Mount Harriet National Park

How To Reach Mount Harriet National Park

The Sea Route To Reach Mount Harriet National Park:

The sea route spans 11 kilometers and takes approximately 45 minutes from the city center. To take the sea route, head to Chatham Jetty via car, autorickshaw, or 2-wheeler. Buses are an option but might not be comfortable. You can take a vehicle ferry and deboard at Bamboo Flat Jetty. From here Mount Harriet National Park is only 6 kilometres away.

The Land Route To Reach Mount Harriet National Park

This is a longer route and spans about 45 kilometers via NH 4. It takes an hour and half or even longer to reach Mout Harriet from Port Blair by road.

The best option is to take the shorter sea route to enjoy more time at the national park.

Trekking in Mount Harriet National Park – All You Need To Know

We know trekking is not possible for some tourists, so there is an alternative. You can drive almost all the way to the peak. So don’t hold back from experiencing this beautiful escape into lush greenery.

For adventure enthusiasts, Mount Harriet National Park is home to many trekking trails with different difficulty levels.

• The shortest trek is 3 Kilometers. This trek begins at Mount Harriet and reaches the Kala Pathar rocks.
• An alternate trek spans from Hope Town, where the national park is located, to Kala Pathar. This trail covers a total distance of 4 kilometers.

If you are seeking longer and more challenging treks, then Mount Harriet National Park won’t disappoint.

• You can trek a whopping 10 kilometers from Mannarghat to Madhubhan beach. The trek might be a little tough but the sense of achievement you feel is unmatchable.
• You can also trek from Madhubhan Beach to the Forest Guest in the national park. The trek is 15 kilometres long but once you complete it, you have the option to rest at the guest house.

Do I Need Permits To Trek In Mount Harriet National Park?

You don’t need a permit for shorter treks in Mount Manipur National Park.  For longer treks, a permit is required. The procedure is fairly simple.

• Make a Request to the authorities of the forest department and mention all the necessary details.

• You can then pick up your permit at the check post.

• We also recommend coordinating with the warden’s office, at least a day prior to your trek, and requesting a guide. Don’t embark on longer treks without the help of a guide.

These treks in Mount Harriet National Park are perfect for adventure junkies. If you have had your fill of the beaches in Port Blair and other Andaman and Nicobar islands then these treks will offer a refreshing change.

Precautions To Take When Trekking In Mount Harriet National Park

The longer treks in Mount Harriet can be quite demanding, so:

• Wear appropriate and comfortable clothing. Ideally, wear clothes with long pants and sleeves and add a cap too.

• Mosquito repellents are your best friend – so lather yourself in repellent creams and sprays to avoid bites.

• Carry ample water and snacks. The heat coupled with the humidity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be draining. So stay hydrated and energized.

• Be mindful of the national ecosystem of the national park. It is a reserve forest and is home to many tree species and even endangered species. Carry trash bags and pick up your trash as you go. We recommend doing this across the Andamans. Even if you enjoy water sports, be sure not to disturb the fragile marine ecosystem of the Andaman waters.

• The dense forests are home to many animals. These include insects and wild birds. Keep an eye out for snakes, spiders, and giant land crabs.

• As Andaman locals ourselves,  we recommend starting your trek in the early morning hours.

• The best time to trek in Mount Harriet National Park is in the dry season. Once the monsoons set in, the treks get harder because of the wet terrain and the influx of insets.