Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Trails and Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Rangat
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Exploring These Trails
- Traveler-Specific Guidance
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat, in Middle Andaman, is the quiet heart of the archipelago—dense mangroves, driftwood beaches, turtle sanctuaries, and sleepy creeks. Beyond its small bazaar and roadside tea stalls lie some of the Andamans’ most underrated walking routes and boardwalks. This guide maps the most unexplored trails near Rangat—easy mangrove walks, secret rock bridges, and forest treks to powdery bays—so you can slow down and savor the islands the way locals do.
History and Importance
Rangat’s nature trails grew from conservation-first ideas led by the Forest Department and local communities, especially after the 2004 tsunami. Eco-parks like Amkunj were crafted using reclaimed driftwood; mangrove boardwalks (Dhani Nallah, Yeratta) protect delicate roots while opening safe, low-impact access for visitors. Sanctuaries such as Cuthbert Bay safeguard nesting turtles (olive ridley, green, and sometimes leatherback), making these walks just as much about ecology and education as they are about scenery.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April (Peak Pleasant): Dry, breezy, calm seas—ideal for all trails and boat hops to Long Island/Guitar/Merk Bay. Turtle nesting typically peaks December–March.
- May to September (Monsoon): Lush forests and fuller waterfalls (Panchavati), but expect showers, slippery paths, and occasional boat cancellations.
- Golden hours: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures, bird activity, and soft light on mangroves.
Top Trails and Things to Do
1) Dhani Nallah Mangrove Boardwalk (Easy | ~1.5 km one way)
A beautifully built wooden boardwalk through a cathedral of mangroves ending at a serene beach. Interpretive signboards help you spot roots, mudskippers, and crabs. Sunset is magical, with little more than the breeze and waves for company.
- Where: ~6–8 km from Rangat town on the ATR toward Betapur.
- Time needed: 45–90 minutes round trip; linger longer at the beach.
- Good to know: Sandflies can be active—carry repellent; avoid trampling mangrove edges.
2) Amkunj Eco Park Nature Walk (Easy | 0.5–1 km)
Eco-park built from tsunami-salvaged driftwood sits by a pebbly beach with short shaded paths and rustic benches. It’s a gentle walk for families, with dramatic surf in the monsoon and starry skies in winter.
- Where: Amkunj Beach, a short hop south of Rangat on the ATR.
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes; combine with Dhani Nallah.
- Best for: Picnics, shell-spotting (collecting live shells is illegal), sunrise/sunset.
3) Morrice Dera Rock Bridge & Coastal Walk (Easy–Moderate | ~1 km)
Wave-cut rocks, a tiny natural bridge, and a short wooden walkway make this stretch feel otherworldly. After high tide recedes, explore tide pools for tiny fish and crabs.
- Where: About 10–12 km from Rangat towards Mayabunder.
- Time needed: 45–75 minutes; check tides for safer rock access.
4) Yeratta Mangrove Park & View Tower (Easy | 0.5–1 km)
Short interpretive walk capped by a watchtower view over Yeratta Creek’s labyrinth of channels. Great for birding—kingfishers, herons, and occasionally sea eagles.
- Where: Yeratta, ~8–10 km from Rangat; also the jetty for Long Island boats.
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes; pair with a Long Island day trip.
5) Panchavati Waterfall Trail (Seasonal | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 km)
A short jungle walk to a cool cascade, best in the monsoon and weeks after. The forest hum here is classic Andaman—cicadas, dripping leaves, and hidden streams.
- Where: Panchavati area, east of Rangat.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours including dips and photos.
- Note: Trail can be slippery in rains; go with footwear that grips.
6) Long Island to Lalaji Bay Forest Trek (Moderate | ~5–6 km one way)
A coastal forest path from Long Island village to powdery Lalaji Bay. Expect dappled light, bird calls, and occasional monitor lizards. Return on foot or hire a boat back depending on tides and daylight.
- Access: Boat from Yeratta Jetty (Rangat) to Long Island (30–60 mins). Ask locally about current trail condition/check-post notes.
- Time needed: Half-day to full-day with beach time.
- Tip: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person; very limited shops after you leave the village.
7) Guitar Island Sandbar & Merk Bay Walks (Easy | Beach Walks)
From Long Island, hire a dinghy to Guitar Island’s pristine sandbar or to Merk Bay (North Passage Island). These are sublime, seldom-crowded beaches where you can walk long arcs of white sand.
- Access: Arrange boats at Long Island/ Yeratta; weather-dependent; may require permissions.
- Time needed: Half-day; go early for calm seas.
8) Cuthbert Bay Turtle Sanctuary Walk (Guided, Seasonal | Oct–Mar)
With forest guidance, observe turtle nesting from designated watch points—no torches, no flashes, and shoes off if instructed. It’s a humbling, quiet experience.
- Where: Near Betapur/Cuthbert Bay, short drive from Rangat.
- Note: Follow all sanctuary rules; availability varies by season and conservation needs.
Nearby Attractions
- Long Island Village: Laid-back settlement with clear waters and friendly homestays.
- Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder): Another turtle nesting zone, broader beach walks; ~70–80 km north.
- Austin Creek and Middle Andaman viewpoints: Roadside stops with quiet estuary views along the ATR.
How to Reach Rangat
- By Road from Port Blair: ~170–180 km via Andaman Trunk Road (6–8 hours). Buses, shared jeeps, and private cabs run daily. Parts of the route pass eco-sensitive/tribal reserve areas—no stopping, photography, or interaction is allowed.
- By Sea: Government ferries and local boats connect Port Blair, Rangat (Yeratta), and Long Island on select days. Schedules change—check locally a day prior.
- Within Rangat: Auto-rickshaws, buses, and hired cabs. For Long Island and outer bays, pre-arrange boats at Yeratta or on Long Island.
Accommodation Options
- Rangat Town: Budget lodges and simple hotels near the bazaar; basic amenities, fan/AC rooms.
- Eco Stays: Rustic guesthouses near Amkunj/Dhani Nallah; some offer in-house meals.
- Long Island: Homestays and small resorts; limited inventory—book in advance in peak season.
- Government/Forest Rest Houses: Occasionally available with prior permission; inquire locally.
Note: Camping on beaches and in sanctuaries is generally not permitted without explicit authorization.
Estimated Costs
- Budget (solo/duo): INR 1,800–3,500 per person/day (budget room 800–2,000; meals 400–700; local transport 300–600; occasional entry/boat extra).
- Mid-range: INR 3,500–6,500 per person/day (better rooms 2,500–5,000; boat trips/guides 800–2,500 split across group).
- Boat hires: Yeratta–Long Island shared/local boats are economical; private dinghies to Guitar/Merk Bay vary widely by season and fuel—expect INR 4,000–9,000 per trip per boat.
- Guided turtle watch/park entries: Nominal/variable; check on arrival.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis: Fish curry with rice, fried fish, dal, and sabzi at local eateries near Rangat bazaar.
- Coastal flavors: Coconut, tamarind, and mustard notes reflect Tamil and Bengali influences.
- Tea stalls & bakeries: Hot samosas, buns, and chai—great trail snacks.
Shopping
- Rangat offers essentials and small handicraft stalls; for bigger souvenir choices (shell/coconut crafts, spices), browse Port Blair markets.
- Avoid buying live shell products or coral—it’s illegal and harms reefs.
Culture
- Life is unhurried and community-centric; mornings start early, and nights are quiet.
- Dress modestly in villages and around sanctuaries; greet locals with a smile and “Namaste.”
Tips for Exploring These Trails
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with grip for boardwalks and forest paths; sandals for beaches.
- Sun & bugs: Hat, sunscreen, and reef-safe repellent (sandflies at certain beaches).
- Tides & weather: Check tide charts for rock/beach walks; monsoon makes trails slick.
- Water & waste: Carry refillable bottles; take all trash back to town.
- Ethics: No drones or flashes at turtle sites; keep distance from wildlife; stay on marked paths.
- Connectivity & cash: Intermittent mobile data; carry adequate cash—ATMs are limited.
- Permissions: For sanctuaries/boat hops, follow Forest/Marine Park advisories; carry a government ID.
Traveler-Specific Guidance
For Families
- Choose easy walks: Dhani Nallah, Amkunj, Yeratta tower.
- Pack quick-dry towels, light snacks, and spare clothes for kids.
- Mind railings on boardwalks; keep children supervised near tide pools.
For Honeymooners
- Sunset at Amkunj or an early morning beach walk at Lalaji Bay feels private and unhurried.
- Carry a lightweight picnic mat; plan a boat hop to Guitar Island on calm-sea days.
For Friends/Groups
- Attempt the Long Island–Lalaji trek; return by boat for variety.
- Split boat costs to Merk Bay; bring a frisbee or snorkel set (nearshore only, conditions permitting).
Packing & Safety Checklist
- Refillable water bottle, electrolytes, dry bags for electronics.
- Basic first-aid, motion sickness meds for boat rides.
- Headlamp for early starts; avoid night walks except sanctioned turtle watches.
FAQs
Q: Are guides mandatory for these trails near Rangat?
A: Most boardwalks (Dhani Nallah, Yeratta, Amkunj) are self-guided. For turtle nesting areas and certain boat-access beaches, follow Forest Department guidance and engage local boatmen or authorized guides as advised.
Q: Can I trek from Rangat directly to Lalaji Bay?
A: No. You first reach Long Island by boat from Yeratta Jetty and then take the forest trail to Lalaji Bay or hire a boat from Long Island.
Q: What fitness level is required?
A: Easy walks suit most visitors. The Lalaji Bay trek is moderate due to distance and heat; carry water and start early.
Q: Is swimming safe at these beaches?
A: Conditions vary by season and tide. Many beaches have gentle slopes but limited lifeguards. Avoid rough-sea days, heed local advice, and never swim alone.
Q: Are permits needed for foreigners in Middle Andaman?
A: Most mainstream areas are accessible without special permits, but certain islands/sanctuaries and boat excursions may require permissions. Always carry a passport/ID and confirm locally before travel.
Conclusion
Rangat’s unexplored trails reveal the Andamans at their purest—boardwalks threading mangroves, quiet rock pools, forest paths to pale-blue bays, and nights where turtles claim the sand. With simple planning, respectful footsteps, and an unhurried pace, these walks turn a Middle Andaman stop into a journey of textures and tides, best remembered by the hush of creeks and the crunch of shells underfoot.
