Interview Island
Interview Island is a large, secluded island west of North and Middle Andaman Island, renowned primarily as a wildlife sanctuary. It spans approximately 101 sq km and is mostly uninhabited, with the only populace being a handful of forest and lighthouse personnel. It is famed for its large populatio n of feral elephants, which were brought in for forestry work decades ago and now roam freely, making it a unique ecological spot in the Andamans. The island is covered in dense tropical forests, mangroves, and littoral forests, offering a unique biodiversity experience. The atmosphere is one of profound tranquility and isolation, making it an ideal destination for serious nature enthusiasts and researchers. Access is strictly controlled by the Forest Department to preserve its pristine environment and protect the wildlife. The island rises gradually to its highest elevation of 113 meters, forming a wooded plateau. It also features a small lighthouse on its west coast. The island’s isolation protects it as an important habitat for rare endemic bird species and other fauna like the Spotted Deer and Andaman Wild Pig, offering a glimpse into the raw, untamed nature of the archipelago, far from mainstream tourist routes. This untouched status contributes to its significant ecological value, with the focus solely on nature conservation and observation, not commercial tourism. (Word Count: 400/400):
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Full Day (Requires prior permissions and boat charter)Place Type:
Wildlife Sanctuary, Remote Island:Entry Fees:
Entry Permit and Forest Fee:: The island is a restricted area; there is NO general tourist entry fee. Entry is strictly by a special permit issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Port Blair, or the Forest Department in Diglipur or Mayabunder. The cost is primarily the permi...Entry Permit and Forest Fee:: The island is a restricted area; there is NO general tourist entry fee. Entry is strictly by a special permit issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Port Blair, or the Forest Department in Diglipur or Mayabunder. The cost is primarily the permit fee itself (varies but typically higher for restricted zones) and the mandatory boat charter charges.
Mandatory Guide and Security Cost:: Due to the presence of wildlife (like the elephants) and the restricted status, a Forest Guard/Guide is mandatory, and the cost of their accompaniment must be borne by the visitors.
Photography/Videography Charges:: While not always explicitly charged, official photography/filming permits for restricted areas may incur a fee, especially for commercial or documentary purposes. All costs are subject to change and must be verified with the Forest Department prior to planning the trip.
Timing:
Regular Timings:: Access is generally restricted and depends entirely on the validity of the specific permit issued. Typically, day visits are preferred, with permits specifying entry and exit times.
Ideal Visit Time (Wildlife): The best ti...Regular Timings:: Access is generally restricted and depends entirely on the validity of the specific permit issued. Typically, day visits are preferred, with permits specifying entry and exit times.
Ideal Visit Time (Wildlife): The best time for wildlife spotting is very early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) or late Afternoon (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM), as the elephants and deer are most active near water sources during these cooler periods. The island is best visited between November and April when the sea is calmest for the boat journey.
Permission Duration:: The duration of the stay is strictly controlled by the permit, usually limited to a few hours or a single day.
Special Events:
Annual Forest Department Census:: While not a public tourist event, the most significant 'event' is the periodic wildlife census or monitoring drives conducted by the Forest Department, particularly for the elephant population. This activity highlights the island's conserva...Annual Forest Department Census:: While not a public tourist event, the most significant 'event' is the periodic wildlife census or monitoring drives conducted by the Forest Department, particularly for the elephant population. This activity highlights the island's conservation focus and may involve a limited number of approved scientific personnel or researchers.
Conservation and Awareness Days:: Occasionally, the Forest Department may organize small, controlled events or workshops for forest staff and administration focusing on the unique challenges of maintaining the feral elephant population and preserving the island's unique ecosystem, which underscores its importance as a restricted sanctuary.
Best Photo Spots:
The Elephant Watering Holes:: The clearings and freshwater areas where the feral elephants congregate. Capturing the sight of these majestic animals bathing or drinking in their natural, isolated habitat, set against the backdrop of the dense tropical forest, offers incredi...The Elephant Watering Holes:: The clearings and freshwater areas where the feral elephants congregate. Capturing the sight of these majestic animals bathing or drinking in their natural, isolated habitat, set against the backdrop of the dense tropical forest, offers incredible and unique wildlife photographs.
Isolated Lighthouse Perspective:: The solitary Lighthouse positioned against the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal provides a dramatic, melancholic photo opportunity, especially during sunrise or sunset, symbolizing solitude and the remote nature of the Andamans.
The Wooded Plateau Vista:: The views from the highest point (113 m), offering a panoramic aerial view of the thick, emerald green canopy and the encircling turquoise waters, showcasing the island's pristine, untouched topography and immense size.
Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Wildlife Spotting and Photography:: Trekking with a guide for the sole purpose of spotting the feral elephants, Spotted Deer, and the Andaman Wild Pig. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to witness these animals near water sources. Capture long-lens shots of the unique elephant behavior and their interaction with the dense forest.
Bird Watching Expeditions:: Dedicated pursuit of rare endemic birds. Carry high-powered binoculars and field guides. Focus on identifying species like the Andaman Woodpecker and Andaman Serpent-Eagle. The island is a prime location for serious ornithology.
Remote Lighthouse Visit:: With special permission, visit the isolated Lighthouse to understand its historical and functional significance, offering expansive views of the Bay of Bengal. This is a refl...
Information
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Why Famous:
Feral Elephants and Wildlife:: It is the only place in the Andaman archipelago with a population of feral elephants roaming in the wild. These animals were left behind after logging operations ceased, adapting to the island's ecosystem and creating a truly unique viewing op...Feral Elephants and Wildlife:: It is the only place in the Andaman archipelago with a population of feral elephants roaming in the wild. These animals were left behind after logging operations ceased, adapting to the island's ecosystem and creating a truly unique viewing opportunity for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts. This makes it an internationally recognized ecological spot.
Ornithologist's Paradise:: The island is highly famous among bird watchers and ornithologists for its extremely rich avifauna. It is a key habitat for several endemic bird species like the Andaman Woodpigeon, White-bellied Swiftlet, and Andaman Crake, making it a vital location for the study and observation of the region's unique birdlife. Its isolation contributes directly to the success of its resident avian populations.
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Architecture:
Natural Sanctuary Structure:: Interview Island lacks conventional human-built tourist architecture, as its primary purpose is a wildlife sanctuary. The main 'structure' is the natural, diverse forest and coastal geography itself. The only significant man-made structures ar...Natural Sanctuary Structure:: Interview Island lacks conventional human-built tourist architecture, as its primary purpose is a wildlife sanctuary. The main 'structure' is the natural, diverse forest and coastal geography itself. The only significant man-made structures are the Lighthouse and a defunct Wildlife Monitoring Station.
Lighthouse Dimensions:: The Lighthouse on the west coast, while damaged and repaired after the 2004 tsunami, is a functional structure for maritime navigation, not a tourist monument. Its exact height is not publicly detailed, but it is situated near the highest point of the island.
Ecological Area Dimension:: The island itself serves as the architectural body of the sanctuary, with an Area of 101 sq km, a Length of 23 km, a Width of 6. 9 km, and a Highest Elevation of 113 meters (371 ft). The ecosystem is built on semi-evergreen forests and marshlands, forming a complex natural architecture designed for wildlife protection. The focus remains on its natural, unmanicured topography.
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How To Reach:
By Air:: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair. From Port Blair, you must travel to the North Andaman region (Diglipur or Mayabunder) by road (approx. 300 km via ATR) or ferry/helicopter.
By Train:: No Train facili... -
Near Tourist Places:
Mayabunder (20 KMS from Interview Island by sea), Avis Island (Near Mayabunder, 18 KMS), Ray Hills (Mayabunder, 25 KMS), Stewart Island (40 KMS), Diglipur (50 KMS), Kalipur Beach (65 KMS), Ross & Smith Islands (70 KMS by sea via Aerial Bay), Saddle Peak National Park (75 KMS), Alfred Caves (75 KMS), Limestone Caves (Baratang, 110 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety (Feral Elephants): Always maintain a safe, respectful distance from the feral elephants. Follow the instructions of your mandatory Forest Guard/Guide strictly. Do not attempt to feed, provoke, or approach the animals. Be aware of leeches and mosquitoes in ...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(245+) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Has Been Added :-
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