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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
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