is home to a variety of animals, including the Andaman wild pig, hill myna, water monitor, dolphins, imperial pigeons, and the saltwater crocodile, among others.

The national park, which spans around 33 square miles and stretches north to south along the eastern shore of the North Andaman Island, abutting the sea and near a long-drawn stony beach, is located on the island’s eastern coast. The park is characterized by a tropical environment that is humid, warm, and rainy and which has been dubbed “typically oceanic.”

How To Reach Saddle Peak

To reach the summit of Saddle Peak, you must travel upwards for nine kilometres, which you can only accomplish on foot. While the road leading to the starting point of the hiking trail is not directly linked, you may access it by hiring a cab, an auto-rickshaw, or a two-wheeler. Buses go here a few times a day, but you must confirm the schedules ahead of time since you will want to arrive for the trip in the morning.

Because Saddle Peak is located inside a reserve forest, you will need to get permission from the forest department in order to walk here. This may be obtained by paying a nominal admission charge at the time of entry.

Things to do at Saddle Peak National Park

1. This rainforest is one of the most popular destinations for botanists, environment enthusiasts, and bird watchers. Visitors may trek through it. A freshwater pool, 10 permanent streams, and 132 seasonal streams are found within the boundaries of Saddle Peak National Park. The park also contains the Andaman wild pig, the hill myna, the water monitor, the imperial pigeon, and the saltwater crocodile, among other wildlife.

2. Saddle Peak, with an elevation of 732 metres above sea level, is the highest point in the Bay of Bengal and offers spectacular views of the North and Middle Andaman beaches. Trekking and hiking are popular tourist activities in many parts of the world. Trekkers reach the summit after an 8-kilometre hike from the entrance gate, where they may take in the panoramic views from a vantage point built at the top for this purpose.

3. This journey has three spectacular viewpoints:

1. the first provides a bird’s eye view of the Andaman and Nicobar islands,
2. popularly known as the “ice degree peak,” it is the coldest point on the walk, and
3. the third provides a breathtaking perspective of the whole trek route from Diglipur to Mayabunder.

In addition, visitors may anticipate travelling through Kalpong, the only river in the Andamans that runs through the jungle and provides a delightful freshwater stream where the water is potable. Trekkers often take a break from their journey to wash their faces and collect their breath before resuming their journey.

Best Time To Visit Saddle Peak

Visitors to Saddle Peak National Park are welcome at any time of the year. The greatest time to visit is between November and March when the weather is most pleasant. The monsoon season lasts from June to October, and it is at this period, that biodiversity is at its peak, albeit the monsoons in the Andamans are particularly severe.

Saddle Peak may be visited at any time of day, from sunrise to sunset; however, the ideal time to visit the national park is between 4 a.m. and 5 p.m., when you can fully explore the park.

Points to keep in mind

Wear trek-friendly shoes/closed flat-heeled shoes for a pleasant stroll through the forest, and keep your distance from any thorns or insects while traversing the terrain.
It is recommended to dress in light clothing to be comfortable. Ladies are advised to avoid wearing sarees, long Kurtis, and flow dresses since the long flow fabric material tends to get entangled with twigs and thorns, which may cause harm to your garments or even cause you to tumble.
Bring along a hat, sunglasses, bug repellant, plenty of snacks, food, drink, and a change of clothing so that you can remain comfortable during the journey.
Please do not trash the area with plastic bags, wrappers, or any other non-biodegradable items, as we are committed to supporting our administration and doing all possible to preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity of the islands. Contribute to the preservation of the heritage.

Wrapping Up

This rainforest is one of the most popular destinations for botanists, environment enthusiasts, and bird watchers. Visitors may go hiking in the forest. Only day trips are permitted in this National Park, and visitors are required to pay an entrance charge and tour the park from the morning until the evening.

At the time of writing, there are no camping facilities in this National Park. Visitors will be able to see a variety of endangered plants, reptiles, and bird species. Hiking is the finest method to see all that beautiful park offers for individuals of all ages. Saddle Peak National Park is a safe place to visit since forest rangers are stationed throughout the park. It is recommended that you begin your visit early in the morning and bring enough food and drinks because there is nothing available in the park.

We hope you include Saddle peak, the highest peak of Andaman, in your itinerary. Happy Traveling!