Near Diglipur in North Andaman lie Ross and Smith Islands, the twin islands joined by a natural sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide. Even by Andaman standards, the place feels surprisingly untouched.
Reaching the islands is a journey in itself. Travellers either take an overnight ship from Port Blair or endure a full-day road trip through the Andaman Trunk Road to Diglipur. From there, boats leave Aerial Bay jetty after visitors secure a forest permit.
Because visitor numbers depend on both permits and boat capacity, the islands rarely feel crowded. The sandbar is the main attraction, one side calm and lagoon-like, the other opening into deeper blue waters. Since there is no accommodation on Ross & Smith, travellers usually base themselves in Diglipur.
A practical tip for visitors is to arrive at the permit office early in the morning, especially during peak winter season when boat slots fill faster.
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