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Nearly
three hours further north by road, perched on a long promontory right at
the top of the island and surrounded by mangrove swamps, is Mayabunder,
springboard for the remote northern Andaman Islands. The village, which is
home to a large minority of former Burmese Karen tribal people who were
originally brought here as cheap logging labour by the British, is more
spread out and more appealing than Rangat.
Beach at Avis Island, Karmatang Beach and mangrove-lined
Creeks are the prime attractions of this place.
BEACHES
Karmatang Beach
Karmatang Beach is also a turtle nesting ground. One can view nesting of
turtles during December - February season. Swiftlet nest guesthouse of the
Directorate of Tourism is very near to the Karmatang Beach. One can go to
Kalighat, for Diglipur through the creek by
boat from here. The Lagoon Cruise is an enchanting experience.
One can access Mayabunder 242-km by road and 157-km by sea
from Port Blair.Until the last stretch of
the Andaman trunk Road is completed and a bridge across the narrow strait
to north Andaman Island constructed just west of Mayabunder, the shortest
crossing is the ferry ride to Kalighat. Once a
week the Port Blair ferry also calls here en
route to Diglipur, but one'll find it less
hassle, and a lot quicker, to catch the bus as this boat stops at several
off limits islands en route.
Heading in the opposite direction, buses to
Port Blair are regular but it is advisable to book ahead, with
tickets for the first of five daily government departures going on sale
from 3pm the previous day at the bus stand, 2-km from the jetty near the
bazaar.
The APWD rest house, occupying a prime spot above the jetty, is large and very comfortable, with a pleasant garden and gazebo overlooking the sea, and a dining room serving good set meals.
Port Blair
Kalighat
Chennai - 1190 Km
Calcutta
- 1255 Km
Vishakapatnam
- 1200 Km