A Birder's Paradise, Now More Accessible
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, home to over 240 species of birds, with many found nowhere else on Earth. For years, spotting these feathered jewels required deep local knowledge. Now, a well-defined birding
circuit has emerged in South Andaman, connecting several key habitats into a cohesive trail. While the locations themselves are not new, the formalisation of this route through guidebooks, tour itineraries, and online resources has revolutionised planning for visiting birders. This circuit, centered around Port Blair, offers a streamlined way to experience diverse ecosystems—from coastal forests to inland wetlands—in a single, manageable trip.
The Coastal Anchor: Chidiya Tapu
Aptly named 'Bird Island', Chidiya Tapu is the crown jewel of the South Andaman trail and the most famous birding spot. Located at the southern tip of the island, it provides a stunning mix of habitats: dense evergreen forests, mangrove-lined creeks, and a picturesque shoreline. This combination makes it a magnet for a wide variety of species. Birders can spend the early morning on forest trails listening for the calls of the Andaman Drongo, Andaman Treepie, and the vibrant Andaman Woodpecker. As the day progresses, the coastal areas offer sightings of Collared Kingfishers and White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring overhead. The accessibility from Port Blair makes it perfect for both dawn and dusk excursions, when bird activity is at its peak.
Wetland Wonders: Sippighat and Ograbranj
A short drive from Port Blair lie the wetlands of Sippighat and Ograbranj, crucial stops on the birding circuit. Many of these wetlands emerged or expanded after the 2004 tsunami, transforming paddy fields into rich marshlands that now attract a plethora of waterbirds. Sippighat is particularly famous as one of the most reliable places to spot the endemic and vulnerable Andaman Teal. Birders here can also find a host of resident and migratory species, including Cinnamon Bitterns, Purple Swamphens, and various sandpipers. These wetlands offer a different birding experience from the forests of Chidiya Tapu, showcasing the incredible diversity of South Andaman's ecosystems within a compact area.
Into the Forest: Mount Manipur National Park
For those seeking deep forest endemics, the trail leads to Mount Manipur National Park (formerly Mount Harriet). As the highest peak in the South Andamans, its forested slopes are a critical habitat for elusive species. This is a prime location to search for the shy Andaman Crake, the formidable Andaman Serpent Eagle, and the beautiful Andaman Cuckoo-Dove. The trek through the park offers an immersive rainforest experience. The dense canopy is alive with the calls of the Andaman Shama and the White-headed Starling, another of the islands' unique birds. A visit here requires a bit more planning and time, but the reward is the chance to see birds that rarely venture out of the deep woods.
Planning Your Trip with Confidence
The key advantage of this newly detailed trail is the ease of planning. What was once the domain of seasoned experts is now accessible to keen amateurs. Numerous local guides and specialized tour companies offer structured itineraries covering these key hotspots. Trip reports and bird lists are readily available online, allowing enthusiasts to know what to expect and which specific areas to target for certain species. Whether you're planning a DIY trip with a rented vehicle or a fully guided tour, the path is clear. Most birders base themselves in Port Blair, from where Chidiya Tapu, Sippighat, and Ograbranj can be covered in easy half-day or full-day trips.
