News Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?
  • Runway Status for Port Blair Airport From October,22 to February, 23

    Updated: 19 Sep 2022
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  • RT PCR report on arrival

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021
  • 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

Visually attractive, Mayabunder Island is ideal for tourists looking forward to basking in the sun at the picture-perfect white sandy beaches. So if you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands this year, you must add the island to your list of places to visit. From mangroves to sea turtles, everything about this island is appealing. 

In this blog, we will share with you the ways in which you can reach Mayabunder Island. So let’s get right to the details.

Travelling to Port Blair

The first and foremost step to reaching Mayabunder Island is by reaching the capital of the Andamans first. There are several direct flights to Port Blair from cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Vizag, Chennai, and Kolkata. However, in case you cannot find a direct flight, you will have to book a connecting one. This is the most preferable way of reaching Port Blair since it takes nearly 2 to 2.5 hours. 

Travelling to Mayabunder Island from Port Blair

The Andaman Islands are mostly connected by the sea. However, the best thing about travelling to Mayabunder Island is that you can reach here by road as well. In fact, there are several ways to reach Mayabunder Island from Port Blair, which are:

By Road: A journey of nearly 10 hours by bus can take you from Port Blair to Mayabunder Island. The trips begin between 4 AM and 11 AM and the buses operate daily. You can book a government or private bus ticket and choose Mayabunder junction as your dropping point. While the government ones are less expensive, they do not consist of air conditioners. This is why travellers often prefer the latter. 

On your way, you will spot Jarawa tribes and get to experience travelling through dense forests with beautiful scenery. 

Further, if budget is not an issue, you can also book a taxi from Port Blair to Mayabunder Island. This will take lesser time. And in case you get a local driver, the trip becomes even shorter since they are more experienced and have an idea of the route. Not to mention, they can also act as your tour guide and stop at some of the best spots en route. 

By Water: Traveling by water is a more comfortable choice than by road since the bumpy road factor is not an issue. The ferries run from Port Blair to Diglipur with a stop at Mayabunder Island. However, they only ply on Mondays and Fridays so you will have to plan your trip accordingly. 

The time taken to travel by ferry is the same as by bus, which is nearly 9 to 10 hours. Nonetheless, it is highly dependent on the weather conditions. 

The Bottom Line

Reaching Mayabunder Island is quite easy once you are in Port Blair. Whether you choose to take a bumpy ride on the road or a ride on the ferry, remember to book your tickets in advance. It can be difficult to obtain these on spot, especially in times of high demand.

  • About

     Places to Visit in Mayabunder Island

    All You Need To Know About Planning A Vacation In Mayabunder

    Mayabunder is the headquarters of 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. In this article, we present you the detailed information on Mayabunder as a destination of attraction. 

    This undercover destination is located 242 kilometers by road and 136 kilometers by ferry from Port Blair. It falls between Diglipur and Rangat. Its villages are scarcely populated with people majorly speaking Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. 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. It is only visited by travellers, not tourists. We hope you understand that!

    Through this article, we will help you in exploring every corner possible of this unexplored destination so that you can get to know what you should expect from this untouched gem of Andaman Island. 

    What to expect while visiting Mayabunder?

    Home to a few beautiful and scenic beaches, Mayabunder is also known 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 takea 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. 

    A trip to explore the natural marvels of Mayabunder means a trip to the outskirts of Andaman Island- near to the organic life and far from the busy and crowded life. The place is extremely soothing and pleasant. There is no connectivity to the internet, which is a blessing in disguise! Here, you will be completely detached from the contemporary world. You will be able to focus on making the most of your beach time. All you would do is relax, capture the moments inside your eyes and of course, thank yourself to explore this paradise before moving ahead. 

    What to see in Mayabunder?

    • Rampur Beach- It is a small yet gorgeous beach that offers lovely views of a mangrove forest to the visitors.
    • Karmatang Beach- Considered as the most stunning beach of Mayabunder, it is twenty kilometers away from the town. 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- Entering the premises of the APWD Guest House located in Mayabunder will take you to a popular attraction known as the 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- Located about a twenty-minute boat ride far from Mayabunder jetty, this is a pristine and untouched 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. It is not habited and closed for tourists. So, special permission from the forest department has to be taken for a day visit to this isolated island.

    Other places promising splendid beauty in Mayabunder include Ray Hills, Austin X and Interview Island.

    Which activities to do in Mayabunder?

    Apart from observing seasonal turtle nesting, you can go for boat rides, viewing elephants and trekking in this town. 

    Where to 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 view. 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 

    Make sure you 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!

    Where to eat in Mayabunder?

    The local folks of Mayabunder run small food stalls, dhabas or 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

    How to 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

    What is the best time to visit Mayabunder?

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

    So, what do you think? Do you want to include this untouched gem in your Andaman Island travel itinerary? If yes, then we would suggest you to make all your reservations through Andaman Island Travels as its experts will sketch the perfect vacation based on your interests.

  • Do's & Don'ts

     Places to Visit in Mayabunder Island

    All travellers must take several things into consideration while travelling to Mayabunder Island. Not only are these crucial for their own safety but are also important for a hassle-free vacation. Needless to mention, one must always behave in such a manner that the locals and other tourists are not bothered. In case you plan to travel to the island soon, these are some of the do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind. 

    Do’s in Mayabunder Island

    1. Always dispose of the garbage in a dustbin. Mayabunder Island is known for its cleanliness. Please do not make the beaches, parks, sea, or public places untidy. 
    2. Be sentient to the privacy and lifestyle of tribal groups. 
    3. Always carry necessary documents, like driving license and permits. You may be required to show proof.
    4. If you plan to visit a national park on Mayabunder Island, obtain the required permit. 
    5. The attractiveness of tourist spots can make you want to click pictures or record videos. But do the same only after obtaining approval. Notice boards at all tourist places on Mayabunder Island indicate the requirement for the same. 
    6. Pack all vital objects, such as a camera, comfortable footwear, sunscreen lotion, and a pair of sunglasses.
    7. Light rains are expected throughout the year on Mayabunder Island. Bring a waterproof bag to keep your documents safe.
    8. Carrying sunscreen is a must to avoid the harm caused by the tropical sea wind and sun.
    9. While going for a scuba diving session, use the service of qualified instructors who are certified by one of the international organizations (CMAS, PADI, NAUI). This is crucial for your safety.
    10. If you are a foreign national, carry your restricted area permit with you everywhere during your stay on Mayabunder Island. 

    Don’ts in Mayabunder Island

    1. Do not try to snorkel without supervision, especially on the beaches and areas of Mayabunder island that are restricted.
    2. Do not ride a bicycle or bike without wearing a helmet. On Mayabunder Island, both passengers are required to wear helmets in order to ensure a safe journey.
    3. If there is a warning sign for crocodiles on the beach, be very careful. 
    4. In case you have consumed liquor, do not go swimming in the sea. It is unsafe and can lead to legal repercussions. 
    5. Do not camp on the Mayabunder Island or light bonfires without permission. If found doing so without a permit, you may obtain a legal punishment. 
    6. Mayabunder Island is famous for its rich flora and fauna. Kindly do not hunt down a bird or an animal in the sea or on land.
    7. Always return to your resort or hotel before sunset. Do not stay the night in the forest or on the beaches. It can be massively dangerous.
    8. Do not use plastic carry bags during your stay on Mayabunder Island since these are strictly prohibited. For your comfort, carry a recycled or jute bag. 
    9. Smoking in public areas on Mayabunder Island is strictly prohibited.
    10. Nudity on beaches and in public areas of Mayabunder Island is not tolerated.

  • Andaman Islands FAQs

    • Q1.   Is Mayabunder a popular destination in the Andaman Islands?

      This lovely town is the headquarters of the North and Middle Andaman District. Located in the northern part of Middle Andaman, Mayabunder is a sought-after destination among those who love adventure and exploration. This undercover destination is located 242 kilometers by road and 136 kilometers by ferry from Port Blair. The town is still not commercialised completely and thus, it is visited mainly be those who are looking for something rare and naturally beautiful. The infrastructure is not that developed here and it is still growing as a tourist destination. Mayabunder is less explored due to less information about the place and lesser-known ways of its accessibility.

    • Q2.   Which language do residents of Mayabunder speak?

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

    • Q3.   Is Mayabunder worth visiting?

      This town is known for its beautiful and scenic beaches. It is home to 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. This town is the starting point if you are willing to visit some of the secluded and less-frequented beaches such as Avis Island, Coco Island, and Interview Island.

    • Q4.   Which are the must-see places in Mayabunder?

      Your Mayabunder travel itinerary should include the following:

      • Rampur Beach is a small yet gorgeous beach offering lovely views of a mangrove forest.
      • Karmatang Beach is 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 boasts of an open sea, waves crashing on the huge rocks towards the shore, and lush greenery all around. 
      • Avis Island also has coconut plantation that further enhances the beauty of this tiny island. A special permission from the forest department has to be taken for a day visit to this isolated island.
      • At Ray Hills, you can indulge 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.
      • 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.
      • Interview Island belongs to the North and Middle Andaman administrative district. It lies 125 kilometers north of Port Blair. It is home to rare and exotic species and thus, it is an incredible sightseeing spot in Mayabunder. You can have a look at the attractive flora & fauna, colorful wildlife, and azure waters that give a glimpse of the rich marine life.
    • Q5.   What are must-do activities in Mayabunder?

      In Mayabunder, there are a lot of fun and thrilling activities to do. If you love to experience something exciting while holidaying, then you can go for the following: 

      • Observing Turtle Nesting 

      Home to a few beautiful and scenic beaches, Mayabunder is also known for seasonal turtle nesting. 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 an awesome place to spend some quality time with your travel companions. 

      • Viewing Wild 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

      The town is blessed with the magnanimous presence of many marvelous hills and lush green forests that makes it ideal for trekking. It is also popular for backpacking, bushwalking, and hiking. The best time to trek in Mayabunder is between November and April. 

      • Boating

      Go for steamboat rides and dunghi journey if you want to paddle through the clear waters in total bliss. Boating can be enjoyed throughout the year in the Andaman Islands except in the month of July as there is risk of storms. It is quite a popular activity in Mayabunder.

    • Q6.   Which are the best hotels in Mayabunder?

      Don’t expect so much of luxury in this little town. It is a remote destination in the Andamans and is still developing. However, it has all the basic facilities and services. Still growing to gain popularity, Mayabunder has minimum tourist flow. The limited number of accommodations available here has limited amenities. The accommodations here are basic and hygienic. A few provide lovely sea views as well. Some of the best places to stay in Mayabunder are as follows:

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

      It is highly recommended that you ensure to have pre-bookings in Mayabunder. Otherwise, there may be on-spot issues in searching and getting a good place to stay in. Make reservations from a local tour operating company. Andaman Island Travels (AIT) is a reliable name across the Andamans as it is capable of customising holiday packages as per your requirements. Save yourself from the hassle of booking every little thing. The expert team will design your vacation offering more than your imagination.

    • Q8.   Where should I eat in Mayabunder?

      Food stalls, dhabas, and canteens in Mayabunder are run by locals. There are eateries nearby the tourist hotspots and the main market area. Some of the best places are as follows:

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

      Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is the beginning point to reach Mayabunder via any mode of transportation. Reaching there is not at all a problem. Depending on your budget and comfort, you can choose from the following options: 

      • By bus- Direct government-operated buses and privately-run buses
      • By government ferry- Direct ferry from Port Blair and combination of ferry and bus
      • By private cab
    • Q10.   When should I travel to Mayabunder?

      The best time to visit Mayabunder is between October and March. The temperature is comparatively cooler 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 travel to Mayabunder. The best two options are as follows:

      • While coming back to Port Blair from Diglipur

      You can proceed towards Mayabunder and visit Dhaninallah Beach (falls in Rangat). After reaching Mayabunder, visit Karmatang Beach, Rampur Beach, and German Jetty. Stay overnight. The next morning, you can return to Port Blair.

      • 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 Mayabunder a safe destination?

      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?

      Mayabunder has standard 220 volts with sockets that are a mix of three-pin (round pins) and two-pin (round pins). You should carry at least one travel adapter.

    • Q14.   Is Mayabunder a developed tourist place?

      If you compare it with Port Blair, Havelock Island, or even Neil Island, then Mayabunder is a less-developed town in the Andaman Islands. However, you will get all the basic facilities here. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.

    • Q15.   How to make advance bookings for Mayabunder?

      Just contact Andaman Island Travels to make all your bookings (flight, accommodation, airport transfers, ferry transfers, sightseeing tours, etc.). With AIT, be sure of getting complete worth for your money. Just tell its experienced team your preferences.

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