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.
Tucked away in the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal, Rangat Island stands is a proof of nature’s pristine beauty. While it remains an offbeat destination compared to its popular counterparts in the Andaman archipelago, those who set foot on its shores are in for a realm of experiences that cater to the soul, the adventurer, and the wanderer alike. From sun-kissed beaches where golden sands meet turquoise waters to verdant trails that whisper tales of the island's rich biodiversity, Rangat beckons with a promise of discovery.
The best time to explore its untouched beauty is between October and April. During these months, the island basks in a pleasant climate, with clear skies and gentle breezes, making it ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and water sports.
Rangat is approximately 210 km away from Port Blair. You can hire a taxi or take a bus. The journey offers scenic views as you pass through tropical forests, alongside the coastline, and across bridges. The drive usually takes around 6-7 hours and could you INR 200 to INR 5000 depending on whether you take a bus or taxi.
Without further ado, let's delve into the top 10 things to do in Rangat Island.
Start your journey with a visit to the serene Amkunj Beach. The musical whispers of the sea waves and the rhythmic dance of the swaying trees will transport you to a different world. Watching the sun rise from Amkunj beach, is a sight you won't forget. If you're an early bird, this is a spectacle you wouldn't want to miss. Depending on the time of year, the Sun rises around 5:30 AM to 6 AM every day.
Once in Rangat, Amkunj Beach is just a short drive away. You can hire a cab or opt for an auto-rickshaw, which could cost you around INR 300-500 or sometimes more. Bike rentals are usually not available in Rangat, so people prefer taking taxis or autos. The beach is just around 100 metres from the main road, so you can reach the shores within a walk of 2-3 minutes.
For those who are eco-conscious, the mangrove boardwalk at Dhani Nallah will be a treat. With a bridge constructed over mangroves, it’s like walking amidst a green tunnel. Take your camera – you're going to want to capture this!
Hiring a local tour guide can elevate your mangrove walk experience. They possess a treasure trove of information about the local ecosystem, folklore, and can also help in spotting unique wildlife. Local tour operators or your hotel can connect you with experienced guides. While there’s no entry fee, if you take a guide, you may have to pay between INR 500 to INR 1000, depending on the season and duration.
While the nature walk is open all the time, the best time to go there is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's best to start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun and also to increase your chances of spotting some unique fauna. You can easily spend 3-4 hours in the Dhani Nallah.
Dhani Nallah is easily accessible from Rangat town. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are popular modes of transport. Depending on the starting point, a taxi or auto-rickshaw might charge anywhere from INR 150 to INR 500.
If you're here between December and February, the Cutbert Bay Beach offers you a magical experience of watching turtle nesting. One of the most awe-inspiring phenomena here is the turtle nesting season. The shores come alive as Olive Ridley turtles make their way to lay eggs, and if you're fortunate, you might witness the birth of a new generation as tiny hatchlings sprint towards the sea.
While Cutbert Bay Beach is accessible throughout the day, turtle watching is best done early in the morning or late in the evening, coinciding with the turtles' natural nesting habits. Generally, the best hours for this are from 5 AM to 8 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.
The beach can be reached using taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rented bikes/scooters from Rangat town. Prices can vary depending on the mode of transport, but to give a rough estimate, a trip by taxi or auto-rickshaw could cost anywhere from INR 200 to INR 400.
Though it's a bit off the beaten path, the Panchavati Waterfall is well worth a visit. Tucked amidst the dense tropical forests of Rangat, the Panchavati Waterfall is a serene and breathtaking spectacle. The cascade's gentle roar and the misty veil it casts upon its surroundings make it a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. A visit here is not just a feast for the eyes but a rejuvenation for the soul. Listen to the cascading sounds of water, take a refreshing dip, or simply enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.
Panchavati Waterfall is located in the northern part of Rangat Island, close to the Morice Dera beach. It is around 10 kms away from the Rangat town and even though there are vehicles taking you there, it still requires a little trek of around 20-30 minutes. A taxi ride will cost you around INR 500-700 or more.
If you want to visit this waterfall, you should try to do it when you have the full day as travelling to waterfall could take you some time. Also, you may want to stay back for the sight for at least 1-2 hours. While there’s no specific time to visit the waterfall, most people prefer not to stay beyond sunset.
There’s no entry fee for visiting the waterfall.
Hidden away from the usual touristy glare, Morice Dera Beach in Rangat Island is a pristine patch of paradise. Its golden sands, azure waters, and the soothing sound of waves make it a must-visit place for anyone who’s seeks a genuine connection with nature. If you like sea shells, you are in luck. The beach is adorned with a variety of seashells.
With its serene backdrop, the beach makes for a great picnic location. So, you can just pack some local snacks, a mat, and enjoy a meal with the sound of waves playing in the background. Sunset happens around 5 PM.
Morice Dera Beach is located 10 km away on the outskirts of Rangat town making it relatively easy to access while still retaining its untouched charm. To visit the beach, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Rangat town centre, which should cost you around INR 500 or more.
Among the plethora of attractions that Rangat Island offers, Yeratta Creek stands out as a lesser-known gem. Visiting this creek is like taking a step back in time, where nature remains undisturbed and the world seems to slow down. The creek is surrounded by lush mangroves, giving visitors an up-close view of this unique and vital ecosystem. The green canopy and the serenely flowing water create an environment that is exciting and peaceful. For avid birdwatchers, the creek offers ample opportunities. With patience and a keen eye, one might spot a variety of local and migratory birds. There’s also a tower almost 13 metres tall, from where you can get a panoramic view of the mangrove forest.
You wouldn’t need more than 2-3 hours to explore the Yeratta Creek. Yeratta creek is around 7 kms away from Rangat town, so you can easily take a taxi at around INR 300-500.
Rangat Island is an eco-tourism hub, and its beaches usually do not offer any water sports. However, just 1 hour away, you’ll find all the amazing water sports you want to enjoy in Long Island.
Long Island is a beautiful blend of untouched beaches, lush tropical forests, and an abundance of water sports. It's an islander's dream, far from the hustle and bustle of commercial tourism, and offers peace and adventure in equal measure.
Snorkelling: Snorkelling in Long Island happen primarily at the Lalaji Bay View beach and is an absolute treat for marine life enthusiasts. Given its clear blue waters and the abundance of coral reefs near the shoreline, even a casual swim with a snorkel can open up a world filled with colourful corals, playful fish, and other intriguing sea creatures. Snorkelling can cost you around INR 2500 per person.
Scuba Diving: Swim amidst vibrant coral reefs, get up close with exotic marine life, and explore the underwater wonders of the Andaman Sea. There are a few dive centres around the main beaches in Long Island that offer diving expeditions. The cost typically ranges between INR 3500 to INR 6500 per dive, depending on the duration and whether you're going for a certification course or just a fun dive.
You can take a ferry from Rangat Island to Long Island, which are available from the Yeratta Jetty around 4 PM in the evening. The Yeratta Jetty is around 30 minutes from Rangat town, and you can easily get a taxi for INR 300-500.
No trip is complete without tasting the local flavours. In Rangat Island, the melange of flavours, aromas, and textures come together to create a gastronomic journey that's nothing short of divine. At the heart of this island's cuisine are the bounties of the sea – fresh fish, succulent prawns, and delectable crabs. Traditional meals, often prepared in clay pots over wood fires, accentuate the flavours, providing a delightful smoky undertone. Must-try dishes include the spicy fish curry, often cooked with a touch of coconut milk, and the tangy tamarind prawn preparation.
For vegetarians, the island doesn't disappoint either. Local vegetables and fruits are transformed into flavourful curries and chutneys. As you explore Rangat, stop by the local eateries or dhabas like Bodhi Bengali Restaurant, Sai Kripa, or Aroma restaurant where the aroma of freshly cooked meals beckons.
In most cases, a simple meal should cost you around INR 150-300.
A haven for nature loving people, Guitar Island is one of the lesser-known jewels of the Andamans. Named for its unique guitar-like shape, this island promises pristine beaches with powdery white sands, gently caressed by turquoise waters. It is definitely the perfect destination if you want to escape the touristy crowds. You can indulge in beachcombing, sunbathing, or even just a leisurely walk to appreciate the island's natural beauty. Carrying a picnic basket might be a good idea, making your time in the island even more special. As the sun sets, the golden hues contrasted against the shimmering waters make for a breathtaking sight. You can easily spend a day in the island and watch the sunset in all its glory.
You cannot travel to guitar island directly from Rangat; you’d first have to travel to Long Island from the Yerrata Jetty in Rangat and from Long Island, take a dinghy or small boat to Guitar Island. Guitar island is just 15-20 mins away from Long Island and make for an amazing escapade. The dinghy ride should cost your around INR 100-200.
The bustling local market in Rangat offers an authentic slice of life in the Andamans. A walk through the narrow lanes of the market will instantly immerse you in a world filled with vibrant colours, tantalising aromas, and the sounds of local chatter.
From stalls stacked with freshly caught fish shimmering under the sun to vibrant displays of locally grown tropical fruits like pineapples, bananas, and papayas, the market is a treat for the senses. As you delve deeper, you'll find vendors selling handcrafted items, predominantly made of bamboo and shells, which make for perfect souvenirs.
The aroma of local spices wafts through the air, beckoning visitors to discover the flavours that define the region's cuisine. One can find a plethora of dried spices, local herbs, and condiments, ideal for those who wish to take a piece of Andaman back home in their kitchen. You’ll also find a many handcrafted jewellery, especially those made from corals, beads, and sea shells that you can buy from the market.
Book Your Andaman Holidays With Our Travel Experts
Enquiry Now