DESCRIPTION

The Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway is a 713-meter-long wooden boardwalk that winds through the mangrove creeks of the Middle Andaman Island. It’s the longest boardwalk of its kind in India and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystem of the mangrove forests up close.
Along the walkway, visitors can observe a variety of mangrove species and the animals that call them home, including different kinds of birds, crabs, shrimps, fish, and even crocodiles. The walkway is also an educational experience, with information boards placed at intervals explaining the importance of mangroves and their function in nature.

The walkway leads to the Dhaninallah Beach, a 5km-long stretch of soft brownish sands, blue sea, and plenty of shadows. The beach is mostly deserted, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy long walks, swimming, and sunbathing without any disturbances.

The Dhaninallah Beach is not only a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery but also an important nesting ground for turtles, particularly the Olive Ridley species, from November to February. Visitors can witness the amazing spectacle of the hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time.

To protect and preserve the turtle population, there is an artificial hatchery at the nearby Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where turtles are taken care of until they are ready to be released into the sea. Visitors can learn more about the conservation efforts and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem by visiting the center at Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s important to respect the natural environment and avoid disturbing the nesting turtles or their hatchlings, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Facilities are limited on the beach, with no shops or toilets, but there is a picnic area with special cassurina trees, benches, and sun beds where visitors can relax and enjoy the views. There is also a bamboo tower and swings that provide additional entertainment options.
Overall, the Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway and Beach offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors, from the natural beauty of the mangrove forests and beach to the cultural significance of the area as a nesting ground for turtles and its potential for windsurfing.

TIMINGS TO VISIT AT DHANINALLAH MANGROVE WALKWAY

The Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from November to February when turtles come to nest on the shore. During this time, visitors can witness the hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time.

HOW TO REACH AT DHANINALLAH MANGROVE WALKWAY

To reach Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway from Port Blair, visitors can take one of the following modes of transportation:

By road from Port Blair: Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Port Blair to reach Diglipur, which is around 290 km away. The journey takes around 06 hours by road. From Diglipur, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway, which is around 25 km away.

By sea from Port Blair: Regular passenger ships and ferries operate from Port Blair to Rangat. The journey takes around 08 hours by sea. Once visitors reach Rangat, they can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway, which is around 25 km away.

By Road from Rangat: Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway is located at Betapur, which is about 20 kilometers away from Rangat. Private transport is the most convenient way to reach the walkway. Visitors can either hire a taxi or rent a car or bike from Rangat to reach Betapur. It is advisable to check the road conditions beforehand as the route can be bumpy and rough in some places.

ACTIVITIES AT AT DHANINALLAH MANGROVE WALKWAY

There are several activities that visitors can enjoy at Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway:

• Nature walk: The Mangrove Walkway at Dhaninallah is a unique experience that allows visitors to observe the diverse mangrove ecosystem and other wildlife living in the area.

• Turtle watching: From November to February, Dhaninallah Beach is a nesting ground for sea turtles, particularly the Olive Ridley species. Visitors can witness the hatchlings making their way to the sea for the first time.

• Swimming and sunbathing: The beach area offers visitors the chance to swim and sunbathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Bengal.

• Picnicking: Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the shade of special casuarina trees with benches and sun beds available.

• Bird watching: The mangrove ecosystem is home to several species of birds, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching.

• Windsurfing: Dhaninallah Beach has great potential to become a perfect windsurfing spot, as it gets pretty windy here. However, at the moment, there are no windsurfing facilities, so visitors should bring their own equipment.

• Visit the Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: Visitors can visit the nearby sanctuary to learn more about the preservation and protection of sea turtles and other wildlife in the area.

PLACE TO STAY NEAR DHANINALLAH MANGROVE WALKWAY AT RANGAT?

Here are some options for places to stay near Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway in Rangat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India:

Hotel U.K. Nest: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant. It is located in Rangat town,

Hotel Roos and Smith: Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant. It is situated in Rangat town,

Hotel Priya International: Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. It is located in Rangat town.

Hotel Eden Garden: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is situated in Rangat.

Bliss Resort: Mid-range resort with comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. It is located in Batapur, around 01 km away from Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway.

Roos Ross & Smith: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is situated in Rangat.

Hotel Avis: Budget hotel with basic amenities and an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. It is located in Rangat town.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR DHANINALLAH MANGROVE WALKWAY

Here are some travel tips for visiting Dhaninallah Beach and Mangrove Walkway:

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking on the boardwalk and the beach.

• Carry sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the area can get quite hot and sunny.

• Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects in the mangrove ecosystem.

• Carry plenty of water and snacks as there are limited facilities available on the beach.

• Respect the environment and do not litter on the beach or the boardwalk. Take all trash with you and dispose of it properly.

• Do not disturb the wildlife, especially the sea turtles during their nesting and hatching season.

• Follow the instructions and guidelines given by the local authorities and wildlife sanctuaries.

• If you plan to visit during the peak season, it is advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance, as they can be limited and get booked quickly.

• Finally, it is always better to be accompanied by a guide or a local who knows the area well for a safe and hassle-free experience.