Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Tips for Visiting
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Mangrove Walkway at Dhaninallah—often spelled Dhani Nallah—is a serene, wooden boardwalk that threads through lush mangrove creeks near Rangat in Middle Andaman. This eco-friendly trail leads to a long, quiet beach that doubles as a nesting site for olive ridley turtles in season. Expect birdsong, rustling leaves, fiddler crabs, and the gentle hum of the Andaman forests as you stroll above tidal waters. It’s one of the most accessible ways to experience the Andaman mangrove ecosystem without disturbing it.
History and Importance
Conceived and maintained by the local Forest Department as a low-impact, community-friendly eco-tourism initiative, the Dhaninallah Mangrove Nature Walkway was built to
- Protect delicate mangrove habitats while allowing visitor access via a raised wooden path.
- Educate visitors through interpretation boards about mangrove species like rhizophora, avicennia, bruguiera, and sonneratia.
- Provide controlled access to Dhaninallah Beach, a known nesting ground for olive ridley turtles (seasonal), minimizing trampling and light disturbance.
Its importance lies in balancing conservation with livelihood opportunities for nearby communities, showcasing how sustainable tourism can work in the Andaman Islands.
Best Time to Visit
- Overall season: October to April offers pleasant weather and calmer seas.
- Turtle nesting: Roughly December to March (sightings are not guaranteed; night access requires strict rules/permissions).
- Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light, bird activity, and cooler temperatures.
- Monsoon (May–September): The boardwalk can be slippery; expect rain, high humidity, and occasional closures or limited maintenance.
Top Things to Do
- Leisurely boardwalk stroll: Spend 45–90 minutes walking the shaded pathway, pausing to read species boards and watch the tidal creeks.
- Birdwatching and wildlife: Look for kingfishers, herons, sunbirds, mudskippers, and fiddler crabs at low tide.
- Photography: Golden-hour scenes of mangrove roots, reflections, and the secluded beach.
- Dhaninallah Beach time: Relax on a quiet, clean stretch of sand at the end of the walkway; swim only if conditions are calm and local advisories permit.
- Turtle conservation awareness: In season, inquire locally about permitted, ranger-guided viewing protocols (no lights, no flash, no disturbance).
How to Reach
Location: Near Rangat, Middle Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. The entry to the mangrove walkway is along the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), approximately 10–14 km from Rangat town toward Mayabunder.
From Port Blair
- By road: 6–8 hours via ATR with ferry crossings through Baratang (shared jeeps/buses/taxis available). Get off at Rangat, then continue by local transport to Dhaninallah.
- By sea (to Rangat/nearby jetties): Inter-island ferries operate subject to schedules and weather; check current timetables in Port Blair. From Rangat jetty, take a taxi/auto to the walkway.
From Rangat
- Taxi/Auto: 20–30 minutes depending on where you start in town.
- Local bus: ATR buses toward Mayabunder often pass the access point; confirm with the driver about stopping near Dhaninallah.
Opening hours: Typically daylight hours (roughly sunrise to sunset). Night access is restricted and may only be allowed under supervision during turtle season.
Entry fee: Often free or a nominal maintenance fee may be collected. Policies change—confirm locally.
Accommodation Options
- Government tourist lodge (Rangat): Simple rooms with basic facilities, generally reliable and budget-friendly.
- Budget guesthouses (Rangat Bazaar area): Clean, no-frills stays ideal for backpackers and short visits.
- Mid-range hotels (Rangat/Mayabunder): Modest amenities; book early in peak months.
- Long Island stays (via ferry from Rangat): For travelers seeking quieter beaches; suitable as an add-on rather than a Dhaninallah base.
Indicative prices per night:
- Budget: INR 800–2,000
- Government/Standard: INR 1,500–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 2,500–4,500
Note: Availability and rates vary seasonally; some properties accept only cash or local transfer.
Estimated Costs
- Local transport (Rangat to Dhaninallah return): INR 200–1,500 depending on bus/auto/taxi and bargaining.
- Entry/maintenance fee: Often nil to nominal (if any).
- Snacks/water/coconut: INR 50–200.
- Optional local nature guide (if arranged): INR 500–1,000 per group.
Approximate day cost from Rangat: INR 700–2,500 per person, depending on transport and guiding choices.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis, fish curry-rice, and prawn masala in Rangat’s simple eateries.
- Fresh tender coconuts and light snacks near popular beach entries (availability varies).
Shopping
- Rangat has small markets for everyday items; for handicrafts and souvenirs, Port Blair offers better selection.
- Choose eco-friendly goods; avoid coral/shell products if provenance is unclear or illegal.
Culture and Conservation
- Middle Andaman’s communities include settlers from the mainland; the area emphasizes responsible tourism and conservation around mangroves.
- Respect local customs and forest department advisories, especially during turtle nesting season.
Nearby Attractions
- Amkunj Beach Eco Park (approx. 8–12 km): Driftwood seating, quiet shoreline, good for picnics.
- Yeratta Mangrove Park & Interpretive Centre (near Rangat): Boardwalks and education on mangrove ecology.
- Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (near Rangat): Another turtle nesting zone; permissions may be required for night visits.
- Panchavati Hills/Waterfall (seasonal): Short nature outing when water levels allow.
- Long Island & Lalaji Bay (by ferry from Rangat): Powdery sands and turquoise water; great day or overnight add-on.
- Baratang Island (en route from Port Blair): Limestone caves and mud volcano; plan as a separate excursion.
Tips for Visiting
- Footwear: Wear comfortable non-slip shoes; planks can be slick after rain.
- Insect care: Use light, reef-safe repellent; mosquitoes peak at dawn/dusk.
- Sun and hydration: Carry a hat, sunscreen, and at least 1 liter of water per person.
- Wildlife etiquette: Do not feed animals; keep noise low; no littering (carry back all waste).
- Turtle season rules: No white lights, flashes, or touching nests; follow ranger instructions only.
- Safety: Obey signage regarding strong currents or crocodile advisories near creeks; avoid isolated swimming.
- Timing: Aim for low tide to see mudflats alive with crabs and mudskippers.
- Cash: Carry small cash for snacks/transport; digital payments are not universal.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families with Kids
- Keep children close; the boardwalk has railings but watch gaps and edges.
- Strollers are possible on wider, even sections; a baby carrier is more practical.
- Pack quick snacks and a lightweight poncho in case of sudden showers.
Honeymooners and Couples
- Visit during golden hour for tranquil photos and softer temperatures.
- Combine with a quiet picnic at the beach; carry back all waste.
- If planning turtle viewing, arrange permissions in advance and maintain strict low-light discipline.
Friends and Backpackers
- Use local buses/shared jeeps from Rangat to keep costs low.
- Pair the walkway with Amkunj Beach and Yeratta Mangrove Park for a full day.
- Bring a dry bag for electronics during unexpected rain or high humidity.
FAQs
Q: How long is the Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway?
A: The raised wooden path typically takes 45–90 minutes at a relaxed pace, including photo stops. Exact length varies by source but is commonly cited around the 700 m to 1 km mark.
Q: Is there an entry fee or fixed timing?
A: It generally operates during daylight hours, often without a formal ticket. A nominal maintenance fee may be collected—confirm locally as policies can change.
Q: Can I see turtles at Dhaninallah Beach?
A: Olive ridley nesting occurs roughly December to March, but sightings are not guaranteed. Any viewing must follow Forest Department rules—no lights/flash, no touching, and typically under ranger guidance.
Q: Is the walkway suitable for seniors?
A: Yes, it’s mostly flat and shaded. However, planks can be uneven or slippery after rain; walking aids and non-slip shoes help.
Q: Are there facilities nearby?
A: Basic shelters and occasional stalls may be available near the entrance or beach, but services are limited. Carry water, snacks, and sun protection.
Conclusion
The Mangrove Walkway at Dhaninallah is a gentle, immersive glimpse into Middle Andaman’s mangrove ecosystem, ending at a quiet, turtle-nesting beach. With easy access from Rangat, low-impact infrastructure, and opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography, it’s an enriching stop on any Andaman itinerary—best enjoyed in the dry season and with a light environmental footprint.
