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.
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Tucked away deep in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago lies a hidden gem known as Mayabunder Island. With its lush landscapes, turquoise waters, and captivating culture, Mayabunder is a dream destination for anyone who seeks an off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you are an adventurer, a nature lover, or just love art and crafts, this tropical paradise has something for everyone.
How to reach Mayabunder Island: Mayabunder is around 250 km away from the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair. The most popular way to reach Mayabunder Island from Port Blair is by bus. You can find many direct buses, which run every day, from Port Blair to Mayabunder. It is best to take a bus that starts early in the morning around 4:30 AM. It takes around 10 hours to reach Mayabunder from Port Blair. Public buses will take you to the Panighar Junction in Mayabunder for around INR 350-500. Private buses may charge around INR 800-1000. Most buses to Mayabunder start at the Aberdeen bus depot in Port Blair.
If you want to take the sea route, you can take a ferry from Port Blair to Mayabunder. However, the direct ferry usually runs once a week from the Phoenix Jetty in Port Blair. You can also take ferries that go to Diglipur or Rangat, and that may stop at Mayabunder on the way. You’ll have to enquire about these ferries at the Phoenix Jetty itself or at any other travel agency in Port Blair. The sea route takes around 6-7 hours in most cases.
Let us take you on a virtual tour of the top 10 things to do in Mayabunder Island that will leave you yearning for a real-life visit soon!
Your Mayabunder adventure begins with a visit to the enchanting Karmatang Beach, a coastal haven that embodies the essence of tropical paradise. As you step onto the powdery white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see, you will feel the warm breeze of the waves crashing against the shore.
Karmatang Beach, however, is not just a scenic delight; it is also a sanctuary for marine life, especially turtles. The beach is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, and if you visit during the nesting season, you might be lucky enough to witness the stunning spectacle of baby turtles making their brave journey into the vast ocean.
Whether you want to lounge under the shade of palm trees or simply gaze at the horizon as the Sun sets, Karmatang Beach offers an experience that captures the essence of Mayabunder's natural beauty and serenity. You can watch the sunrise around 5 in the morning and the sunset at around 5:30 PM.
How to reach: Karmatang beach is around 12 km away from Mayabunder’s town centre, which is Danapur Junction. You can take a jeep and you will reach the beach in around 30 minutes. Most jeeps charge around INR 500-700 for one way. 
A journey to Mayabunder is not complete without visiting the captivating Avis Island—an oasis of serenity and natural beauty that beckons travellers with its pristine shores, vibrant marine life, and untouched landscapes.
The adventure to Avis Island begins with a 30-minute scenic boat ride across the deep blue waters. The journey itself is a precursor to the magic that awaits. The dense foliage and towering trees create a lush canopy that invites you to explore the Avis Island. The island's unspoiled landscapes offer a haven for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those seeking solitude in the embrace of the wild.
For nature enthusiasts, Avis Island is a paradise for birdwatching. The dense forests and coastal habitats provide sanctuary to a variety of bird species, making it an ideal spot to observe avian life in action.
How to reach: Avis Island is best accessed by a boat. You will get a ferry from the Mayabunder Jetty and from there it is around 20 minutes to the island. A boat ride will cost you around INR 200.
Remember that Avis Island is usually closed to visitors. If you still want to explore its untouched beauty, you’d first have to get permission from forest department in Mayabunder. .png)
Stepping into the pages of history, a visit to the German Jetty in Mayabunder is like uncovering a hidden chapter from the history of the Andaman Islands. If you are a history buff, you should definitely visit this World War II-era structure. The jetty was once a strategic hub for repairing submarines during the war, and is a poignant reminder of the struggle of the people during the war. Like the Japanese Bunkers and the Cellular Jairl, the German jetty is a reminder of the tragedy the island had witnessed in the past.
The German jetty is located close to the government APWD guesthouse in Mayabunder. Therefore, you can easily hire a local taxi or an auto-rickshaw to take you directly to the jetty. It should take you around 15-20 minutes to reach the German Jetty and cost you around INR 200-300.
If you are seeking an immersive adventure amidst untouched wilderness of Mayabunder, an exhilarating trek to Ray Hill is you best bet. Ray Hills is an ecovillage located in Mayabunder. It is maintained by the Andaman and Nicobar Forest and Plantation Development Corporation. It has it own guest houses, elephant safaris, and even activities for children like rock climbing.
There’s also a forest museum in Ray Hills that informs the public about the various flora and fauna available in the hills. You can also go for a trekking expedition in Ray Hills, which could take you around 2-3 hours. The trek takes you through dense forests that is lush with many different and exotic plant species.
You should start the trek early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to allow yourself ample time to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. You can get a local tour guide to help you through the trek. While there is no entry fee for entering Ray Hills, if you get a touring guide, you’ll have to shell out around INR 1500.
Ray Hill is easily accessible as it is just 15 minutes away from Mayabunder Jetty. You can take a boat, which will cost you around INR 200. 
Located just a boat ride away from Mayabunder, Austin X Island with its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and turquoise waters, is a great place for adventure seekers. Austin X boasts of towering coconut palms sway in the gentle breeze, casting dappled shadows on the powdery sands below. The beaches here are an invitation to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of nature.
With no bustling crowds or commercial distractions, Austin X Island is the best place to go if you want to get away from the world. Whether you are taking a leisurely walk along its shores, listening to the waves, or gazing at the starlit sky at night, a trip to Austin X promises to be your in this lifetime.
You can get direct boats to Auxtin X from Mayabunder Jetty. In most cases, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the island. It is better if you travel early morning if you want to enjoy the island and be back on time to catch a boat back Mayabunder. Private boats can charge you around INR 500-1000 for the trip. There are no eateries in the remote island, so remember to take some snacks along with you. The ideal visit time for the island is around 3-4 hours.
Mayabunder Island is not only blessed with natural beauty but also with the skilled hands of local Karen artisans of Webi village who transform bamboo into intricate works of art. You can explore Mayabunde’s bamboo craftsmanship, which offers a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of tradition and innovation.
Admire the skilful hands of artisans as they craft baskets, mats, and even furniture using sustainable materials. Engaging in conversations with these talented craftsmen provides insights into the cultural significance of bamboo in their lives and Mayabunder’s history. Whether you're seeking to take home a piece of Mayabunder's artistry or simply wish to witness the magic of bamboo transformation, you can spend your entire day watching artisans make beautiful knick knacks.
If you have time, do not miss an opportunity to visit the charming Webi Village. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the traditions and way of life of the Mayabunder’s indigenous people. The village stands as a living proof of island’s diverse heritage, where history, art, and daily life seamlessly intertwine. As you wander through the narrow lanes of the Webi Village, you will be greeted by colourful houses adorned with intricate tribal art. You can even engage with the friendly locals if you want to.
Webi Village is known for its skilled Karen artisans who continue to create intricate handicrafts that reflect the Mayabunder’s heritage. From woven baskets and mats to traditional jewellery, the craftsmanship displays the deep connection of the villagers with their cultural roots.
Webi is best explored slowly instead of a hurried expedition. There a few homestays in Webi village where you can stay to explore the village and take any guided treks, which take around 1-2 hours.
How to reach: Webi Village is accessible by road transport from the Panighar Junction in Mayabunder. It should take you around 30-40 minutes to reach the village and cost you around INR 500-1000 to reach the village.
The Anmol Driftwood Museum stands as a captivating testament to the island's natural wonders and the creative ingenuity of its inhabitants. Driftwood are bits of wood carried by ocean currents and washed ashore. They have been a part of the lives for the island people of Mayabunder for centuries. Instead of viewing these weathered fragments as debris, the villagers saw potential in the shapes and forms. This led to the birth of the driftwood museum as a tribute to the artistic expressions that emerged from the sea.
The museum showcases an awesome collection of driftwood sculptures that range from miniatures to life-sized ones. Skilled local artisans transform these weathered fragments into stunning creations that depict scenes from daily life, mythical stories, and the island's natural beauty.
Wandering through the galleries of the museum, you will be transported into a world where fragments of shipwrecks, roots of ancient trees, and weathered branches are transformed into art! The ingenuity of the artists who turn discarded wood into masterpieces is truly inspiring. It will be one of your best experiences in Mayabunder and you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the various artwork.
The Anmol Driftwood Museum is located just 1 km from Mayabunder’s market at Danapur Junction. You can easily walk to the museum from the market.
Timings: The museum opens at 9 AM and closes around 5:30 in the evening. There is no entry fee to the museum.
Nestled along the shores of Mayabunder Island lies the serene and picturesque Rampur Beach, a hidden gem that beckons travellers seeking a tranquil escape. This pristine stretch of coastline is an idyllic retreat where the stresses of daily life melt away in the gentle embrace of the sea breeze waves.
As you step onto the soft sands of Rampur Beach, you are greeted by a sense of calm that envelops you like a warm hug. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, a quiet spot to relax and read a book, or a peaceful meditation session by the water's edge, Rampur Beach offers the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
One of the most enchanting experiences at Rampur Beach is witnessing the stunning sunsets that paint the sky with a palette of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and golden hues. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, time seems to stand still, and you're reminded of the beauty that exists in the simplest moments. The sunset usually happens around 5:30 PM, so make sure you there at that time to witness the beauty.
As with most places around Mayabunder Island, Rampur beach is also just 25-30 from the main market of Mayabunder, Danapur Junction. You can take a taxi or autorickshaw from the market, which should cost you around INR 200-400. 
Just 3 hours from Mayabunder is Interview Island. The remote island is a wildlife sanctuary surrounded by a mangrove forest and marshlands. A trek through its landscape will help you explore its rainforests and may lead you to encounter various species of birds and reptiles. You may be able to spot different kinds of fauna like deer here. It is also a great place for birdwatching.
Interview Island boasts pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. These untouched shores invite you to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the symphony of the ocean.
Note that tourists are not allowed to stay in the island, so you’d have to take a dinghy from the Austin Strait in Mayabunder.
Since it such a remote place, going to Interview Island is not so easy. The trip may take you 3 hours just on one side, so you’d have to start early in the morning. Even then, it would take you the entire day to go and come back from Interview Island. You may be charged around INR 2000-4000 for the dinghy ride to and from the island.
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