Table of Contents
- Introduction to Rangat (4 Nights 5 Days Itinerary)
- Must-Visit Places in Rangat
- Rangat 4 Nights 5 Days Itinerary
- Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Rangat
- How to Reach Rangat
- Accommodation Options in and around Rangat
- Estimated Trip Cost for 4N/5D
- Tips for Visiting Rangat
- Traveler-Specific Advice (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Packing Checklist for Middle Andaman
- FAQs about Rangat
- Conclusion
Introduction to Rangat (4 Nights 5 Days Itinerary)
Rangat, set in the heart of Middle Andaman Island, is the Andamans at its most natural: mangrove creeks, quiet village roads, turtle-nesting beaches, and eco-parks crafted from driftwood. It’s a superb base for travelers who want the islands beyond the usual resort circuit—pairing laid-back island life with day trips to Long Island and pristine bays.
This 4 nights 5 days guide blends a scenic overland journey with mangrove walks, beaches like Amkunj and Morrice Dera, and a boat hop to Long Island’s Lalaji Bay, all with practical details on transport, stays, costs, and safety.
Must-Visit Places in Rangat
Amkunj Beach Eco Park
A rugged, pebbly beach turned eco-park with driftwood seating, log bridges, and shaded huts. Great for sunrise and golden-hour photography. Swimming is not recommended due to rocks and occasional strong currents.
Dhani Nallah (Dhaninallah) Mangrove Walkway
A beautiful raised wooden walkway through thick mangroves, opening to a broad, quiet beach. Spot crabs and birdlife along the boardwalk. Best in the morning or late afternoon for soft light and cooler temperatures.
Morrice Dera Beach and Twin Rock Formation
A short nature trail leads to a dramatic rockscape and twin rock formations battered by waves. Good for picnics and photos. Watch footing on wet rocks.
Yerrata Mangrove Viewpoint
A multi-level tower offering panoramic views over mangrove creeks and islands. Go at sunrise or sunset for wide-open vistas.
Cuthbert Bay Beach & Turtle Nesting Ground
Part of the Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, known for seasonal nesting of Olive Ridley and sometimes Green turtles (peak roughly December to February). Access and night visits may be regulated; always check locally and follow guidelines.
Panchavati Waterfall (Seasonal)
A small, scenic cascade amid greenery, typically best post-monsoon to early winter when flow is adequate. Roads can get slushy in heavy rains.
Rangat 4 Nights 5 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Port Blair to Rangat via Baratang (Travel + En Route Sights)
- Distance/time: ~170–190 km by road, 6–8 hours depending on stops and traffic.
- Morning: Start early from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road. If time and conditions permit, stop at Baratang for the limestone caves (boat through mangroves) and mud volcano. Local permits and timings apply.
- Afternoon: Continue to Rangat; check in. Relax at Amkunj Beach Eco Park for sunset.
- Evening: Simple seafood dinner at a local eatery.
Day 2: Rangat Highlights (Mangroves, Viewpoints, Beaches)
- Morning: Walk the Dhani Nallah boardwalk and spend time at the beach.
- Midday: Head to Yerrata Mangrove Viewpoint for panoramic photos.
- Afternoon: Visit Morrice Dera Beach and Twin Rocks; carry water and snacks.
- Seasonal add-on: Panchavati Waterfall (check flow and road condition).
- Night (seasonal): If in nesting months and with permissions, consult locals for turtle-watching protocols at Cuthbert Bay.
Day 3: Long Island Day Trip (Lalaji Bay & Guitar Island)
- Logistics: Take a government ferry or licensed boat from Rangat/Yerrata Jetty to Long Island. Timings vary—confirm at the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) office in Rangat a day prior.
- On Long Island: Stroll the quiet village, then trek (~1.5–2 hours one way) through forest to Lalaji Bay or hire a local boat if available.
- Activities: Beach time, swimming in safe conditions, optional boat to Guitar Island sandbar when the tide allows. Carry packed lunch and plenty of water.
- Return: Catch the afternoon boat back to Rangat.
Day 4: Mayabunder Excursion or Leisure Day
- Option A: Day trip to Mayabunder (~70–80 km; 2–3 hours one way). Visit Karmatang Beach (turtle nesting site in season), Avis Island viewpoint/area (access may be restricted; check locally). Return by evening.
- Option B: Slow day in Rangat—sunrise at Amkunj, café stop in Rangat Bazaar, revisit favorite beach, souvenir browsing.
Day 5: Rangat to Port Blair
- Morning: Drive back to Port Blair. Keep buffer time for checkpoints or ferry/bridge traffic near Baratang.
- Afternoon: End of trip or onward flight the next day.
Local Culture, Food and Shopping
Rangat is a working island town with a mix of cultures—Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Ranchi, and Nicobarese influences. Life is unhurried and community-centered.
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry, prawn fry, and simple South Indian meals dominate. Expect small, family-run eateries rather than large restaurants.
- Drinks: Tender coconut water is widely available. Pack your own coffee/tea kit if you prefer specific blends.
- Shopping: Daily essentials in Rangat Bazaar. For souvenirs, Port Blair has better variety. Do not buy corals, turtle shells, or any marine life products—possession is illegal.
- Evenings: Quiet. Plan early dinners and early starts.
Nearby Getaways from Rangat
- Long Island: Gateway to Lalaji Bay and Guitar Island; ideal for a day trip from Rangat.
- Baratang: Mangrove creeks, limestone caves, and mud volcano en route between Port Blair and Rangat.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach and creeks; a calmer North Andaman outpost.
- Diglipur (longer trip): Ross & Smith Islands and Ramnagar Beach; typically needs an extra night or two.
How to Reach Rangat
- By Road from Port Blair: 6–8 hours via the Andaman Trunk Road. The route transits near protected tribal reserve areas with regulated speed and no stopping—follow all advisories. A bridge now streamlines the Middle Strait crossing, but checks may still cause minor delays.
- By Bus: Government and private buses run Port Blair–Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur. Seats are economical but schedules can be early and long.
- By Sea: Government ferries run subject to schedules and weather between Port Blair, Rangat, and Long Island/Mayabunder. Check DSS counters in Port Blair and Rangat for current timings and bookings.
- Permits: Most tourists do not need a separate Restricted Area Permit for the main islands. Some areas remain off-limits; photography is prohibited in and near tribal reserves. Carry a valid photo ID.
Accommodation Options in and around Rangat
- Budget guesthouses and homestays: Simple rooms near Rangat Bazaar; fan or basic AC, running water, limited amenities.
- Eco-cottages: Rustic stays near Amkunj/Dhani Nallah crafted with local materials; book ahead in peak months.
- Government guest houses: Limited rooms; inquire locally for availability and booking procedures.
- Where to base: For this itinerary, stay all 4 nights in Rangat to minimize packing and long daily drives.
Estimated Trip Cost for 4N/5D
Indicative per-person costs in INR for a couple sharing (as of 2025; varies by season and availability):
- Accommodation (4 nights): Budget 5,000–10,000; Mid-range eco-stay 10,000–18,000.
- Transport:
- Private cab Port Blair–Rangat return + local sightseeing: 16,000–22,000 per vehicle.
- Bus seats (return): 800–1,400 per person.
- Boats/ferries (Rangat–Long Island–Rangat): 300–1,200 per person (govt ferry) or 5,000–8,000 per chartered boat (shared across group).
- Food: 2,000–4,000 per person for simple meals and occasional seafood.
- Activities/permits (Baratang caves boat, entry tickets, viewpoints): 1,000–2,500 per person depending on choices.
Approximate total per person for 4N/5D: Budget 10,000–18,000 (by bus, simple stays) to 22,000–35,000 (with private cab and eco-stay). Airfare to Port Blair is extra.
Tips for Visiting Rangat
- Best time: October to April for calmer seas and clearer skies. May to September is monsoon—lush landscapes but rougher seas and possible travel disruptions.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; BSNL often best, Airtel/Jio variable. Download offline maps.
- Cash & ATMs: Carry sufficient cash; ATMs exist but can run out in smaller towns.
- Health & safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate well, and watch for slippery rocks. Observe crocodile warning signage near mangrove creeks; swim only where locally advised.
- Responsible travel: No littering, no drones without permission, no entry into restricted zones, no interaction with wildlife or tribal communities. Avoid collecting shells/corals.
- Boat days: Confirm ferry schedules a day prior; tides and weather can alter timings.
Traveler-Specific Advice (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Families
- Choose central stays near Rangat Bazaar for easy meal access and shorter drives.
- Prioritize Dhani Nallah walkway and Amkunj Eco Park; skip longer treks if traveling with toddlers.
- Carry snacks, ORS, and a small first-aid kit.
Honeymooners
- Plan golden-hour visits to Amkunj and Lalaji Bay for serene photos.
- Opt for eco-cottages with privacy; pre-order special seafood dinners when possible.
- Keep one “do-nothing” afternoon for beach strolls and sunset.
Friends/Small Groups
- Charter a boat to combine Long Island with Guitar Island when tides allow—cost-effective when shared.
- Add Mayabunder for soft adventure (creek rides, long beach walks).
- Bring games, speakers (low volume), and a power strip; evenings are quiet.
Packing Checklist for Middle Andaman
- Light, breathable clothing, a light rain jacket (year-round useful).
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses.
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky beaches like Amkunj.
- Insect repellent, basic meds, motion-sickness tablets for boat rides.
- Reusable water bottle, dry bag, microfiber towel.
- Power bank, spare charging cables, offline maps.
- Photo ID, multiple photocopies for tickets and checkposts.
FAQs about Rangat
Q: Is Rangat good for swimming?
A: Many Rangat beaches are rocky or near mangroves. Swim only where locals advise it’s safe, and avoid creeks with crocodile advisories. Lalaji Bay (Long Island) is usually better for a calm swim in fair weather.
Q: Can I visit Long Island without staying overnight?
A: Yes. Day trips are possible by government ferry or licensed boat from Rangat/Yerrata Jetty, subject to schedules and weather. Check timings locally the day before.
Q: Do I need permits to cross the Jarawa area on the ATR?
A: Tourists can transit the route by following regulations such as no stopping and no photography. Carry photo ID and comply with police/forest checks. Separate permits are not typically required for transit.
Q: What’s the best season for turtle nesting at Cuthbert Bay?
A: Peak nesting is generally December to February, sometimes extending into March. Access can be regulated; always check current guidelines and go with authorized staff if allowed.
Q: Are card payments widely accepted in Rangat?
A: Many small eateries and shops are cash-first. Some accept UPI or cards, but connectivity can be inconsistent. Carry adequate cash as backup.
Conclusion
Rangat rewards slow travelers with mangrove walks, quiet beaches, and a real slice of island life. Over five days you can pair its eco-spots with a boat escape to Long Island, add a Baratang detour, and still return unhurried. Keep plans flexible for tides and weather, travel responsibly, and let Middle Andaman’s understated charm do the rest.
