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Rangat Island: A Secret Cove of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Smack in the middle of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands lies this picturesque island destination called Rangat, with its shy beauty and serene environment. Lying about 170 kilometres from Port Blair, Rangat is accessible by road via NH4 and about 90 kilometres by sea. Rangat covers an area of approximately 1070 square kilometres and finds its place in the central part of the Andaman group of Islands. This is a place where the emerald landscapes meet the turquoise waters and thus form an ideal haven for every nature lover and voyager looking for serenity.

Famous For:

Rangat has several beaches with their natural beauty, mangroves, serene creeks, and waterfalls. The island happens to be a heaven for those who come to experience the raw beauty of the Andamans.

Entrance Fee:

There is no entry fee at Rangat.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March is the best time to visit Rangat, and the weather stays pretty nice and perfect to venture into the natural splendor of the island.

Interesting Facts

Rangat is not as well-known for being a place of interest in the Andamans, but still, it boasts quite a few very interesting tourist attractions. It has a freshwater stream that can be used by visitors as a large swimming pool in nature. The major spots include Cutbert Bay Beach and Panchavati Hills, each with different experiences. Rangat, the second biggest town in the Andaman Islands, might probably not rank high on every traveller’s list, but it has more to offer than one would think.

The rocky beaches with formations of volcanic origin, undisturbed white sands where turtles nest, huge sanctuaries of mangrove forests, and the longest walkways through mangrove forests in India are all part of this island. Waterfalls and spice plantations rejuvenated during the post-monsoon season, adding more magic to this place. Although less known, Rangat presents a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the tourist attractions of the Andamans.

Culture and Heritage

In Rangat, the culture has been interwoven into the traditional occupations of fisheries and the cultivation of the local people. The ecology of this island keeps a fine balance with its local communities, while the warm hospitality of the islanders further beautifies the charm of this offbeat destination. While visiting Rangat to explore of natural beauties, tourists can easily get a slice of the lifestyles of the locals.

Things to Explore

Morice Dera Beach

It is 8 kilometres away from Rangat. The seashore here takes the shape of a rock formation and gives tourists a panoramic view. It is essentially a place where locals come for relaxation purposes and spend their weekends. The sea offers some trekking and gentle walks along the sea through thick greenery.

Amkunj Beach

Lying in Nimbutala village, Amkunj Beach is a rocky beach with splendid views 8 km away from Rangat. Swimming is not possible here; the long walks and shots are perfect for framing the openness of the sea.

Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway

One of the major Rangat attractions is the Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway, a one-kilometer boardwalk through a dense mangrove forest. It is renowned for its ecological importance and offers an excellent opportunity to observe various species of mangroves.

Yerrata Creek

Located 8 km from Rangat, Yerrata Creek has the most developed mangrove plantation. The Mangrove Interpretation Centre here explains various species of mangroves. The local jetty offers boat rides to Long Island.

Raman Bageecha

It is located near a mango plantation, and this beach is the cleanest in Rangat. The place is excellent for swimming and relaxing. During the mango season, tourists can enjoy mango shakes.

Panchavati Hills

The Panchavati Hills, on the outskirts of Rangat, have a beautiful waterfall that is a feast during the monsoons. The dense surroundings offer good scope for trekking and exploring.

Attractions in Rangat

  1. Cutbert Bay Beach:

Cutbert Bay Beach boasts golden sand and is inhabited by ample marine life. It is of prime importance since it serves as a major nesting site for turtles and offers undisturbed silence away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many nature lovers are drawn to its wildlife sanctuary.

  1. Amkunj Bay Beach:

Characterized by its rocky black sand, Amkunj Bay Beach offers a different experience from the rest of the Andaman beaches. Excellent for swimming, snorkelling, and bird watching, this place has crystal waters and a tranquil atmosphere.

  1. Panchavati Hills:

Panchavati Hills are famous for their serene beauty and refreshing waterfalls that fall through the rocky landscape. This place is ideal for nature lovers to enjoy fishing, swimming, and peaceful surroundings.

  1. Morice Dera Beach:

Boulders of peculiar shapes and sizes lie opposite Amkunj Bay Beach. Morice Dera Beach attracts trekkers and nature lovers alike because of its striking scenery. It is an ideal destination for people who want to experience nature in all its simplicity.

How to Reach Rangat

By Road:

– Government Bus: 

They are the state-run buses, which originate from Port Blair, and they take about 8 hours to reach Rangat. They can be pretty reasonably priced and they are not air-conditioned. One could buy tickets from the Aberdeen Bus Depot in Port Blair. Private Sector Buses: They do run buses, both AC and non-AC, with a duration the same as it would be for other kinds, 8 hours. One could get tickets from private reservation offices in Port Blair. By Private Cab:

Private Cab from Port Blair

One can book a private cab, which is personalised and very convenient, especially if one is planning to include other places in one’s itinerary, like Baratang.

By Ferry:

– Government Operated Ferry: 

The ferries run from Port Blair to Rangat and take approximately 5-6 hours. The service is not available daily, and tickets must be booked in advance from the STAR ticket counters in Port Blair.

From Havelock and Neil Islands: 

The ferries in these islands go by Rangat, although this ferry also has to travel by other islands.

By Helicopter:

Helicopter services are available from Port Blair to Rangat and take less than an hour. The ticket price may be near Rs. 3000, and it can be booked from the local tour operators.

This island, therefore, stands apart, offering a mix of nature, culture, and serenity. Whether it’s its virgin beaches, tranquil creeks, or mangrove jungles, Rangat has all the potential to be a great outing away from the noise of the more touristy places of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands!