RANGAT

170-km by road from Port Blair, Rangat has untouched sandy beaches and rich foliage of evergreen trees. 15-km away from here at Curtbert Bay beach is the turtle nesting ground. Rangat is also a major staging post on the journey north of Andaman Islands.

PRIME ATTRACTION

If one visits this place, rather than staying put in Rangat, jump on a bus heading north, or find a jeep to Amakunj Beach, 8-km along the road to Mayabunder. On the right of the road just beyond the helipad, a forest department signboard saying "Sand Collection Point" marks the start of a track running the remaining 500m to the sea. The beach has little shade to speak of, but the snorkelling is good and, best of all, there's a new and very comfortable ANIIDCO Yatri Niwas hotel on the roadside.

HOW TO GET THERE

Sea: Daily ferries to and from Port Blair dock at Rangat Bay 8-km east; some stop at Havelock Island and Long Island, and there are also two daily lumber boats to Long island. In addition, the village is served by three daily buses to Port Blair, which passes through around lunch time en route from Mayabunder.

PLACES TO STAY

The APWD Rest House, pleasantly situated up a winding hill from the bazaar with views across the valley, is the best place to stay and eat, providing good filling fish Thalis. There are also a couple of very grim lodges in the bazaar.

A WORD OF CAUTION

One can reach Rangat from Port Blair by boat or by road. The road runs very close to the Jarawa tribe reserves and since the tribe is hostile towards outsiders, it is not advisable to make a solitary journey.

NEARBY CITIES

Port Blair
Mayabunder
Kalighat
Chennai - 1190 Km
Calcutta - 1255 Km
Vishakapatnam - 1200 Km