Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Rangat in March: Weather & Why Visit
- Must-Visit Places in and around Rangat
- Top Experiences and Activities
- Local Culture, Food & Shopping
- Nearby Getaways
- How to Reach Rangat
- Getting Around
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Suggested 3-Day March Itinerary
- Travel Tips (General + For Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat is a quiet, centrally located town in Middle Andaman Island, ideal for travelers who want mangrove walks, turtle-nesting beaches, and laid-back coastal life without the crowds of Havelock or Port Blair. Visiting Rangat in March means warm, largely dry days, calmer seas for inter-island ferries, and the tail-end of turtle nesting along nearby beaches and sanctuaries.
Set amid villages, creeks, and mixed forests, Rangat makes a great base to explore Amkunj Beach, Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, Morrice Dera, Yeratta’s mangrove parks, and to plan a day trip to Long Island for Lalaji Bay.
Rangat in March: Weather & Why Visit
- Temperature: ~26–32°C daytime; 23–26°C at night.
- Rainfall: Low to moderate (occasional pre-monsoon showers), mostly sunny.
- Humidity: High (70–85%); sea breeze keeps evenings pleasant.
- Sea conditions: Generally calm; favorable for inter-island ferries.
- Wildlife: Late-season turtle activity can occur at protected beaches near Rangat (subject to Forest Dept. access).
Why March works: better ferry reliability than monsoon season, fewer tourists than December–January, and good visibility for nature walks and beach days.
Must-Visit Places in and around Rangat
1) Amkunj Beach
An eco-friendly, pebbly-sand beach about 8–10 km from Rangat Bazaar with driftwood benches and a raw, natural shoreline. Good for sunrise, picnics, and relaxed walks. Swimming is not always advised due to uneven seabed and currents; follow local guidance.
2) Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway
Near Betapur (roughly 15–20 km from town), this scenic 1 km boardwalk winds through dense mangroves to a quiet beach. Informative signboards explain mangrove ecology. The beach is a known turtle nesting stretch (access may be regulated during nesting).
3) Yeratta Mangrove Park & Interpretation Centre
About 8–10 km from Rangat, Yeratta showcases multiple mangrove species via short boardwalks and viewpoint towers. Great for birdwatching and learning about coastal ecosystems.
4) Morrice Dera Beach
Rugged shoreline with twin rock formations, tidal pools, and a short trail (around 12 km from Rangat). Best visited at low tide for safe exploration of the intertidal zone. Not a swimming beach.
5) Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (near Rangat)
A protected stretch for sea turtles (December to April is typical season). Access may require Forest Department permission; guided night observations, if permitted, operate under strict regulations.
6) Panchavati Hills and Seasonal Falls
Undulating countryside near Panchavati village. The waterfall is seasonal; by March, flow can be reduced, but the countryside remains scenic for short walks.
7) Day Trip Gateway: Long Island
Reachable by government ferry from Yeratta Jetty, Long Island leads to Lalaji Bay (and onward boat trips to Merk Bay when permitted). Expect pristine beaches, forest trails, and clear water. Confirm boat/ferry schedules in advance.
Top Experiences and Activities
- Mangrove walks at Dhani Nallah and Yeratta to spot mudskippers, crabs, and birds.
- Beachcombing and sunrise at Amkunj; rock-pool exploration at Morrice Dera (low tide).
- Late-season turtle conservation viewing (if officially arranged) near Cuthbert Bay.
- Island-hop to Long Island for Lalaji Bay; optional snorkeling with authorized operators only.
- Birdwatching along creeks at dawn; carry binoculars and respect no-disturb zones.
Local Culture, Food & Shopping
Food
- Seafood staples: fish curry, fried fish, prawn masala (availability varies daily).
- South Indian tiffin: idli, dosa, vada for easy breakfasts.
- North Indian thalis and Bengali-style fish curries at simple local eateries.
- Vegetarian options are available but limited; plan ahead for specific dietary needs.
Culture
Rangat is a working town with communities from mainland India. It’s modest, friendly, and early-to-bed. Respect local customs and avoid restricted tribal reserve areas.
Shopping
- Small bazaars offer daily essentials and simple souvenirs.
- Look for licensed wood or coconut handicrafts. Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle-derived items (illegal).
- Carry cash; card acceptance can be patchy and ATMs limited.
Nearby Getaways
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves, mangroves, and mud volcano; a full-day trip from Rangat or en route to/from Port Blair.
- Long Island: Forested island with Lalaji Bay; great for quiet beaches and nature walks.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach (noted for turtle nesting), Austin Creek; about 70–80 km north.
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islands (long day or overnight from Rangat).
How to Reach Rangat
From Port Blair
- By Road (most common): 170–180 km via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR); 6–7.5 hours depending on traffic and short vehicle-ferry crossings. No stopping inside the Jarawa Reserve; follow all instructions.
- By Government/Private Bus: Frequent services; budget-friendly but slower.
- By Shared Jeep/Sumo: Faster than buses; moderate fares.
- By Ferry: Limited/intermittent services to Yeratta/Rangat or via Long Island. Schedules change; check at STARS/Directorate of Shipping Services counters in Port Blair.
From Havelock/Neil
No direct public connection to Rangat. Return to Port Blair or connect via Long Island with multiple legs; verify local schedules.
Documents
- Indian citizens: carry a government photo ID.
- Foreign nationals: passport and valid Indian visa. Some islands are restricted; stay updated on current regulations.
Getting Around
- Local buses connect Rangat with nearby villages and attractions.
- Auto-rickshaws are available in town; negotiate fares in advance.
- Rental scooters may be available informally; check condition, papers, and fuel.
- No app-based ride-hailing; plan returns before sunset.
Accommodation Options
Rangat has simple, value-focused stays; luxury resorts are not present.
- Eco-huts/Forest lodges: Near Amkunj and Dhani Nallah (basic facilities; book locally).
- Government guest houses: Limited rooms; advance inquiry required.
- Budget lodges/guesthouses: Around Rangat Bazaar; fan or basic AC rooms.
Typical price range (indicative): INR 800–3,000 per night depending on season and amenities.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Shoestring: INR 2,000–3,500 per person per day (bus transport, budget lodge, local meals).
- Mid-range: INR 3,500–7,000 per person per day (AC room, shared jeep hires, guided activities).
- Comfort: INR 7,000–12,000 per person per day (best available rooms, private car, island day trips).
Sample daily breakdown (mid-range, per person): Stay 1,800–2,800; Food 600–1,000; Local transport 500–1,200; Entry/permits/activities 200–1,000.
Suggested 3-Day March Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Coastal Walks
- Arrive from Port Blair by late morning/early afternoon; check-in.
- Sunset at Amkunj Beach; carry drinking water and walk the shoreline.
Day 2: Mangroves and Beaches
- Morning at Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway to beat the heat.
- Yeratta Mangrove Park and Interpretation Centre after lunch.
- Late afternoon at Morrice Dera for rock pools (check tide times).
Day 3: Optional Wildlife/Island Trip
- Forest Department–permitted turtle viewing (if operating) near Cuthbert Bay; or
- Day trip to Long Island (pre-book ferry), hike/boat to Lalaji Bay, return by evening.
Travel Tips (General + For Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
General Packing
- Light breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle; electrolyte sachets.
- Waterproof sandals/shoes for boardwalks and tidal pools.
- Cash for remote areas; limited ATMs and card acceptance.
Connectivity
- Mobile data can be patchy; BSNL/Airtel/Jio may work intermittently.
- Download offline maps and keep key reservations/screenshots handy.
Families
- Prioritize morning outings to avoid midday heat with kids.
- Choose beaches with gentle shorelines for play; avoid unsupervised swimming.
- Carry snacks and a basic first-aid kit.
Honeymooners
- Plan sunset walks at Amkunj and quiet time on Long Island’s Lalaji Bay.
- Book stays with private, quiet settings; confirm power backup and AC.
- Arrange private transport for flexible timings.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use shared jeeps/buses to cut costs.
- Time visits around tides for rock pooling at Morrice Dera.
- Check ferry boards early for Long Island seats; carry ID.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Swim only where locals confirm it’s safe; heed crocodile warnings near creeks and certain beaches.
- No stopping, photography, or interaction in Jarawa Reserve along ATR; observe all rules.
- For turtle nesting areas, follow Forest Department protocols; red-light torches only when allowed.
- Pack out all trash; avoid plastics on beaches and boardwalks.
- Do not collect shells, corals, or any marine life; it’s illegal and harmful.
FAQs
Q: Is March a good time to visit Rangat?
A: Yes. March is warm and mostly dry with calmer seas, making it suitable for mangrove walks, beach time, and day trips to Long Island. It’s also the tail end of turtle season at nearby sanctuaries.
Q: How many days do I need for Rangat?
A: Two to three full days cover Amkunj, Dhani Nallah, Morrice Dera, Yeratta Mangrove Park, and an optional Long Island day trip.
Q: Can I swim at Amkunj or Morrice Dera?
A: These beaches are better for walks and views. Swimming is not recommended at Morrice Dera and can be risky at Amkunj due to rocks and currents. Always check local advice and signage.
Q: Are ferries to Long Island daily in March?
A: Services are limited and schedule-bound. Check current timings at the Yeratta Jetty office or Directorate of Shipping Services in Port Blair and book early.
Q: Will I get mobile data in Rangat?
A: Expect patchy connectivity. Calls usually work, but data speeds vary. Download offline maps and keep essential info saved.
Conclusion
Rangat in March offers warm weather, accessible mangrove ecosystems, quiet beaches, and manageable sea conditions for inter-island trips. With simple stays, local eateries, and nature-forward experiences, it’s a rewarding base to explore Middle Andaman’s quieter side while keeping travel practical and low-key.
