Local Andaman travel experts based in Port Blair, planning and delivering island holidays for over 18 years.

Plan your Andaman holiday with local experts based in Port Blair

The Most Scenic and Secluded Beach Destination Near Port Blair

Most visitors to Port Blair never make it to Munda Pahad and that is precisely what makes it so special. Located approximately 25 kilometres from Port Blair near the celebrated Chidiya Tapu headland, Munda Pahad sits at the southernmost edge of South Andaman Island where dense tropical forest meets dramatic black cliffs and the open Bay of Bengal stretches uninterrupted to the horizon. Unlike the closer, more accessible beaches of the city, Munda Pahad rewards the extra travel with something far rarer: genuine solitude, an extraordinary forest trek to a cliff viewpoint, and a sunset over the open sea that belongs among the finest in the entire Andaman chain.

About Munda Pahad of the Andaman Islands

Munda Pahad, also written as Mundapahar Beach, is located within the Chidiya Tapu area at the southern end of South Andaman. The beach is part of the protected Chidiya Tapu forest zone and sits where the forest meets the Bay of Bengal along a west-facing shoreline.

The beach itself is not a long open stretch of sand. It is a mix of rocky sections, tidal pools, patches of coarse sand and a raised viewpoint above the waterline that gives you an unobstructed view of the horizon. The forest comes in close on either side, which is why the Chidiya Tapu bird watching area and Munda Pahad are always visited together.

The tidal pools along the rocky parts of the beach are worth exploring at low tide. Sea anemones, hermit crabs, small reef fish and starfish are all visible without needing to enter the water. Children find this section particularly absorbing.

The viewpoint above the beach is the main draw for most visitors. A short uphill path through the trees leads to an open platform that looks out over the entire southern coastline. On a clear evening, with the sun going down directly ahead of you and the forest on either side, it is one of the most striking views in Andaman.

Quick Facts

  • West-facing beach in Andaman with direct sea sunset views.
  • Located near Chidiya Tapu, ~25 km from Port Blair.
  • Forest-backed beach with rocky shoreline and viewpoint.
  • Part of protected Chidiya Tapu forest zone.
  • Tidal pools with sea anemones, crabs, and reef fish at low tide.

The History of Munda Pahad
- Where Forest Trails Meet the Sea

Munda Pahad is located at the southern edge of Chidiya Tapu, around 30 kilometres from Port Blair. Surrounded by tropical forests and rugged coastline, the beach remains one of the most scenic natural attractions in South Andaman.

The area has long been part of the protected forest landscape that makes Chidiya Tapu famous for its biodiversity. Dense vegetation, mangrove ecosystems, and coastal habitats support a variety of bird species, making the region popular among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Today, Munda Pahad is best known for its forest trekking trail, dramatic rocky shoreline, and breathtaking sunset views over the open sea. Its peaceful setting and untouched beauty make it a favourite destination for visitors seeking a quieter side of the Andaman Islands.

Plan Your Munda Pahad Visit with Our Local Experts

What to See on Munda Pahad

Munda Pahad offers a layered experience that goes well beyond a typical beach visit. Here is what to plan for during your half-day or full-day trip to this remarkable corner of South Andaman.

Munda Pahad Chidiya Tapu things to do

Bird Watching at Dawn

Start early along the trail toward Mundapahar Beach. Morning hours offer bird sightings, peaceful surroundings, and ideal conditions for enthusiasts.

Sunset at Mundapahar Viewpoint

Visit the viewpoint before sunset for spectacular ocean views. Vibrant orange, red, and pink skies create one of Andaman's finest evening experiences.

Nature Trail and Mangroves

Explore scenic trails through mangrove forests and coastal creeks. Low tide reveals marine life, making this walk enjoyable for all visitors.

Photography

Capture breathtaking landscapes, vibrant sunsets, reflections, and birdlife. Chidiya Tapu offers photography opportunities throughout the day.

Munda Pahad Experience
- A Hidden Gem of South Andaman

Munda Pahad is one of the most scenic coastal destinations in the Andaman Islands. Located beyond Chidiya Tapu at the southern tip of South Andaman, it combines lush forest trails, rocky shorelines, and breathtaking ocean views. The peaceful atmosphere and untouched surroundings make it a favourite among nature lovers and photographers.

Munda Pahad Andaman

Reaching the beach involves a short trek through dense tropical forest, adding a sense of adventure to the visit. Along the way, visitors can spot native birds, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and experience the rich biodiversity that makes the Chidiya Tapu region famous. The rugged coastline and tidal pools further enhance the area's natural charm.

Munda Pahad is especially renowned for its spectacular sunsets. As the sun sinks into the western horizon, the sky transforms into shades of orange, pink, and gold, creating one of the most memorable views in the Andaman Islands. Arrive in the late afternoon to explore the trail, relax by the shore, and enjoy the sunset at its best.

Book Your Munda Pahad Visit

Tips for Visiting Munda Pahad

  • Arrive by 4:00 PM if you want time to walk the shoreline and explore the tidal pools before heading up to the viewpoint. Rushing straight to the viewpoint means you miss the beach itself.
  • Wear shoes with grip. The tidal rock sections are wet and uneven. Flip-flops are fine for the sandy patches but not for the rocks.
  • Carry water. There are a couple of tea stalls near the Chidiya Tapu parking area but nothing at the beach itself.
  • Do not swim here. The beach has exposed rocks, strong currents near the rocky points and no lifeguard presence. The water is for looking at, not entering.
  • Combine with a morning bird watching walk at Chidiya Tapu on the same day. Spend the early hours on the forest trail for birds, take a break in the afternoon, and return for the sunset. This is the most complete way to experience the area and requires one hired vehicle for the full day.
  • The drive back to Port Blair after sunset is on a dark, unlit road. Plan your departure timing accordingly and ensure your driver is aware you will be leaving after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Munda Pahad is best known as one of the only west-facing beaches in Andaman where the sun sets directly over the sea. It is also known for its tidal rock pools, the forested viewpoint above the beach and its location within the Chidiya Tapu bird watching area.

Munda Pahad is located at Chidiya Tapu, approximately 25 kilometres south of Port Blair. The drive takes 45 minutes to 1 hour by road. A hired taxi or car is the most practical option. Government buses run from Mohanpura bus stand in Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu but timings are limited.

There is no entry fee to visit Munda Pahad or the viewpoint. Forest zone restrictions apply beyond the marked visitor trail at Chidiya Tapu.

Swimming is not recommended at Munda Pahad. The beach has exposed rock formations, a rocky shoreline and strong currents at points. It is best visited for the sunset, walking along the shore and exploring the tidal pools.

Arrive by 4:30 PM and head to the viewpoint above the beach. The sunset here is visible from around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM depending on the time of year. Between November and February the light is clearest and the sunsets are the most vivid.

Include Munda Pahad in Your Andaman Itinerary

Munda Pahad is one of those places that does not appear in most standard Port Blair itineraries, which is exactly why the people who do visit tend to remember it. The combination of an undeveloped shoreline, tidal pools, forest walks and a genuine west-facing sunset makes it different from every other beach near Port Blair.

Our team at Andaman Vacations India knows this area well and includes it as an optional add-on or full day activity depending on your interests. Tell us your travel dates and we will work it into your Port Blair plan properly.

More Places to Visit in Port Blair

View All
Viper Island, Port Blair
Historical Island

Viper Island

Related Travel Guides

View All

Discover helpful guides and travel tips related to Munda Pahad.