Overview
Forest trails reveal a side of the Andaman Islands that most beach holidays miss. The islands are covered in tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forest, with towering padauk and gurjan trees, strangler figs and a chorus of endemic birds. On The Green Island Trail, a naturalist guides you along permitted paths such as those around Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur) National Park or Chidiyatapu, explaining the forest as you walk.
Most of the Andaman Islands are covered in tropical forest, much of it protected, yet few visitors walk beneath its canopy. The Green Island Trail is a guided forest walk with a naturalist who knows the plants, the birds and the quiet signs of the forest. You follow an established trail among towering trees with great buttress roots, climbers, ferns and orchids.
Your guide explains how the forest works and why it matters to the sea: how rainforest streams carry nutrients to the coast, how mangroves and beach forests stabilise shorelines, and how healthy forests support healthy reefs. Along the way you learn to recognise native trees and listen for birds, including species found only in these islands. Wildlife is observed quietly and never promised.
The pace is gentle, the group small, and the focus on understanding rather than distance.
Highlights
- Forest walk
- Native plants
- Birdlife
What to Expect
- An early start to enjoy cooler air and active birdlife.
- A guided walk on an established, permitted trail.
- Explanations of native plants, trees and forest ecology.
- Quiet birdwatching stops with binoculars.
- A viewpoint or coastal finish, depending on the route.
Location
Established trails in South Andaman, such as forest areas around Mount Harriet (Mount Manipur National Park) or Chidiyatapu, depending on permissions.
Duration
About three hours including transfers.
What's Included
- Naturalist guide
- Park or forest entry where required
- Binoculars on request
- Drinking water
- Transfers on request
Best For
Nature lovers, birdwatchers and walkers.
Suited to travellers with basic fitness who enjoy walking and learning about nature.
Best Time
November to April, early morning. Trails can be slippery in the monsoon.
Permissions & Availability
Forest Trails is subject to permissions, sea conditions and host availability. Forest and park trails may need entry permits and can close for weather or conservation reasons.
We confirm every element a day or two before you travel and keep you informed if plans need to change. Safety, local rules and our hosts' wishes always come first.
Responsible Travel
Forest Trails follows our responsible travel promise. We keep groups small, use established routes and permitted locations, pay hosts fairly and leave every place as we found it. We never promise wildlife sightings, and we never market, visit or photograph the islands' indigenous communities, whose privacy and protected status we fully respect.
Please carry a refillable bottle, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or wildlife and ask before photographing people.
Gallery
Sample itinerary
- 06:30
Trailhead briefing
Meet your naturalist and learn the trail rules.
- 07:00
Into the forest
Walk among padauk and gurjan trees on a permitted path.
- 08:00
Canopy listening stop
Pause to listen for endemic birds.
- 09:00
Viewpoint
Reach a forest viewpoint over the sea.
- 10:00
Return walk
Descend slowly, spotting plants and insects.
Sample itinerary – final plan depends on permissions, sea conditions and host availability.
FAQs
How difficult is the walk?
Easy to moderate, with some uneven ground. We choose routes to suit your group.
Will we see endemic birds?
Possibly, but sightings are never guaranteed.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat and insect repellent.
Are children welcome?
Yes, on shorter routes.
What does The Green Island Trail cost?
Price on request, based on route and group size.