Chidiya Tapu, Port Blair: Sunset Times, Birds and the Munda Pahad Trek
Chidiya Tapu guide: sunset time by month, how far from Port Blair, Munda Pahad trek, birds to look for, the biological park, safety notes and best hour to go.
Chidiya Tapu means Bird Island, and it is the quiet end of South Andaman. The road runs south from Port Blair through forest, and it finishes where the land runs out. There is a small beach, a mangrove shore, a short forest trek and a headland that faces west.
Most people go for the sunset. That is a good reason, but it works best if you plan around the light, the tide and the closing times. This guide gives you the facts first, then a month-by-month sunset table, then a half-day plan.
Facts were checked in October 2026. Sunset times in the table are calculated for the Chidiya Tapu coast and are accurate to a few minutes. Park hours and fees differ between sources, so confirm on the day.
Chidiya Tapu at a glance
What to know | |
|---|---|
Where | The southern tip of South Andaman Island |
Distance from Port Blair | About 25 to 30 km. Allow 45 to 60 minutes by road |
Best for | Sunset, birds, a short forest walk, a quiet half-day |
Time to allow | 3 to 4 hours, including the drive in |
Best season | November to April, the dry season |
Best hour | Late afternoon to sunset. Early morning for birds |
Swimming | Not recommended. See the safety section |
Getting there | Taxi or hired car from Port Blair. A local bus also runs |
Why people come
The point is the setting. Mangroves line parts of the shore, and several dead and half-drowned trees stand in the shallows, a reminder of the 2004 tsunami. Hills fold into the sea along the horizon. On a clear evening the sun sets over open water, and the colours deepen for half an hour.
It is also the best place near Port Blair for birds. The forest holds species found nowhere else in the world, and the island's name comes from the flocks that gather here in the evening.
Sunset over the Chidiya Tapu shore.
Sunset and sunrise by month
The times below are calculated for the 15th of each month, in Indian Standard Time. The sun sets earlier here than most travellers expect, so the table is the most useful part of this guide.
Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
January | 5:42 am | 5:13 pm | Clear, dry. Be at the viewpoint by 4:30 pm |
February | 5:40 am | 5:26 pm | Excellent. Arrive about 4:45 pm |
March | 5:27 am | 5:30 pm | Good. Warm afternoons |
April | 5:08 am | 5:30 pm | Hot. Walk in the morning, watch the sunset |
May | 4:55 am | 5:34 pm | Showers begin. Check the sky |
June | 4:55 am | 5:43 pm | Monsoon. Views can be hidden by cloud |
July | 5:02 am | 5:47 pm | Monsoon. Rough sea, fewer visitors |
August | 5:08 am | 5:39 pm | Monsoon. Dramatic skies, little certainty |
September | 5:08 am | 5:20 pm | Rain easing |
October | 5:08 am | 5:01 pm | Clearing. Early sunsets |
November | 5:15 am | 4:52 pm | The season starts. Earliest sunsets of the year |
December | 5:30 am | 4:57 pm | Peak season. Be there by 4:15 pm |
Remember that the drive back is in the dark in winter. Plan your return before the sky fades, and ask your driver to wait.
The Munda Pahad trek
Munda Pahad, also spelled Munda Pahar, is a short forest trail from the beach area to a viewpoint. It is about 1.5 kilometres each way, and most people take 45 to 60 minutes round trip. The path is uneven and has a few climbs, but it is shaded and fine for most reasonably fit travellers, including children who walk well.
At the end, the trees open on a headland over the sea. This is the real sunset spot for many visitors, and also the place for a sunrise-side bird walk.
The sun and its reflection from the Munda Pahad coast.
Wear closed shoes, carry water and mosquito repellent, and start the walk at least 90 minutes before sunset so you are not walking back in the dark.
Birds to look for
The island is home to several endemic species. A guide helps, since many birds are shy and well hidden.
Bird | Where to look | Best hour |
|---|---|---|
Andaman woodpecker | Forest edge and tall trees | Early morning |
Andaman drongo | Mid-canopy and trails | Morning |
Andaman bulbul | Scrub and trail edges | Early morning |
Andaman treepie | Forest canopy | Morning |
Parakeets | Over the road and trees | Evening, as they roost |
Sea eagles | Over the bay | Mid-morning to late afternoon |
An information board near the park lists the endemic, migratory and resident species the area is known for. The park's own list runs well above 200 species, according to local sources. December and January are good months for birding.
The park's board of endemic, migratory and resident birds.
The biological park
A small biological park sits at the end of the road. Hours are quoted differently by different sources, from about 8:00 or 9:00 am to 2:00 or 4:00 pm, and several list a Monday closure. The entry fee is a token amount, with a higher rate for foreign visitors and an extra charge for cameras. Check the hours with your hotel before you plan around it.
Safety and etiquette
Point | What to do |
|---|---|
Swimming | Do not plan to swim. The shore is rocky, currents can be strong and saltwater crocodiles have been reported on this coast |
Mangroves | Stay on paths. Do not walk through roots or mud |
Wildlife | Keep your distance and your voice low |
Litter | Take everything with you |
Timing | Leave before dark. The road back is unlit in places |
A half-day plan from Port Blair
Time | Plan |
|---|---|
2:00 pm | Leave Port Blair by car |
3:00 pm | Arrive at Chidiya Tapu, short walk at the beach |
3:30 pm | Start the Munda Pahad trail |
4:30 pm | Viewpoint, wait for the light (winter) |
Sunset | Watch the sun go down, then walk back |
6:30 pm | Drive back to Port Blair |
In summer, move everything about 30 to 45 minutes later, following the sunset table above.
Who Chidiya Tapu suits
Traveller | Why it works | Tip |
|---|---|---|
Couples | A quiet sunset away from the crowds | Pick a clear evening |
Bird watchers | Endemic species within an hour of town | Go early with a guide |
Photographers | Mangroves, silhouettes and warm light | Bring a tripod |
Families | A gentle walk and a viewpoint | Skip the swim |
First-time visitors | A good half-day alongside the Cellular Jail | Do not combine on the same evening |
What to pair it with
Cellular Jail is Port Blair's main historic site. Read our Cellular Jail and Ross Island guide. The jail's evening show and the Chidiya Tapu sunset clash, so choose one per evening.
Havelock and Neil Island are the beach islands. See our Radhanagar Beach guide and our guide to Neil Island.
Planning the whole trip: read how many days you need in the Andamans.
How to plan your visit
Pick the month from the sunset table and work backwards.
Hire a car with a driver so you can leave when you wish.
Start the walk early, at least 90 minutes before sunset.
Take water, repellent and a torch for the return.
Do not swim. Enjoy the shore from the rocks and the path.
Keep a flexible day in case cloud hides the sun.
Where it fits in the Andamans
Chidiya Tapu is a good half-day on your Port Blair day or on arrival or departure. Our guide to the best time to visit the Andamans explains the seasons.
Sinclairs Bayview and Welcomhotel Bay Island are both comfortable Port Blair bases. See how Port Blair fits into a route in the Port Blair Explorer, 4 days itinerary or the Port Blair Explorer package.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chidiya Tapu from Port Blair?
About 25 to 30 kilometres. The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes.
What time is sunset at Chidiya Tapu?
Between about 4:52 pm in November and 5:47 pm in July. See the month-by-month table above.
Can you swim at Chidiya Tapu?
It is not recommended. The shore is rocky, currents can be strong and saltwater crocodiles have been reported on this coast.
How long is the Munda Pahad trek?
About 1.5 kilometres each way, roughly 45 to 60 minutes round trip.
What birds can you see at Chidiya Tapu?
Endemic species such as the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo, Andaman bulbul and Andaman treepie, plus parakeets and sea eagles.
What is the best time to visit Chidiya Tapu?
November to April. For birds, go early. For sunset, arrive about 90 minutes before the sun goes down.
Is Chidiya Tapu worth it?
Yes, as a quiet half-day for sunset and birds. It is not a beach day.
Plan your Andaman trip with us
We build Port Blair days around the light, the ferries and the right driver. Explore the Andaman destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Sunset shore: Sudeshnas25, CC BY-SA 4.0. Munda Pahad sunset: Vanparia.pradip, CC BY-SA 4.0. Bird board: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0. All via Wikimedia Commons.
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