Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Located in Nimbutala village at a distance of eight kilometers from Rangat, Amkunj Beach is not less than a tiny piece of heaven in Rangat Island. 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. By the beachside, there are numerous eco-friendly sofa-like sit-outs, small round tables, and eco-huts that provide shade. For complete peace of mind, you can swim here and get the perfect tan along with a lot of Vitamin D under the sun. The beach will never fail to amaze you with its magical and adventurous experiences. There are incredibly a fair amount of things to do when you are there.
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Highlights of Amkunj Beach, Rangat Island
Rangat Island in the Andaman Islands has got a lot more to offer than you can imagine. You are sure to get a myriad of experiences there. Rangat Island is a very good example of an eco-tourism initiative in the Andamans.
The best time to visit Amkunj Beach is from October to March. The temperature remains between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius. During these months, the weather is pleasant and you will be saved from the scorching tropical summers at this time of the year. There are various eco-friendly facilities at the beach such as benches made of dead logs, eco-huts, and grooves. There are several exotic varieties of trees also. Educational and research tourists get attracted towards tree grooves on the bench.
If you want to have a picnic at the beach, then carry your own food and water as there are not many shops in the area. Swimming can be done there but you have to be very much cautious. The waters are shallow but the shoreline at the beach is rocky. So choose the place for swimming cautiously. If you visit Amkunj Beach in the summer season, then carry sunscreen and sunglasses to avoid sunburns.
Attractions in Amkunj Beach, Rangat Island
Also known as an eco-friendly beach on Rangat Island, Amkunj Beach has a rocky shoreline. So swimming is not recommended. However, you can enjoy strolling to witness its serenity. You can relax on the wooden benches near the shoreline and cherish the sight of waves coming up to the uneven terrain. Watching sunsets and sunrises at this beach is a highly recommended thing to do. These are also the best times to visit there. If you are lucky, then you even spot turtles at Amkunj Beach.
On the undisturbed sands, you can simply sit in the quiet solitude and sunbathe for hours. Do not miss the opportunity of taking a walk as the evening sun sets down into the ocean. If you want to witness the marine world, then try your hand at snorkeling at Amkunj Beach. You will not be disappointed. Birdwatchers can explore and observe a number of exotic birds along with verdant mangrove trees. You can also visit the nearby Dhani Nallah and the Cutbert Bay Beach.
Nearby Hotels in Amkunj Beach, Rangat Island
When it comes to accommodation, Rangat has a couple of basic stay options. As it is a rural part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and as mentioned, you should not expect any star category service or luxury from these properties. The hotels nearby Amkunj Beach in Rangat Island are as follows:
The island has enough facilities for serving you while you are on a short stay. It is a hygienic and decent place.
Nearby Restaurant & Food Outlets in Amkunj Beach
Are you a foodie and looking for authentic Indian food during your stay in Rangat? If yes, then you can enjoy a nice meal at the following food joints:
How to Reach Amkunj Beach, Rangat Island
Amkunj Beach is around 100 meters from the main road. Therefore, tourists can reach it from Rangat Island via any private transport. The open wide beach is nearly five minutes away from there.
Rangat is a 1070 square kilometers large island that falls right in the middle of the Andamans. Its gorgeous waterfall and beaches attract people from across the world. It is at a distance of 170 kilometers by road and 90 kilometers by sea from the capital city, Port Blair. You can easily enter Rangat from Port Blair and by ferries from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Long Island, and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Rangat is a wonderful blend of nature’s most precious delights and offers once in a lifetime holiday experience. Owing to its clean environment, greenery, as well as unpolluted fresh air, nature lovers include Rangat in their travel itinerary.
You can hire a private cab from Port Blair to reach Rangat. Neither you have to look for a return option nor would you have to hire any other public transport as the driver will be accompanying you from Port Blair. You can reach your hotel and go for sightseeing by cab itself. As your driver is a local of the Andaman Islands, he will be able to tell you about the place and takes you to various points of attraction. He can also suggest you the best places where you can eat, and he will also ensure that you visit all the places that you would want to see and return on time to Port Blair for your other travel plans.
Hiring a private cab is the best option for those who have a fixed number of days to explore the Andaman Islands before they go back. The biggest relief is that you can book this service online before your vacation. Thus, it is the most stress-free option. The cab will pick you from your stay point and drop you back to your desired place after the completion of your trip.
Contact Andaman Island Travels as it is the one-stop destination for all your bookings for any corner of the whole island.
A town in the Middle Andaman Island, Andaman Archipelago, Rangat is one of the three counties administrative divisions of the North and Middle Andaman district. Its natural beauty can surprise whosoever visits Andaman and Nicobar Islands- the loveliest union territory of India. The second largest town in Andamans, it is not very popular among travellers yet. Not many people know about its splendid beauty, but those who end up here are left awestruck by the attractions it offers. You can witness gorgeous beaches with volcanic rocks as well as pristine sand, which are perfect for turtle nesting during the season (December to January). The mangrove sanctuaries and awareness centres with the longest walking trails among mangrove forests in the country are sure to leave you spellbound. Wait, there is more!! You can also visit a scenic waterfall or stroll around vast plantations of spices after monsoons here.
Cutbert Bay Beach is a lengthy sandy beach located at a distance of twelve kilometers from Rangat. It is a well-known turtle nesting ground in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The season is normally between December and February. If you want to witness this wonderful marvel of nature, then you should undoubtedly include this in your itinerary while vacationing on this gorgeous island.
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Highlights of Cutbert Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Rangat is a 1070 square kilometers large island that falls right in the middle of the Andamans. Its gorgeous waterfall and beaches attract people from across the world. Rangat is a wonderful blend of nature’s most precious delights and offers once in a lifetime holiday experience. Owing to its clean environment, greenery, as well as unpolluted fresh air, nature lovers include Rangat in their travel itinerary.
Curtbert Bay Beach is a less explored yet a serene beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With pleasant vibes throughout the place, it is always a delightful experience to visit this beach. The whole shoreline has tiny baby turtles paddling towards the sea. If you are seeking natural beauty at its best, then visiting this beach would be a great idea as you can enjoy the simple village life along with the seclusion of this picturesque spot.
You can spend your time by indulging in the following activities:
Nearby Restaurant & Food Outlets in Cutbert Bay Beach, Rangat Island
If you are a foodie and looking for authentic Indian food nearby Cutbert Bay Beach, then the below-mentioned are the best places for you:
Things to do in Cutbert Bay Beach, Rangat Island
If you are a true nature lover and want the much-needed ‘me-time’ surrounded by nature out there, then there is a long list of things that you can do and see. Trust us, the list is more than just lazing around in the beaches, soaking in their natural beauty, and appreciate the greenery. You can spend your day sunbathing, swimming, watching the superabundant mangroves and most importantly, see the diverse species of turtles nesting at the serenebeach.
Nearby Hotels in Cutbert Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Hotel Avis and Hotel Ross and Smith are two private properties in Rangat Island. The latter is a newly introduced hotel that started operating in 2018. Its guests have given decent service feedbacks. Both these hotels are good if you don’t expect excessive luxury or star category facilities while you stay in them.
The Hawks Bill Nest is a resort of the Andaman & Nicobar Department of Tourism. You have to make your booking here in advance during the peak season to ensure your reservation. But we would highly recommend you to secure your bookings here through a local tour operator because online bookings mostly don’t work due to the poor internet connectivity in this offbeat destination. Andaman Island Travels is the one-stop destination for all your bookings for any corner of the whole island. Its expert tour operators will design your Andaman vacation exactly as per your requirements.
Some of the other hotels where you can stay are as follows:
How to Reach Cutbert Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Reaching Cutbert Bay Beach is very easy. Rangat Island is at a distance of 170 kilometers by road and 90 kilometers by sea from the capital city, Port Blair. You can easily enter here from Port Blair and by ferries from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Long Island, and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep).
Taking a government bus is the most economical option to reach Rangat from the capital city. The government-operated bus departs from Port Blair at different timings. You can prefer taking the one around 4:30 am and reach Rangat in nearly eight hours. It will pass through Andaman Grand Trunk Road to reach the public bus stand in Rangat. From there, you will have to hire public transport to reach your accommodation. These are not air-conditioned buses. You can purchase the tickets from the government bus depot in Port Blair. There is a huge demand for government bus tickets because of the cheap fare. To stay connected between Rangat and Port Blair, the majority of the locals use this mode of transport as their lifeline. The boarding point of these buses is at the Aberdeen Bus Depot. Since it has several pick-up points on the ATR, you need to enquire at the ticket counter for your nearest pick-up point. The return ticket from Rangat has to be booked from Rangat bus terminus only if you have reached Rangat by the government buses.
Cutbert Bay Beach is not a frequently visited spot as not everybody knows about this hidden gem. It is one of the loveliest beaches near Rangat. As it is not so much visited by humans, turtles prefer this place for laying their eggs. The beach is sought-after among those travellers who are seeking some solace and seclusion. If you want to spend quality time at a tranquil place where there is no crowd at all, then you will surely get mesmerised at this beach.
Guitar Island is one of the most exquisite but uninhabited islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a gorgeous destination about which not many people know. If you want to enjoy a stunning day trip from the main island, then this place is your best bet. It is known for its brilliant blue water and tropical greens everywhere.
As many as 38 islands out of a total of 572 pristine islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are permanently uninhabited. These islands are mostly visited by those tourists, who like to explore offbeat destinations that are away from the crowd of tourists.
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Highlights of Guitar Island, Rangat Island
Guitar Island is one of the hidden gem of the Andamans. It is a small patch of green in the cobalt blue waters of Indian Ocean, and is in the shape of a guitar. An aerial view reveals that the island looks exactly like a guitar from the top, complete with a sound hole of water in the middle. It also has the long neck and the headstock.
Overview of Guitar Island, Rangat Island
You should target low tide time if you want to take a leisurely stroll along the sand bars to Guitar Island. You can know whether it is low tide or high tide at that time from the boatmen at the Long Island jetty.
Make sure that you do not litter Guitar Island by throwing plastics or food leftovers. The Andaman Government takes every possible step to maintain these natural treasures, and as tourists, it’s your duty to help its efforts.
If you want to enjoy seclusion at a beautiful setting far from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then visit Guitar Island that is an exotic destination.
Things to do in Guitar Island, Rangat Island
The best thing to do on Guitar Island is to cherish the lovely ambiance. Readers can read a book there in peace. Photographers will find unlimited opportunities to capture the beauty of this secluded island. Take a stroll along the sandy beach and collect beautiful seashells. Relax on the soft sand and look at the fishing boats at a distance. Enjoy the surging and crashing of waves while dipping your feet in the azure water of the ocean.
You can also enjoy swimming on the island as the water is perfect here. The sea is not very deep and is ideal for a good swimming session. Soak yourself in the beauty of this less-frequented place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and make the best of your holidays.
Places to See Nearby Guitar Island, Rangat Island
You can see another small island from Guitar Island. It is known as Small Guitar Island. When the tides are high, the gap between both the islands gets covered with seawater. And when the tide ebbs, sandbanks are left between connecting the two. You can go to that island as well. Simply ask your boatman to take you there. It is much smaller and looks more or less like Guitar Island, but is still an incredible place to see when you are in Rangat Island.
You can also go to Long Island from where you have to catch your ferry to Guitar Island. It is a gorgeous tourist destination where you can have a great time. At Lalaji Bay Beach on Long Island, tourists often indulge in beach camping. You can also travel to Havelock Island that is considered one of the best places to see in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Best time to visit in Guitar Island, Rangat Island
One can visit Guitar Island at any time of the year, except for the monsoon season. There is rainfall between July and September. The schedules of the boats are dependable on weather. Moreover, you will not be able to enjoy at the beach when it is raining.
The best time to visit Guitar Island is during the autumn-winter-spring stretch, which is from October to March. On an average, the temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Thus, the weather remains mild and pleasant at this time. Summers are also fine here except for the long boat journies as the raging sun may leave you uncomfortable.
There are no accommodations at the Guitar Island. Thus, you cannot stay there at night. You will have to come back to Long Island while there is still light. It would be safer as sea journey in the dark will not be a favorable experience.
How to Reach Guitar Island, Rangat Island
You can reach Guitar Island from Long Island via a dinghy boat that is nearly 90 kilometers far from Port Blair, the capital town. There are three-four ways to reach Long Island that are mentioned below:
From Port Blair to Long Island jetty, there are boats on alternate days. Thus, you can avail the waterway route at least three days of the week. These boats sail via Neil Island and Havelock Island on their way to Long Island. However, this option has the problem of uncertainty. Before finalizing any plan, you have to visit the official website of Andaman Island Tourism to see whether the boat is available on the day you want to travel. The schedules are tentative and are subject to change at short notice even then owing to adverse weather conditions, etc. If you are travelling in a big group from Port Blair, then hire private boats as there is not any risk then.
The second way to reach there is by taking a bus to Rangat and then a boat from Yeratta Jetty to Long Island. If you choose this option, then you have to take the early morning bus at 4:30 am from Port Blair. The journey to Rangat is eight-hour long. You will have to stay at night in Rangat if you taken an evening bus from Port Blair. You can catch the boat for Long Island at 9 am.
To reach Guitar Island from Long Island, you have to take a fibre boat or a speed boat (takes around twenty minutes to reach). You can pick any one as per your budget and convenience.
Dhani Nallah Mangrove is a one-kilometer long wooden boardwalk that twists through the mangrove creeks. This walkway is the longest one of its kind in India. It is perfect to observe the diverse mangrove eco-system in one place. The walkway opens up to the pristine long beach- Dhani Nallah Beach, which is popular as a hatchery ground for sea turtles.
There is a small eco-hut, which is named as Olive Ridley, named after the most frequent turtle species of the beach. It offers a fantastic picnic area in the shadows of special casuarina trees with benches and sunbeds. You can enjoy at the swings and a bamboo tower from where you can praise the pleasant view of the whole beach.
It is among the most incredible attraction spots in Middle Andaman Island. Most of the time, the whole place is deserted and you can enjoy the long serene walk all by yourself.
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Popular as the loveliest beach in Middle Andaman Island, Dhani Nallah is a five kilometer-long stretch of brownish soft sand. The color of the water here is blue and there is abundant shadow along the shore. The beach is deserted at most of the times. So, you can have the whole place to yourself.
The tides don’t affect swimming. Just jump into the water whenever you want. It is quite windy here, so the beach has a great potential to become an ideal windsurfing spot. If you want to do that, then you will have to bring your own equipment as no windsurfing facilities are available there at present.
There are lush casuarina trees all around with benches and sunbeds. Thus, you can have a picnic in the shadow and pleasant weather. If you want to enjoy the view of the whole beach, then there is a bamboo tower from where you can have a look at the entire place. There are swings as well. Facilities here are limited though. So make sure that you carry all the necessary stuff with you.
A natural walkway and beach on the outskirts of Rangat, Dhani Nallah is located in the Middle Andaman Island. It lies at a distance of twenty kilometers from Rangat, adjacent to the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR). Dhani Nallah has got its name from a mangrove associate locally known as Dhanipatti.
It is a wooden boardwalk that meanders through mangrove creek for a distance of nearly 713 meters. The place is a tourist hotspot in the Andaman Islands. The beach is popular for turtle nesting of especially Olive Ridley Sea turtles. Turtles nest on the shore of Dhani Nallah from November to February.
If you are lucky, then you can witness the beautiful sight of little turtles rushing into the water for the first time. From Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, there is an artificial hatchery as well where special care is taken for preserving and protecting turtles.
The lovely way that leads to the beach is another amazing aspect about Dhani Nallah. You have to walk through dense mangrove forest on a nature walkway to reach the beach. This nature walk is 713 meter-long and is the longest boardwalks of its kind in India.
While walking on this incredible trail, you can get to know a lot about the diversity of mangroves and creatures living in its rich natural ecosystem. It is home to a variety of wild animals and birds. You can spot a number of birds and marine animals such as crabs, shrimps, and fish owing to the shallow waters that are breeding grounds for them. Crocodiles have also been spotted here. You can learn so much about the importance of mangroves and their role in nature.
Hawksbill Nest, Cuthbert Bay is located at two kilometers from the entry point of Dhani Nallah walkway. This guesthouse is run by the tourism department. You can stay here as it has all the basic facilities.
Other properties in Rangat Island where you can stay are as follows:
If you are planning to spend quality time with your family, friends or the special one, then choose from these best restaurants in Rangat Island. These places have received good reviews from guests. They have rated the food quite delicious and the restaurants hygienic and comfortable.
The below-mentioned are the most sought-after restaurants in Rangat Island:
So now you know where to eat when in Rangat Island.
When you are in Rangat, then you can easily reach Dhani Nallah Mangrove. Its entry is located at Betapur that is twenty kilometers far from Rangat Island. You can reach there by any private transport.
You can reach Rangat via a government ferry from Port Blair. It will be a five to six hours long journey. The timings vary depending on the total number of passengers boarding and getting down at each stop. The ticket bookings open only one or two days before the departure. The harbor for Rangat is the Yerrata Jetty. Before finalizing this potion, you should know that if you are in the Andaman Islands for only a few days, then this option may not work for you.
Reaching Rangat from Havelock Island or Neil Island is also very easy. You will have to take a government ferry to Rangat Island from Havelock Island. This is the same ferry that sails from Port Blair to Rangat. The voyage ends at Long Island after stopping in Rangat. The same applies to visit Rangat from Neil Island. From there also, you need to take the same boat to Rangat Island.
Contact Andaman Island Travels if you are planning to travel to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located in Port Blair (the capital city), this reliable tour company will take care of all your requirements.
Lalaji Bay Beach is a serene and peaceful beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that allures travellers owing to its gorgeous beauty. Located in the west coast of Long Island, it is closely connected to Middle Island and Rangat. To reach this charming beach, you will be walking through the mangrove creek and this is in itself quite an adventurous activity. Tourists should carry their own drinking water and snacks with them as the facilities here are limited.
A private and secluded tourist hotspot, Lalaji Bay Beach is an incredible addition to your vacation. It is advisable that you leave from there before 8 pm as there. View mesmerising sunrise sitting by the beach. Witness orange hues of the sky during sunset. If you want to spend some quality time in the lap of nature, then this beach is the perfect spot.
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Highlights of Lalaji Bay Beach, Rangat Island
The waters of Lalaji Bay Beach are azure and the shore is enveloped with verdant trees that make it look like straight from a fairy tale. To refresh and rejuvenate your mind, you can take a relaxing walk at this lovely beach. You can enjoy quality and peaceful time with your travel companions here. Moreover, if you are fortunate enough, then you can also spot dolphins coming out and jumping.
Overview of Lalaji Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Located in the west coast of the Long island, Lalaji Bay Beach is the pride of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It offers its visitors lovely sandy coastlines and revitalising vibes that you will never forget in your life. You can easily reach this beach via ferries from Central Andaman and Rangat. There is unique mangrove creek lining on your way to this beach and the whole journey via ferry is an altogether exciting travel memory.
Things to do & Water Sports in Lalaji Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Lalaji Bay Beach in the Andamans is considered an exemplary beach destination having various adventurous water activities. Skiing, snorkeling, swimming, and diving top the chart. If you want to explore the rich marine life, then go for scuba diving at Lighthouse that is known for giving a memorable diving experience as it has lovely coral formations welcoming you into the deep sea. This is a must for every diving junkie.
There are not many shopping opportunities at Lalaji Bay Beach, but if you are a shopaholic, then you can pick beautiful souvenirs for your friends and family from Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). These places have quaint little shops from where you can buy a variety of things.
Are you looking for beach camping or beach hopping? If yes, then Havelock Island is a great option in the Andamans. This will add more adventure and fun to your island vacation.
Nearby Hotels in in Lalaji Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Whether you are a business traveller, a solo wanderer, a romantic couple, newlywed couple, friends; group, or a family group, the properties near Lalaji Bay Beach are perfect for every kind of tourist. Coral Reef is an ultra-luxury resort that is a true symbol of luxury and comfort. Suitable for both leisure and business activities, The North Reef is also an ideal choice. Hornbill Nest Resort is located near Zonal Anthropological Museum and you can easily reach there from the central bus stand. You can also consider staying at The Shine View Hotel. It has twenty rooms that are well-equipped with modern amenities.
If you are willing to stay at the best accommodations as per your budget, then contact Andaman Island Travels to make all the booking for you. Its holiday experts will take care of all your requirements and will offer you the best of everything.
Nearby Places to Eat in Lalaji Bay Beach, Rangat Island
Excel Restaurant is the most preferred restaurant near Lalaji Bay Beach. It is a vivacious restaurant that offers breath-taking views of the ocean. One can enjoy multiple cuisines all day here. If you want to eat local and authentic cuisine, then head to Red Snapper and Something Different as both these places serve a rich variety of exclusive seafood delicacies. If you are looking for moderately priced budget friendly options, then try Kerala Café and Nemo Café. These are located on the beach and are popular for lip-smacking food items on their menus. Vegans should try Fat Martin Café as it has delightful meal options. Andamans is a paradise for food lovers as they have a lot to explore here.
How to Reach Lalaji Bay Beach, Rangat Island
One can reach Lalaji Bay Beach quite easily from Port Blair (the capital town) as well as Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). One can also take a two-hour trek through lush forests to reach there if you love adventure and the wild.
From Port Blair: From the capital city, Lalaji Bay Beach lies at a distance of about 90 kilometers. It is connected to Rangat Island via ferries that take people to and fro. If you are not willing to take a long ferry journey, then you have an option of taking a bus from Rangat and then taking a ferry to reach the beach directly.
If you take a bus, then it will take nearly eight hours from Port Blair to reach Rangat. After that, the jetty ride will be of 1.5 hours that will surely be a mesmerising experience. You can also take a direct route from Port Blair to reach the beach. There is an option wherein you can directly sail from Port Blair. However, it would be a little expensive.
From Havelock Island: Lalaji Bay Beach is just 35 kilometers from Swaraj Dweep, which is yet another tourist hotspot popular for picturesque beaches and enthralling water sports. From here, you have to take a government ferry to reach Long Island. This is the same ferry that tourists take from Port Blair to Havelock Island. It picks up those travellers who are venturing from the stop.
For all ferry bookings across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, contact Andaman Island Travels to save yourself from the hustle. The Port Blair-based travel agency is committed to offer you the best travel experience of your lifetime.
One of the most offbeat locations in the archipelago, Long Island in the Andaman Islands is yet not fully discovered by many who know about this union territory. There are so many reasons for that. The remote locality of Long Island and the poor connectivity of this destination is the foremost reason for many. Along with that, there are very limited accommodation facilities available on Long Island. This place had decent popularity among foreign nationals until 2019. The majority of the Indian travelers don’t include this island in their itinerary as a trip to this point of attraction requires a total of ten or more days’ stay in the Andaman Islands.
Long Island is a small rural settlement that is not connected by any road network to any of the islands. There is no blacktop road on the island. Different parts of the area are connected by a concrete footpath only. A mud road leads towards the wood. If you are a nature enthusiast, then you would love the Casuarina trees (popularly known as the Jhau tree or she-oak) alongside the footpaths that make it an adoring natural walkway. As the island is amidst the open sea, these trees also act as windbreaks for it. In Long Island, all movements are on foot.
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Highlights of Long Island, Rangat Island
Long Island was a much busier beach when it was the home to Kitply Industries Limited. However, not many tourists visit this beach nowadays and thus, 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. The island provides a very quiet and calm place to escape the buzz of tourists in the Andamans as it is isolated and still remain unveiled by tourists.
Until the arrival of settlers in the 1970s, the island was inhabited. A plywood factory was set up near the jetty that is closed now. There is a small village nearby the jetty which is populated by settlers and factory workers from various parts of the country.
Overview of Long Island, Rangat Island
This enchanting island is home to a stunning beach at Lalaji Bay six kilometers north from Long Island jetty. It is popular for its beautiful forest cover and coconut plantations. It can also be considered as the gateway to many hidden and unexplored spots like Guitar Island and the Merk Bay Beach at North Passage Island. Here, you can have the best of both worlds—the exotic and untouched virgin beaches as well as the lush green tropical forests. Long Island is a golden feather in the crown of the Andaman Islands. It is a paradise for bird lovers if you visit it during the right season. The island has a unique marine eco-system as well.
The tropical weather and vibes of this island make it a perfect romantic spot. You can spend quality time here amidst the splendor of this destination.
Things to do in Long Island, Rangat Island
On this island, you can spend your time experiencing its beauty and serenity. You can enjoy quality time swimming, lazing around in the beaches, island hopping in a private chartered boat, taking nature walks, trekking, viewing a splendid sunset from the island, indulging in nature photography, and a lot more. You can soak yourself in the essence of being in the lap of nature.
Also, there are diving centres of Havelock Island offering safari trips to explore the dive sites of Long Island. Snorkeling is quite popular here owing to good underwater visibility.
There is a serene trek that goes through the main village, plantations, fields, regenerated forest, and primary rainforest. If you love hiking, then you should definitely include this in your travel plans. This six-kilometer trail begins at the jetty and ends at Lalaji Bay. There is one more trail that runs north from Lalaji bay, which leads to a secret cove with calm water, corals and a white sandy beach. So if you want to snorkel or sunbathe in complete privacy, you know where to go!
Nearby Hotels in Long Island, Rangat Island
There is a government accommodation known as Surmai Resort and a private property named Blue Planet in Long Island. You can stay at any one of these properties. Surmai Resort has more facilities and is recommended for Indian travellers visiting this island or for any traveler who has planned this trip as a family holiday. On the other hand, Blue Planet is more of an eco hut of thatched roofing and walls. It has only low-lying mattresses and mosquito nets as their major amenities. Thus, backpackers can consider this option.
As online things won’t work properly for Long Island, you will be requiring assistance for local companies to get your accommodation booked. When in Long Island, do not expect any luxurious or modern accommodation. The facilities are very basic and kind of eco-stays.
How to reach Long Island, Rangat Island
Over 80 kilometers from Port Blair and 35 kilometers north of Havelock Island, Long Island is connected by ferry from Port Blair, Neil Island and Havelock Island. It is connected by road from Diglipur and Port Blair.
Have you made bookings for hotels and now looking for a reliable vehicle for harbour transfers? Be absolutely relaxed! Andaman Island Travels is the one-stop destination to book a car for your harbour transfers or sightseeing on the island. The pre-arranged transportation will be provided to you between the port and your desired destination, whether it is a hotel, cruise port, or another local point of interest. You can also book the transfer at the end of your trip when you have to head back to Port Blair to catch the flight to return home.
Long Island can be visited at any time of the year as it has a moderate climate. But the best time to plan a vacation is between October and May. During this time, the weather is extremely pleasant there thus making it the best time to enjoy water sports at the beaches. The sky is clear and the temperature is pleasing.
Rangat Island in the Andamans has got a lot more to offer than you can imagine. You are sure to get a myriad of experiences there. Rangat is a very good example of an eco-tourism initiative in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All the attraction spots are more or less equidistant from Rangat. Speaking of the town, you will see some shops, a well-stocked market, food stalls, and tea sellers.
A must-visit, Panchvati Hills surrounded by rocks fall in the outskirts of Rangat Island. Trekking is not advised on this small hill as a serene waterfall flows gently through the hills, making the rocks very slippery. The route to reach Panchavati is very scenic and photogenic as it is surrounded by agricultural farms. The major means of livelihood of the locals are agriculture and fishing. The culture and traditions followed here are influenced by the southern states of India.
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Highlights of Panchavati Hills at Rangat Island
The waterfalls are the prime points of interest at Panchvati Hills. These are located in an area that is a little bit difficult to access. There are multiple small and beautiful waterfalls and springs at Panchvati hills. For the major part of the Middle Andaman, these springs are the source of water supply. A huge piece of land is covered with coconut, areca nut, and coffee. Botany enthusiasts take so much interest in the rich vegetation of the agricultural farm. December to March is the best time to visit Panchvati Hills. During this time, the temperature remains between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Rangat Island is home to various pristine and secluded flawless beaches, several turtle nesting grounds, and evergreen waterfalls. A true example of “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle”, it also houses a very unique presentation of the diverse mangrove ecosystem along with a nature walk. If you are a true nature lover and want the much-needed ‘me-time’ surrounded by nature out there, then there is a long list of things that you can do and see. The list is more than just lazing around on the beaches, soaking in their natural beauty, and appreciate the greenery.
Things to do in Panchavati Hills, Rangat Island
Spending some time at this amazingly gorgeous spot enveloped in natural beauty is a true bliss when you are in Rangat Island. In order to get a better way of the lush greenery, one can indulge in trekking activities (be careful as the rocks are slippery because of the waterfall). You can join locals while they are fishing. Most often, they are more than happy to include tourists in their process. Photographers can click postcard-perfect pictures here as the place is straight out of a fairytale.
If you are an adventure lover and want to relax inside the water, then don’t forget to carry an extra set of clothes with you. Just float around the exquisite water and indulge in exciting water sports with your travel companions. You can also choose to go for a local farm short trip. The locals of the place will show you how their farm produce is organic and better. You can buy these local products as a remembrance. If you feel like stopping for a bite, then there are nice eateries nearby.
Nearby Hotels in Panchavati Hills, Rangat Island
For a hassle-free stay, it is highly recommended that you book the accommodation in Rangat Island well in advance. The best and the most convenient thing to do would be to contact Andaman Island Travels to book your stay on your behalf. Hotels nearby Panchvati Hills are as follows:
How to Reach Panchavati Hills, Rangat Island
You have to take the entry from Port Blair to visit Rangat. To begin via any mode of transportation, the origin point will be Port Blair only. You can reach there via buses run by the private sector. Take the bus around 4:30 am or earlier and reach Rangat in nearly eight hours. The buses are available in air-conditioned and non air-conditioned segments. Non-AC ones are costlier than the government buses due to obvious reasons like comfort and seating arrangements. There is no facility for online booking. Since it has several pick-up points on the ATR, you need to enquire at the ticket counter for your nearest pick-up point.
Present in Rangat Island, Panchvati Hills are nearly 200 kilometers from Port Blair and are located in the middle Andaman region. One can reach there via public transport as it is connected to the capital city by a good road network. So you can take a bus or an auto rickshaw. Other ways to reach the spot are bikes and cabs.
If you want to reach Rangat from Havelock Island or Neil Island, then you will have to take a government ferry to Rangat Island from Havelock Island. This is the same ferry that sails from Port Blair to Rangat. The voyage ends at Long Island after stopping in Rangat. The same applies to visit Rangat from Neil Island. From there also, you need to take the same boat to Rangat Island.
At least two days are required to visit all the tourist attractions on the island. When on this island, don’t forget to include Dhanni Nalah Mangrove walkway, Morrice Dera Beach, Yerrata Jetty, Amkunj Beach, Raman Bagicha, and Curtbert Bay in your travel itinerary. You can visit Rangat as a day trip on your way to North Andaman Islands. It 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. You can visit Rangat from Port Blair. Bus and private cabs are the most preferred option to reach there. Government ferries are also available but not on regular basis. As it has become one of the most loving tourist places all over the world, security has also been increased more than before. Female solo travellers are most welcomed in Rangat Island.