Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?
  • Andaman Tourism Opens

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.

  • What is the advisory to travel to North & Middle Andaman District?

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report

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  • All asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons coming to these islands from mainland are exempted from the requirement of carrying RT-PCR negative test report,irrespective of the type of vaccine received and country of origin. Such fullyvaccinated individuals shall produce the final vaccination certificate at the origin airport, sea port in the mainland and at Port Blair Airport / sea port.
  • Alt asymptomatic children below 5 years of age are exempted from carrying RT-PCR negative test report and further RT-PCR testing at Port Blair Airport.
  • All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report to travel to Port Blair from the mainland, as is the practice now. Such an RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair. Such passengers will also have to undergo additional RT-PCR test on arrival at Port Blair. Such passengers shall remain in self-quarantine till the arrival of the test report.
  • If a passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.
  • All Airlines shall ensure strict compliance of this order and observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Any non-compliance shall invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws. 
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General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :

  1. The Tourism Activities are permitted only in South Andaman & North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District.
  2. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with home co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years advised not to travel for tourism purposes.
  3. Tourists/Visitors who are at higher risk due to some medical history are advised to take extra precautions.
  4. Tourists/visitors shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors as far as possible and zero contact policy should be followed at all tourist destinations.
  5. All tourists/visitors shall be briefed by the hotel concerned about do’s & don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their stay and movements.
  6. While travelling tourists/visitors should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
  7. At all tourist destinations, staff must wear face masks and wash/sanitize hands regularly while performing their duties.
  8. Arogya Setu App shall be mandatory for all incoming tourists/visitors.
  9. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use.
  10. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/ visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&%N Administration, on rate as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid 19 care centre on case to case basis.
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What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?

On arrival at Port Blair :

1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).

2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.

3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.

What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?


If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.

If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:

a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.

Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.

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  • Regular flights to Port Blair (the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are operational now.
  • There are direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi.
  • Public transports like cabs, taxis, and bus services are also functional.
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Travellers should carefully follow social distancing norms and wear masks as well. Also, before making any booking, they should refer to the latest travel news on the government website of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Places to Visit in Mayabunder Island

Places to Visit in Mayabunder Island

Mayabunder Island perches 242 kilometres by road and 136 kilometres by ferry from the capital city, Port Blair. Mayabunder links to Andaman Trunk Road via Baratang and Rangat. The bumpy journey from Port Blair to Mayabunder takes roughly 10 hours. Travellers can choose between government/private buses, cabs or even ferries depending upon the availability and time on their hand.

  • Bus- Buses are the most reliable and economical option to reach Mayabunder from Port Blair. Direct buses shuttle daily to and fro between the same route. Government operated buses depart from the capital at different timings, the preferred one being 4:30 AM. Though they are not air-conditioned, these buses are a lifeline connecting Mayabunder to other islands. Private buses are available as Air-conditioned as well as Non-Air Conditioned. The price is justified for such a long journey.
  • Cabs- Another hassle-free means to reach Mayabunder from Port Blair is via hiring private cabs. It is best suited for travellers who demand pre-booking and proper planning and have a fixed date schedule and number of days to explore the island.
  • Ferries- The direct government ferry from Port Blair to Mayabunder arrives once a week via Diglipur, making it an uncertain option for travel.
  • Ferry+Bus- Another ambiguous way to reach Mayabunder is to take a government ferry to travel from Port Blair to Rangat and then board a bus to proceed towards Mayabunder. Depending upon the ferry timing and schedule, the entire journey remains indefinite.

What's Noteworthy -

  1. The boarding point of buses is at the Aberdeen Bus Depot.
  2. The tickets for government buses are available for purchase at the bus depot.

Getting Around -

Getting around Mayabunder is relatively easy as most of the highlights of the town are at a walking distance. The island life allows travellers to commute at their pace depending upon their budget and plan. Tourists can avail intra-island travel in following ways.

  • Buses: Highlight of Andamans, Karmatang beach rests 13 kilometres from Mayabunder island. The best way to go there is taking a local bus. The buses run on time, and there are limited rides per day, so it is advisable to know the exact timings.
  • Auto-Rickshaws: Some auto-rickshaws are available but can be quite costly for non-locals. Still an offbeat destination in Andamans, Mayabunder faces the brunt of being a little difficult for tourists. Auto-rickshaws are ideal for short trips if you have agreed upon a fair price.
  • Jeeps: Like auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps that run on the island overcharge tourists. If time is of essence and money is not a problem, these jeeps are a great way to save more of former and less of the latter. You can also rent a jeep at Sea’N’Sand.
  • Boats: In order to gather information about boat rides to the nearby islands, it is best to converse with locals or at your accommodation.

What's Noteworthy -

  1. Walking is the most underrated yet the best way to traverse the island.
  2. There are no scooter or bike rentals possible on Mayabunder.
  3. Ask the locals about the price before taking any ride in auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps or boats.
  • Places to Visit in Mayabunder Island

    About

    Unrivalled beauty, stunning white-sand beaches and an incredible underwater world should make Mayabunder an obvious choice for a memorable beach holiday. A low-key travel stop, Mayabunder entertains a small fraction of travellers compared to its neighbouring islands and is still growing as a tourist destination. Home to a few idyllic beaches, seasonal nesting ground, and the second-largest harbour after Port Blair, Mayabunder sprawls over an area of 1348 square kilometres. How to Reach Mayabunder Island from Port Blair? Perched in the northern segment of Middle Andamans, Mayabunder island is at an estimate distance of 242 kilometres by road and 136 kilometres by ferry from the capital city, Port Blair.

    Adorning gorgeous mangrove creeks, idyllic beaches and isles, Mayabunder is blessed with superlative landscapes. Believe it or not, not a day will come while holidaying in Andamans when you decide that you have had enough with the beach lounging. And for that, places to visit in Mayabunder Island offers the best cure for the blues. The beaches fit the cliché of a sun-soaked paradise, and travellers here can spend days on the beach under the blazing tropical sun, swinging in hammocks, splashing in the sea and sipping a cocktail. Chosen mostly by the tourists looking for truly offbeat experiences, less information about Mayabunder and lesser-known ways of its accessibility has left this land unexplored. Enveloped by mangrove swamps, Mayabunder Island offers an experience close to nature and away from the urban jungle. The lingering scent of coconuts, mangroves impart the experience of a tropical getaway.

    Settled in the British colonial period by former Burmese Karen Tribes, immigrants from Myanmar and ex-convicts from Mainland India, Mayabunder has an intriguing cultural eccentricity and linguistic diversity. Mayabunder consists of several villages scarcely populated, and Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu are the languages commonly spoken here. When visiting sightseeing spots in Mayabunder Island, tourists can expect to traverse the nature on their trip to the outskirts of Andamans, far from the bustling life and near to organic life. With least or no connectivity to the telecom services and the internet, it is natural to feel detached to the contemporary world. Still, as soon as the ambience sinks in – all you would want to do is unwind at the beaches, capture the moments and be grateful for having stopped here before moving further.

    Gateway to some of the nearby virgin islands like Avis Island, Coco Island and Interview Island, tourist attractions in Mayabunder Island itself entices travellers with quirky boat rides, trekking opportunities and experience of turtle nesting. Amongst the must-visit places in Mayabunder, Karmatang Beach tops the list. Reckoned as an eco-friendly destination and famed as the turtle paradise of Andamans, Karmatang beach is a serene beach offering complete privacy to its visitors. Ideal for picnics, Ray Hills, is an eco-village that offers trekking opportunities, elephant rides, water sports while maintaining its concept of a fun-filled family getaway. Small yet significantly stunning, Avis island beach is another uninhabited place best known for its coconut plantation. While Rampur beach boasts of mangrove plantations and the famous remains of German jetty, Interview island is home to numerous freshwater sources.

  • Do's & Don'ts

    Do's :

    1. Take a copy of your tickets and permits with you at all times.
    2. Check the certification of the tour operator before booking.
    3. Carry sunscreen because the tropical sea wind along with sun is harmful to the skin.
    4. Carry a waterproof bag to keep important documents.
    5. Contact Tourist information centres in the islands for any assistance.
    6. While driving, Carry legal documents like driving license, permit, passport and follow traffic rules.
    7. Do wear a helmet while riding two-wheeler motor vehicles.
    8. Swim in safe areas only. And Consult lifeguards at the coast before entering the sea.
    9. Remember to carry all the necessary items like sunscreen lotion, comfortable footwear, camera and sunglasses.
    10. If you want to capture a photo/video in any tourist attraction, then obtain permission. All the tourist attractions spots will carry notice boards about approval.
    11. Use the dustbins for disposing of garbage. Help keep the Andaman Islands litter-free, please do not throw waste in parks, on beaches, into the sea or public places.
    12. Carry essential documents like permits and driving license with you at all times while travelling in the Andaman Islands.
    13. Get necessary permits from the authorities for visiting National Parks of the island.
    14. Be sensitive to the privacy and lifestyle of the local tribes.
    15. Avail the service of qualified Instructors having certification of international organizations (PADI, CMAS, NAUI) for a safe scuba diving session.
    16. Inform authorities if you notice any illegal/undesirable activity on the island.
    17. Foreign nationals must keep their restricted area permit with them at all times.

    Don'ts :

    1. Do not smoke in public areas.
    2. Plastic carry-bags are prohibited in the Andaman Islands, kindly consider jute/ recycled bags for your comfort.
    3. The island is renowned for its flora and fauna - Do not hunt birds and animals both on land and on the sea.
    4. Travelling to tribal reserves without a special pass is prohibited.
    5. Overnight Stays in forest areas or beaches are not allowed. We advise you to return before the sunset.
    6. Unless permitted, Camping on the islands and lighting bonfires in beaches or forests is a punishable offence.
    7. Breaking and touching a live coral is prohibited. Visitors are advised not to collect any dead coral as well.
    8. Please do not take pictures of the aboriginal tribes of Andaman or record their activities. It is a punishable crime under the Indian Penal Code.
    9. Do not swim when drunk, it is not safe, and there are massive repercussions against the offender.
    10. Nudity is not acceptable on all Andaman beaches and public areas.
    11. Do not overstay at the islands past your permit time.
    12. Be very careful when visiting specific beaches where the crocodile sign is up. There have been some instances of people who ignored it and ended up getting attacked by the crocodile.
    13. Do not ride a bike or scooter without a helmet. The authorities in Andaman are strict about Road safety - both the rider and pillion must wear a helmet.
    14. Do not go for snorkelling by yourself, especially at prohibited areas of the beaches in Andaman island.

  • FAQs About Mayabunder Island

    • Q1.   Is Mayabunder worth visiting?

      Mayabunder is the headquarters of the North and Middle Andaman District. A small town located in the northern part of Middle Andaman, it can be a preferred place for those looking for an exciting adventure as well as exploration. This undercover destination is located 242 kilometers by road and 136 kilometers by ferry from Port Blair. Mayabunder is mostly visited by those tourists who are looking for something rare. Still not commercialised completely, the place is still growing as a tourist destination. Thus, it has limited infrastructures and less frequent connectivity with Port Blair. The town is less explored due to less information about the place and lesser-known ways of its accessibility.

    • Q2.   Which language is spoken in Mayabunder?

      Mayabunder is scarcely populated with people majorly speaking Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

    • Q3.   What should I expect while visiting Mayabunder?

      Home to a few beautiful and scenic beaches, Mayabunder is popular for seasonal turtle nesting grounds and mangrove-lined tidal creeks. It is also the second biggest harbor after Port Blair where the mainland passenger ships take a halt. If you want to visit some of the Virgin Islands nearby like Avis Island, Coco Island and Interview Island, then this place is the starting point.

    • Q4.   Which places should I visit in Mayabunder?

      Your Mayabunder travel itinerary should include the following:

      • Rampur Beach- It is a small yet gorgeous beach that offers lovely views of a mangrove forest to visitors.
      • Karmatang Beach- A shimmering stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters, it is a turtle nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles and Andaman Green Turtles.
      • German Jetty- The place boasts of an open sea, waves crashing on the huge rocks towards the shore and lush greenery all around. The sound of crashing waves amid such a breathtaking setup is like soothing music for nature lovers.
      • Avis Island- The coconut plantation further enhances the beauty of this tiny island. It is surrounded by resting clear waters and has a small beach as well. A special permission from the forest department has to be taken for a day visit to this isolated island.
      • Ray Hills- You can indulge here in various enthralling activities like elephant safaris, wilderness trails, rock climbing, and angling. It is an eco-village that is a haven of virgin woods adorned with pristine waterways.
      • Austin X- At a distance of a 25-minute boat ride from the Mayabunder jetty, Austin X Island has a palm-fringed little beach and a shallow sea with a mangrove belt. The place is an ideal spot for picnics and trekking. You can also see spotted deer here that come to water holes. The shoreline of the island is extremely beautiful.
      • Interview Island- This Island belongs to the North and Middle Andaman administrative district. It lies 125 kilometers north of Port Blair. The island is home to rare and exotic species and thus, it is an incredible sightseeing spot in Mayabunder. Here, you can have a look at the attractive flora & fauna, colorful wildlife, azure waters giving a glimpse of the rich marine life.
    • Q5.   What are the top activities to do in Mayabunder?

      Travellers can indulge themselves in the following activities in Mayabunder: 

      • Observing Turtle Nesting (seasonal)

      Home to a few beautiful and scenic beaches, Mayabunder is also known for seasonal turtle nesting. You have to visit Karmatang Beach if you want to witness this natural marvel. Along with being a turtle nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles and Andaman Green Turtles, the beach is a shimmering stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters. 

      • Viewing Elephants

      Tourists can take a day trip to Interview Island via local boats. They can hike to natural springs to see wild elephants near an old logging camp. It is one of the places where you can still see the wild Asiatic elephants roaming around freely. Experiencing this will be a great addition to your travel journeys. 

      • Trekking

      Mayabunder is blessed with the magnanimous presence of many marvelous hills and lush green forests that makes it ideal for trekking. It is one of the most sought-after enthralling activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is also known as backpacking, or bushwalking, or hiking. The best time to trek in Mayabunder is from the month of November to April. 

      • Boat Riding

      If you want to paddle through the clear waters in total bliss, then you should go for steamboat rides and dunghi journeys. Except in the month of July owing to storms, you can have fun while riding on a boat at any time of the year. The island is not that crowded as it is still somewhat an offbeat destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    • Q6.   Where should I stay in Mayabunder?

      Being a very remote destination just like any other island in the North and Middle Andaman Island, you should not look for any luxurious stay. Still growing to gain popularity, Mayabunder has minimum tourist flow at present. The limited number of accommodations available here has limited amenities. So you should not expect services like television in rooms, room service, wifi connection, etc. while staying here. The hotel properties in Mayabunder are very basic, hygienic, and a few provide sea views. Some of the best places to stay here are mentioned below:

      • Blue Bird Resort
      • Hotel Aashna
      • RG Hotel
      • Hotel Landfall
      • Sea and Sand 
      • APWD Guest House 
    • Q7.   Do I need to make advance bookings for Mayabunder?

      Yes, you should make sure to have pre-bookings in Mayabunder. Otherwise, there may be on-spot issues in searching and getting a good place to stay in. Therefore, making reservations from a local tour operating company is highly recommended. Andaman Island Travels is the most reliable name on the whole island as it is committed to customise holiday packages as per its clients’ requirements. Save yourself from the hassle of booking every little thing and trust its experienced staff to design your vacation offering you more than what you can imagine.

    • Q8.   Which are the best restaurants in Mayabunder?

      The local folks of Mayabunder run small food stalls, dhabas, and canteens. The eateries are nearby the tourist spots and the main market area. The best restaurants are as follows:

      • Hotel Sea and Sand
      • Carlo Restaurant & Bar
      • Hotel Payal Garden & Bar
      • JM Baxi Resort & Restaurant
    • Q9.   How can I reach Mayabunder?

      The origin to start your journey to Mayabunder via any mode of transport is the capital of Andaman Island—Port Blair. Reaching there is quite easy. You can opt for any mode as per your comfort and budget.

      • By bus- Direct government-operated buses and buses run by the private sector
      • By government ferry- Direct ferry from Port Blair and combination of ferry and bus
      • By private cab
    • Q10.   What is the best time to visit Mayabunder?

      The best time to visit Mayabunder is from October to March. The temperature is comparatively cool during this time.

    • Q11.   What should my itinerary if I want to include Mayabunder in my plan?

      There are a few ways by which you can pay a visit to Mayabunder. Being an expert of the Andaman Islands tourism, we are sharing two of the best options:

      1. While coming back to Port Blair from Diglipur- You can proceed towards Mayabunder and visit Dhaninallah Beach (falls in Rangat). After reaching Mayabunder, you can visit Karmatang Beach, Rampur Beach, and German Jetty. Stay overnight. The next morning, you can return to Port Blair.
      2. While going towards Diglipur- Have an overnight stay in Rangat. The next morning, leave for Mayabunder and visit Rampur Beach, Karmatang Beach, and German Jetty. Proceed to Diglipur later in the evening, and stay overnight.
    • Q12.   Is it safe to visit Mayabunder?

      Yes, Mayabunder is a safe town in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are no crimes as such here.

    • Q13.   How is the electricity supply in Mayabunder?

      The town has standard 220 volts with sockets that are a mix of three-pin (round pins) and two-pin (round pins). Travellers should bring at least one travel adapter with them.

    • Q14.   Is Mayabunder a developed tourist place?

      If you compare it with Port Blair or Havelock Island, then Mayabunder is a less-developed town in the Andamans. But still, you will get all the basic facilities here and there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

    • Q15.   How can I make advanced bookings for my trip to Mayabunder?

      You can contact Andaman Island Travels to make all your bookings (flight, accommodation, airport transfers, ferry transfers, sightseeing tours, etc.). It is a reliable name across the island and its staff will customise your holiday package as per your budget and other requirements.