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Plan your Andaman holiday with local experts based in Port Blair
Most visitors to Port Blair fill their days with the Cellular Jail, Ross Island and North Bay water sports. But those who make time for the southern tip of South Andaman discover something quieter, wilder and far more memorable. Chidiya Tapu, which translates literally to Bird's Nest, is Port Blair's most celebrated sunset point, a premier birdwatching destination and the starting point for some of the finest nature trails in the Andaman archipelago. It is the place where the jungle meets the sea and the sky turns colours that no photograph fully captures.
Chidiya Tapu is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Port Blair city centre, roughly a 45 minute drive through South Andaman's forested interior. It sits at the southernmost tip of South Andaman and is one of the few places near Port Blair where dense tropical forest, mangrove coastline and open sea converge in a single landscape.
The name Chidiya Tapu means Bird's Nest in Hindi and the destination fully lives up to it. The forests and mangroves here are home to over 150 species of birds including several endemic Andaman species found nowhere else on earth. For serious birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, Chidiya Tapu is one of the most rewarding locations in the entire Andaman chain.
Beyond birdwatching, Chidiya Tapu is famous across Andaman for its sunsets. The wide open western horizon, the silhouetted forest canopy and the meeting of mangrove and sea create sunset conditions that are genuinely among the finest in all of India. Visitors who time their arrival right are rewarded with an experience that is difficult to put into words and impossible to forget.
The landscape at Chidiya Tapu is unlike anything else within easy reach of Port Blair. The drive itself is scenic, passing through dense tropical forest and small coastal settlements before the road opens up to reveal the wide expanse of the Andaman Sea at the southern tip of South Andaman.
The birdwatching here is extraordinary by any standard. The forests around Chidiya Tapu support a rich avifauna that includes the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo, Andaman treepie, red-necked falcon and numerous species of kingfishers, hornbills and sea eagles. Early morning visits between 6 AM and 9 AM offer the best birdwatching conditions when activity is at its peak and the forest is alive with calls and movement.
The nature trails at Chidiya Tapu wind through coastal forest and along mangrove edges, offering walkers and trekkers a genuine encounter with South Andaman's wild interior. The trails range from easy shoreline walks to more immersive forest routes and can be explored independently or with a local guide for a richer experience.
As the afternoon draws towards evening, Chidiya Tapu transforms into Port Blair's most celebrated sunset destination. The wide western horizon over the Andaman Sea, framed by forest and mangrove silhouettes, produces sunset views that draw visitors and photographers from across the Andaman chain. Arriving by 5 PM gives you time to settle at the viewpoint before the sky begins its display.
Plan Your Chidiya Tapu Visit with Our Local ExpertsChidiya Tapu offers a layered experience that combines world class birdwatching, scenic nature trails, mangrove coastline and one of Andaman's most spectacular sunset viewpoints. Here is what to look out for during your visit.
The sunset at Chidiya Tapu is the single most talked about experience at this destination. The wide unobstructed western horizon over the Andaman Sea, the silhouettes of coastal forest and mangrove and the colours that spread across the sky during golden hour combine to produce a sunset that is widely considered the finest in all of Andaman. No visit to Port Blair is complete without witnessing it at least once.
The nature trails at Chidiya Tapu wind through coastal tropical forest, along mangrove fringes and across rocky shoreline. Ranging from easy walks to more demanding forest treks, the trails offer a genuine encounter with South Andaman's wild landscape. A local guide adds significant value here, pointing out wildlife, identifying bird calls and navigating the more immersive forest routes safely.
Chidiya Tapu is the finest birdwatching destination within reach of Port Blair. Over 150 species have been recorded here including endemic Andaman species found nowhere else on earth. The Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo, red-necked falcon, multiple kingfisher species and sea eagles are among the highlights. Early morning visits between 6 AM and 9 AM offer the best conditions for serious birdwatchers.
The mangrove coastline at Chidiya Tapu is a distinctive and ecologically rich environment that rewards slow, attentive exploration. The meeting of mangrove forest and open sea produces a landscape unlike anything found elsewhere near Port Blair. Mudskippers, fiddler crabs, wading birds and occasional monitor lizards are among the wildlife encounters visitors can expect along the mangrove edge.
| Location | Chidiya Tapu, South Andaman - approximately 25 kilometres from Port Blair city centre, 45 minute drive |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | October to May - dry season with clear skies, best sunset views and birdwatching conditions |
| Birdwatching Hours | 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM - peak bird activity in early morning |
| Sunset Viewing | Arrive by 5:00 PM - sunset typically between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM depending on season |
| Key Attractions | Sunset viewpoint, birdwatching, nature trails, mangrove coastline, trekking |
| Nearby Attractions | Munda Pahar Beach, Cellular Jail Port Blair, Corbyn's Cove Beach |
Plan your Chidiya Tapu visit as a full afternoon and evening excursion rather than a quick half-day trip. Leave Port Blair by 3 PM to allow time for the nature trail or birdwatching walk before settling at the sunset viewpoint. Trying to rush this destination does it a disservice. The journey, the trail and the sunset together make for a complete and deeply satisfying experience.
If birdwatching is a priority, consider a separate early morning visit specifically for birding. Arrive at Chidiya Tapu between 6 AM and 7 AM when the forest is most active and the light is ideal for spotting and photography. A local birding guide familiar with the endemic species makes an enormous difference to the quality and depth of this experience.
Carry insect repellent, especially if you plan to walk the forest trails or explore the mangrove coastline. Light full-sleeve clothing is advisable. The trails can be muddy after rain so closed footwear is strongly recommended over sandals or open shoes.
Our team at AndamanVacation.com includes Chidiya Tapu in Port Blair itineraries as an afternoon and sunset excursion that pairs well with a morning visit to the Cellular Jail or North Bay. We handle all transfers and arrangements so you arrive at the right time, in comfort, with everything in place for the experience.
Chidiya Tapu is one of Port Blair's most rewarding and underappreciated destinations. It asks nothing more of you than time and attentiveness and in return it delivers birdwatching, forest immersion and a sunset that stays with you long after you have left the Andaman chain. It is the kind of place that reminds you why you travelled this far in the first place.
Our team at Andaman Vacations India includes Chidiya Tapu in Port Blair itineraries for travellers who want to experience the full natural depth of what South Andaman has to offer. Tell us your travel dates and we will build a Port Blair day plan that gives this remarkable destination the time and attention it deserves.
"I’ve traveled with many agencies, but this one stands out! personalized approach and attention to detail made our honeymoon unforgettable.
