Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of North Andaman and Taxi Travel
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Types of Taxi Services and How to Book
- Top Places in North Andaman for Taxi Trips
- Tourist Circuits and Popular Routes
- Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Suggested Taxi-Friendly Itineraries
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Taxi and Trip Costs
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Road Conditions, Permits, and Safety
- Connectivity, Money, and Essentials
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning to explore the raw, untamed beauty of North Andaman? Reliable taxi services make the long distances and scattered attractions easy to cover—whether you’re chasing sunrise at Kalipur, trekking Saddle Peak, or day-tripping to the twin islands of Ross & Smith. This guide covers everything you need to know about taxi services in North Andaman—routes, fares, booking styles, and on-the-ground tips—alongside regional highlights, itineraries, and costs.
Overview of North Andaman and Taxi Travel
North Andaman broadly covers the northern stretches of the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), including Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur (gateway to Ross & Smith Islands and Saddle Peak National Park). Distances are long, public transport is infrequent, and mobile data can be spotty—so taxis (mostly SUVs) are the most practical way to get around.
Why taxis work well here
- Door-to-door access to remote beaches, viewpoints, and trek trailheads.
- Flexible schedules around ferry timings and tide windows (e.g., for Ross & Smith sandbar).
- Local driver knowledge for road status, permits, and wildlife/photography restrictions.
Best time to visit
- Peak: December–February (cooler, calm seas; higher demand and rates).
- Shoulder: October–November and March–April (good weather, better availability).
- Monsoon: May–September (lush but rainy; occasional road/ferry disruptions).
How to Reach North Andaman
By air + road
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ). From there, hire a taxi along the ATR to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur.
- Estimated road times (without extended stops):
- Port Blair → Rangat: 5.5–7 hours
- Port Blair → Mayabunder: 7–8.5 hours
- Port Blair → Diglipur (Aerial Bay/Kalipur): 9–11 hours
By ferry (limited)
- Government/passenger ferries sometimes connect Port Blair with Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur (not daily; schedules change).
- Even if you ferry part-way, you’ll likely need taxis for last-mile transfers and sightseeing.
Types of Taxi Services and How to Book
Taxi types
- SUVs (Innova, Xylo, Ertiga): Most common for comfort on long, mixed road surfaces.
- Sedans/Hatchbacks: Available in towns; less common for full ATR runs due to comfort/clearance.
- Auto-rickshaws: Short hops within towns like Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur Bazar.
- Shared jeeps: Budget point-to-point seats on the ATR; fixed routes/timings.
How to book
- Hotel/guesthouse desks: Easiest to arrange reliable local drivers.
- Taxi stands & local unions: In Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur markets.
- Pre-book from Port Blair for airport pickups and long-hauls north.
- Note: App cabs (Ola/Uber) do not operate in North Andaman.
Booking tips
- Get a written quote with inclusions (tolls, driver allowance, night charges, waiting time, parking, GST if applicable).
- Confirm vehicle category (SUV vs sedan), AC use, and luggage capacity.
- Share your plan (ferry slots, trekking starts, sunset spots) so the driver can suggest timings and road updates.
Top Places in North Andaman for Taxi Trips
- Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Islands: Taxi to Aerial Bay jetty + licensed boat; permits at jetty.
- Kalipur Beach & Ramanagar: Quiet beaches; turtle nesting in season.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Taxi to trailhead; full-day trek.
- Mayabunder
- Karmatang Beach: Long, serene shoreline; good for sunsets.
- Avis Island (when open): Short boat hop from Mayabunder jetty; check access locally.
- Rangat
- Amkunj Beach: Eco-friendly seating, driftwood sculptures.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway: Elevated boardwalk through mangroves.
- Transit highlight (en route): Limestone Caves/Parrot Island via Baratang area (availability and access vary; verify locally).
Tourist Circuits and Popular Routes
Classic North Circuit (from Port Blair)
- Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur → return
- Flexible 3–5 nights with sightseeing stops; taxis make staged travel smooth.
Diglipur Focus
- Base in Kalipur/Diglipur; day trips to Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak, Ramanagar, Alfred Caves (season-dependent; guide recommended).
Island-hop + road
- Combine ferries (when available) with taxis for last-mile transfers—use taxis to match variable ferry timings.
Activities and Experiences
- Beach time: Kalipur, Karmatang, Amkunj—taxis for sunset/sunrise timing.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (full day, steep; start early; taxi to the gate).
- Snorkeling/boat trips: Ross & Smith lagoon; coordinate taxi with boatmen’s schedules and tides.
- Mangrove walks: Dhani Nallah boardwalk near Rangat.
- Wildlife seasonality: Turtle nesting near Kalipur (typically winter months; follow ranger guidance).
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan–Feb): Cultural events mainly in Port Blair with occasional northern extensions.
- Local melas and school/cultural fairs in Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur (winter months).
- Pan-India festivals (Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas) are widely observed by settler communities.
Suggested Taxi-Friendly Itineraries
3 Days (Quick North Taster)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat (Amkunj, Dhani Nallah).
- Day 2: Rangat → Diglipur (Kalipur); sunset at Kalipur/Ramanagar.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith in the morning → return drive south.
5 Days (North Highlights)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder (Karmatang).
- Day 2: Mayabunder → Diglipur; permits + plan Ross & Smith timing.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith; evening beach time at Kalipur.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek; rest.
- Day 5: Drive back south with scenic stops.
Tip: Keep one flexible day to handle weather/ferry variations.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur/Kalipur: Beachside resorts, homestays, basic lodges near market; proximity to Aerial Bay jetty is useful.
- Mayabunder: Quiet guesthouses and mid-range stays near Karmatang/market.
- Rangat: Government-run tourist lodges and small hotels near Amkunj/Dhani Nallah.
Typical nightly ranges (subject to season): Budget ₹1,200–2,500; Mid-range ₹2,500–5,500; Higher-end ₹5,500–9,000.
Estimated Taxi and Trip Costs
Rates vary by season, fuel, vehicle type, and inclusions. Indicative one-way/private hire costs:
- Airport (Port Blair) → Rangat: ₹7,000–10,000 (sedan/SUV).
- Port Blair → Mayabunder: ₹9,000–13,000.
- Port Blair → Diglipur/Kalipur: ₹12,000–18,000.
- Rangat → Mayabunder: ₹2,500–4,000.
- Mayabunder → Diglipur: ₹3,500–5,500.
- Local sightseeing (8 hours) in Diglipur region: ₹3,500–6,000 (SUV).
- Auto-rickshaw short hops in towns: ₹80–300 depending on distance/time.
Alternatives: Shared jeeps on ATR can cost roughly ₹800–1,500 per seat for long legs, but timings and comfort are limited.
Boat and permit extras:
- Ross & Smith permits (from Aerial Bay) and boat charges are additional; carry cash and ID. Prices vary by season and boat capacity.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Simple seafood thalis, fresh catch fry, South/North Indian staples, occasional Bengali specialties in market eateries.
- Snacks on the road: Coconut water, samosas, pakoras, fresh fruit stalls along ATR stops.
- Shopping: Small markets in Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur Bazar for essentials; handicraft availability is limited compared to Port Blair.
- Culture: Settler communities from mainland India; a friendly, slow-paced lifestyle; basic amenities—plan meals and fuel stops with your driver.
Road Conditions, Permits, and Safety
- Roads: ATR is mostly paved with ongoing improvements; occasional rough, narrow, or winding stretches—SUVs are preferred.
- Checkpoints & restrictions: Expect police/forest checkpoints. Photography may be restricted in sensitive stretches; follow your driver’s lead.
- Bridges/ferries: Some straits have bridges and/or ferry crossings; operational status can affect timing—confirm a day before travel.
- Permits:
- Ross & Smith: Forest permit at Aerial Bay jetty with ID (payable on-site).
- Tribal/Protected areas: No tourist entry—stick to permitted routes and sites.
- Safety: Daytime driving is recommended. Night travel in remote stretches is limited; plan early starts.
Connectivity, Money, and Essentials
- Mobile/data: Patchy but improving; BSNL and Jio have the widest reach. Download offline maps.
- ATMs/cash: Sparse and occasionally out of service. Carry sufficient cash for permits, boats, meals, and fuel surcharges.
- Fuel/charging: Long gaps between fuel pumps; confirm EV charging is not available on routes.
- Essentials: Sun protection, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, snacks, basic meds, photocopies of ID.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Request an SUV with proper seatbelts; bring a child seat if needed (availability is limited).
- Plan restroom/meal stops; carry snacks and water.
Honeymooners
- Time taxis for sunrise/sunset at Kalipur/Karmatang; ask drivers for quiet coves.
- Build in buffer days for weather-sensitive Ross & Smith trips.
Friends/Backpackers
- Mix shared jeeps for long hauls with local taxis for short sightseeing to save costs.
- Start early for Saddle Peak; arrange pickup timing in advance (patchy networks on return).
Packing & safety
- Quick-dry clothing, sturdy footwear for treks, rain protection in monsoon.
- Respect local communities and all no-photo zones; fines can be heavy.
FAQs
Q: Are taxis readily available in Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Rangat?
A: Yes, but fleets are small. It’s best to pre-book through your hotel or a local taxi stand, especially in peak season and for early-morning starts.
Q: How much does a taxi from Port Blair to Diglipur cost?
A: Typically ₹12,000–18,000 one way depending on vehicle type, season, and inclusions (driver allowance, night halt, waiting time). Confirm the full breakup in advance.
Q: Do Ola or Uber operate in North Andaman?
A: No. App-based cabs do not operate here. Book via hotels, local unions, or established drivers.
Q: Can I visit Ross & Smith Islands by taxi?
A: Taxis take you to Aerial Bay jetty near Diglipur. From there, you’ll obtain a permit and hire a licensed boat to the islands. Plan your taxi around the boat’s timing and tides.
Q: Is night travel allowed on the ATR?
A: Travel after dark is limited and not recommended due to wildlife, checkpoints, and sparse services. Start early and aim to reach your base before evening.
Conclusion
North Andaman’s scenic distances and remote highlights are best navigated with local taxis—ideally SUVs—booked in advance and timed smartly around ferries, hikes, and sunsets. With practical planning for permits, cash, and connectivity, you can cover Rangat’s mangroves, Mayabunder’s quiet shores, and Diglipur’s big-ticket sights like Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak comfortably and safely.
