The Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary stretches approximately over 99 square kilometers and divides North Andaman Island and Middle Andaman Island. This Sanctuary was established in 1985 to protect the Elephants, which were brought here for timber works from the mainland and were subsequently abandoned along with the operations. The Sanctuary and the area around was one of the places that were affected by the Tsunami of 2004 during which the islands of Katchal East and Katchal West were inundated and Indira Point Light House was severely damaged. Interview Island Sanctuary is the largest island sanctuary in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is home to a host of rare and exotic species. The balmy breeze and colorful wildlife are only an invitation to its many wonders.
Climatic Conditions
The climatic conditions at the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary are essentially tropical in nature. This area experiences a perpetually humid weather condition. The summers are hot and the monsoons are long, this area experiences no winter. Evenings on the Island are pleasant, especially during the sunset hours. Thus, the Sanctuary area has an ideal and soothing climate, which is a change from the busy smoggy cities.
Best Time to Visit
The Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is open to travellers throughout the year as the climate is mild and conducive to travel. The comfortable weather conditions make the Sanctuary and the area around it navigable throughout the year. This Sanctuary is easily accessible through ferries from Mayabunder.
Wildlife at Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife at the Sanctuary is rare and multifarious; the flora in the area comprises of semi-evergreen forests, mangroves, littoral forests and marshlands. The plant species found here include Dipterocarpus alatus, A. chaplasha, Sterculia campanulata, Artocarpus lakoocha, and Pterocarpus dalbergioides and so on. The lavish greenery and the woody landscape are a treat to the eyes. This grand Sanctuary is out and out a pleasant heaven and is a picture takers dream.
Animals
Besides the Elephants to secure whom the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary was organized, the Sanctuary is likewise home to a plenty of creatures including Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurus bisexuals), spotted deer (Axis hub), Andaman Wild pig (Sus scrofa andamanensis), Andaman Masked Palm Civet (Paguma larvata tytleri), Three-Striped Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum), and so forth.
Birds
This Sanctuary is especially famous for its birds and hosts Ornithologists from around the world every year. The interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is also a haven for bird lovers. The species of Avians found here include Andaman Woodpigeon, Andaman Woodpecker, White-bellied Swiftlets, Andaman Cuckoo-dove, White-headed Starling, Edible-nest Swiftlets, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Serpent-eagle, Andaman Teal Anas, Andaman Crake, Andaman Woodpigeon, Andaman Bookbook, Andaman Treepie, etc.
Distance from Nearby and Major Cities
The nearest township to Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is Mayabunder, the Sanctuary is located relatively close to Port Blair as well and is easily accessible from both places. The approximate distance from the nearby towns and cities are:
Mayabunder Township – 20 km
Port Blair – 141 km
Chennai – 1,345 km
Visakhapatnam – 1,139 km
Nearest Airports
The nearest airports are in the cities of Port Blair, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
Nearest Railway Station
There are no railway stations on Interview Island. The closest Railway station is at Chennai, which is 1,345 km away.
Road Accessibility
The Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is unconnected through roadways. Travellers can gain access to and from the Sanctuary through ferries provided by Sanctuary authorities from and to Mayabunder Township in the North Andaman Islands. This township is around 20 km away from Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
Accommodation Facilities
Travellers can contact the authorities of the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary for complete information about living aboard ships, accommodation in and near the Sanctuary.
Entry Fee
The authorities of the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary can be contacted regarding details pertaining to entry fee.
Contact Details
Directorate of Tourism
Incharge (Tourism Information)
Andaman & Nicobar Administration
Kamaraj Road, Port Blair – 744101
Phone: 03192-232 694, 232 642
Fax: 03192-232 747, 230 933
E-Mail id: accomodation6@gmail.com
