Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Hidden Beaches Near Rangat
- Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat, in Middle Andaman, is a quiet base for discovering some of the Andaman Islands’ most serene and little-known beaches. Think driftwood-framed shores, turtle-nesting sands, mangrove boardwalks, and sandbars that appear with the tide. This guide maps the best hidden beaches near Rangat, how to reach them, and how to weave them into easy, responsible island adventures.
Top Hidden Beaches Near Rangat
Amkunj Beach (Eco-Friendly Shoreline)
Why it’s special: Rustic driftwood benches, rocky intertidal pools, and an eco-park vibe set away from crowds.
Where: South of Rangat along the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR); a short drive from Rangat Bazaar.
Best for: Sunrise strolls, tidepooling, light picnics.
Safety: Rocky seabed; swim only if waters are calm and you’re confident. Watch for slippery rocks.
Morrice Dera Beach (Natural Rock Formations)
Why it’s special: Photogenic twin rock formations and a small sandy cove that feels truly secluded.
Where: A short drive north of Rangat on the ATR; signed as “Morrice Dera”.
Best for: Photography, quiet time, gentle shoreline walks.
Safety: Waves can rebound off rocks; avoid deep swims. Carry water—no shops on site.
Dhaninallah Beach & Mangrove Nature Walk
Why it’s special: A long, golden beach reached via a beautiful mangrove boardwalk (around 1–1.5 km). Fewer visitors, more birds.
Where: North of Rangat, near Betapur, off the ATR.
Best for: Nature walk, birdwatching, sunrise/sunset on a wide, uncrowded beach.
Safety: Limited shade on the beach; carry sun protection and water. Sea conditions vary by season.
Cuthbert Bay Beach (Turtle Nesting Zone)
Why it’s special: Part of Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, known for seasonal nesting of Olive Ridley and other sea turtles.
Where: A short drive from Rangat towards the sanctuary area.
Best for: Guided night turtle-watching during nesting season (typically Dec–Feb; varies by year).
Safety & ethics: Go only with permission/guides. No flash, no bright lights, keep distance, and follow forest/wildlife rules.
Long Island Extensions: Lalaji Bay & Guitar Island Sandbar
Why it’s special: Long Island is a tranquil base for boat hops to powdery beaches and sandbars. Lalaji Bay is a long, sweeping beach; Guitar Island offers a slender sandbar and turquoise shallows.
Access: Boat/ferry to Long Island (often via Yeratta Jetty near Rangat). Local dinghy/boat onward to Lalaji Bay and Guitar Island, weather-permitting.
Best for: Day trips with snorkeling, beach picnics, and photography.
Safety: Boat schedules depend on tides/weather. Carry cash and confirm return rides. Limited facilities.
Merk Bay Beach (North Passage Island; Advanced Day Trip)
Why it’s special: Glassy waters and white sand on a remote island—feels untouched.
Access: Typically by permitted boat excursion from Long Island (and occasionally arranged from Rangat/Yeratta). Trips operate in fair weather only and may require permissions.
Best for: Confident, prepared travelers seeking pristine, uncrowded waters.
Safety: Ensure lifejackets, permits, and a reliable operator. No amenities; pack essentials.
Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- 1-Day Rangat Beach Circuit: Early start at Amkunj Beach → Morrice Dera → Dhaninallah Mangrove Walk and beach for sunset. Optional quick stop at Cuthbert Bay (daytime).
- 1 Evening + 1 Night (Turtle Season): Day at Amkunj/Dhaninallah → Early evening permit check → Guided turtle-watch at Cuthbert Bay → Overnight in Rangat or nearby.
- 2-Day Long Island Extension: Day 1: Rangat to Long Island, explore Lalaji Bay. Day 2: Guitar Island sandbar and optional Merk Bay (if permits/boats available), return to Rangat.
- 3-Day Middle Andaman Loop: Day 1: Rangat beaches → Day 2: Long Island → Day 3: Mayabunder side-trip (Karmatang Beach, Avis Island—subject to permits/boats), return.
Activities and Experiences
- Snorkeling: Calm days near Long Island, Guitar Island, and Merk Bay. Carry your own mask; no full-service dive shops in Rangat.
- Nature walks: Dhaninallah Mangrove boardwalk and Yeratta Mangrove park (near Rangat) for birdlife and mangrove ecology.
- Turtle watching: Seasonal, guided only at Cuthbert Bay Sanctuary.
- Beachcombing & tidepooling: Amkunj’s rocky pools reveal small marine life at low tide.
- Photography: Morrice Dera rocks, Guitar Island sandbar, and golden-hour dunes at Dhaninallah.
- Kayaking: Occasionally offered by local operators around Long Island—check availability on arrival.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Turtle Nesting Season (Cuthbert Bay): Typically Dec–Feb, sometimes extending on either side depending on conditions. Guided experiences only.
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Usually held in January; not in Rangat but can affect island-wide travel and availability.
Best Time to Visit
- Oct–Apr: Most reliable weather, clearer seas. Ideal for beach days, boat trips, and the mangrove walk.
- Dec–Feb: Peak window for turtle nesting at Cuthbert Bay (with permission/guides).
- May–Sep (Monsoon): Lush landscapes but rough seas and intermittent rain. Boats may not operate; leeches/insects on trails.
How to Reach
Getting to Rangat
- By road from Port Blair: 6.5–8 hours via Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). Government and private buses, shared jeeps, and taxis are available. Do not stop in tribal reserve stretches; follow all road rules.
- From Diglipur/Mayabunder: Regular buses and shared cabs connect southbound to Rangat.
- By ferry: Inter-island ferries sometimes connect Port Blair–Rangat–Mayabunder/Long Island. Schedules are limited and weather-dependent; check locally.
Local Transport
- Scooter/motorbike: Convenient for hopping between Amkunj, Morrice Dera, Dhaninallah, and Cuthbert Bay.
- Auto rickshaw/taxi: Hire from Rangat Bazaar for half-day or full-day circuits; agree on fares in advance.
- Boats: To Long Island from Yeratta Jetty (near Rangat). Further boat hires to Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, or Merk Bay are subject to permits and weather.
Accommodation Options
- Rangat town/Bazaar area: Budget guesthouses and simple hotels with basic amenities, close to eateries and transport.
- Near Cuthbert Bay: Modest government-run tourist huts/guesthouses are often available seasonally; book early during turtle season.
- Long Island: A handful of small stays and eco-lodges; very limited capacity—reserve ahead if planning to overnight.
Note: Online inventory may be limited; many bookings are handled on-ground or via local agents. Power and internet can be intermittent.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Transport: Port Blair–Rangat bus INR 400–800; shared jeep INR 800–1,500; private taxi INR 6,000–9,000 one-way (vehicle type/season dependent).
- Boat transfers: Rangat–Long Island public boat INR ~200–600 per person (when available); private hires to Guitar/Merk Bay vary widely (approx. INR 5,000–15,000 per boat, weather/permit dependent).
- Rooms: Budget INR 1,200–2,500; mid-range INR 2,500–4,500 per night (double, taxes extra).
- Food: Local meals INR 150–400; seafood plates INR 300–800.
- Fees: Sanctuary/boardwalk/permit charges, if applicable, are usually nominal (carry cash and ID). Camera fees may apply.
- Gear rental: Basic snorkel set INR 200–500 per day (if available locally; consider bringing your own).
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Simple eateries serve Andamani–Bengali–Indian fare: fish curry, rice, dal, veg thalis, pakoras, fresh coconuts, and tea. Seafood is fresh and seasonal.
- Shopping: Rangat’s market has daily essentials. For souvenirs, look for legally sourced shell craft at government outlets when available. Avoid buying coral or turtle products.
- Culture: A mix of settler communities from the Indian mainland. Keep interactions respectful; photography of local communities should always be with consent.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
- Yeratta Mangrove Park: Boardwalks and a canopy tower with interpretive signboards.
- Panchavati Waterfall (seasonal): Short nature detours during/after monsoon; water flow varies.
- Mayabunder side: Karmatang Beach (turtle season), Avis Island (boat access; permissions often required).
- Longer northbound trips: Diglipur’s Ross & Smith twin islands (requires separate planning and permits).
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose gentler beaches like Dhaninallah for wide sands and space to play.
- Carry snacks, water, hats, and a small first-aid kit; facilities are sparse.
- Supervise kids near rocks at Amkunj and Morrice Dera.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Time sunsets at Dhaninallah or a private boat to Guitar Island (calm weather).
- Pack a light picnic and reef-safe sunscreen; leave no trace.
- Consider a night near Cuthbert Bay in turtle season for a special experience (with permits/guides).
Friends/Backpackers
- Rent a scooter for a flexible beach-hop day.
- Base in Rangat for budget stays; day-trip to Long Island to keep costs down.
- Ask locally about shared boats to reduce charter costs.
Packing & Safety
- Light, long-sleeve sun protection; hat; polarized sunglasses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle (plastic reduction is encouraged/regulated in many areas).
- Cash (ATMs can be limited), power bank, and basic meds.
- Respect wildlife rules; no drones in/near sanctuary zones without permissions.
- Mobile networks can be patchy; share plans with your accommodation before boat trips.
FAQs
Q: Which hidden beach near Rangat is best for sunrise?
A: Dhaninallah Beach offers a wide, east-facing shoreline with minimal crowds, making sunrise especially scenic.
Q: Can I swim at Amkunj or Morrice Dera?
A: Both have rocky sections and variable currents. If seas are calm and you’re confident, wade cautiously; otherwise, stick to shoreline walks and tidepooling.
Q: How do I see turtles at Cuthbert Bay?
A: Visit during nesting season (generally Dec–Feb) and arrange a guided, permitted visit through local authorities/accommodation. Avoid lights, flash, and noise.
Q: Do I need permits for Long Island, Guitar Island, or Merk Bay?
A: Public boats to Long Island usually don’t need special permits, but some onward trips (e.g., Merk Bay) may require permissions and operate only in fair weather. Check locally before planning.
Q: Are there gear rentals for snorkeling near Rangat?
A: Limited. Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best experience, especially if heading to Long Island or Guitar Island.
Conclusion
The beaches around Rangat reward patient travelers with solitude, mangrove-framed walks, turtle encounters in season, and remote sandbars. Plan around tides and weather, carry essentials, move responsibly with local guidance, and you’ll find some of the Andamans’ most peaceful shores within easy reach of this unhurried Middle Andaman hub.
