Table of Contents
- Introduction: Taxi Services in Mayabunder, Andaman
- Must-Visit Places in and around Mayabunder
- Taxi Services in Mayabunder: How to Book, Types, Fares
- How to Reach Mayabunder
- Where to Stay in Mayabunder
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Best Time to Visit Mayabunder
- Top Things to Do with a Taxi
- Nearby Getaways and Day Trips
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Practical Tips and Safety
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Taxi Services in Mayabunder, Andaman
Mayabunder, set in North & Middle Andaman, is a serene base for exploring turtle-nesting beaches, quiet creeks, and forested hills. Public transport is limited, so taxis, private cabs, and shared jeeps are the most practical ways to get around. This guide covers how to book taxis in Mayabunder, realistic fares, routes, and the best places you can cover comfortably in a day.
Must-Visit Places in and around Mayabunder
- Karmatang Beach: Wide, clean beach known for turtle nesting (seasonal). Great for sunrise/sunset drives.
- Avis Island: Pretty, small island near Mayabunder; access may require permits/boats depending on current regulations.
- Rampur Beach: Quiet, less-crowded stretch ideal for picnics.
- Ray Hills: Scenic viewpoints and creeks; check local access conditions.
- Austin X/Jetty areas: For boat rides and coastal views; availability varies seasonally.
Note: Some areas fall under forest jurisdictions. Access can change; confirm locally before you go.
Taxi Services in Mayabunder: How to Book, Types, Fares
Types of cabs and local transport
- Private taxis/cabs: Sedans (Dzire, Etios) and MUV/SUVs (Ertiga, Innova, Bolero) with AC are most common.
- Shared jeeps/Sumo: Budget-friendly fixed-route transport along the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR); limited comfort and fixed timings.
- Auto-rickshaws: For short hops within Mayabunder bazaar and nearby neighborhoods (availability varies).
- No app cabs: Ola/Uber do not operate in the Andamans.
How to book a taxi
- Hotel/Guesthouse desk: Reliable for vetted drivers and fixed-rate day trips.
- Stand and phone bookings: Taxi stands near Mayabunder bazaar and the jetty area; many drivers accept calls/WhatsApp when network is available.
- Prepaid at Port Blair airport: If arriving by air, you can prebook a cab to Mayabunder from Veer Savarkar International Airport (subject to availability) or via a tour operator.
Sample taxi fares and travel times (indicative)
- Local sightseeing (8 hrs/80 km): Sedan ₹3,000–4,500; SUV ₹4,500–6,000. Extra km ₹20–30/km depending on vehicle/season.
- Mayabunder ⇄ Karmatang Beach return: ₹800–1,800 depending on wait time and vehicle.
- Mayabunder ⇄ Avis Island access: Cab to jetty ₹400–800; boat and permits extra (availability varies).
- Mayabunder ⇄ Rangat (70–80 km): ₹3,000–4,500 one-way; 1.5–2.5 hours.
- Mayabunder ⇄ Diglipur (80–100 km): ₹3,500–5,500 one-way; 2–3 hours.
- Port Blair ⇄ Mayabunder (240–270 km by road): ₹9,500–13,500 one-way (sedan/SUV); 7–9 hours depending on road and check-post timings.
Fares vary by fuel prices, season, and road conditions. Confirm inclusions (driver allowance, night charges, toll/ferry if any) before starting.
Airport and inter-island transfers
- Port Blair to Mayabunder by cab: Most convenient for families or groups; start early to clear regulated forest stretches during open hours.
- Buses/shared jeeps: Cheaper but slower and less flexible; limited night operations.
- Ferries: Occasional services exist between some North & Middle Andaman ports, but schedules are limited and change seasonally. Road remains the primary option.
Etiquette, rules, and payments
- Regulated zones: Do not stop, photograph, or feed wildlife along protected stretches of the ATR; follow police/forest instructions.
- Payments: Carry sufficient cash. UPI works in town areas but can fail in low-signal stretches.
- Receipts: Request a fare breakup and written confirmation for long transfers.
How to Reach Mayabunder
- By Air + Road: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport); continue 7–9 hours by taxi, shared jeep, or government bus via Andaman Trunk Road.
- By Sea: Long-distance ships connect mainland cities to Port Blair; onward to Mayabunder is by road.
- By Ferry (intra-island): Limited passenger boat runs can connect nearby ports; schedules are infrequent—verify locally.
Tip: Start before sunrise from Port Blair to reach Mayabunder by afternoon with buffer for check-post timings and meals.
Where to Stay in Mayabunder
- Budget guesthouses: Simple rooms, fan/AC options; ₹1,200–2,000 per night.
- Mid-range lodges: AC rooms with private bath, basic dining; ₹2,500–4,500 per night.
- Tourism/Government rest houses: Limited rooms, advance booking recommended; ₹1,500–3,500 per night.
Facilities are modest compared to Port Blair/Havelock. Book early in peak season (Dec–Feb).
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Culture: Home to diverse communities including Karen and Ranchi settlers; friendly, close-knit town vibe.
- Food: Try fresh seafood thalis, fish curry with rice, and local snacks from bazaar eateries.
- Shopping: Small markets sell spices, coconuts, and handicrafts. Avoid buying corals/shells that violate conservation laws.
Best Time to Visit Mayabunder
- November to April: Dry, calmer seas—best for beaches and inter-town drives.
- May to September: Monsoon; heavy showers, rough seas, occasional road delays.
- October: Shoulder month; mixed weather, fewer crowds.
Top Things to Do with a Taxi
- Sunrise/sunset at Karmatang Beach: Combine with a quick town tour and snack stops.
- Avis Island outing: Taxi to the jetty and coordinate a boat if operational; check permits.
- Ray Hills viewpoint circuit: Great for photography and birding, weather permitting.
- Night turtle watching (seasonal): Requires permissions; arrange with your driver and local authorities.
Nearby Getaways and Day Trips
- Rangat (1.5–2.5 hrs): Amkunj Beach, Dhani Nallah mangrove boardwalk; scenic coastal stops.
- Diglipur (2–3 hrs): Base for Ross & Smith Islands sandbar visit; reserve a full day.
- Baratang (3–4 hrs): Limestone caves and mangrove creeks; regulated access, plan timings strictly.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Local taxi (full day): ₹3,000–6,000 depending on vehicle and distance.
- Intercity taxi (one-way): ₹3,000–5,500 to Rangat/Diglipur; ₹9,500–13,500 to/from Port Blair.
- Rooms: ₹1,200–4,500 per night for most travelers.
- Meals: ₹200–500 per person at local eateries; seafood dishes a bit higher.
- Permits/boats: ₹200–1,500+ per person where applicable, depending on site and season.
These are guide prices; confirm current rates on arrival.
Practical Tips and Safety
- Start early: Long inter-town drives are best in daylight.
- Connectivity: Networks (BSNL/Airtel/Jio) may be patchy. Download offline maps and carry cash.
- Responsible travel: No photography in protected tribal reserve stretches; hefty penalties apply.
- Health & comfort: Carry water, motion-sickness meds, and light snacks for the ATR.
For families
- Book an SUV for space and comfort; request a child seat if needed (limited availability).
- Plan frequent breaks; choose beaches with shade and facilities.
For honeymooners and couples
- Time a golden-hour drive to Karmatang Beach; carry a light picnic.
- Confirm privacy-friendly stays and flexible taxi hours for sunrise/sunset plans.
For friends and backpackers
- Mix shared jeeps for longer hops with local autos for short trips to save costs.
- Split day-cab hires; agree on per-km extras in advance.
FAQs
Q: Are taxis easily available in Mayabunder?
A: Yes. While the fleet is smaller than Port Blair, you can usually arrange a taxi through your stay, local stands, or by phone. Prebooking helps in peak season and for early departures.
Q: How much is a taxi from Port Blair to Mayabunder?
A: Expect ₹9,500–13,500 one-way depending on vehicle type, season, and inclusions. Travel time is typically 7–9 hours with regulated check-post sections.
Q: Do drivers accept UPI or cards?
A: Many accept UPI when network is available, but cash is still most reliable. Card acceptance is rare outside large hotels.
Q: Can foreign nationals visit Mayabunder?
A: Most areas in North & Middle Andaman, including Mayabunder, are accessible to foreign nationals. Certain islands/forests need special permissions, and tribal reserves remain off-limits. Always check the latest local advisories.
Q: Is self-drive car rental available?
A: Self-drive options are limited in the Andamans. Chauffeured taxis and shared jeeps are the norm for inter-town travel.
Conclusion
Quiet and scenic, Mayabunder is best explored with the flexibility of a taxi. From Karmatang’s long beach walks to day trips across North & Middle Andaman, reliable local cabs make routes simple, timings efficient, and remote stops accessible. Plan early starts, confirm fares in writing, and carry offline essentials to enjoy a smooth, unhurried journey through this lesser-traveled part of the Andamans.
