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.

When should I visit the island?

It would help if you chose a feasible time from October to March to find the weather rather pleasant. The monsoons are far from ideal, owing to heavy rainfall and turbulent waves.

What are the highlights of the island?

Ray Hills, a prestigious eco-village; the Karmatang Beach, a nesting ground for turtles; the Avis Island, an uninhabited place known for its coconut plantation; the Interview Island, known for its numerous freshwater sources and the Austin X Island, a small fishing village known for its mangrove creeks and orange plantations are the focal points of the island.

How long should I ideally stay?

Overall, a day or two should suffice. Best still you could go island-hopping and basking in the sun thanks to the captivating beaches. It could also serve as a pit stop on your way to Diglipur or Ross and Smith Islands. Moreover, the option to backpack and experience the quiet at your own pace is always on the table.

Do I need a permit to visit the island?

A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is no more a requirement for outsiders, in light of the Indian Government's recent decision to better the tourism.

However, you will have to ensure that you do not click pictures, offer food or try to communicate on spotting the Jarawa tribe en route. Such conduct is lawfully punishable.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency?

You have options such as the District Hospital, the Government Hospital and the Primary Healthcare Center. They are government-run medical care units, so all services here can be availed free of charge. If you need better and advanced healthcare, your next stop would be Port Blair. G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair is the reputed hospital associated with being affordable and working for consistent improvements in medical services.

How are the cellular networks on the island?

There is low to zero connectivity to both the telecom services and internet. There might arise a sense of being detached from the outside world, but it surely would pass once you start exploring the sites and relaxing on the beaches. For emergencies, you could use a BSNL SIM card which is still better than the rest. Not much mobile data usage would happen, but you wouldn't miss it while you're busy thanking yourself for stopping by and appreciating the place.

Are there ATMs on the island?

Yes, you will find ATMs run by State Bank of India and ICICI Bank on the island. It's not common for the hotels and vendors to accept card payment. You would mostly be paying in cash. In any case, we recommend you to keep enough cash with you.

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.