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Places to Visit in Rangat Island

Places to Visit in Rangat Island

Rangat Island resides at a distance of 210 kilometers by road and 50 nautical miles by ferry from the capital city, Port Blair. Travellers can reach Rangat Island via government/private buses, ferries, or even cabs. Rangat connects to Port Blair via Andaman Trunk Road, and the jolting journey to Rangat roughly takes 6-7 hours. The route crosses Jarawa Reserves on the west coasts of South and Middle Andaman. Ferries from Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and Long Island also lead to Rangat.

  • Government Buses: Regular morning bus services are available between Port Blair and Rangat. The primary and most cost-effective option to reach Rangat from Port Blair is via buses. The bus terminus in Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair, is the departure point. These buses are non-air-conditioned despite the fact that they are the lifeline of islanders.
  • Private Buses: The 8-hour-long journey becomes a convenient one, owing to the comfort of air-conditioned buses that frequently run on this route.
  • Ferries: Another option to reach Rangat is via government ferry. The 5-6 hour long journey follows the route Port Blair-Neil Island-Havelock Island-Rangat. Boats to Rangat are usually available 4-5 days a week, which is subject to availability.
  • Cabs: One can also hire a private cab from the airport to reach Rangat Island. The journey ordinarily takes eight hours but can take less or more depending upon your pace.
  • Helicopter: The chopper takes under an hour to reach Rangat.

What's noteworthy-

  1. Tickets for buses are sold at the government bus depot.
  2. Ferries are subject to availability and are less reliable as compared to other transfer options.

Getting Around

Getting around Rangat Island is not as complicated owing to the fact that auto rickshaws and walking are the primary means of transit.

Buses: Several morning bus services are available between Port Blair and Rangat. You can reach Rangat by opting for buses run by the state government from Port Blair—the preferred one of which is around 4:30 AM. It takes approximately 8 hours to reach Rangat from Port Blair in a bus. The ticket can be purchased from the government bus depot. We advise booking it in advance because there is a huge demand for government bus tickets by the locals.

From the bus stand at Rangat, you’ll have to hire public transport to reach your accommodation and to do the sightseeing.

Cab : Another way to reach Rangat from Port Blair is by hiring a private vehicle from Port Blair. It is advisable due to the comfort and assurance offered. You can also opt for a driver who serves as a tour guide for this excursion.

There are two ways to travel via water to reach Rangat Island:

Government Ferry: This would be a rough route taken by the ferry-Port Blair– Neil Island - Havelock Island - Rangat. It takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete this journey. Please note that the ferry does not sail daily, and the ticket bookings open only 1-2 days before the departure. The ticket is issued from the STAR ticket counter in Port Blair, and the return ticket has to be booked from Rangat Island. The cost of the ticket is ?300.

Motorboat: It is advisable to hire a motorboat if you are in a group. The time taken would be less than four hours.

What's Noteworthy -

  1. Tickets for buses are sold at the government bus depot.
  2. Ferries are subject to availability and are less reliable as compared to other transfer options.
  • Places to Visit in Rangat Island

    About

    Mother Nature was incredibly generous with Rangat island, a fabled paradise with unrivalled beaches, some with volcanic rocks and other with pristine white sand, ideal for turtle nesting during the season. Despite that Rangat island doesn’t seem to be on the primary traveller circuit in Andamans. Unusual beaches are the main attraction, and what beaches! Exquisite strips of sand lapped by emerald waters and backed by lush hills, palm trees and boulders. Second-largest town in Andamans, Rangat sprawls over an area of 1070 square kilometres. How to Reach Rangat Island from Port Blair? Cradled between the North and Middle Andamans, Rangat island is roughly at a distance of 210 kilometres by road and 50 nautical miles by ferry from the capital city, Port Blair.

    There is plenty to do in a beach destination, holidays here do not have to be all about sea and sand unless you want them to be. Places to visit in Rangat Island are rarely on the traveller’s list of must-see places, but those who do end up here can be surprised by the attractions it has to offer. The island has a lot more to offer than often expected. It has spell-binding waterfalls! Dense forests! Mangrove sanctuaries! Spice plantations! Though the spots are more or less equidistant from Rangat, after some planning it is quite simple to explore all of them. The town itself has nothing much to offer from a tourist perspective except for the well-stocked market, food stalls and plenty of chai sellers.

    Acting as a transit point while travelling to North Andamans from Port Blair, Rangat island deserves much more than that. A remarkable eco-tourism destination in Andamans, sightseeing spots in Rangat Island is nirvana for nature enthusiasts. The things that you can indulge in here does not halt at lazing around in the beaches and absorbing the picturesque panoramas. One can also swim, sunbathe, watch the plethora of mangroves and witness the distinct species of turtles nesting in the Dhaninallah and Curtbert Bay beaches. When talking about the highlights of Rangat island, one can not miss the nature walk along with the diverse Mangrove ecosystem, setting an example of “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle”.

    People from Kerala and Tamil Nadu make the residency on the island which houses 75 small villages. Even though its population includes people from diverse linguistic groups, the locals primarily speak Bengali or Tamil. Fisheries and cultivation are the commonly practised occupations for locals. Amongst the must-visit tourist attractions in Rangat Island is Aamkunj Beach, excellent for swimming, sunbathing and recreation. Developed with an eco-friendly perspective, installation of eco huts and groves named after native flora, a visit to the beach is true bliss.

    Moricedera is another eco-tourism destination in Rangat which has a scenic freshwater stream serving as a natural swimming pool. Then comes Yerrata Mangrove Park and Yerrata Creek dotted with diverse mangroves, that boasts of a 13 m tall mangrove view watchtower to have a 360-degree view of the mangroves and the adjacent forest. Among other attractions, some of the places that always make it to the itinerary are, Cuthbert Bay Beach, Panchavati Hills and Long Island. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Rangat is under-explored and under-estimated. Time to change that!

  • Do's & Don'ts

    Do's :

    • Take a copy of your tickets and permits with you at all times.
    • Check the certification of the tour operator before booking.
    • Carry sunscreen because the tropical sea wind along with sun is harmful to the skin.
    • Carry a waterproof bag to keep important documents.
    • Contact Tourist information centres in the islands for any assistance.
    • While driving, Carry legal documents like driving license, permit, passport and follow traffic rules.
    • Do wear a helmet while riding two-wheeler motor vehicles.
    • Swim in safe areas only. And Consult lifeguards at the coast before entering the sea.
    • Remember to carry all the necessary items like sunscreen lotion, comfortable footwear, camera and sunglasses.
    • If you want to capture a photo/video in any tourist attraction, then obtain permission. All the tourist attractions spots will carry notice boards about approval.
    • Use the dustbins for disposing of garbage. Help keep the Andaman Islands litter-free, please do not throw waste in parks, on beaches, into the sea or public places.
    • Carry essential documents like permits and driving license with you at all times while travelling in the Andaman Islands.
    • Get necessary permits from the authorities for visiting National Parks of the island.
    • Be sensitive to the privacy and lifestyle of the local tribes.
    • Avail the service of qualified Instructors having certification of international organizations (PADI, CMAS, NAUI) for a safe scuba diving session.
    • Inform authorities if you notice any illegal/undesirable activity on the island.
    • Foreign nationals must keep their restricted area permit with them at all times.

    Don'ts :

    • Do not smoke in public areas.
    • Plastic carry-bags are prohibited in the Andaman Islands, kindly consider jute/ recycled bags for your comfort.
    • The island is renowned for its flora and fauna - Do not hunt birds and animals both on land and on the sea.
    • Travelling to tribal reserves without a special pass is prohibited.
    • Overnight Stays in forest areas or beaches are not allowed. We advise you to return before the sunset.
    • Unless permitted, Camping on the islands and lighting bonfires in beaches or forests is a punishable offence.
    • Breaking and touching a live coral is prohibited. Visitors are advised not to collect any dead coral as well.
    • Please do not take pictures of the aboriginal tribes of Andaman or record their activities. It is a punishable crime under the Indian Penal Code.
    • Do not swim when drunk, it is not safe, and there are massive repercussions against the offender.
    • Nudity is not acceptable on all Andaman beaches and public areas.
    • Do not overstay at the islands past your permit time.
    • Be very careful when visiting specific beaches where the crocodile sign is up. There have been some instances of people who ignored it and ended up getting attacked by the crocodile.
    • Do not ride a bike or scooter without a helmet. The authorities in Andaman are strict about Road safety - both the rider and pillion must wear a helmet.
    • Do not go for snorkelling by yourself, especially at prohibited areas of the beaches in Andaman island.

  • FAQs About Rangat Island

    • Q1.   Is Rangat worth visiting?

      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 second largest town in the 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 centers with the longest walking trails among mangrove forests in the country are sure to leave you spellbound. You can also visit a scenic waterfall or stroll around vast plantations of spices after monsoons here.

    • Q2.   How can I reach Rangat?

      Rangat is a 1070 square kilometers large island that falls right in the middle of the Andamans. 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 (via buses and private cabs) and by ferries from Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Long Island, and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep).

    • Q3.   How can I book ferry tickets to visit Rangat?

      Andaman Island Travels is there to take care of all your ferry ticket bookings in the Andaman Islands. The local tour operator is the one-stop destination for all your transfer requirements when you are vacationing here. It will book all your ferry tickets instantly so that you don’t have to go through any hassle. Its ferry booking services for inter-island connectivity in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands would make your trip absolutely smooth. It will provide you confirmed tickets for ferries for all the tourist destinations. It is a single platform for all ferry and boat tickets, and confirmed tickets are booked instantly from various ferry operators. Just let its team know your decided dates and destinations. And if you are confused about which ferry would be the best for you, then you can always ask them.

    • Q4.   Which are the best places to see in Rangat?

      The must-see places in Rangat are as follows:

        • 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. If you want to witness this wonderful marvel of nature, then you should undoubtedly include this in your itinerary.
        • 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. The island provides a very quiet and calm place to escape the buzz of tourists in the Andamans.
      • 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. It is a perfect spot to just sit and relax, and do absolutely nothing.
      • 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. The route to reach Panchavati is very scenic and photogenic.
      • 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.

    • Q5.   What is the best time to visit Rangat Island?

      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.

    • Q6.   Where should I stay in Rangat?

      Hotel Avis and Hotel Ross and Smith are two private properties in Rangat. 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.

       Some of the other hotels where you can stay are as follows:

      • Hotel UK Nest
      • Hotel Priya International
      • Hotel Laxmi Villa

      The guests have given decent service feedbacks. The hotels are good if you don’t expect excessive luxury or star category facilities while you stay in them.

    • Q7.   What are some of the best restaurants in Rangat?

      If you are a foodie and looking for authentic Indian food during your stay in Rangat, then the below-mentioned are the best places for you: 

      1. Bodhi Bengali Restaurant
      2. Royal Restaurant
      3. Sai Kripa
      4. Aroma Restaurant
    • Q8.   How many days should I spend in Rangat Island?

      Rangat Island is situated in the Middle Andaman. Al least two days are required to visit all the tourist attractions here.

    • Q9.   Can Rangat be visited as a day trip?

      Yes, you can visit Rangat as a day trip on your way to North Andaman Islands.

    • Q10.   Is Rangat Island safe to be travelled by female solo travellers?

      As it has become one of the most loving tourist places all over the Andaman Islands, security has also been increased more than before. Female solo travellers are most welcomed in Rangat Island.

    • Q11.   What is so special about Rangat Island?

      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 210 kilometers away from Port Blair and is easily accessible by everyone. If you are visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 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 sweeps you off your feet.

    • Q12.   Can I visit Rangat from Port Blair via a private cab?

      Yes, 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 to you the best places where you can eat.

    • Q13.   Can I get vegetarian food in Rangat?

      Seafood is the specialty of the island. However, one can easily get vegetarian food at its eateries. There will not be any problem at all.

    • Q14.   Is Rangat an expensive place?

      A trip to Rangat will not be heavy on your pocket. As the island is not that commercialised yet, it has all the basic facilities as of now. Accommodations and eateries are not that fancy. So you will not be required to spend so much money during your time here

    • Q15.   How is the weather in Rangat Island?

      The island witnesses mainly three seasons—summer, tropical winter, and monsoon. Located in the Bay of Bengal, it experiences heavy winds during the monsoon and a tropical climate otherwise. The best weather can be enjoyed in Rangat from early November to mid-May.

    • Q16.   Are there ATMs in Rangat?

      There is only one ATM on the island. Card payments are usually not accepted there. You should carry enough cash with you while travelling to Rangat. Otherwise, you may have to face some trouble.