Mount Harriet National Park

Mount Harriet National Park, the pride of Port Blair, is a collection of mountains adorned with wilderness and greenery that attracts an abundance of flora and fauna to this small paradise. The park was carved out of a nearby forest to make it easier for tourists to appreciate the magnificent beauty of nature. Mount Harriet, the highest peak in the Andaman group of islands, is covered in dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, creating breathtaking landscapes. Mount Harriet is proud to be featured on every 20 rupee note in India.

The summit provides an enviable view of the picturesque surroundings enhanced by nature’s gifts. A bird’s-eye view provides breathtaking views of the beautiful islands scattered across the ocean’s myriad shades of blue and green. From the summit, locations such as North Bay, Ross Island, Jolly Island, and Neil Island are breathtaking. Andaman Teal House generally arranges guided treks on Mount Harriet, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, upon prior reservation. While climbing to the summit of the mountain, one may encounter various species of birds, animals, and butterflies, as this region is renowned for its animal diversity. The mountain peak also features a garden with swings and rides to entertain children.

How to reach Mount Harriet National Park

From Port Blair

Mount Harriet can be reached by both road and water from Port Blair. The 55 or so kilometers can be traversed by road in one hour and twenty minutes via Ferrargunj, with the remaining 15 kilometers traversed by ferry from the Chatham jetty. From Marine Jetty to Hope Town, and then by road to Mount Harriet, is the Sea route.

From Havelock Island

The journey from Havelock Island to Mount Harriet national park normally takes a little less than 5 hours by travelling through both road and by water, the majority being by the sea.

1. Places to visit near Mount Harriet National Park

Madhuban Beach– out of the several options to explore and visit near Mount Harriet National park the first is to Madhuban beach which is a 10km long beach with flawless scenic beauty. Once an elephant training camp of the forest department is now a beautiful tourist spot which can be accessed by boat from Port Blair or in a Dinghy.

Lighthouse – A looming structure with a swirl of red and white visible from a distance is the lighthouse on North Bay Island which offers a striking view of the surrounding islands of Andaman and Nicobar.

Havelock Island – One of the most popular tourist destinations in Andaman, with silver sand and azure blue water, the Island is barely inhabited and focuses majorly on tourism.

Fisheries Museum – One can witness several exotic marine creatures including the skeleton of a sperm whale.

Rajiv Gandhi water activities centre – One of the best attractions on North Bay beach is house to a water theme park with several exciting adventure sports including Kayaking, water ski and rides. Teal Bhawan and the Zoological Survey of India for scientifically valuable marine wildlife exhibits are also worth a visit.

2. Things/ Activities to do in Mount Harriet National Park

Trekking – One can visit Madhuban from Mount Harriet by trekking through meandering paths of the jungle treading 16 Kms. A nature trail from Hope Town to the park of approximately 4 km can also be explored.

Picnic – Locals usually spend a day with friends and family having a good time at the exotic environs of the spot.

Photography – A favourite activity for professionals and amateur indulging in taking shots of the breathtaking landscape.

Bird watching – The mountain area is blessed with an abundant reservoir of exotic birds and animals which can be captured to create lifelong memories.

3. Places to eat in and near Mount Harriet National Park

After an exhausting day of hiking and adventuring in the national park, hunger pangs are inevitable. There are several places to eat near the National park, including Amaya, Icy Spicy, Lighthouse restaurant, and Annapurna restaurant, which serve decent Indian and international cuisine. The food prepared at these restaurants is typically fresh and affordable.

4. Places to stay near Mount Harriet National Park

There is no accommodation available in close proximity to Mount Harriet national park, the closest places to find decent stay options are Hope Town, Port Blair, North Bay Island and Marine Hill. Hotels and Resorts of every budget are available in these areas.

5. Medical Facilities in Mount Harriet National Park

There are a few medical facilities closeby to the national park like a Government hospital in Bamboo flat, Marm Ayurveda Hospital and a few dispensaries in and around Chatham. It is advisable to visit the GBP Government Hospital at Port Blair if time permits.

6. Best time to visit Mount Harriet National Park

The climate is Given the surrounding ocean, Andaman is typically hot and humid, but the national park is cooler than other areas. Those who enjoy the outdoors and can tolerate the heat can easily explore the National park during the summer months. The monsoon season is not the best time to visit because it becomes difficult to explore the area to its fullest potential.

As the number of leeches and other creepy-crawlies increases, trekking and other outdoor activities become more challenging.The best time to visit Mount Harriet and Andaman in general is from November to May, during the winter months.

7. Mobile Connectivity in Mount Harriet National Park

Most of the places in the Andaman group of Islands have sluggish mobile connectivity. BSNL is the only mobile network which has decent connectivity.

8. Travellers’ Tip before visiting Mount Harriet National Park

A visit to Mount Harriet differs from the rest of the Island in that it involves hiking and a nature trail. Therefore, one must wear comfortable shoes for walking and trekking, pack food for quick snacks, bring sunblock and sunglasses because it may be sunny during the day, and bring water bottles to combat the heat. Wear clothing that completely covers your skin and carry a packet of salt and antiseptic when trekking.

9. Entry Fee and Photography allowance in Mount Harriet National Park

Adult: 25/-
Children: 10/-
Foreigners: 250/-
Camera: 25/-
Vehicles: 10/-

10. Visiting Time & Duration for Mount Harriet National Park

Harriet National park can be accessed from sunrise to sunset and visitors normally spend 2-6 hours in the area depending on the kind of activity that one wants to indulge in.