Overview
About Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point & Munda Pahar)
Chidiya Tapu means bird island, and the name is earned — this is the richest, easiest birding in South Andaman, with Andaman drongos, parakeets, sea eagles, kingfishers and a long list of endemics working the mangrove edge in the first two hours after dawn. Serious birders come at six in the morning. Everybody else comes at five in the evening for the sunset.
The drive out is genuinely lovely: half an hour of road running through forest and past mangrove creeks, with the sea appearing and disappearing on the left. At the end of it the road stops at a small settlement, a forest checkpoint and a car park, and everything worth seeing is within a short walk of there.
Two things fill an afternoon. The Chidiya Tapu Biological Park holds Andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles, deer and a walk-through aviary in landscaped forest — worth an hour, especially with children. And the path over the low headland brings you out at Munda Pahar beach, a rocky, driftwood-strewn cove backed by forest where almost nobody swims and everybody photographs.
The sunset viewpoint on the cliff above Munda Pahar is the reason this is on every itinerary. Facing due west over open water with no islands in the way, it is the cleanest sunset horizon in South Andaman. Get there by half past four for a decent spot.
Why people come here
- The best unobstructed sunset horizon in South Andaman
- Munda Pahar beach — rocky, driftwood-strewn and almost always empty
- Chidiya Tapu Biological Park with crocodiles, deer and a walk-in aviary
- Endemic birdlife along the mangrove edge at dawn
- The forest-and-creek drive out from Port Blair
Things to do
What to do here
Sunset from the cliff viewpoint
Ten minutes up the path from the car park. Arrive by 4:30 pm; the crowd fills the good rocks fast and the light show runs about forty minutes.
Munda Pahar beach walk
A short forest path drops onto a rocky cove full of driftwood and washed-up coral. Photogenic, deserted, and not for swimming.
Chidiya Tapu Biological Park
Andaman wild pig, spotted deer, saltwater crocodiles and a walk-through aviary set in landscaped forest. Good with children.
Dawn birdwatching
The mangrove edge and forest track from 6 to 8 am. Andaman endemics are genuinely easy here — bring binoculars and a local guide if you can.
Getting there
How to reach
By cab from Port Blair
About 45 minutes each way. Agree a waiting charge — there is nothing to hire at the far end after dark.
By scooter
A good ride on a sealed road, but do it in daylight; the return leg is unlit forest road.
On a tour
Usually sold as a half-day evening trip paired with the biological park.
Best time to visit · November to April · dawn for birds, 4:30 pm for sunset
Clear skies from December to March give the best sunsets. During heavy monsoon the cliff path is slick and the light is usually flat.
Good to know
Travel tips
- Have the cab wait. There is no transport back to Port Blair once the sun goes down.
- Mosquito repellent, seriously — the mangrove edge at dusk is relentless.
- The rocks at the viewpoint are slippery after rain; sandals with grip, not flip-flops.
- Carry snacks and water. The two stalls near the car park shut soon after sunset.
- Do not enter the water. Saltwater crocodiles are present in the creeks along this coast.
Gallery
Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point & Munda Pahar) in pictures
Port Blair (South Andaman)
Combine it with
Tour packages
