Rangat is a town in the Middle Andaman Island and is one of the three counties administrative divisions of the North and Middle Andaman district. It is known for its natural beauty across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the second largest town in the Andamans and is a less-frequented destination because not everyone is aware of its gorgeousness. But if you end up visiting this town, then you will be spellbound for sure. There are stunning beaches with volcanic rocks and pristine sands that are an ideal spot for turtle nesting during the season (December and January). There are mangrove sanctuaries and awareness centers with the longest walking trails among mangrove forests as well. A lovely waterfall is also there along with vast plantations of spices where you can visit after monsoons.
Right in the middle of the Andaman Islands, Rangat is a 1070 square kilometers large town. From Port Blair, it is at a distance of 90 kilometers by sea and 170 kilometers by road. Reaching Rangat is very simple. You can take a bus or private cab from Port Blair. If you want to enter from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Long Island, or Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), then you need to take a ferry.
For transfers via ferry, you can make the booking via Andaman Island Travels, a well-known tour agent located Port Blair. The local tour operator is the one-stop destination for all your transfer requirements when you are vacationing here. You don’t have to go through any hassle as it will book all your ferry tickets in advance. Its ferry booking services for inter-island connectivity in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands would make your trip absolutely smooth. For all tourist places in the Andamans, it will provide you confirmed ferry tickets. It is a single platform for all ferry and boat tickets. Just tell its experienced team your decided dates and destinations. You can also ask them if you have any kind of doubts regarding bookings.
The best places to visit in Rangat are mentioned below:
Amkunj Beach
Located in Nimbutala village at a distance of eight kilometers from Rangat, you can swim here and get a perfect tan along with complete peace of mind. It is a lovely place to sit and unwind on a bright sunny day.
Curtbert Bay Beach
It is a lengthy sandy beach located at a distance of twelve kilometers from Rangat. It is a well-known turtle nesting ground.
Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway (Nature Walkway)
It is a one-kilometer long wooden boardwalk that twists through the mangrove creeks. The walkway opens up to the pristine long beach- Dhani Nallah Beach, which is popular as a hatchery ground for sea turtles.
Long Island
The natural flora and fauna are thriving on this Island. The beaches around Long Island remain unexplored and are mesmerising like a tiny piece of heaven in India.
Morrice Dera Beach
A very unique attraction, the twin rock at the beach presents itself as a rare yet beautiful rock formation. There is a walkway between these rocks that leads you to an eye-catching horizon viewpoint.
Panchavati Hills & Waterfalls
These beautiful hills surrounded by rocks fall in the outskirts of Rangat. Trekking is not advised on this small hill as a serene waterfall flows gently through the hills, making the rocks very slippery.
Yerrata Creek
It is known for its abundant mangrove life which makes it a great spot to observe and study a diverse variety of mangroves. The department of environment and forests has established a Mangrove Interpretation Centre displaying different species of mangroves found on these islands.
Other sightseeing spots in Rangat include Lalaji Bay View, Guitar Island, and Raman Bagicha.
December to March is the best time to visit Rangat. During this time, the temperature remains between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is quite pleasant at this time.
Hotel Avis and Hotel Ross and Smith popular accommodations in Rangat. The latter is a newly introduced hotel that started operating in 2018. If you don’t expect excessive luxury or star category facilities, then both these hotels are quite good.
The Hawks Bill Nest is a resort of the Andaman & Nicobar Department of Tourism. Advance booking during the peak season is required to ensure your confirmed reservation. It would be great if you book everything through a local tour operator because the network there is very poor and you will not be able to make online bookings for this offbeat destination.
Some of the other hotels where you can stay are as follows:
If you are a foodie and looking for authentic Indian food during your stay in Rangat, then the following are the best places for you:
Rangat Island is situated in the Middle Andaman. You should keep at least two days for visiting all the tourist attractions here.
Yes, you can visit Rangat as a day trip when you are on your way to North Andaman Islands.
Security in Rangat Island has been increased more than before as it has become one of the most loving tourist places all over the Andamans. There is no problem as such for female solo travellers in Rangat.
Rangat boasts of the best of natural beauties flourishing in India. Along with being a nesting hub for sea turtles, the island is one of the most enchanting towns in the Andaman archipelago as well. As much as 170 kilometers away from Port Blair and is easily accessible by everyone. If you are visiting the Andamans, then Rangat is definitely a place you must not miss. It has crystal clear waves from the deep blue sea to the cool breeze that can sweep you off your feet.
To reach Rangat from Port Blair, you can hire a private taxi. You will not be required to look for a return option or hire any public transport because the cab driver will accompany your from Port Blair and will bring you back. He will be a local of the island and thus, he will be able to suggest the best places for sightseeing and for food as well.
Yes, you can easily get vegetarian food at various restaurants in Rangat. And for non-vegetarians, seafood is a must-try on the island.
A trip to Rangat will be quite light on your pocket. The island has all the basic facilities and services despite the fact that it is not that commercialised yet. Don’t expect lavish hotels and restaurants here. Therefore, everything is affordable in Rangat.
There are mainly three seasons in Rangat—summer, tropical winter, and monsoon. The island experiences heavy winds during the monsoon season and a tropical climate otherwise. Located in the Bay of Bengal, you can enjoy the best weather here from early November to mid-May.
There is only one ATM in Rangat. Card payments are usually not accepted there. Carrying enough cash is highly recommended when travelling to this island.