Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Choose Rangat for Budget Stays
- Best Budget Hotels and Stays in Rangat (Price Guide)
- Must-Visit Places in and around Rangat
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Nearby Getaways from Rangat
- How to Reach Rangat and Get Around
- Estimated Costs and Sample Budget
- Travel Tips and Safety
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a pocket-friendly Andaman trip beyond Port Blair and Havelock? Rangat, set in Middle Andaman, is a quiet base for mangrove walks, turtle beaches, and road-tripping the Andaman Trunk Road—without breaking the bank. This guide covers budget hotels in Rangat, where to stay, average prices, what to expect, and practical travel tips, plus nearby sights to add value to your stay.
Why Choose Rangat for Budget Stays
- Central base for Middle Andaman highlights: Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, Aamkunj Beach, Yerrata Mangrove Park, and Cutbert Bay turtle nesting beach.
- Lower room rates than Port Blair and Havelock/Neil, especially for basic AC/non-AC rooms.
- Good for road-trippers linking Baratang–Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur.
Best Time to Visit on a Budget
- October to April: Pleasant weather, ideal for beaches and mangroves.
- December to February: Peak for turtle nesting at Cutbert Bay; book early.
- May to September (monsoon): Heavier rains; some discounts but transport/ferries may be disrupted.
Best Budget Hotels and Stays in Rangat (Price Guide)
Rangat’s accommodation scene is simple: small lodges, family-run guesthouses, and a few basic hotels near the market and jetties. Facilities are modest and value-focused.
Where to Stay in Rangat: Best Areas
- Rangat Bazaar (Town Center): Easiest access to buses, eateries, ATMs; most budget rooms cluster here.
- Yerrata/Jetty Side: Quieter vibe near mangrove park and watchtower; limited but peaceful stays.
- Aamkunj–Dhani Nallah Belt: Handy for early beach/mangrove walks; expect basic guesthouses and homestays.
Typical Amenities in Budget Stays
- Room types: Non-AC and AC doubles; few properties have family rooms.
- Bath: Attached bathrooms; hot water via geyser or bucket on request.
- Connectivity: Mobile data (Airtel/Jio/BSNL) varies; Wi‑Fi is limited or absent.
- Power: Occasional outages; many have basic generator backup.
- Dining: In-house canteens or tie-ups with nearby eateries; seafood thalis common.
- Payments: Cash-first; cards/UPI may not always work—carry reserve cash.
Price Range and What You Get
- Non-AC standard room: INR 900–1,500 per night (clean basics, fan, attached bath).
- AC standard room: INR 1,500–2,500 per night (better sleep quality in humid months).
- Simple homestay/guesthouse: INR 1,200–2,200 per night (sometimes includes home-style breakfast).
- Family room (where available): INR 2,200–3,500 per night (limited inventory).
Prices fluctuate by season, festival dates, and availability on the Andaman Trunk Road. Walk-in bargaining can work in shoulder/monsoon season.
How to Book on a Budget
- Local approach: Call properties directly (numbers often listed on regional directories) or walk in by mid-day for best availability.
- Travel desks: Andaman tour operators can reserve Rangat stays along multi-stop itineraries.
- Timing: For Dec–Feb and long weekends, pre-arrange; for monsoon, walk-ins are feasible.
- Check-in norms: Many follow morning check-in/out aligned with bus timings; confirm by phone.
Must-Visit Places in and around Rangat
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway: Long wooden boardwalk through lush mangroves leading to a quiet beach.
- Aamkunj Beach: Pebbly stretches, eco-huts, and a serene shoreline; great for sunrise.
- Yerrata Mangrove Park & Watchtower: Elevated tower views over dense mangroves—spot birds at dawn.
- Cutbert Bay Beach (Turtle Nesting): Seasonal nesting and conservation center; best Dec–Feb with guided night visits.
- Moricedera: Rocky coastline and blowhole-like formations during rough seas; cautious footing required.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis: Fish curry, rice, dal, sabzi; fresh catch varies daily.
- South Indian staples: Idli, dosa, vada for affordable breakfasts.
- Snacks: Samosas, pakoras, tea stalls around Rangat Bazaar.
Shopping
- Rangat Market: Daily essentials, simple clothing, travel supplies.
- Souvenirs: Limited; consider local spices and packaged coconut products.
Culture
- Diverse communities (Bengali, Tamil, Ranchi) shape food and festivals.
- Life is slow-paced; respect early closing hours and quiet beaches after dark.
Nearby Getaways from Rangat
- Long Island: Blue waters and village charm; accessed via Yeratta/Oralkatcha jetties when boats operate.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves and mangroves (typically done en route from Port Blair).
- Mayabunder: German Jetty, parks, and quieter beaches; 70–80 km north.
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith sandbar and Kalipur turtle beach; full-day drive further north.
How to Reach Rangat and Get Around
From Port Blair
- By Road (most common): 240–260 km via Andaman Trunk Road; 6–8 hours depending on stops.
- Transport: Government/private buses, shared jeeps, or reserved cabs. Early morning departures recommended.
From Diglipur/Mayabunder
- Frequent buses and shared jeeps run along the trunk road; 2–3.5 hours from Mayabunder, 5–6 hours from Diglipur.
By Ferry
- Inter-island ferries to Rangat operate on limited, changeable schedules; tickets often sold at counters only.
- Verify latest timings in Port Blair or Rangat counters; weather and demand impact sailings.
Local Transport
- Auto-rickshaws for short hops; negotiate fares.
- Buses connect main beaches and town but may be infrequent—plan around timings.
- Self-drive rentals are limited; if driving, carry fuel and cash.
Estimated Costs and Sample Budget
- Room (budget double): INR 1,200–2,200 per night
- Meals (simple eateries): INR 300–600 per person per day
- Local transport: INR 200–800 per day (mix of bus/auto)
- Sightseeing/entries: Mostly free; occasional small fees (INR 10–100)
Sample daily budget for two: INR 2,200–3,800 (room + meals + local transport + minor fees).
Travel Tips and Safety
- Carry cash: ATMs exist but can be low on cash or offline.
- Connectivity: Expect patchy mobile data; download maps offline.
- Eco-care: Follow beach and mangrove park guidelines; avoid plastics.
- Health: Sun protection, ORS, and basic meds; drink sealed water.
- Sea safety: Strong currents at some beaches; swim only where locals advise.
Tips for Families
- Choose AC rooms for better sleep with kids; confirm extra bedding.
- Plan early starts for mangrove walks; carry snacks and ponchos.
Tips for Honeymooners/Couples
- Pick quieter stays near Yerrata or Aamkunj; confirm privacy and balcony options.
- Time visits for sunrise/sunset; carry insect repellent for evenings.
Tips for Friends/Backpackers
- Use buses and shared jeeps; walk-in rates can be cheaper off-season.
- Bring a multi-plug, torch, and power bank; power cuts are possible.
Packing Checklist for Rangat
- Light cottons, rain jacket (monsoon), hat, sunglasses
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle, dry bag, basic first-aid
- Copies of ID, cash in small denominations
FAQs
Q: What is the typical price of budget hotels in Rangat?
A: Expect INR 900–1,500 for non-AC and INR 1,500–2,500 for AC standard rooms, depending on season and location.
Q: Is it necessary to book Rangat hotels in advance?
A: In peak months (Dec–Feb) and long weekends, yes. In shoulder or monsoon seasons, walk-ins often work.
Q: Which area is best to stay for first-time visitors?
A: Rangat Bazaar offers the most convenience for transport, food, and ATMs. Choose Yerrata/Aamkunj if you prefer quiet surroundings.
Q: Do budget hotels in Rangat have Wi‑Fi?
A: Many do not, or it’s unreliable. Plan for mobile data with variable coverage; download offline maps.
Q: Is AC worth paying for in Rangat?
A: Yes in warmer/humid months (Oct–May). Monsoon and cooler nights may be fine with non-AC if you’re comfortable with fans.
Conclusion
Rangat is a cost-effective base to explore Middle Andaman’s mangroves, beaches, and turtle nesting sites. Budget hotels and guesthouses cluster around the market and jetty areas, offering simple rooms, modest amenities, and genuine local hospitality. With manageable daily costs, flexible transport, and early planning in peak months, you can experience Rangat’s natural highlights on a wallet-friendly itinerary.
