Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Rangat
- Suggested Rangat Tour Packages from Port Blair (Itineraries)
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Rangat from Port Blair
- Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- Nearby Getaways & Extensions
- Activities & Experiences
- Practical Tips (General & Traveler-Specific)
- Permits, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Sample Budget Breakdown
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning Rangat tour packages from Port Blair rewards you with unhurried beaches, emerald mangroves, and one of the Andamans’ most eco-friendly experiences. Set in Middle Andaman, Rangat sits between the busier south (Port Blair–Havelock) and the wild north (Mayabunder–Diglipur), making it a perfect nature stopover or a quiet base for day trips to Long Island and turtle-nesting shores. Think boardwalks through mangrove canopies, driftwood-studded beaches, and star-lit nights with the sound of the sea.
Must-Visit Places in Rangat
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway – A scenic wooden boardwalk (approx. 1 km) through dense mangroves with a watchtower for birding. Best at sunrise or late afternoon.
- Aamkunj Beach & Eco Park – A rugged, photogenic beach with eco-friendly seating made from driftwood. Great for sunsets; swimming is not advised due to strong currents.
- Moricedera Beach – Rocky outcrops and natural tide pools make this a striking spot for photos and quiet contemplation. Slippery when wet; wear good footwear.
- Yeratta Mangrove Park & Interpretation Centre – Learn about mangrove ecosystems and enjoy panoramic views from the watchtower near Yeratta Jetty.
- Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – Seasonal nesting site for Olive Ridley, Green, and Hawksbill turtles (typically Nov–Feb). Night visits must be coordinated with Forest Department guides.
- Panchavati Hills & Waterfall – A small, seasonal cascade set amid greenery (best in/just after monsoon). Check local conditions.
- Long Island (via Yeratta Jetty; day trip/overnight) – Gateway to Lalaji Bay and Guitar Island sandbar. Pristine waters and forested trails; facilities are minimal.
Suggested Rangat Tour Packages from Port Blair (Itineraries)
1 Day Express (Only if pressed for time)
- Early start (4:00–5:00 AM) from Port Blair via NH4. Transit rules/time windows across the Jarawa Reserve may apply—confirm the day’s schedule.
- Quick halt at Baratang for breakfast; continue to Rangat.
- Visit Dhani Nallah and Aamkunj Beach. Optional: Yeratta Mangrove Park.
- Late afternoon return to Port Blair (total road time can exceed 12–14 hours). Not ideal for families with kids or seniors.
2 Days / 1 Night (Balanced & Popular)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Baratang (optional Limestone Caves stop, time permitting) → Rangat. Sunset at Aamkunj; overnight in Rangat.
- Day 2: Early visit to Dhani Nallah; seasonal stop at Cuthbert Bay for turtle hatchery awareness session. Optional Yeratta boat ride or proceed towards Mayabunder/return to Port Blair.
3 Days / 2 Nights (Nature-Focused)
- Day 1: Port Blair → Rangat with scenic/photo stops; sunset at Aamkunj.
- Day 2: Boat to Long Island, trek to Lalaji Bay (carry water/snacks). Optional boat to Guitar Island. Overnight in Rangat or eco-stay on Long Island (limited).
- Day 3: Cuthbert Bay (seasonal) → return to Port Blair or continue north to Mayabunder/Diglipur.
Note: Ferry/boat timings change with weather and season. Always reconfirm a day prior.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: Dry, sunny, calm seas. Peak for sightseeing and Long Island trips.
- November to February: Turtle nesting season at Cuthbert Bay (regulated night visits).
- May to September: Monsoon; heavy rain, rough seas, occasional road/ferry disruptions. Lush greenery but limited boating.
- Shoulder months (Oct, late Apr): Good balance of weather and fewer crowds.
How to Reach Rangat from Port Blair
By Road (Most Common)
- Route: NH4 (Andaman Trunk Road) via Baratang → Middle Andaman (approx. 170–180 km).
- Duration: 6–8 hours one way, depending on check-posts, traffic, and weather.
- Options & Costs (indicative, one-way):
- Government/Private Bus: INR 400–800 per person.
- Shared AC Vehicle: INR 1,200–2,000 per person.
- Private Cab: INR 7,000–10,000 per vehicle (sedan/SUV), excluding waiting/driver allowances.
- Important: Crossing the Jarawa Reserve has strict rules (no stopping, no photography). Time-window/escort protocols may apply; check locally the day before.
By Ferry (Limited, check schedules)
- Operator: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), inter-island ferries.
- Route/Time: Port Blair to Rangat/Yeratta or via intermediate islands; typically 6–8 hours.
- Tickets: Usually released 1–3 days prior; purchase at DSS counters in Port Blair. Fares approx. INR 400–1,200 depending on class.
- Note: Weather cancellations are possible; services are less frequent than buses.
By Air
No airport in Rangat. Fly into Port Blair (IXZ) and continue by road/ferry.
Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Budget Guesthouses (Rangat town/Aamkunj area): INR 1,000–2,500 per night. Simple rooms, basic amenities, early kitchen closing.
- Mid-range Lodges/Tourism Rest Houses: INR 2,500–4,500 per night. Limited inventory; book ahead in peak months.
- Eco-Stays (Long Island/Rangat outskirts): INR 2,000–5,000 per night. Rustic charm; intermittent power/network possible.
Dining: Local eateries serve thalis (veg/seafood), snacks, and tea. Expect INR 200–450 per meal per person. Carry cash; digital payments may fail due to patchy network.
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Culture
Rangat reflects the diverse settler culture of the Andamans—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Ranchi, and North Indian communities. Hindi and Bengali are widely understood, and locals are warm and helpful. Life here is slow and nature-forward.
Food
- Seafood thalis with fish, prawn, or crab curries.
- Simple South/North Indian meals, tiffin-style breakfasts.
- Coconut-based flavors, banana fritters, and hot chai at roadside stalls.
Shopping
Rangat is functional rather than touristy. For souvenirs (shell crafts, spices, honey, jute goods), Port Blair offers better variety. In Rangat, you’ll find daily-need stores, fruit vendors, and small bakeries.
Nearby Getaways & Extensions
- Baratang Island – Famous for Limestone Caves and the evening spectacle at Parrot Island (thousands of parrots return to roost; boat trip needed). Access rules vary; confirm on ground.
- Long Island – Trails to Lalaji Bay, boat to Guitar Island. Ideal for quiet beaches and forest walks.
- Mayabunder – Karmatang Beach, mangrove creeks, colonial-era jetties. A pleasant step further north.
- Diglipur – Ambitious extension for Ross & Smith Islands sandbar and treks to Saddle Peak.
Activities & Experiences
- Mangrove Boardwalk – Dhani Nallah for birding, photography, and eco-learning.
- Turtle Watching (seasonal) – Cuthbert Bay with Forest Department guidance; strictly no flash or disturbance.
- Beach Hopping – Aamkunj, Moricedera; tide pooling and driftwood photography.
- Island Day Trip – Yeratta to Long Island, trek to Lalaji Bay; optional boat to Guitar Island (subject to sea conditions).
- Light Snorkeling – With own gear near Lalaji Bay on clear days; visibility varies. Not a prime dive/snorkel hub like Havelock.
Practical Tips (General & Traveler-Specific)
General Tips
- Start early from Port Blair to make the most of daylight and manage check-post timings.
- Carry cash; ATMs exist in Rangat but can run out. Network can be patchy—BSNL/Airtel fare better.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a light rain jacket (year-round), and sturdy sandals for rocky beaches.
- No swimming at rough beaches; heed local advice and signboards.
- Respect protected areas. No stopping, feeding, or photographing inside the Jarawa Reserve corridor.
For Families
- Prefer 2D/1N or 3D/2N to avoid rushed road travel.
- Choose stays near Rangat town/Aamkunj for easier meal access and earlier dinners.
- Bring snacks, ORS, and motion-sickness tabs for kids.
For Honeymooners
- Time your trip for sunsets at Aamkunj and quiet mornings at Dhani Nallah.
- Add a day on Long Island for crowd-free beaches.
- Expect simple stays—romance here is about seclusion and nature, not luxury.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Use early government buses/shared cabs to keep costs low.
- Carry a power bank and headlamp; power cuts happen.
- If extending north, string Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur in one loop.
Permits, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Permits: Indian citizens do not need permits to visit Rangat/Port Blair. Foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa; most commonly visited islands, including Rangat, generally do not require a separate Restricted Area Permit as per recent advisories, but rules can change—verify with local authorities before travel.
- Jarawa Reserve: Strictly no stopping, photography, or interaction. Offences incur heavy penalties.
- Wildlife Ethics: During turtle season, follow ranger instructions, avoid lights/flash, and keep a distance.
- Environment: Carry back all trash, avoid single-use plastic, and stick to marked trails/boardwalks.
- Health & Safety: Hydrate well, carry basic meds, and check sea/road conditions daily, especially in monsoon.
Sample Budget Breakdown
- 2D/1N private (couple):
- Private cab Port Blair ↔ Rangat: INR 14,000–18,000 total
- Stay (mid-range): INR 3,000–4,500 per night
- Food: INR 1,200–2,000 per person (2 days)
- Boats/entry (Long Island/Cuthbert Bay where applicable): INR 600–2,000 per person
- Approx. total: INR 22,000–30,000 for two
- 2D/1N budget (backpacker):
- Bus/shared transport: INR 1,500–3,500 total
- Stay (budget): INR 1,000–2,500 per night
- Food: INR 800–1,500 per person
- Boats/entry: INR 400–1,500 per person
- Approx. total: INR 4,500–8,500 per person
Prices are indicative and vary by season, fuel rates, and availability.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to reach Rangat from Port Blair by road?
A: Typically 6–8 hours one way (170–180 km), depending on check-post timings, weather, and traffic.
Q: Is a one-day trip from Port Blair to Rangat worth it?
A: It’s possible but rushed (12–14 hours round trip). A 2D/1N plan is far more comfortable and lets you experience Dhani Nallah, Aamkunj, and Cuthbert Bay properly.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Rangat?
A: Indian nationals don’t need permits for Rangat. Foreign nationals require a valid Indian visa; additional Restricted Area Permits are generally not needed for Rangat as per recent notifications, but always check the latest advisory.
Q: When is turtle nesting season at Cuthbert Bay?
A: Typically from November to February, with variations by year. Visits are regulated and should be arranged with the Forest Department.
Q: How is mobile network and ATM availability in Rangat?
A: BSNL and Airtel usually work with patchy 4G. ATMs exist but can run out of cash—carry enough cash as backup.
Conclusion
Rangat offers a quieter, nature-rich side of the Andamans, best explored on a relaxed 2–3 day escape from Port Blair. Its mangrove boardwalks, turtle shores, and easy access to Long Island create a gentle mix of eco-learning and beach time. With simple stays, scenic roads, and authentic local meals, Rangat is ideal for travelers who prefer landscapes and wildlife over crowds and resorts.
