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.
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
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
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.
Overview of Mayabunder Island
Location
A tiny isle nestled amongst the Middle Andaman Islands, spanning for only 1348 sq. km, Mayabunder remains one of the top attractions the Andamans have to offer.
If you’re musing about how to reach Mayabunder Island, then you’re at the right place. Mayabunder is connected to Port Blair through roads with one or two ferry rides in between.
About 250 km away from port Blair, it will take you about 8 to 9 hours to reach Mayabunder. If you prefer the serenity of the sea, it can be reached in more or less the same time via boats or ships.
Culture
A century ago, Mayabunder was settled by the migrating tribes from Myanmar (then known as Burma). The hill tribe Karen from Burma brought along their culture and traditions from southeast Asia to the isle.
Sprinkled along the coast are rice fields, and remnants of the settlements and wood logging camp. The cuisine is also derived from the culture of the various settlers, that once called this place their home.
People
The fantastic cultural diversity of the Mayabunder Islands and unmatched exotic sights that will leave you breathless are thanks to the integration of different civilizations.
It truly has a heritage deeply rooted in traditions and culture. The Burmese tribes, colonial prisoners, and settlers from India and Bangladesh (including east-Pakistan) have all contributed equally to the legacy of the place.
The major sightseeing spots at Mayabunder Island are:
Ray Hills
Known for being an eco-village, Ray hills Mayabunder Island is a rustic treasure trove. On the unparalleled hiking trails, you can breathe in the pure air and heal your soul.
If you’re looking for cliffs to go rock climbing, Ray Hills offers that as well. The guesthouses situated on the coastline present views that are just breath-taking.
You can observe the majestic wild elephants strolling through the dense jungles. Although, it is also possible to go on an elephant ride through the mangrove forests.
It is advisable to make a booking before you arrive at the place.
Austin X
The colonial monuments and ruins, amidst the green backdrop of the thickets of trees, are worthy of being featured on the postcards.
Austin X Beach at Mayabunder Island is home to radiant and vibrant corals as well. This makes it the destination in Mayabunder to go diving for pearls and sea walking.
Also worth visiting are the fragrant orange orchards here. Advanced hikers and adventure sports enthusiasts are also in for a treat when visiting Austin X.
Karmatang Beach
Karmatanag Beach at Mayabunder Island is merely a half an hour away from the main city. But the beach itself is a sight to behold.
Especially if you’re visiting during turtle nesting season, you might get to witness nature in action.
There is also a well-maintained park around, which is ideal for families looking for a picnic spot.
Avis Island
Another little nook for photography enthusiasts, Avis Island, Mayabunder Island, is surrounded with vivid blue ocean waves and primeval sandy beaches.
Avis (or Aves) Island can be visited after you have attained consent from the authorities. But trust us, it is worth the hassle.
The beach is practically uninhabited, which makes it perfect for a romantic escapade or a group get-together, away from the crowd.
The picturesque island is littered with coconut plantations. So, if you wish to spend some quiet time on a hammock with a new book, Avis Island is the place you should be at.
Interview Island
Interview Island at Mayabunder Island is right at the boundary of the North and Middle Andaman Islands. It is renowned for its Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established way back in 1985.
Now, this largest Andaman sanctuary is home to Asiatic wild elephants along with some other exotic wildlife. The marshlands and evergreen jungles are suitable for a hike, which is why visitors recommend trekking at Interview Island, Mayabunder Island.
Austen strait, which is right next to Interview Island, is apt for a dinghy boat ride. It’s also the home to large saltwater crocodiles, so be extra careful when you’re out there!
German Jetty
German Jetty Mayabunder Island is on the APWD Guesthouse grounds. Bordered by lush green forests, it might have one of the best lookout points on Mayabunder island.
The place is an old settler harbour and was named as the ‘German jetty’ during the second world war.
Rampur beach
Located just 25 to 30 minutes away from the Danapur junction in Mayabunder, Rampur beach is framed with a thriving mangrove forest. It is right off the side of the road and next to the Rampur village.
Pokhadera Beach
A lesser-known beach near the Mayabunder dock, it is also home to some lively coral reefs. Prior permission is required before you plan your trip to this beach as it is a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
Once you get here, though, you should definitely go for a swim!
Museums Mayabunder
The forest museum houses an atypical collection of indigenous flora and fauna from the Andaman Islands. The nearby food stalls also provide mouth-watering southeast Asian cuisine.
On the other hand, the private Anmol Driftwood museum and the Wood museum close to the DFO office is just the right place for travellers that don’t mind a little history lesson.
As a bonus, you also get to enjoy the excellent craftsmanship and miniature pieces fashioned out of wood.
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