Our next destination after completing Ross Island was Chidiya Tapu Beach and Munda Pahad. Situated in the southernmost tip of South Andaman, Chidiya Tapu Beach is a picturesque spot known for its stunning sunsets and diverse bird population. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, take in the breathtaking views, and even indulge in some bird watching while hiking through the forest trail.
Munda Pahad at Chidiya Tapu beach is another popular spot for bird-watching enthusiasts. It is surrounded by lush greenery and the sea on three sides. The swamp area supports a thriving ecosystem, adding to its allure.
The trail offers adventurers the opportunity to ascend to the summit of the hill and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view that unfolds before their eyes. The trail winds through lush greenery, immersing hikers in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
So, our plan was to cover Chidiya Tapu beach and Munda pahad together. Personally Munda Pahad was my favorite for this day since I will get some hiking experience in Andaman Islands. Otherwise Andaman Island is mostly kind of a leisure trip, ideal for beach lovers.
So, we took a Scorpio for us from Marina to reach Chidiya Tapu. Since we traveled to Andaman in the month of March it was extreme hot. And you know in March you could not survive trips in Andaman with out AC. Neil Island was still fine for its natural conditions. But Port Blair and Haveloc Island were at their worst.
Chidiya Tapu was at a distance of 25 KM or so. It would take 40 minutes approximately to reach. The moment we crossed Port Blair, the surrounding was changed. The scenic beauty turned into wide seascape on your left.
The Munda Pahad Trek is ideal for anyone who hasn’t trekked before. It’s an easy and accessible hike that introduces you to the beauty of Port Blair without demanding too much physical exertion. To make the most of this experience, it’s best to start your trek by early afternoon, ideally by 3 pm at the latest. The reason for this is simple: the beach area closes at 5 pm, and you’ll need to be back by then. The trek to the top will take no longer than 45 minutes at a moderate pace, so timing your hike allows you to enjoy both the journey and the stunning views along the way.
You can stop in between this trip near the coastal line – it’d give you a solid explore of these untouched and non-commercialized beaches. One of such beaches was Kodiyaghat beach. You should stop here and see the magical views.
After stopping to Chidiya Tapu beach, I noticed the base area near the beach wasn’t as remote as I had imagined. Along the beach, a few local shops had popped up, offering refreshments like water bottles, coconut water, chips, mangoes, juices, and even guavas—just like most popular tourist spots in India. It was a relief to know that if you had forgotten to pack essentials like water or snacks, there were options available to replenish your supplies. However, what truly stood out to me was how pristine the beach was when we reached the shore. There wasn’t a single piece of garbage in sight. It felt like a small oasis, untouched by the usual clutter and noise of tourist destinations, which made the experience all the more special.
We had all gathered at the beach, excited to embark on a new adventure, but as we began preparing for the hike, it quickly became clear that not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. My family, for the most part, wasn’t keen on the idea of trekking, so they decided to relax by the beach while I, along with my wife and brother, decided to take on the challenge. We started our hike at a leisurely pace, soaking in the scenery and taking plenty of photos along the way. However, after about 15 minutes of this slow pace, I began to feel the urge to pick up the speed. I knew we had to stay on track—after all, we had started around 2 pm, and with the beach closing at 3 pm, I was starting to worry about making it back in time.
As we ventured further up the trail, the forest around us grew denser and the air cooler. My wife, who’s not much of a trekker, started to show signs of fatigue, and I could tell she was struggling. I understood how she felt; trekking isn’t her thing, and I could see her trying her best to keep up. Thankfully, my brother was in much better shape. He’s no stranger to tough trails, having already completed the Sandakphu trek in West Bengal multiple times, as well as the Goechala trek in Sikkim. With his experience and fitness, he took the trail in stride, pushing ahead while keeping an eye on us, ready to help whenever needed. His determination was a comfort, and we slowly made our way upward, with the forest surrounding us thickening, as the adventure unfolded.
The Munda Pahad trail is incredibly well-marked, so there’s no need for a guide. You’ll find it easy to follow, with no confusing turns or forks in the path. As you trek, the trail will treat you to panoramic views of the turquoise sea stretching out on both sides – a sight you’ll surely miss if you only stick to the beach. The coastal beauty of this trail is one of its highlights, offering a sense of peace and serenity that’s hard to beat.
After a little more than half an hour of trekking, you’ll reach the southernmost point of the island. Here, the view will truly take your breath away. The vast expanse of the sea seems to stretch out infinitely, merging into the horizon where the water appears to meet the sky. From this vantage point, you can see nothing but the endless ocean on all three sides. It’s a feeling of isolation and awe, standing at the edge of the world.
At the peak, you’ll find a light house, which was locked at that time. There was a resting area also at the top for the travelers. It was extremely hot over the top, so I felt the urge for a place shadowed. You will find some large rocks. However, it’s important to note that access to the last large rock is restricted due to past incidents, so respect the boundaries to ensure your safety.
The trek to Munda Pahad is, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable experiences in Port Blair. What makes it even more special is how little-known this spot is. While Chidiya Tapu is widely recognized as the “sunset point” of Port Blair, Munda Pahad offers an escape from the crowds, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the island in peace. You’ll rarely encounter other trekkers, making it feel like a private getaway amid the otherwise busy and bustling atmosphere of Port Blair.
After soaking in the incredible views at the top, we made our way back down to the beach just in time for the sunset. While Chidiya Tapu is famous for its sunsets, the reality can be a bit underwhelming. My parents were waiting at the base. They were not able to make this. But me along with my brother and wife we made this.
Reflecting on the trek to Munda Pahad, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. Not only is it a short and easy hike, but it also rewards you with views that are simply jaw-dropping. The trek is a hidden gem that’s often overlooked by tourists, which means you can enjoy a relatively quiet and serene experience in Port Blair. If you’re looking for an adventure that offers both natural beauty and a sense of solitude, the Munda Pahad Trek should be at the top of your list in Andaman Island trip.