Low-key Mayabunder
Mayabunder Island
Magical - Mayabunder Island
Nearly three hours further to Rangat, north by road, perched on a long promontory right at the top of the island and surrounded by mangrove swamps, is Mayabunder, springboard for the remote northern Andaman Islands. The village, which is home to a large minority of former Burmese Karen tribes, who were originally brought here as cheap logging labour by the British.
Surrounded by cascading landscape of the vast ocean and cyanic clear skies, Mayabunder Island in Andaman and Nicobar islands is a sight for sore eyes. With a rich historical past and its remnants still in place, this island is well known for a variety of unique sightseeing spots which include pristine beaches, lush forest terrain, tribal people and abundantly planted mangrove and coconut trees. Also, Mayabunder island is the only place in India having a turtle nesting ground which attracts hordes of tourists to experience this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Snuggled in the crevices of the North Andaman, Maybunder islands is a treasure box overflowing with resplendent gems that shine on their own accord. Dense mangroves sprout hither and thither of its pristine creeks. Apart from being a secure pouch for some of the world’s greatest sea turtles, the shiny sands of its calm beaches add a generous sprinkle to this island’s serenity.
Embraced all over by miles of sea, the Andaman and Nicobar islands is India’s most offbeat destination. It houses Mayabunder island, which is located in the north part of the Middle Andaman. It is easily reachable from Port Blair, and various modes of transport are available for the same. The sightseeing spots in Mayabunder island are covered within a land expanse area of 1348 square kilometres, and many tours and packages are available online for all types of travellers.
Reaching Mayabunder
Mayabunder is located in the northern part of middle Andamans. It is 242 km by road and 136 km by ferry from Port Blair. The island is accessible by regular air service, boat and air charter service.
9-10 hour bus ride from Port Blair to Mayabunder Jetty does all it can to avoid dents in your pockets. Clusters of Jarawa tribes are a common sight as you snake your way through the pastoral forests of the Andaman Trunk Road. One can also opt to take ferry from Port Blair to Diglipur, an 8-9 hours overnight journey.
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 as well. The best time to visit is from October to March.
Housing beautiful small eco-guest houses, Mayabunder island is an eco-friendly tehsil made up of little villages. The rather less tech-savvy locals follow environmentally friendly practices houses a population of around 24000 people and is spread across 8 gram panchayats and nearly 70 villages. The inhabitants of this island are tourist-friendly and overall helpful.
Why Visit Mayabunder Island?
- Mayabunder Island Andaman Islands enjoy a warm tropical climate with sunshine most of the year. During the tourist season (December-April), a lot of cultural events are held at different locations in the islands.
- The islands celebrate quite a few events. One of the main events is the “Island Tourism Festival” which is usually held in January. Local dancers and musicians perform for the tourist while the food stalls and fairground rides entertain the tourists.
- One can go on for one of the several trekking tours or go on a safari. There are several activities for the children as well.
Sightseeing place in Mayabunder
Karmatang Beach
Karmatang beach is 13 Km away from Mayabunder and is hidden from the road. Eco-friendly sit-outs, and machans offers ideal place for picnic. The water is clean, waves are not too rough and sand soft under the feet. Karmatang Beach is also a turtle nesting ground. One can view nesting of turtles during December - February season. One can go to Kalighat, Diglipur through the creek by boat from here.
Kayaking through the rich mangrove-lined waters of Mayabunder islands will lead you to Karmatanag beach.
Karmatang Beach
Rampur beach is on the outskirts of Mayabunder town. Rampur Beach is smaller of the two and with less shade. It is right next to the road. Close to the beach, you can also see a portion of mangrove forest. A glorious memory from the past, is the remains of a German Jetty.
Avis Island
Avis Island has a small but creamy beach. The water is very calm, placid and clear. So much so that one can easily see fish frolicking in the water and little corals if one walk a bit into the sea. The tall, thick coconut trees provide shade which saves you from scorching heat. A permit is all that’s required to embark on a fifteen-minute boat ride to this secluded islet nestled amidst tropical shrubs. Snorkeling through the placid waters while witnessing a jaw-dropping oceanic landscape
Rock climbing, trekking and elephant rides in its preserved biodiversity- a twenty minute boat ride from Mayabunder islands let you into this haven for creating an infinite family memories.
Interview Island
Interview Island is about 3 hrs from Mayabundar. Hire a Fiber boat from Mayabunder Jetty. Uninhabited Island, aqua green sea, tall dark trees and habited by elephants who used to work for British Timber company but now live in solace of Interview Island. Numerous sources of fresh water that this Island has make it no less than a wonder. Only day visit is permitted. A three-hour dunghy ride from Mayabunder to Austin strait gives way to Interview islands at Mayabunder Island.
Housing the largest wildlife sanctuary in Andaman, Interview islands provide leeway for wild elephants to occupy its tropical peripheries. Jungle safaris, challenging treks, and wild elephant spotting
Austin X islands
Peppered with vineyards and orange shrubberies, Austin X island at Mayabunder Island remains ever so faithful to the eco-friendly Mayabunder trait. Paddling across the saline waters of its mangrove fringes makes one close-knitted to the pristine diversity. One can spot Dear, enjoy boating, snorkel here at the Island.
Ray Hills
Ray Hill is the prestigious and a private pride of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Forest & Plantation Development Corporation Ltd and no doubt, their most successfully mastered project. This eco-village is a haven of virgin woods adorned with pristine waterways and mangrove creeks.
Rock climbing, trekking and elephant rides can be enjoyed here.
Water Sports at Mayabunder Island
Boating
Cruising through the serene backwaters and dense green, you will be beyond mesmerized by the canopy of these trees accompanied by the melodious chirping of exotic bird sound. Go boating amidst the mighty mangroves dotted all around the beach borders.
Elephant Viewing
You can also engage in guided elephant rides that will take you from the beach to the forest, giving you an unimaginably adventurous vibe. Interview island in Mayabunder is a popular place to engage in safaris and elephant spotting. From spotting wild elephants to deer, there are safaris and excursions dedicated to allowing you to observe this beautiful fauna.
Trekking
In Mayabunder, you have the ultra-unique combination of being able to trek from the beach to the hills within minutes, considering its diverse landscape.
The lush forest trails allow for some of the most challenging treks in all of the Andaman islands.
Observing Turtle Nesting
In Karmatang beach, you can see the turtles coming on the beach, digging nests for their eggs, and then laying them. If you are lucky, you will also get to witness the little hatchlings free their way out of the eggs and make their way into the ocean. This overnight activity is best done between October – March to further your chances of being able to see it. Its an adventure as you get to observe nature’s purest phenomenon when you witness turtle nesting in Mayabunder island.
