The land of pristine woods, with turquoise waters and rich diversity of flora and fauna; the mangrove creeks and orange plantations of Mayabunder is a siren call to all those who love nature. The Mayabunder County is a melting pot of all these and many more. Yes it is definitely a wonderful reward for all those who can spare a bit of travel time. You should know that the Mayabunder County is over 300 kms away from Port Blair. It is not one of those destinations where you can simply head out. You need an expert guide with you to make the most of your trip to Mayabunder. Otherwise the trip can be all travel and no sight-seeing or rest.
1. Ray Hills
- Famous for: Adventure sports, Photography, Villages.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open daily.
- Duration: Half to one day.
About Ray Hills
For some fun packed family getaways you definitely need to take a look at Ray Hills. You are the luckiest person in the world when you get the opportunity to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the beauty that nature has showered so beneficently. 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. To reach, embark on a road trip to Ray Hills from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road. This eco-village offers you a number of fun filled activities which gives you the perfect tropical getaway. Also make sure you don’t carry plastic with you. This eco-village is a preserved and protected area and hence needs to be kept that way.
Things to Do around Ray Hills:
- Picnic.
- Trekking.
- Water Sports.
- Elephant Rides.
2. Austin X
- Famous for: Adventure sports, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open daily.
- Duration: Half to one day.
About Austin X
This small yet beautiful little piece of heaven harbours wonderful beaches, famous for its crystal-clear waters and virgin woods. You can see deers walking around without any inhibitions as they come out to drink from the water holes. They are quite friendly and you can pamper and fondle them as much as you like. Even though it is one of the lesser known Islands in Mayabunder, you are definitely in for a treat if you can endure the long travel to the county. Once you have reached Mayabunder, the Island is only 20 minute away the local jetty. The lingering fruity smell in the air is enough to lure you towards Austin X. Besides the Island have some of the most challenging trekking trails in the entire Islands.
Things to Do around Austin X:
- Water sports.
- Picnic.
3. Karmatang Beach
- Famous for: Marine life, Turtles, Beach, Eco tourism.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open daily.
- Duration: 2 hours.
About Karmatang Beach
If you don’t mind travelling a bit then the Karmatang Beach gives you the wonderful opportunity to visit a beautiful island and also to enjoy some mesmerising scenic views. Here, you are definitely in for a treat. Apart from sandy white beaches and beautiful open waters which is a typical feature of the Islands in the Upper and Middle Andaman, what really makes the Karmatang Beach stand out is the natural haven it provides for baby turtles. Yes, the Karmatang Beach is best known for its turtle breeding grounds. The sight of tiny life breaking open their shells and crawling through the beaches, leaving behind cute trails is indeed an amazing sight to behold.
Things to Do at Karmatang Beach:
- Observe Turtle Nesting (seasonal).
- Boat Rides.
- Water sports.
4. Avis Island
- Famous for: Placid waters, Serenity, Isolation.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open only during daytime hours.
- Duration: 2 hours.
About Avis Island
Whenever you google for images of tropical paradises, you always get the crystal-clear waters, golden sand and the setting sun. Oh I forgot one important thing that brings life to these pictures- the coconut trees, of course. Well, Avis Island has it all. The most striking tourist attraction of Mayabunder, the Avis Island unfortunately does not allow tourists and prior permission needs to be taken before visiting. But why is this still a preferred tourist spot? Because of its large coconut plantations and pristine beaches of course! So visit the Island early in the morning and you can leave in the evening after a day spent well amidst plush green dells. Don’t forget to bring lots of water and also carry essential foodies. You don’t want to starve when you are on an expedition.
Things to Do at Avis Island:
- Picnic
- Beach Combing.
5. Interview Island
- Famous for: Flora, Fauna, Elephants.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open only during daytime hours.
- Duration: 1.5 hours.
About Interview Island
Head out to the Interview Islands for a true experience of the wilderness with flora and fauna reigning in its natural habitat. The Island is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary known for its untamed elephants reigning in their natural habitats. There is a bit of history behind the story. These elephants were transported here for the industrial works and later on left free to roam the islands. The Island is famous for its raw and untamed wilderness. Hire a local guide and explore the unexplored trekking trails of the Interview Island. You can also avail the experience of a jungle safari, through the thick forestry of the Interview Island.
Things to Do at Interview Islands:
- View wild elephants from afar.
- Trekking.
- Jungle Safari.
Other places that can be visited around Mayabunder are Forest Museum and Rampur Beaches.
The lingering smell of mangoes, coconuts and oranges the Mayabunder County indeed imparts the complete experience of a tropical getaway. A trip to the Andamans is indeed an experience to die for. This tropical getaway is the whole package for all those who crave for some change in their monotonous life. Let it be a family vacation, a bachelor party or your kid’s ‘sweet sixteen’ parties you can plan anything and everything in Mayabunder.
