Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu means bird island, and the name is accurate: the forest at the southern end of South Andaman holds a good share of the Andaman endemics, including the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo, Andaman green pigeon and the Andaman serpent eagle, and the mangrove edges add waders and kingfishers. The shore is rock and coral rather than sand, facing west, which makes it the standard sunset point for Port Blair, with a viewpoint on Mundapahad hill above. A biological park nearby holds native species including the Andaman wild pig and saltwater crocodiles.

What you actually see

• The endemic birds - Andaman species found nowhere else, in the forest.
• The sunset shore - a west-facing rocky coast with a hill viewpoint.
• The mangroves - tidal forest along the edges with waders and kingfishers.
• The biological park - native Andaman species in enclosures.

When to go

November to April for dry weather; birding is best at dawn. Sunset is the busiest time. The monsoon brings heavy rain and the road can be affected.

Honest expectations

Swimming here is dangerous with crocodiles present in Andaman waters and currents on the rocks. Sunset crowds are considerable. Birding needs an early start and preferably a guide.

Nearby

Port Blair lies north; Ross Island is offshore from there.