North Andaman's Quiet Gateway
Mayabunder sits on the Andaman Trunk Road between Rangat and Diglipur, another practical stopover town in North Andaman — but with one genuinely distinctive draw: it's the gateway to Interview Island, a protected sanctuary home to a population of feral elephants.
Like Rangat, Mayabunder is quiet, largely undeveloped for tourism, and mostly bypassed by travellers who stick to the Havelock and Neil Island circuit. That's exactly the appeal for travellers who specifically want to get off the well-worn path — a genuine wilderness experience and a beach or two, with almost none of the crowds.
🐘 Mayabunder at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Mayabunder
Mayabunder shares the same seasonal pattern as the rest of North Andaman — the dry season is the only sensible window for both road travel and any boat access to Interview Island.
Calm seas, dry roads, and the peak turtle nesting window at Karmatang Beach.
Roads and any boat access remain manageable, though the heat builds — plan outdoor time for morning or late afternoon.
Heavy rain disrupts road conditions and any Interview Island access — best avoided entirely for this leg.
Conditions improve gradually but can still be unpredictable — confirm permit and boat access before travelling.
Our pick: November to February — the most reliable window for Interview Island permits and access, plus the best chance of turtle activity at Karmatang.
How to Reach Mayabunder
Mayabunder is reached exclusively by road along the Andaman Trunk Road — there's no airport or direct passenger ferry from Port Blair.
- By Road from Port Blair: Best done over two days with an overnight stop at Rangat rather than attempted in a single long drive.
- By Road from Diglipur: Mayabunder sits south of Diglipur on the same highway, making it an easy stop in either direction.
- To Interview Island: Access is by boat, arranged through the Forest Department or a local operator in Mayabunder, subject to permits and seasonal restrictions.
Interview Island & Its Elephants
Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected, uninhabited island off Mayabunder, notable for a population of feral elephants — descendants of animals originally brought in for the timber industry and later released or abandoned, which have since established a wild population on the island. It's one of the more unusual wildlife stories in the Andamans, and a genuine draw for anyone specifically interested in it.
Visits require permits, typically arranged through the Forest Department or a local operator, and access can be limited depending on the season and ongoing conservation management — this is not a casual, spontaneous excursion, and sightings of elephants are not guaranteed even with a permitted visit.
Karmatang Beach
Karmatang Beach, close to Mayabunder, is another of the Andamans' turtle-nesting beaches, in the same category as Kalipur near Diglipur and Cuthbert Bay near Rangat. Turtles typically come ashore to nest between roughly November and February. Outside that window, it remains a calm, quiet stretch of sand worth a short visit.
Suggested Visit Plan
Mayabunder rewards travellers who've built in extra time for North Andaman rather than those on a tight Havelock-and-back schedule.
Arrive & Karmatang Beach
- ✓Arrive by road from Rangat or Diglipur
- ✓Settle into a guesthouse
- ✓Evening visit to Karmatang Beach
Interview Island
- ✓Boat trip to Interview Island (permit required)
- ✓Wildlife viewing — sightings not guaranteed
- ✓Return to Mayabunder by evening
Onward
- ✓Continue north to Diglipur, or
- ✓Head back south toward Rangat and Port Blair
Where to Eat in Mayabunder
Dining options are basic — a small number of local eateries serving simple Indian meals, plus guesthouse kitchens that are often the most reliable choice.
- Local eateries: Rice, dal, and fish curry are the mainstays — don't expect variety or resort-style dining.
- Guesthouse meals: Often the safest and most convenient option given how few independent restaurants the town has.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800 | ₹1,800 | ₹3,500 |
| Food/day | ₹300 | ₹600 | ₹1,200 |
| Interview Island trip (permit + boat) | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 (private) |
| Road transport (per leg) | ₹300 (bus) | ₹2,000 (shared taxi) | ₹4,500 (private cab) |
| Total (2 nights) | ₹5,000 | ₹11,800 | ₹22,700 |
* Figures are per person, for a 2-night stay covering an Interview Island trip. See our Andaman Islands guide for a full multi-island budget breakdown.
Essential Tips for Visiting Mayabunder
- Arrange Interview Island permits in advance: This isn't a walk-up excursion — book through a Forest Department contact or local operator ahead of time.
- Keep expectations realistic on elephant sightings: Interview Island is wild terrain, not a safari park — sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
- Budget extra days: Mayabunder only makes sense with time to spare — it's not a quick add-on to a standard Havelock/Neil trip.
- Carry cash: ATMs and card payment options are limited this far north.
- Pair with Diglipur: Since it's on the same road, combine Mayabunder with a further stop at Diglipur, Kalipur, and Ross & Smith Islands.
✅ Do
- →Arrange Interview Island permits before arrival
- →Budget 2-3 days for the visit, not a quick stop
- →Visit Karmatang Beach in the Nov–Feb nesting season
- →Carry sufficient cash
- →Combine with Diglipur further north
❌ Don't
- →Expect resort-style stays or dining
- →Assume elephant sightings are guaranteed
- →Show up to Interview Island without a permit
- →Add Mayabunder as a quick same-day detour
- →Travel this leg during the June–September monsoon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mayabunder known for?
Mayabunder is best known as the gateway to Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected, uninhabited island home to a population of feral elephants descended from animals once used in the timber industry. It's also close to Karmatang Beach, a turtle-nesting beach similar to Kalipur and Cuthbert Bay further along the coast.
Can I visit Interview Island freely?
No — Interview Island is a protected wildlife sanctuary, and visits require permits typically arranged through the Forest Department or a local operator in Mayabunder. Access can be limited depending on season and conservation restrictions, so it's worth confirming well before you plan a trip around it.
How far is Mayabunder from Port Blair?
Mayabunder sits further north than Rangat on the Andaman Trunk Road, generally reached as a stop between Rangat and Diglipur rather than in a single day from Port Blair. Most travellers cover the route over two days with an overnight stop at Rangat.
Is Mayabunder worth visiting if I've already done Havelock and Neil?
If you specifically want to see Interview Island's elephants or a quieter, far-less-touristed side of the Andamans, yes. If your priority is beaches and diving, Mayabunder isn't the place — it's a niche add-on for travellers with extra time and a specific interest in North Andaman.
What's the best time to see turtles at Karmatang Beach?
Roughly November to February, the same general nesting window as Kalipur and Cuthbert Bay elsewhere in the Andamans. Outside this period, Karmatang is still a quiet, pleasant beach without the nesting activity.
Is Mayabunder well set up for tourists?
Not really — infrastructure is basic, with a handful of simple guesthouses and eateries rather than resorts. It suits travellers comfortable with a more rustic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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