Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Places in Rangat
- Budget Breakdown: 3 Days in Rangat
- How to Reach Rangat
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Nearby Getaways from Rangat
- Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Tips for Travelers
- Practical Travel Information
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat, a laid-back town in Middle Andaman, is a nature lover’s stopover between Port Blair and Diglipur. Think mangrove boardwalks, quiet eco-beaches, turtle nesting sites, and easy access to Long Island’s pristine shores. Here’s a clear, budget-focused guide to plan 3 days in Rangat without overspending, while making time for the best outdoorsy experiences.
Must-Visit Places in Rangat
1) Amkunj Beach (Eco-beach)
A serene, pebbly stretch with driftwood benches and an eco-park vibe. Great for sunrise/sunset strolls. Swimming is limited due to rocky patches—wear sturdy footwear.
2) Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway
A beautiful wooden boardwalk through mangroves leading to a quiet beach near Cutbert Bay. Birding is rewarding in the early morning.
3) Cutbert Bay Beach (Seasonal Turtle Watching)
From roughly November to February, the shores see turtle nesting (green and olive ridley). Access may be regulated; avoid lights and flash at night.
4) Yeratta Mangrove Park
Educational displays on mangroves, short trails, and views over tidal creeks. A calm place for photography and nature walks.
5) Moricedera Beach
A rocky cove with basalt formations and shaded sit-outs. Best for picnics and landscape photography, not ideal for swimming.
6) Panchavati Hills and Waterfalls (Monsoon-dependent)
Lush during the rains with small seasonal falls. Trails can be slippery—pack proper shoes.
7) Day Trip to Long Island (via Yeratta Jetty)
Ferries (limited schedules) or chartered boats connect Rangat to Long Island. From there, trek or take a boat toward Lalaji Bay’s sugar-white sands.
Budget Breakdown: 3 Days in Rangat
All figures are indicative, per person, in INR, excluding flights to Port Blair. Costs vary by season and availability.
Assumptions
- Trip starts/ends in Port Blair; onward by bus/ferry/shared jeep.
- Twin-sharing rooms for stay costs.
- Local transport by shared autos/scooter where possible.
Per-Day Estimate (Shoestring)
- Accommodation: 800–1,500
- Meals (simple thali/local eateries): 400–700
- Local transport (autos/shared): 300–700
- Activities/entries (mangrove parks, etc.): 50–200
- Average per day: 1,550–3,100
3-Day Budget Scenarios
- Shoestring: 5,500–8,000 (bus both ways, budget stay, ferries/shared autos)
- Comfort: 11,000–16,000 (AC bus or shared jeep, mid-range stay, one day cab hire, better meals)
- Premium: 22,000–35,000 (private car transfers, best available lodges, chartered boats)
Sample 3-Day Spend (Shoestring)
- Day 1 (Port Blair → Rangat, Amkunj + Dhani Nallah):
- Bus: 500–800
- Meals: 500–700
- Local autos: 200–400
- Entries: 20–50
- Stay: 800–1,500
- Total: 2,020–3,450
- Day 2 (Yeratta Mangrove Park + Long Island DIY):
- Ferry (return, if available): 200–500; charter shared split: 800–1,500
- Meals: 600–900
- Local autos/scooter hire: 300–800
- Entries/permits: 50–150
- Stay: 800–1,500
- Total: 1,950–4,850
- Day 3 (Moricedera + return to Port Blair):
- Local autos: 200–400
- Meals: 400–700
- Bus back: 500–800
- Total: 1,100–1,900
Transport Cost Reference
- Port Blair → Rangat bus: 500–1,000 one-way (govt/private)
- Shared jeep: ~800–1,200 one-way
- Private car with driver: 5,000–7,000 one-way (season/vehicle dependent)
- Local auto short hops: 100–250; half-day hire: 700–1,000; full day: 1,200–1,800
- Scooter rental (limited availability): 500–800 per day + fuel
- Yeratta ↔ Long Island ferry (limited): ~100–250 one-way; charter boat: 4,000–6,000 round trip (split among group)
Money-Saving Tips
- Use government buses and ferries where schedules suit.
- Choose budget guesthouses or government tourist lodges.
- Eat at Rangat Bazaar dhabas; fish thalis are filling and cheap.
- Group up for boat charters and cab day-hire to split costs.
- Plan around ferry/bus timings to avoid idle transport spends.
How to Reach Rangat
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ). No airport in Rangat.
- By Road from Port Blair: 6.5–9 hours via Andaman Trunk Road (ATRs, checkpoints). Do not stop or photograph within restricted tribal reserve stretches.
- By Ferry: Infrequent inter-island ferries connect Port Blair/Long Island to Rangat (Yeratta Jetty). Check latest schedules locally.
- From North (Diglipur/Mayabunder): Regular buses and shared jeeps run along ATR.
Always confirm current bus/ferry timings a day in advance; schedules can change with weather and tides.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Budget Guesthouses: Basic rooms near Rangat Bazaar; fan/AC options; 800–1,500 per night.
- Government Tourist Lodges: Simple, reliable rooms near Cutbert Bay/eco-sites; ~1,500–2,500.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Limited inventory; AC rooms with on-site dining; 2,000–3,500.
Book early in peak months (Dec–Feb, May) as rooms sell out quickly in Middle Andaman.
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
Food
- Seafood staples: Fish thali, crab curry, prawn masala.
- Comfort eats: Parotta–curry, chole bhature, egg/chicken rolls.
- Drinks: Fresh coconut water, lime soda. Limited cafe culture; carry snacks for long road days.
Culture
- Rangat is multi-ethnic with settlers from mainland India; language mix includes Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and local dialects.
- Respect eco-rules at turtle beaches and mangroves; keep noise and lights low at night.
Shopping
- Small shops sell basic souvenirs, spices, and snacks.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to the ecosystem.
- For crafts, compare with fair-trade emporiums in Port Blair if you’re continuing south.
Nearby Getaways from Rangat
- Long Island & Lalaji Bay: Quiet beaches and forest trails; best as a day trip or overnight if ferries align.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach and mangrove creeks; 1.5–2.5 hours north by road.
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islands and Saddle Peak trek; 4–6 hours north.
- Baratang: Limestone Caves and mud volcano; typically visited en route between Port Blair and Rangat.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Nov–Feb (Peak): Pleasant, calm seas; turtle nesting at Cutbert Bay. Higher prices, book early.
- Mar–May (Warm): Hotter days, good for ferries and water clarity; carry sun protection.
- Jun–Sep (Monsoon): Lush landscapes and waterfalls; occasional disruptions to road/ferry schedules.
Tips for Travelers
For Families
- Choose stays near Rangat Bazaar or Amkunj for easy meals and shorter commutes.
- Carry snacks, ORS, and hats for kids; beaches can be rocky.
For Honeymooners
- Time your visit for calm weather to fit in Long Island/Lalaji Bay.
- Pick AC rooms and plan golden-hour walks at Amkunj or Moricedera.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Share jeeps/boats to slash costs; ask around at Rangat Bazaar early morning.
- Pack a dry bag and reef-friendly sunscreen for island hops.
Packing & Safety
- Footwear: Sturdy sandals/water shoes for rocky shores.
- Essentials: Power bank, rain jacket (monsoon), hat, insect repellent, basic meds.
- Etiquette: No photography or stopping in tribal reserve stretches; follow beach safety signs.
Practical Travel Information
- Permits: Indian citizens don’t need permits for Rangat. Foreigners generally don’t need RAP for most open areas; some islands remain restricted.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy; download maps offline and carry cash (few ATMs, occasional outages).
- Health: Hydrate, use sun protection, and carry motion-sickness tablets for ferries/long drives.
- Environment: Carry back all trash; avoid plastics on beaches and boardwalks.
FAQs
Q: Is 3 days enough for Rangat?
A: Yes. Three days comfortably cover Amkunj, Dhani Nallah, Yeratta Mangrove Park, Moricedera, and a day trip to Long Island if ferry timings align.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to get to Rangat from Port Blair?
A: Government or private buses are the most economical, followed by shared jeeps. Book early in peak season and confirm timings.
Q: Can I rent a scooter in Rangat?
A: Limited rentals may be available near Rangat Bazaar. Carry a valid license and confirm fuel availability; otherwise use autos or hire a cab for the day.
Q: Are beaches in Rangat swimmable?
A: Many are rocky with variable currents. They’re great for walks and photography. For classic swims, consider Lalaji Bay (Long Island) on calm days.
Q: When is turtle nesting season at Cutbert Bay?
A: Typically November to February, subject to conditions. Follow local guidance; avoid lights, flash, and noise, and respect any access restrictions.
Conclusion
Rangat rewards slow travel: mangrove walks, eco-beaches, and easy access to Long Island without the crowds. With buses, shared rides, and budget lodgings, a 3-day trip can be done affordably. Time your visit well, plan around ferry schedules, and keep it eco-friendly for a memorable Middle Andaman experience.
