Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Rangat
- Best Time for Sunrises & Sunsets
- Must-Visit Sunrise & Sunset Spots
- How to Reach Rangat
- Where to Stay
- Local Food & Where to Eat
- Shopping & Souvenirs
- Nearby Getaways for Golden Hours
- Estimated Costs & Budget
- Travel Tips & Photography Guidance
- Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat, set in the heart of Middle Andaman, rewards early risers and sunset chasers with quiet beaches, mangrove creeks, and rock-fringed shores. Think pastel dawns over the Bay of Bengal and tangerine sunsets melting behind mangroves—without crowds. This guide maps the very best sunrise and sunset spots in and around Rangat, plus the practical how-tos to make every golden hour count.
About Rangat
Rangat is a working coastal town roughly 170–180 km by road from Port Blair. It’s an excellent base for eco-parks, mangrove boardwalks, and turtle beaches. Expect simple stays, local eateries, and an unhurried pace—perfect for photography and nature-centric escapes.
Best Time for Sunrises & Sunsets
- Season: November to April offers clearest skies and calmer seas. May to September brings monsoon clouds; dramatic skies but frequent rain.
- Typical sunrise/sunset: Sunrise around 4:50–5:30 am; sunset around 4:45–5:45 pm (varies by month). Always check the local forecast the night before.
- Light quality: Winter months (Dec–Feb) give softer haze-free light; pre-monsoon (Mar–Apr) yields vibrant colors and stronger contrast.
Must-Visit Sunrise & Sunset Spots
Amkunj Beach Eco Park (Sunrise)
Why go: An east-facing, pebbly beach with driftwood benches and a serene vibe—ideal for first light over the sea.
- Orientation: Faces the Bay of Bengal—best at dawn.
- Framing ideas: Use driftwood installations in the foreground; slow-shutter waves on pebbles.
- Timing: Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunrise; best colors linger briefly.
- Amenities: Benches, basic facilities; limited kiosks in season.
- Notes: Rocks and pebbles make swimming unsafe; sturdy footwear helps.
Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk & Beach (Sunrise)
Why go: A photogenic mangrove boardwalk leading to a long, quiet beach—great for layered compositions from creek to coast.
- Orientation: East-facing beach for sunrise; boardwalk offers side-lit mangroves just after dawn.
- Framing ideas: Leading lines of the wooden boardwalk; reflections in calm creek sections.
- Seasonal note: Turtle nesting typically Dec–Mar; follow Forest Department instructions.
- Amenities: Simple shelters; occasional entry/camera fee.
Morrice Dera Beach & Rock Formations (Golden Hour & Sunset)
Why go: Wave-cut rocks, a sea walkway, and natural tide pools set the stage for glowing late-afternoon light and sunsets when skies cooperate.
- Best light: Late afternoon to sunset; golden hour highlights textures in the rock.
- Framing ideas: Silhouette the twin rock outcrops; capture long exposures of waves in tide pools.
- Safety: Rocks get slippery—check tides and wear grippy footwear.
Yeratta (Yerrata) Mangrove Park & Jetty (Sunset)
Why go: An elevated watch tower and jetty overlooking serene mangrove creeks—perfect for a mellow sunset over water channels and distant hills.
- Best light: 30–60 minutes before sunset for warm side light across the creeks.
- Framing ideas: Boats at anchor, mangrove textures, and mirrored skies on still water.
- Notes: Expect mosquitos at dusk; carry repellent.
Cuthbert Bay Turtle Beach (Sunrise/Dawn; Seasonal)
Why go: A protected sanctuary where dawn light meets a wild shoreline. With permissions, this is a prime area for ethical turtle watching at night during nesting season.
- Season: Typically Dec–Mar for nesting; check current guidelines locally.
- Ethics: No flash/white lights; red-light torches only; keep distance; follow Forest staff.
- At dawn: Soft light, shore birds, and moody long-lens opportunities.
Panchavati Area Viewpoints (Sunrise)
Why go: Countryside scenes around Panchavati offer misty fields, creeks, and low hills—excellent for tranquil sunrise frames.
- Access: Small local roads; ask your driver/hotel for the best current vantage point.
- Framing ideas: Morning mist over palms and paddy; backlit dew and village life.
- Notes: Information can vary by season and road condition; verify locally.
How to Reach Rangat
- By road from Port Blair: 7–8 hours via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) through Baratang. Government and private buses, shared jeeps, and taxis operate daily. Carry valid ID for checkpoints.
- By ferry: Government ferries connect Port Blair and Rangat (and nearby jetties) on select days; schedules change—check locally with the Directorate of Shipping Services.
- From Mayabunder: About 1.5–2 hours by road; frequent buses and taxis.
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are common; buses run between key spots but are infrequent at dawn/dusk. Pre-arrange vehicles for sunrise/sunset shoots.
Where to Stay
- Amkunj Beach area: Simple tourist lodges/eco-stays; convenient for sunrise walks.
- Rangat Bazaar (town center): Budget hotels/guesthouses near eateries and transport.
- Booking tip: Limited inventory—reserve in advance Nov–Mar.
- Typical prices (per night, double): Budget INR 1,200–2,500; Mid-range INR 2,500–4,500; Simple resort-style INR 4,500–7,000.
Local Food & Where to Eat
- What to try: Fish curry rice thalis, prawn masala, crab, coconut-based gravies, and fresh fruit.
- Where: Rangat Bazaar eateries, highway dhabas, and in-house kitchens at tourist lodges (pre-order meals).
- Sunrise prep: Arrange early tea/packed breakfast with your stay the night before.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Pick up: Bamboo/cane handicrafts, spices, local snacks.
- Avoid: Coral, shells, turtle products—buying/transporting is illegal and harmful to reefs.
- Tip: For wider choice, shop at government emporia in Port Blair before/after Rangat.
Nearby Getaways for Golden Hours
- Long Island (via Yeratta Jetty): Ferries/boats on select days. Dawn at the jetty and late light along creeks are superb; overnight stays make sunrise at nearby beaches easier.
- Baratang Island: Limestone Caves by day; Parrot Island mangrove roosts at sunset (organize locally with boatmen; subject to permissions and tides).
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach for broad sunset skies; day-trip from Rangat.
Estimated Costs & Budget
- Stay (double): INR 1,200–7,000 per night depending on comfort.
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person/day at local eateries; more at hotel kitchens.
- Local transport: Autos within town INR 100–300; day taxi hire INR 2,500–3,500.
- Entry/fees: Mangrove parks and camera fees typically INR 10–50.
- Daily budget guide (per person): Shoestring INR 1,500–2,000; Comfort INR 3,000–5,000; Upgraded INR 6,000–9,000.
Travel Tips & Photography Guidance
General Photography Tips
- Arrive early: Be in position 20–30 minutes before sunrise/sunset.
- Filters: Circular polarizer for glare; ND/soft grad for balanced skies.
- Tripod: Useful for low-light seascapes; mind waves on rock ledges.
- Tide charts: Plan compositions around low/high tide, especially at Morrice Dera.
- Backup plan: Clouds move fast—have a secondary spot nearby.
For Families
- Choose boardwalks and eco-parks (Dhani Nallah, Amkunj) for safer footing and benches.
- Carry snacks, water, wipes, and mosquito repellent; toilets are basic.
- Keep children away from slippery rocks and strong currents.
For Honeymooners
- Pick quieter weekdays for privacy at Amkunj and Yeratta.
- Pack a light throw, thermos tea, and a mini tripod for couple portraits.
- Respect turtle nesting rules if visiting Cuthbert Bay at night.
For Friends/Groups
- Hire a car for pre-dawn hops between spots; split costs.
- Bring headlamps, a first-aid kit, and trash bags—leave places cleaner.
- Share roles: one on tripod, one spotting compositions, one watching the tide.
Safety, Permits & Responsible Travel
- Permits: Indian nationals generally don’t need special permits for Rangat; foreign nationals require applicable permits for Andaman visit—carry passport/ID. Local rules can change; confirm in Port Blair.
- Protected areas: Follow Forest Department guidance in mangrove parks and turtle sanctuaries; some zones may be off-limits after dark.
- Wildlife & water: Saltwater crocodiles occur in Andamans—avoid swimming in creeks/mangroves and at dawn/dusk; heed signage.
- Environment: No littering, no loud music, no drones in protected or sensitive zones unless specifically authorized.
- Weather: Sudden showers and slick rocks are common—wear grippy shoes and carry rain protection.
FAQs
Q: What time does the sun typically rise and set in Rangat?
A: Expect sunrise between about 4:50–5:30 am and sunset between about 4:45–5:45 pm across the year. Check your weather app the evening before for precise times.
Q: Which beach is best for sunrise in Rangat?
A: Amkunj Beach and Dhani Nallah Beach are the top east-facing choices. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for color in the sky and calmer winds.
Q: Where should I go for sunset near Rangat?
A: Yeratta Mangrove Park/Jetty and Morrice Dera offer the best sunset frames—mangrove reflections at Yeratta and textured rocks at Morrice Dera.
Q: Can I see turtle nesting at Cuthbert Bay?
A: Yes, typically Dec–Mar with Forest Department oversight. Night visits require permission/guides. Never use flash or white lights and keep a respectful distance.
Q: Are drones allowed at these spots?
A: Drone use in the Andamans is regulated and often restricted near protected areas and strategic zones. You need DGCA registration and local permissions; in sanctuaries and mangrove parks, assume drones are not allowed.
Conclusion
Rangat’s golden hours are intimate and unspoiled—dawn on east-facing beaches like Amkunj and Dhani Nallah, and sunset across mangroves and rock-scapes at Yeratta and Morrice Dera. With simple planning for transport, tides, and light, you’ll bring home quietly beautiful frames and unhurried memories from Middle Andaman.
