Key Highlights of Rangat

• Location: Middle Andaman, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering approximately 1,070 sq km (including surrounding areas).
• Population: ~36,626 (2011 census), primarily Bengali and Tamil settlers, with some indigenous communities nearby.
• Climate: Tropical, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. Best visited from October to March for pleasant weather; monsoons (June-September) bring heavy rains and rough seas.
• Connectivity: Reachable from Port Blair via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) by bus (5-6 hours, ₹150-₹300) or taxi (₹6,000-₹8,000). No airport or ferry port; nearest airport is in Port Blair (IXZ).
• Tourism Appeal: Known for unspoiled beaches (Amkunj, Moricedera), turtle nesting sites, and proximity to attractions like Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, making it a peaceful stopover for nature lovers.

Top Attractions in Rangat

1. Amkunj Beach:
   • A serene, rocky beach 8 km from Rangat town, ideal for relaxation and picnics.
   • Entry: Free; features eco-friendly benches and basic facilities.
   • Highlight: Less crowded, perfect for a quiet escape. Good for swimming during low tide.
2. Moricedera Beach:
   • A picturesque beach near Amkunj, known for its rocky shores and clear waters.
   • Entry: Free; great for photography and solitude.
   • Highlight: Offers a raw, untouched vibe compared to Havelock’s popular beaches.
   • Tip: Combine with Amkunj for a half-day trip; carry snacks as facilities are limited.
3. Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway:
   • A 713-meter-long wooden boardwalk through mangrove forests, 20 km from Rangat, en route to Yeratta.
   • Entry: ₹20-₹50; open 6 AM-3 PM.
   • Highlight: Scenic views of mangroves and wildlife (crabs, birds). Leads to a turtle nesting beach (December-March).
   • Tip: Ideal for nature lovers; visit early morning for birdwatching. Wear comfortable shoes.
4. Yeratta Mangrove Park:
   • Near Dhani Nallah, features a 1-km nature trail through mangroves and a watchtower for panoramic views.
   • Entry: Free or nominal fee; open daylight hours.
   • Highlight: Educational for families, showcasing mangrove ecosystems.
   • Tip: Pair with Dhani Nallah for a 2-3 hour excursion.
5. Cuthbert Bay Beach:
   • A turtle nesting site (December-March), 15 km from Rangat, known for its tranquility.
   • Entry: Free; guided night tours for turtle nesting (₹500-₹1,000, seasonal).
   • Highlight: Rare chance to witness Olive Ridley turtles laying eggs (with forest department permission).
   • Tip: Book guided tours in advance; avoid flash photography to protect turtles.
6. Hawk Bill Nest Guest House Viewpoint:
   • A scenic spot near Cuthbert Bay, offering views of the coastline and turtle nesting grounds.
   • Entry: Free; accessible via guesthouse premises.
   • Highlight: Budget-friendly stop for sunset views and photography.

Budget Travel Tips for Rangat

• Accommodation: Limited options; budget guesthouses like APWD Guest House, Hawksbill Nest (forest department), or private stays (e.g., Hotel Ross & Smith) cost ₹1,000-₹2,000/night. Book via local agents or directly. Most visitors stay overnight en route to Diglipur.
• Food: Small eateries in Rangat Bazaar serve local dishes (fish curry, rice, dal) for ₹80-₹200. Try Hotel Priya or roadside stalls for budget meals. Pack snacks for beach trips due to limited vendors.
• Transport:
  • From Port Blair: Government buses (₹150-₹300, 5-6 hours) from STS Bus Terminal, Aberdeen Bazaar, are cheapest. Private AC buses (₹1,000-₹1,500) or taxis (₹6,000-₹8,000) offer comfort. Travel involves vehicle ferries at Middle Strait (included in fare).
  • On Island: Rented Cab for local sightseeing.
  • Convoy System: Travel through Jarawa Reserve requires joining convoys (6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM). Depart Port Blair by 4-5 AM for the first convoy.
• Activities: Focus on free or low-cost attractions (Amkunj, Moricedera, Dhani Nallah). Turtle nesting tours are the priciest activity; book via forest department for savings. No water sports or dive centers.
• Essentials: Carry cash (ATMs are limited), mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and water. Mobile networks (BSNL best) are patchy; Wi-Fi is unavailable in budget stays.

Practical Information

• Safety: Rangat is safe but remote. Follow convoy rules and avoid stopping in the Jarawa Reserve. No lifeguards at beaches; swim cautiously. Night travel is limited due to poor lighting.
• Jarawa Tribe: The Jarawa Reserve is en route; interaction, photography, or offering food is illegal and punishable. Respect their privacy.
• Permits: Indian nationals need no special permits. Foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit (free, issued at Port Blair airport). A forest permit (₹50-₹100) may be needed for turtle nesting or Dhani Nallah.
• Medical Facilities: Basic health center in Rangat; serious cases are referred to Port Blair (5-6 hours).
• Language: Hindi, English, and Bengali are spoken. Locals are friendly but speak limited English.

Why Visit Rangat?

Rangat is perfect for budget travelers seeking an authentic, less commercialized Andaman experience. Its tranquil beaches, mangrove walkways, and turtle nesting sites offer a nature-focused escape, distinct from the beach-heavy itineraries of Havelock and Neil. It’s typically a stopover in longer packages (e.g., 9N10D Port Blair + Havelock + Neil + Baratang + Rangat + Diglipur for ₹30,000-₹40,000 per person, as mentioned earlier), but a 1-night stay allows exploration of its unique attractions. Pair it with Baratang or Diglipur for a comprehensive Middle Andaman adventure.

For tailored itineraries or bookings, contact Andaman Visit (www.andamanvisit.com), (+91 933 244 7352) If you need specific details (e.g., hotel recommendations, ferry schedules), let me know!