Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest island sanctuary in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Completely uninhabited, it is surrounded by dense semi-evergreen forests along with mangroves and littoral vegetation. The island is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, offering sightings of various plants, birds, and animals.
Established in 1985, the sanctuary was created to protect the elephants on the island, including the well-known feral elephants. Due to its ecological sensitivity, night visits are not allowed, and travelers must obtain special permission from the Forest Department at Mayabunder for a day trip.
Recognized as one of the key wildlife attractions of the Andamans, Interview Island promises an unforgettable nature experience with its untouched forests, vibrant wildlife, and peaceful surroundings.
First reach Port Blair by flight, as it is the only entry point to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Daily flights operate from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
1. Port Blair to Mayabunder: After arriving in Port Blair, travel to Mayabunder by road.
2. Mayabunder to Interview Island: From the Mayabunder Jetty, charter a private dinghy (local fishing boat) to Interview Island.
3. Permission Required: Before the boat trip, obtain a special entry permit from the Forest Department office in Mayabunder, as only authorized day visits are allowed and night trips are prohibited.
There are no staying facilities on Interview Island, and visitors must return the same day. Before planning your trip, you must obtain a special entry permit from the Forest Department office in Mayabunder.
For accommodation, tourists can stay in Mayabunder, which has a variety of options based on different budgets. You can find budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, government lodges, and comfortable beachside homestays. Staying in Mayabunder also makes it convenient to reach the jetty for your boat trip to Interview Island.
The best time to visit Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for boat rides and wildlife exploration. During these months, the sea is calmer, visibility is better, and the overall Interview Island weather is comfortable for day trips.
Summers can be quite hot, while the region receives long and heavy monsoon showers, which make travel difficult. The island does not experience a traditional winter, but the climate during the tourist season remains soothing, with especially beautiful evenings around sunset.
For a smooth and safe trip, travelers are advised to avoid visiting during the monsoon months (May to September), as boat services may be restricted due to rough sea conditions.
A visit to Interview Island offers a peaceful wildlife experience surrounded by untouched forests and rich biodiversity. Travelers can enjoy a range of nature-based activities during their day trip.
Interview Island is located in the Middle Andaman region, close to Mayabunder. It’s one of the largest islands in the Andaman group and mostly untouched, which makes it a great place for nature lovers.
The biggest attraction is the wild elephant roaming freely. These elephants were once used for logging operations decades ago, but after the industry stopped, they adapted and became completely wild.
Yes. Since it’s a protected wildlife sanctuary, visitors often need permission from the Forest Department. It’s mainly a day-trip destination with restricted access to protect wildlife.
You can see them from a distance, usually near freshwater sources or forest edges. They are wild animals, so visitors should never try to go close or disturb them.
Besides elephants, you can spot animals like spotted deer, wild pigs, macaques, and three-striped palm squirrels. The island is also full of bird species—perfect for bird enthusiasts.
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Please inform me what will be the total cost for 6 adults and one child of 8 years for 6 night 7 days andaman holiday package . dates from 07.01.2017 to 13.01.2017. please give details of specifc hotels in all the places , havelock, neil and portblair
I am interested in the above package. Can we discuss telephonically.